KELSO.

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

KELSO.

November 22.— The interest taken in the prosecution of our local accommodation house keepers on charges of sly grog-selling has now subsided, and it remains to be seen whether their conviction and the heavy penalties impoaed will act as a 'deterrent or induce conformity to the law in the future. The incident has been prolific of many expressions of dogmatism, which, it may be

observed, do not always emanate from the mouths of so-called " temperanoe extremists," the prosecutions Proving an equal source of inspiration to the choleric " moderate drinker." Should this illegal traffic in alcoholic liquor still continue, it may be assumed that it 3 safe is either very extensive or tha profits of the trade enormous to induce anyone to run the risk of further prosecution, which will present no great difficulty so long as thote are those willing to act in the capacits' of informer. Petition.— A petition calling the attention of member* of the council to the large numbers of cattle which are allowed to stray about the public roads, destroying fences and otherwise creating a nuisance generally, has been signed by the landowners adjacent to the township, on the Clutha side, who desire the council to appoint a ranger or in some other way take such steps as will effect an abatement of the nuisance. Influenza — Quite a number of people in this locality are suffering from this much-dreaded aud universal malady. Glenkenich.— The Gleukenich people's annual picnic takes place on their school grounds on Wednesday. This popular outing will no doubt on this occasion be even more largely attended than it has been of recent years, as I understand the Kelso Brass Band has consented to attend during the day, and the presence of music should prove a new and added attraction. Unenviable Work.— The man who is currently reported as having "had" Several of the Clutha hotel keepers, and who showed such an exemplary desire to "settle on the land," at the same time exhibiting an innocent and guileless desire to imbibo, is a person very well known in this district. Could this informer hear some of the maledictions of his erstwhile companions, or even of those who are not necessarily friends of the "trade," it would undoubtedly make his ears tingle, although it might not alter hia opinions of the work he has been engaged upon.