THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2462, 22 May 1901, Page 29

THE COUNTRY.

HOUND ABOUT AVLNTOX.

CBt Ouk Travelling Correspondent.;

Notwithstanding the fact that it is situated almost m the centre of a large and prosperous agricultural district, Wmton has developed 'lttle during the past de-ade or so. and from all appearances it is now in the zenith of its growth or, ralh"r, it is just as important now, commercially or otherwise, as it will be for many years to come. The cause of this commercial stagnation may be that Winton is neither a road nor a railway terminus, or that it is within comparatively easy distance of Invercargill — the metropolis ot Southland — 01 it may be a doztii other different things But there it is and there it -will b°. Like most country places that aie dotted on tlie map of this young colony it has no manufactories or industries of any special note , but foremost in the line of extensive business is r.erhaps the Meat Preserving Wo.ks, which are situated at Crap road, a short di'tan^e from the town, and a goodly number of hands are constantly employed in and about the prenua'.s. The w : orks are the piopert> of Mr Thompson, and have long since earned a reputation in their o»vii particular^ line. The sawmill of Messrs Jack Bro-. is in close proximity to Wmton, althoagh farther afield than formerly. It was once situated in the town, but for various reasons was shifted fc> the bush-clad country, pnd eawn timber railed by means of the Hokonui C(Ssl Company's tramway, but now the Fcrrest Vn>' rtu'w-ay renders an easy means of transit for tho timber of all the exporters. Messrs Egerton Bro:--. have also embarked m sawmillins; enterprise, planting a mill on the slopes of Forest Hill. *■&*, considering the prices at pie?ent ruling for timber, the ventuie should vndoubtedly prove a very piofitable on". Mr Crtcliffe, of Winion, is carrying out operations along the same line, pieparatory to electing a brick and tile kiln at the edge of the Irtish, where the clay is adninabV adapted for c uoii purposes, and a fiaxrnill is to be erected veiy soon directly behind the Winton borough. Mr Stobo's dairy factory, which is situated a short distance beyond the northern boundary of the town, manufactures the surplus milk of local farmers, but unfortunately a large part of the farming community regard dairying or milking for a factory as a very troublesome occupation. In fact it peenis coming to the time when farmers will not milk cows unless they can do so on horseback or in a four-wheeler. At pay rate, it savours of a spirit of independence.

Like every other little town, 'Winton has its clubs, its societies, and the various associations Ibat ab.=crb the intellect snd the surplus energies of the viaoious part of the population, while the education destinies of the young are being moulded m ? public scl 00l mas'ercd by Mi "Wy'he, wiUi the assistance of a strong staff of subordinates, and a convent schoo 1 , conducted by the imiis, supplies a tho-oughlv-elficient allround education and teaming to f> lprge number of boys and girls Street-preaching is entirely dispensed with, but Old Saint Nicholas is kept from the threshold by the iomt aid of Catholic, Presbyterian, and Enghsta Churches, •while thp nocturnal beatmg of v dium reminds the irreligious and tne indifferent "that the Salvation Army is a'so interesting itself m the redemption of souls thflt aie hastening on to perdition.

Palatial public buildings are not to be seen although tlie conducting of public and depaitinental business seems to be comfortably provided for. Mr Arthur is stationrnaster pnd Constable Rasrnt.=sen represents the peace brigade. Only a few gentlemen hod the putlioT'tv of Justices of the Peace, but undoubtedly thj Wmton folk are -i law-abiding people. Mi M'William i"» mayor of the borough, and Mr William Russell, town clerk, a position which he has held for many years. A well-appointe" l atenssum fomforts the literary tpstes of those who have an>, but it is almost lamentable to notice the time lost or unp»-ofitably spent by the vcuth of Winton on the public street while such lacibties exist for the better cultivation of tastes and habits as are afforded by a well-stocked leading-room.

PORT MOLTNEUX.

YTELCOME TG TROOPER J. R. MELVILLE.

