MACRAES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2429, 3 October 1900, Page 38

MACRAES .

September 2S — The village of Macraes is what is known in colonial parlance as '.' ' two-horse township" — that is, the public (fixed and floating) supports two stores, two public-houses, etc., aiid lL will be seen at a. glance that the duplicate hostelries are a decided advantage to their patrons o.i account of the opposit'o i engejeiered. This was forcibly exemplified here last week, when I\ r o. 1 publican thought he could gr.in a point on No. 2 by reducing the price of beer to 3d per glass. Thereupon No. 2, nob to be outdone, provided a free lunch at the bar, besides giving free drinks on one particular day m the week. Nor is this all the advantage gained by the public: formcily neither house used to put up a light at nijjht,- and the place was in total darkness, and if a stranger came there at; night they did not know where to search for accommoclat^on. Now things axe altered without the "man m blue" putting in an appearance ; lights are put up ot night, no late hours, etc. : simply a nruoh-to-be-desired improvement of their ov/n Tree will and accaid. Long may it continue.