WAIKAWA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2200, 30 April 1896, Page 25

WAIKAWA.

April 22.— The weather here during the past month Ins been beautifully fine, and this has tended to enliven the district. The population is composed almost entirely of the working classes who are engaged in outdoor work, and inclement weather very materially affects their earnings. Political. — The member for Mataura visited the State farm settlements established in the vicinity during the Easter recess, and was satisfied with their progresxive appearance. He also addressed hia constituents in the township on the evening of Good Friday, and. spoke well. The impression created by his late visit is favourable. .Theie is reason to conclude that the. Mataura oeat will be keenly coutested uext election, a prominent member, of the Southland County Council having bt-en mentioned as a third contestant, whose political >egim6 is said to be in accordance with that of the Hon. G. Y. Richardson, and adverse to the present Government.

Ecclesiastical*— Mr Blair, who -has been officiating as clergyman pro tern, in- the Waikawa district during , the past quarter, has been succeeded by aMr Johnston. Mp Blair gave much satisfaction, find,, judging, from the seal and industry he display* ia his good, work, there, is, every reason to ptesftfie for him a usafnl ministerial career

Milling. — Work at the Pine Company's sawmill will be resumed on Monday morning. Fatal Accident.- A painfully sad accident befell a young, man named William Robertson, } second son of the quarry lessee, last Friday evening. He war engaged on the road-gravelling work at the junction beyond Niagara, and while shovelling at a gravel pit a mass of debris suddenly felT on him and crushed him so severely that despite prompt medical attendance he succumbed to his injuries on the night of tlie 15th. iost. By trie young man's d< ath Waikawa has lot>t one of its most" promising settlers. Possessed of uutiring energy, a kindly gei-eroua disposition, and an aspiring mind, be gave promise of success in the future T.he attendant ctreumßtfinces lend to Mr Robertson's death a.peculiar sadness HP- ha ) the timber bought wherewith to build a h'.use on his land, and' was shortly to have been marred. That ha was generally beloved the large assemblage which followed hia remains to their last restingplace in Waikawa Cemetery on Friday last gave evidence From Fortrose, Wyndham Valley, Sixmile, Tolionui, arjd Quarry Hills , mourners came.to pay th«ir last tribute of respect to him who was "80 suddenly called from the vigour of life to that darktthadowland bsyonddeath'apoitals. Reverend Mr Johnston, of Portrxwe, officiated at the funeral, and" amid the d&ep'ailcnce of the impressive ceremony loving hands strewed wreaths on the bier of our lost brother, wbo*e sudden death proclaimed anew the warning, admonition "Be ye also ready,, for in such an hour as ye. think not the Son of Man cometh."