OAMARU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2263, 15 July 1897, Page 30

OAMARU.

July 12. — The continuous draught in this district is becoming rather serious. Crops sown two iuonth.3 ago are making no progress, and it is feared that in, many cases they will have to be resown. Someone who has kept a record has said lately that there bas not been a- single day's rain for' eight months, and I quite believe it. While the surrounding country has had frequent showers, the Oamaru district has been practically rainless. On Friday, the 9th, there was every indication of rain. The weather has again cleared, however, and at the present time the rain seems as far off as ever. Record REiGNr— Like other towns Oamaru had a very gay time during Record Reign week. The fireworks and illuminations were greatly admired, and a very large crowd of people assembled at eight. v Amateur Opera — The members of the Oamiru Amateur Operatic Society have put into rehearsal "lolauthe," and they are also reviving "The Mikado," which was such a success last season, having secured tbe services of Mr A. J. W Bunz as conductor. Several rehearsals have been held, and very satisfactory progress has been made. Poultry Show.— The local Poultry, Pigeon, and. Canary Society's annual show was held in tbe Theatre Royal on Friday and Saturday, 9th and 10th July, and was a great success. It included many valuable exhibits. Water and its Work. — At St. Paul's Literary and Debating Society's meeting on Friday night (9th) Dr Don, rector of the Waitaki High School, gave a very interesting address on "Water and its Work : A Short Study in Physical Geolcgy." The address was illustrated by limelight views. | Wear street hall was well filled, aud great interest

was taken in the lecture, and a hearty vote of thanks to Dr Don and his assistants was carried, la making reference to a wonderful natural bridge near Oamaru called the Devil's Biidge, Dr Don suggested that the name be changed to tho Victoria Natural Bridge, as the present name was unsuitable. Why such a beautiful example of Nature's handiwork should be called by such an evil name he could not under&tand, and the pretent time was very appropriate for changing it to one more acceptable. Balruddery Rfefs.— A quantity of stone has been carted to the Kakanui"Kiver, near the homestead, where a mill is being erected to crush and thoroughly t?st the stone. Band — The Oamaru Garrison Band has received the complete set of new instruments ordered some time ago, and they should give a very good account of themselves at the band contest tube held here shortly. A meeting was held lately re raising funds for that great event. I feel sure there will be no difficulty in collecting the necessary amount. ! ■■""-