HILLEND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2231, 3 December 1896, Page 25

HILLEND.

November 27.— The weather for the last month was atrociouß on the whole— lots of rain, galfs of wind, and an atmosphere the reverse of warm. As we are nearing midsummer, and the look of the crops denote spring, it gives us a promise of a late harvest. Political.— The event of the month was the address by Mr James Allan on the 11th inst. Mr Allan gave us a summary of the late legislation and his opinion of it from the Opposition point of view. Of course he touched on that burning question prohibition, and although not a bare majority man, he seemed to please the majority of the electors present, as he accepter! a vote of thanks, but refused one of confidence unless they gave it to him on polling day. So far none of the other candidates have made a sign of addressing the alector3 in the out-of-way places like this, but merely stick to the large centres. If that is the way they contest an election and think to oust the present member, they may as well retire to the wilds whence they have emerged, and learn something of generalship ere they can hope to he successful Picnic— Our school intends to hold its annua picnic on New Year's Day. As this event is looked forward to with pleasure by both old and youag, it is to be hoped they will be blessed with fine weather, so all can enjoy themselves to their heart's content, and usher in the New Year in a becoming manner. Congregational.— Our church has been vacant for some time, and the supply has been kept up by quite an assortment of ministers, both old ana young. The Rev. S. Curxie, as moderator of the presbytery, preached hero on the 22nd inst., and after the service took the opinion of the members as to settling a minister in the charge, but, like all other small communities, we are nothing if not combative, so Borne did not want this one, others wanted that. Of course, then, "we are just as we were."