ALEXANDRA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2303, 21 April 1898, Page 25

ALEXANDRA.

April IS.— Several meetings have been held to try and start a volunteer corps here, and at the committee meeting held last week almost 101 names were spoken of as likely to become members. The committee are iv communication witli Colonel Webb, and it is to be hoped that a sati*

corps be formed it will prove a great beneuu 10 the young men of the place. The Opium llabit.- There seems to beafatality amongst the Chinese iii this district at present, as not a month passes but what some oue of their ammber is either drowned, lost, or dies. On Sunday morning an old Chinaman called " Cockey " died, and the coroner held an inquest, at which a .verdict to the effect that deceased had died from She effects of opium and insufficient nourishment was returned.

Band Meeting. — A public meeting was held in the Town Hall on Saturday evening to take steps to put the Alexandra Brass Band on a hotter footing. A president, vice-presidents, secretary and treasurer, and a strong committee and trustees were appointed. Now that ths long nights are in and a good, number of players are desirous of foiming together, tha movement should be brought to a successful i sue. Mr James Salman was appointed piesident, Messrs 3?raser, Gloss, and Macdonald trustees, Mr R. M'Mccking secretary and treasurer, Mr A. A. Briasco conductor, and Messrs Theyors. Geddes, CJiiniston, Sytnes, Kinnard, and Bri.isco members of committee. A committee meeting will be held on Saturday evening, when it is to be hoped anatters will be got into an advanced state.

Wesleyan Church Soiree —The ladies, of the Wesleyan Church gave a soiree in tho ball on Thur.-day to welcome their new minister, the llcv. Mr ICo'en. A most pleasant evening was spent in real Methodist style, everyone enjoying himself or hertelf immensely. I wish Mr Eden every success.