LAWRENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2181, 19 December 1895, Page 42

LAWRENCE.

Decembek 10.— Tbe weatherseems- to have im- ■ proved for th<; better, and ».omethnig more like summer weatker is now with us. For weeks- past therehas been a succession of wet days, alternated ■with high winds, which, to say the least of it, has bean somewhat unpleasant, besides hindering the shearing and other outdoor work. - In spite of all, the country I ok* welt, and the harvest of fruit and grain promises to be a bountiful one. Strawberry plants ar-i prolific this year. Mr Arnold, of this t iwn, has ab<>ut as fine a show of this fruit as I have ever witnessed^ plants just laden with fine large berries — showing what can be doric -with attention aud favourable circumstances, good aspect, damp ground, <$c. ' The potato crop is very late this year. There are no new ones- to speak of in the district, and thero'd ones are aH sold out—something very unusual, as generally at this time df the year some of the business people have a lot on hand they are clad to quit at any price; ip fact, prodnce of every kind 1 is^in good demand and commands high prices. Mining.— This industry is moving along inmost , quartern with very satisfactory results. At pre- ' lent, however, the river W exceptionally high, \ which is interfering for the time being with * dredging operations. Bazaab.— Anfost successful bazaar was held in , the' 'fowftmirp^' Thursday, ffridacy, ana Saturday •'r, fast. X he results- were 'hte&ry satisfactory fn every , «'* : way a» a"show»of works of art. The- large itvtend- ' Mice on each evening indicated appreciation of the , good thiegs provided ; and last, but not least, the pecuniary results were far beyond expectations, coatiderine the present dull times. The tirat two evenings there was no charge for admission. Tbe ■ consequence was almost an uncomfortable crush . of good-humoured people. To lessen ~"t£is the committee made a charge for admission on Saturday afternoon and evening. But it ■ was ail . the same— crowded to tbe * doors, from which you would occasionally < see some one emerge after fighting his or her way out laden with gipsy fak^s, dolls, chairs, " lire screen, mantel drapes, crail ;s, glasawaro, toss for the children, or a smoking c*p for the guidanau, or fancy cushions to decorate the best room. The proceeds were for the benefit of the Horn an Catholic Church and School. . t Socials.- The Wesleyans hel<) asocial in connec'tionwith their church about a week ago. which was well patronise.d, and passed off very pleasantly.— The Presbyterians followed suit a few evenings later, and being a powerful Body in this district the attendance wa^ very large, and the proceedsngs(consiatingof singing, speechifying, eating, and drirjking) seemed to meet with great approval. There is one feature in connection with those socials L distinctly disapprove of — they are carried on until too late an hour. I consider any meetings in connection with a church at Which a laige' number of young people are present should terminate at the very latest by 10 b'elock. Surely they can crowd enough of variety in between half-past 7 and 10. I speak feelingly In this matter, as ray family was represented at both of the socia's referred to, and they were both guilty of the same fault— too late in breakIng up. Borough Selections.— There is nothing moving in -political matters at . present beyond an . , election of a councillor for our borough council, ■ and for a wonder we are going to have-a (tontest, ■ the candidates being our late mayor, Mr J. Chalmers, and Mr William Smyth, one of our successful local inineta. The election comes off In a few days, and will cause;, a little excitement • inthe East Ward,