GORE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 29

GORE.

April 17. — The recently-formed Dramatic Society has now been before the public at several centres, and has been received in a manner that must bo highly satisfactory to both Mr , Brandon Cremer and the members. I mention Mr Cremer's name because it was he who accomplished most of the hard work incidental to starting a society of this kind, and also Bpent much time and trouble ill coaching the members. " Firßt Mate" has been played at Gore, Mataura, and Waikaka, and at each place it has_ been well received. The society intend v to give an entertainment on the 25th for thtf benefit of Mr A. E. Aldriclge, of this place. For some years Mr Aldridge has occupied the position of bandmaster with conspicuous ability, and has always been willing to f;ive the public the benefit of his musical taents. He is now laid up on a sick bed, having been through a trying and dangerous illness. He has made himself very popular, and there are many people who would like to help him now that he has had the misfortune to be attacked by an illness. , Winter Show. — In a previous letter I com- , tnented on the fact fhat our Town Sail was too small for even ordinary entertainments. We are now feeling the want of a proper hall in another direction, for the sub-committee of the A. and P. Association haye i decided to jtecommend that as a suitable building oannot "'be obtained, the ide.a of a winter show should drop. This is a great pity. "There is no doubt •whatever that we should have a large hall • here suitable for holding shows and other entertainments. The principal committee of the 'A. and P. Society will not meet till May 6, but then there may be devised some scheme Jor building a suitable hall. So far, the only leasable idea seems to be that made by an entMsusiic member at a meeting pf the associa.-

tion some weeks ago — namely, that members should put their hands in their pockets and subscribe. Naturally, however, members are unwilling to do this, unless all those who are likely to benefit from a- winter show would bear a share of tlie cost.

Rabbits. — Special trains from Lumsden to Gore and back are now being run by the Railway department to meet the demands made by the transit of rabbits. Special trains will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and any blocking of the passenger traffic in connection _with the Dunedin express will thus be obviated. From all parts of. the district come reports of the extensive nature of the rabbit industry. It now means a big thing to Southland.

The Athenaeum. — Before this is published a fancy fair will have been opened in the Town Hall in aid of the local athenseum. There is no doubt that the institution is in need of aid — that is to say, there is plenty of Toom on its shelves for more volumes, especially those comprising up-to-date literature. The Athenseum is not supported as well as it should be in an intellectual, go-ahead place like Gore, and every now and then an effort has to be made to obtain extraneous assistance. This year it is being given almost solely by the ladies. They have formed a committee, and for many months past have been working hard with their needles, making articles for sale. The fair will be opened on Wednesday, and will continue till" Saturday, and I have no doubt, from the energy that is being displayed, that it will be a great success.