PALMERSTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2179, 28 November 1895, Page 29

PALMERSTON.

November 20. — The weather for tht past week or two must have gladdened the hearts of the farmers, rain having fallen nearly every day, although an occasional cold bnap has been experienced, but that Was only temporal y, consequently the crops are looking well, some fields especially so. The root crops are likewise showing well, still the weather has somewhat retarded shearing operations, whilsttha small birds are beginning to pay special attention to the gardens and turnips. The farmers therefore have these drawbacks to contend against, and ltfcs not all cake and honey with them. The Bank Amalgamation- — The chief event of the week was the transference of the Colonial Bank to the New Zealand. Ihe flags at the hotels and public places were hoisted half-mast at the sad event during tho whole of Monday. The Empire Hotel also had a lantern half-masted all night. In the morning one of our expressmen was to be seen transferring vie cash and books from the building of the New Zealand to the Colonial, where the business of the amalgamated banks will in .future be carried on. Ihe painter is also bußily at work repainting and obliterating the word " Colonial " to be replaced by New Zealand." I hear there is to be a change in the personnel of the officers of both banks. Mr Virtue, the present agent of the New Zealand returns, so it is stated, to Waimate, Mr Ferguson (of Reefton) assuming the management here of the amalgamated banks. Mr D. M'L«od, jun., our genial acting-manager, remaius here at present —we hope permanently. Mr R. M. Robertson is accountant, Mr C. Hawkins teller, and Mr J Fleming clerk. Mr W. Porteous, late teller, left by express yesterday for Christchurch. The latter will, no doubt, be . massed by the old customers of the Colonial, as he was a general favourite with them. He will also bo missed in athletic circles, and we hope his transference ia only a temporary one and that he may soon be back amongst us. The following pathetic uotice was picked up on the pavement in "front of tho Colonial this morniug :— " Sacred to the memory of the Colonial Bank of N.Z.. which passed away on Monday. 18th Novotuber 1895, at 3 p.tu. ; tetat 21 yea»s. The deceased leaves a large family of. grown-up sons unprovided for. R.1.P." Our Member.— The Hon. John M'Ktnzie, was here on Friday, and looked very well after the fatigue and worry of the late session. He returns to Wellington during the present week. S.M. Court. —At this court before Messrs J.«Arkle and C. Gillcsuie, J.P's., Charles Hatter, carter, of G> odwood, was charged, on tho information of his wife, with a saulling her on the night of the 12th inst. It appeared from tha evidence that he returned home from Palmeraton drunk, and commenced by kicking up a row, striking the complainant, and afterwards breaking the windows. She, with her daughter, had to take refuge w/th a neighbour. Defendant did not appear. TKe Bench, after hearing tha evi< dence of the /omplainaut and daughter, fined defendant £5/br one month's imprisonment with hard labour; and granted a psohibition order under the JKicensing Act for a period of 12 months in the Boroughs of Palmerston and Waikouaiti and County of Waihemo.