KELSO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2215, 13 August 1896, Page 26

KELSO.

Auoust 10.— A timely break teems to have once xnoro taken place in the weather to-day, and it is to be hoped tbatit may have some degree of pfrmanency, a* the w.et weather which prevailed throughout July, combined with the froits which have thus far characterised the present month, hua letarded farm work to a very considerable extent. M,l,Sr— At a meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society recently formed here on Tuesday night.ltst. two veiy inteiesting papers were read orr-" Whether it is better to retll* international disputes by war or "arbitration," Mr H. Keniptborne Fupporting war and Mr T. iloir beiug the e.xponent 'of arbitration. Both papsrs bor« evidence of careful preparation, and were freely criticised by Messrs K. P»o.«, Bishop, Malcolm, and Kyd. -Societies' such as this have never ntta-ined much success hare in the pas', but this cne promises to be an exceptiou to Ihe rule, and ultboug'h formed somewhat late in tho year, it is lo be hoped it will continue to have the enthusiastic support of its members. Brass Band —This institution Continues to nuke excellent headway. Five now instruments have recently bejn addded to the band, so that it now comprises 17 players iv all. During the short time the band his been in existence it has attajned a very creditable degree of proficiency, and it is to be hoped that tho 'diligence shown in practice and the enthusiasm displayed in its interests generally will continue to be a distinguishing /eatura of its members, as such a recreation as this gives pleasure to other?, and is at the same time a splendid way of utilising the superfluous energy of a largo number of our youths. " Agricultural.— By far the greatar bulk of the land for crop is still unploughed, stubble land having been for the most part simply unapproachable for some weeks past. However, should the weather from this out prove favourable, this work can doubtless still be got over in good time. Bo far as can be judged, the very extensive area Bown under oats last year will be, if anythin?. exceeded during the present season.