DRUMMOND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2363, 8 June 1899, Page 29

DRUMMOND.

June 3.— We have had for the last two tmonths, with the exception of a cold snap on the Queen's Birthday and a few frosty mornings since, mild, spring-like weather. It has been splendid threshing weather nearly all the time, and the mills are hard at work all round. I should think, however, that the bulk of the grain is already threshed and driven away, and that before the roads have got half as bad as we have seen them some other years. The weather being so mild, grass, turnips, and rape have been growing almost up to the present time.

■Stock. — All kinds of stock are looking well, the only drawback in that line just now being the difficulty experienced in getting store sheep for turnips without paying an excessive price for them. Of course"" it's an ill wind that blows nobody good, ' and if it is bad for the •3HKS.S i% is gooft for tliose who have sheep to

sell. The last two monthly sales held at Drummond were well attended by both people and stock, and prices ruled high for almost anything that had wool on it.

Magic Lantern Entertainment. — About a fortnight ago Mr Don, Chinese missionary, gave his magic lantern entertainment in the schoolroom here, and it is regrettable that there was such a meagre attendance, as the few who turned out were unanimous in their opinion that the pictures were the best that have been snown here yet. Three nights later the Black Family, from Invercargill, gave a vocal and instrumental concert, followed by a dance, and drew probably the largest audience which ha c been gathered in Drummond. The school was literally packed, and it was estimated that there could not have been far short of 200 present. Ecclesiastical. — The Presbyterians in Drummond have been working hard lately trying to acquire a site for a church in the township, but hitherto with little success, as some of those who have land in a suitable position will not sell at any price, while some of them persist in asking such a ridiculously high price as to be almost prohibitive. It is pleasing, however, to be able to state that one resident, Hr Alexander Hamilton, has offered a section gratis, the only objection to the acceptance of the offer so far being that the site is considered rather far back. This, of course, does not detract in the least from the generosity of the act, as I am sure that the offer would have been made had the land been in a more central or frontal position. Well, I have nothing to do with church affairs, but were my opinion asked on the matter I should feel inclined to advise the acceptance of the offer of a free grant of land, as it sounds so much better and looks so much better for the district than having to pay at the excessive rate of £160 per acre, and perhaps in one or two cases even more, for land for a church. Besides, the main street in a. township is not always the most desirable situation for a place of worship, and perhaps a good many might prefer a quieter locality. Then, again, there is the disadvantage regarding the street on which this particular section is placed being almost impassable in winter, but I think that a good many church-going people would not grudge a day or two spent on it to improve it. Anyway, I am sure we may leave it all in tho hr,nds of the " kirk session," confident that they will manage for the best. "So mpte it be."