ROXBURGH.

Otago Witness, 25 January 1900, Page 39

ROXBURGH.

January 19. — The patriotic meeting Held in the Town Hall on the 18th inst. was sufficient evidence that our townspeople and the residents of the surrounding district are in earnest. The meeting was enthusiastic, the speakers and singers m good form, and everything went off with a free, easy, patriotic swing. The aura of £22 -was collected in the hall. The Eev. T. Joughin sang»"The absent-minded beggar" capitally; .Mr James Craig was equally good in his rendering of "Kilted lads" ; six little girls sang "Just before the battle, mother" sweetly, and looked very nice; Miss Manuel gave "Mother, kiss me in my dreams" ; [Mr Bennetts, "The death of Nelson"; and !fcfr Veale, "England will see it through." The Speeches by the Rev. T. Joughin, Dr Mullen, and Mr Keilly were also much" appreciated. Miss Howell played all the acconmauinients,

with the exception of the soog by the children, which was pl?yed by Mrs Vctile. The miyor, Mr Andrews, occupied the chair, and conducted the pioceedings throughout in a. lively style. The dance was largely pationised, and ■was kept up till an early hour. Our patriotic fimd, through the invaluable assistance ot collectors of both sexes, amounts to £172 at present. One peculiar feature of the givers in this district is the fact that the best off are not the most liberal. Mining.— The sharebrokers are busy. Everything and anything is going at a premium. I believe most ot our claims will pay on the original capital, but how are they going to pay on such a large amount of capital as they will represent when premiums are added ? There is not the slightest chance of many of these ventures paying at such a cost, and I think something will have to be done in the near future to stop such wholesale gambling. > Wool. — Our sheepfarmers are well catisfied with the prices lealised for their clips. The increase means a lot of money in this district. * Grain, Etc. — The crops are looking well. In most cases they are as high as the fences, with good heads. Turnips are also looking well, and the welcome rains we have been having during the past few days will greatly refresh the grass Fruit. — Apricots are even scarcer than was expected. Peaches will be fair, plums scarce, and, altogether, I am afraid our fruit crops are much below what was expected a couple of months ago.