LAWRENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2206, 11 June 1896, Page 25

LAWRENCE.

June I.— The weather continues very favourable for agricultural operation*, and ploughing is well advanced iv moat quarters-. Product is in good demand, and prices locally show no depression. Rabbit poisoning-commences to-day in the Tuv *peka district, so there will be great slaughtering of the innocents during this moath. Incapacitated. —Mr fl. J. Abel (who wad" temporarily relieved by Mr Rawson, of Nastby) being still on the sick list, Mr Rawson has been recalled to Nascby, and is 'succeeded by Mr Banks, from Christchurch. Transferred.— Mr Conn, of the Railway department, who has been here for nearly two years, is to be transferred to Dunedin. During his sojourn here he h*s, by his uniform civility and obliging disposition, made many friends, whose good wishes he will carry away with him. —Mr Edwards, of the Telegraph; department, who has been promoted to the West Coast, will also be missed by his numerous friends. He has been ever ready to assintin any good work of a'benevol«nt, charitable, or literary character. The Opposition' Paper Movement.*— I am informed that a sufficient number of shares in the Leader newspaper have been subscribed to warrant the provisional dheotor« in registering the company and proceeding with the purchase of the necessary plant. lam further Informed that negotiations are proceeding between the proprietors of the Tuapeka Times and the new company with the objeot? of the new company acquiring the business and plant of the pr«»ent paper. If these negotiations «honld fall through, then* will be wigs on the green at election time, ahonld both papers survive until that event happens. Political —I understand Mr O. C. Rnwlins has definitely decided on contesting the Tuapeka seat at the general election, aud is to mount thoßtump in two or three weeks' time. Stumping seems to be the principal feature of politics in these Liberal days — the whole of the recess being taken up in spouting, — from Stewart Island in the south to Ohinemuri in the north; the "ins" maligning ths "outs," and vice versa. If there was more work and leas blow it might be better for the country. Members of the Government affirm that the condition of things has been steadily improving during the past five years, while the Opposition men. bera shftke their. heads and point to the ever-increasing requirements for charitable aid and benevolent institutions. And thus the merry game goes' on, and the ratepayer pays the piper. Mining.— There is nothing startling or sensational in mining; matters.