KAITANGATA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2231, 3 December 1896, Page 24

KAITANGATA.

November 30 —The weather during the psst week has been fine, and crops are looking well. Volunteer Firing.— The Kaitangata Rifle 3 opened the shooting season with the first of a series of four matches for prizes presented by several local and Dunedin business people Subjoined are the names and scores of the five highest competitors : — Hep. Total. Volunteer G Aitcheson ... — ... 78 Volunteer G Frazer ... „. 2 ... 69 Volunteer T. Frazer ,„ ... — ... 66 ' Sergeant J. Robertson... v , 4 ... 64 Captain Rutherford — ... 62 The Lakes.— A joint meetipg of the Brucfr County Council and the KaitaDgata Borough Council, together with several ratepayers int<;rested, was held here on Saturday for the purpose of discussing the ways and means of revantiug the river tide water from reaching the lakes. The mayor (Mr Shore) presided. Several gentlemen spoke in favour of the erection of a lock, as submitted by Mr R. Hay, and a committee consisting of Messrs A. H. Anderson (convener), T. Parker, M. Morrison, W. Kelly, Alexander Blarkie, G. Aitcheson. D. Bryce, and T. Frazer were appointed to canvass the district for voluntary donations of money for the carrying out of the work. Mayoral Election.— The mayoral contest, although considerable excitement prevailed, resulted in another decisive victory for Mr W. M. Shore, who scored 112 to his opponent's (Mr M. Carson) 57. Mr Shore is now upon his eleventh year of office, and although many con»ider that the office should be a rolling one, an overwhelming majority are satisfied with the way he fills the duties. During his long term he has only been opposed twice, and his victories were in each case very substantial. As the office is not a remunerative one, more credit is due to those who expend both time and money in carrying out the functions appertaining thereto. Political —Since Mr Auld addressed tha electors here political matters have taken an unexpected turn in favour of this candidate— so much so that Mr Allen has found it imperative to pay us a second visit, and on Tuesday he will deliver two addressee, one in the afternoon for ladies specially, and another in the evening for all and sundry. It is generally believed that had Mir Auld made an earlier appearance in the field his chances would have been more favourable ; but notwithstanding this, there ara many who feel sanguine of his success. . Local Option.— lt is freely asserted both by prohibitionists and moderates that the result oi the locttl option vote for Bruce will be- a veryclo*e one, and grave fear* are entertained that the cpltt water party will be successful. The poll, which will be a very heavy one, will, I understand, be pretty well known throughout the county the same evening, as every preparation la being made in a thoroughly practical manner by the returning officer, Mr White. Our local booth will be managed by four deputy-returning officers (Messrs J. Nicholson, W. M'Laren, F. Fuell, and Joseph Shore) and an equal number of poll clerks. Convalescent.— l am pleased to Bay that Mr Middlemswß. a highly reasected townsman, waa

hai been prostrated with sicknesß for a coniidorable tim.e t has so far recovered that his relatives are-reUeved from their feeling of anxiety, aud are entertaining well-founded hopes of his immediate Ueoovery. Result of Practical Joking —A claim for JE6O damages is made by Vol. G Frazer against tho persons who- made the raid upon the volunteer § im , p- V Übe remembered that Mr Frazer during the disturbance got one of his legs broken. Ahe«»se, a Rome what conflicting one, will be beard by Mr Hawkins, 8.M., on Thursday, the 10th Vtox. -AiHtßTic Club— The annual meeting of this Club was held in Smith's hotel on the 30th ult. • a e « * ne president, occupingthe chair ; ' And amongst those in attendance were Messrs James Allen, M.H R., W. M. Shore (mayor), and Captain Rutherford. The balance sheet, which showed, notwithstanding the failure of last meeting, a credit balance of upwards of £20, was read Wid adopted. The following office-bearers were then elected :— President, Mr J. A. Algie (reelected): vice -presidents— Messrs J. Allen, W. M. Shore, J. Nicholson, and Captsun Rutherford; treasurer, Mr C Penman ; secretary, Mr D. P. Clements; committee of management— Messrs Alex. Napier, J. Smith, T. Hislop, R, Penman. W. Bradley, and A. Parlaae. It waß agreed to hold the games on Boxing Day.