OMNIUM GATHERUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 26

OMNIUM GATHERUM.

NEWS. GOSSIP. AND ADS.

It ii rumoured that the Logislativo Council Reform Bill will provide, among other things, for opeuing the Council to women. Thfe Tinmu Herald states that on the Ist insb. a frost fish 12ft 4in long was found by Mr . J. Mann on the beaoh couth of the breakwater. The fish weighed between 171b and 18lbl In a letter to the secretary of the Mount Ida A. and P. Association, Mr J. Scott, of Giramorburn, expresses the opinion that at least 10 par cent, of the sheep depastured on land whew dog* ara running about or rabbiting are more or less bad with hydatidtiisease of the liver and lungs. Mr D. Zionn has withdrawn his offer of £1000 tow»rds the cost of a battleship for presentation from the colonies to the navy, and intends to divide the money instead among deserving local institutions at Reef ton. Bt has donated £500 to the Keefton Hospital, £260 to the Benevolent Society, and £250 to the Reefton Library. The first two carry a Government subtidy, and will be increased to £1100 and £550 respectively. On Monday, 29th alt., Mr W. T. Gillief was the recipient of a parse of sovereigns from the staff and employees of the Mutual Ag«noy Company, the occasion being the severance of his connection with the company to enter on country pursuits. The presentation was made by Mr Robert Wilson, chairman of directors, who referred in flattering terms to Mr GHliet'c connection of nine years with the company, and endsd by wishing him every success in his new venture. Mr Gillies acknowledged the gift iv suitable terms.

The valuator's report on tha Loy&l Cromwell Lodge, M.U.I 0.0.P.. states tbkt the surplus shown is equal fen £38 1b 8d per member, a position which should be regarded with pride, since it places the lodge second amongst the fritncilj societies of Iha colony in point; of average surplus per jnembor, the Loyal Lake Wakatipa Lodge being first in this respect. During the quinquenni \l period the gcott surplus has increased £864 17s 3d, and the average pec member £17 7s 7d.

A " Solvent Invercargillite " thinks our correspondent's telegrams respecting Mr Ward and his association are too much couhur de rost. He says : " The respectable and intelligent portion of the ptople in the south have no sympathy with Mr Ward and his peculiar methods of concocting balance sheets, and aftsr hii grossly personal attacks on well-known citizens in his infamous speech in tfce Hon.«p, on<s can hardly bUme them if they rc-tali,r»< by flhowiag him up in his true colours iv vibaf. ' yonr own ' is pleased to call a Ward edition o£ the Southland Times." r

' The Waiwera South annual bachelors' ball Wts held In the Public Hall on Friday evening last. About 70 couples attended. The music waa. supplied by Messrs Oarrlck (violin) and Bihw* (piano). The catering was undertaken by Mr^ Breez*, who deserves credit for the manner ty which she carried out her duties. Dancing was kept up with spirit, all present apparently enoying themselves thoroughly.