ST. LEONARDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2097, 3 May 1894, Page 23

ST. LEONARDS.

April 30. — There was very little excitement over our School Committee election. Messrs Fisher, Murray, Laing, O'Donnell, Barclay, Mann, and Hooper were the successful candidates.

Ornithological. — The police have lately put fear into the hearts of our local youth by a particular inquiry for and about shanghais. It is stated that as a consequence all these weapons have mysteriously disappeared. Nobody owns one now, and the little birds are enjoying a period of well-earned rest. A certain young gentleman confided in me the other day that tuis and mokis were delicious eating — better than chicken, which may account for the rapid diminution in the numbers of these fascinating bush songsters. It may also be one reason for the bush fires, as the same informant stated that they knocked the birds over, and plucked, roasted, and ate them on the spot ; and that one afternoon they killed no less than 27 of the poor birdies, there being four sportsmen (?) at work. No wonder that anxious parents are needlessly alarmed when their boys come home without appetites after an afternoon in the bush. The young wretches vary their bill of fare too, for they are adept fishermen, and can soon catch two or three dozen fresh-water crayfish, which are good eating — better than prawns, it is stated — and are equally good whether roasted in the embers of a wood fire or boiled in a billy. I could not help sighing when my little friend was letting me behind the scenes of their happy times. " Things were different, my boy," said I, " when I was a schoolboy." Thb Cattle Nuisance.— Since the constable has been put into the proud position of ranger owners of cows, heifers, steers, bulls, goats, &c, have felt it incumbent on them to keep a sharper look-out on their flocks and herds. Complaints therefore are less rife than formerly of people having their gardens destroyed. The Railway. — Mr W. H. Marshall, who has been for some six years at the Burkes railway station, and who has received promotion in the service, is about to leave for the Goods department in Dunedin. He has proved himself a zealous and capable officer, and will be missed by a large circle of friends.