SHAG VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 23

SHAG VALLEY.

June 23.— Since my last the weather has been very cold and wintry, snow having fallen on the higher altitudes. The ground was for some days unfit for ploughing operations. There is a. considerably less area going under grain crop this seasoD, ou account of the low prices ruling— 2s lOd, bags in, being the most that can be got for wheat at the present time.

Palmerston L. and D. Society.— The Town Hall was packed on the night of the 22nd, the occasion being the monthly meeting of this society. The President (Rev. James Clarke) occupied the chair, and in a happy speech introduced the speaker, Mr Malcolm Ross, of Dunedin, who g*ve an interesting lecture on " Alpine Climbing in New Zealand." The lecture was excellently illustrated by magic lantern views, the lantern being kindly lent and manipulated by Mr Lavvson. Several songs were *iven during the evening. Hearty votes of thanks were given to Mr Ross, Mr Lawson, and to the singers for their excellent night's entertainment. I may here mention that Shag Valley has the honour of being the home, ia his young days, of Mr Ross, now an intrepid mountaineer.

Inch Valley School.— A dance iv aid of tho school funds was given here on the evening of the 22nd inst., and was well attended Agood supply of refreshments was provided by the ladies of Inch Valley. -Soncs were rendered at intervals by MeEsrs Eaggof* Battersby, Glover, and other residents of the district. Altogether the affair was a great success. The scholars are making good progress under Miss Dippie, our painstaking teacher.

Court Cases.— A mining case of considerable importance occupied the attention of the S M. last week, and is to be continued next court day.-— A

" traveller," by name William Shears, was today charged before Messrs J. Arkle and R. EwiDg, J FB., that on the evening of the 21st inst. he did feloniously abstract one overcoat and one blanket, the property of John Duncan, jun. What made the offence more aggravating was the fact that accused had been receiving charity from Mr Duncan for four or five days before the offence was committed. He was arrested at Hampden on Saturday last, and brought back to Palmeraton. He was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour. The police are to be congratulated for the smart capture of the culprit.