MOSSBURN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2402, 15 March 1900, Page 29

MOSSBURN.

, March 7. — The weather is still unsettled, al- " though we have had some lovely days here 1 lately. A few patches of oats are to be seen' . in stook, while the barley on Messrs Fraser andM'Lean' s estate is -in stack. This week -will . see harvest general throughout the district, al-, though a few fields may be some time yet jjej ripening. Stock" Sale. — -Yesterday's sale wad. one of the, most "successful ever held here. Sheep went to very satisfactory ngures,-.ancl large . lines* were disposed of. Mr F. j. Dyer was the only, owner who withdrew his sheep from sale, the price offered not being up to his expectations. The number of buyers was large, and represented almost the whole of Southland. The cattle offered were in ver3' fair condition, and realised satisfactory figures. The. day, although threatening rain in the morning, remained fine, thus enabling people from a distance to get an early start with their sheep.

Amusements. — A social held here on the 26th ult. in aid of the "more men and horses" fund was very well attended. The proceedings were opened with a ' speech from' Mr Barton, of Dunedin, in which the speaker pointed out in calm and unbiassed words .the length Boei-v strategy and treachery would go in endeavouring to oust m Britain 'from her dominions — dominions obtained and held honourably, dealing justice to' all, and withholding the right hand of fellowship in commerce from none ; and last, but not least, endeavouring to Christianise all humanity coming under her" sway. Ho urged the need of war, but said it should always be borne in mind that this should be prosecuted in a humble spirit, even with victory^ at every turn, not with pomp, arrogance, or self-asser- „ tion, as God resisteth the proud, but giveth . grace to the humble. Mr Barton concluded by reciting "The Absent-minded Beggar." The following ladies were busy at intervals selling buttonholes and handkerchiefs : Miss Gudgeon, Miss Chewings, Mis 3 Douglas, and Miss Kathleen Gudgeon. The proceeds of the sales added materially to the amount realised. In addition to this, various sums of money were collected by Miss "Wraytt, Miss Lois Chewings, .and Miss Mail. On the whole, the committee are to be congratulated on the result of the social, which would have been still better but foi some of the residents having contributed in, other districts. Obituary. — It is with deep regret I have to record the death of Mrs Alex. Roy. Deceased was present at the social here on the 26th ult., looking" well "and Ttn good Spirits. -She .was tak.eu ill on the following Sunday, on her way home from divine service, and to-day a telegram from Invercargill announces her death there. Industiious and diligent, a kind and obliging neighbour, -a fond and devoted mother, a loving and faithful wife, beloved and esteemed by all who knew her, the sincere sympathy of this district is with the bereaved husband and family in their irreparable loss. "'Here we have no continuing city. '„ Ladysmith Day. — Our school, in common with all other schools, commemorated the surrender of Cronje and the relief of Ladysmith by two holidays, while the township showed some bunting.