WAIKAIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2320, 18 August 1898, Page 25

WAIKAIA.

A-ngtist 15. — An accident happQiied on Wednesday to a Chinaman named Lee Chong, which teiminated fatally. Deceased was working alone in a narrow tail ditch, which collapsed, crushing him badly about the abdomen. He was found and dug out by another Chinaman, but though then alive, he never recovered consciousness, dying early next day. An inquest was held by Mr Taylor, J.P., and a jury of six, who returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony : " Tliat deceased met his death through rupture of the bladder, caused by the crushing he received in the tailrace."

On the Move. — The Stock department appear to be shifting their officials thioughout the country. Amongst otheis, our local inspector, Mr Gillespic, has been removed to Ophir. During the two years he has bsen with us, Mr Gtllespie has succeeded in gaining tho good-will of every one with whom ne has come in contact. While firm in carrying out an oftentimes disagreeable duty, he had the happy knack of doing so fearlessly and impartially without giving serious offence to any. A large circle of friends wish Air Gillespie every success and happiness, and trust that he may be as well appreciated in his new quarters as ho was in Waikaia.

Obituary.— -I am sorry to have to chronicle the death at Chrislchurch of Mi Walter Moffitt, a native of Waikaia. Deceased had been feeling indisposed for some time, and was on his way to Auckland for a change. He was seized with a sudden attack of colic at Christchurch, and was taken to the hospital, where he hngerecl in great pain for a day, when inflammation set in and carried him off suddenly, .fchs remains are to be conveyed to ivaikaia, and will bo buried on Thursday. Deceased was only 2(5 years of age, and was well 'known and respected throughout the district as a hard-working, 'nclustrious young man. He leaves a large number of relations here, for whom deep sympathy is felt in their bereavement. Sailing Under False Colours —Comment has been made and curiosity expressed here as to the identity of " Pickwick, who contributes occasionally to "Dot's" column in the Witness. Thia iadi-ridual is evidently a growa-up

"child," and must be possessed of a very fertile imagination. His last effort is simply a tissue of, well — hallucinations, to put it mildly. Although it is only to the children's column that he sends his communications, he should remember that little folk like to read the truth as well as their seniors. [I thank you for drawing attention to the matter. — Ed.]