May 16. — A free social wrjs held in the hall on the even;ng of v - 7 c-dnesday* the 15th mst., to v/tlcome Ticoper J. R. Melville, on his return frorr South Africa. The evening was perfection, tiat dark, and the gathering wa3 one of ths largest ever seen acre, fully 170 being present The hall wa . s mos t tastefully dcorated for the occasion, the walls being draped with flags. A motto behind the platform read "Welcome Home, Soldier of the King," while four bajinerettes displayec* the names, Melville, Wright, Conmgliam, Lediugham, the latter being OUI three boys who went with the seventh contingent. The battles of Dundee Hill aid Elandslaagte were illustrated b_\ beautiful coloured pictures, and picttues oi her late Majesty, Eail Robpit?, and Generals White, IFrercb., and Baden-Powell, and iiicul.ciid.il-

ccWel Robin were festooned with ferns and flowers

Mr Wm. Wilson presided, and, in opening the social, congratulated the audience on thenloyalty and enthusiasm in turning out in such large numbeis at such short notice. The proceedings were onencl by Mr and Mrs P. Tulloch (violm and piano\ "The soldier's joy," followed by the stiirmg strains of "When Johnnie- comes matching home," which brought Sergeant-major Jackman into the hall, followed by the guest of the evening 111 khaki, escorted by Corporal Tilson and Troopers Johnston, Hay, Logan, and Jackmtn, the audience giving him quite an ovation. The chairman, in welcoming Trooper Mehill- read the following address, which will be presented when illuminated, inscribed, and suitably framed — "Tiooper Melvlle, -I have much p eastue in giving you a hcaity welcome, 0.1 behalf of the residents of Port Molyneni and suriounding chstuct, Oii \Olll safe return from acti\e service m South Afuca, and we would tendci our congratulationb to youi taiiiily and fuends on + his auspic-ous event "In the beginning of iasi \tar the war clouds lowered gloomily o\ei the British iorces jii South Afnca. The Mother Country appealed to the colonies for help, and we all know hew loyally the appeal was lesponded to In a few weeks three contingents followed e^ch o^hcr ir> quick succession ior the fiont. Eailv 111 Maieh li was decided to send off a fully-equipped fouith contingent of rough rider--. A' that time you weie in Central Otn'4o, but the nrws soon spread th?+ you h?d \ olun'oiieJ, and it acted on the district like a bpark, ■s.hich set our latent patriotism all aglow. A meeting was convened and steps t«ken to provide join equipment. At the second merting more than ample funds >veie piovidca lor the pTO.e t Where all vied with each othei it is almost nvidious to paiticnlarise, but it there w?s onemore enthusiastic than Biiot'tipr it was oni late friend and neighbour, Mi ~\\ yhe, who acted as tressurei to the iuncl His enthusi»=m sfcem.e't for a time to dispel the tiouble which was gradually wearing him down, and I am sure had he been spared none would have given you a more hearty welcome on your Fafe return, but things were ordained otliPiwise. "'The enthusiasm evinced was evidence thr^t we had confidence m you as a man who would act your part well and bravely, and I am happy to say our confidence was not misplaced. w e know you did your duty, for has the Empne not proclaimed it with no uncertain sou.id ' You were placed 111 the balance, as it were, against the tried and trusted batta'ions ot the old country, and found not wanting. Born under the Southern Cio»b, you have pioved yourselves worthy so.is of worthy sires — tine Britons of the Antipodes. In our joy at your return we would not forget the boys who ha\p so recently left our midst to HI the vacancies caused by 3"oui retirement, would wish them God speed and a safe letuni '

Three ringing cheeis were given for Ti coper Melville, anJ thipe more for thp boy^ at the front. Mr J. Wright the.ii gave a spirited reiidermg of "A soldier aaid ? nipu " Sergeant-major Jackman, in iephing to the nddiess on behalf of the Clutha Mounted Rifiles, welcomed home then old comrade, and said lie had always admired Trooper Melville'« good qualities. He was courteous and obedient to his super 1 oi ?, attentive .o his dull, xaromps in action, and capable of carrying out any duty entrusted to him, and whea he hcaid he had vo'unteered he was ccfi^ent that whether oa outpost drtv en tli" 10-ie'y ve'dt, or stenn ng a kepje, tie rcput.it .0.1 of the corps would be upheld.

Miss Cramoiid c ang, veiy =wcet!y, "Home sweet home."

Trooper Melville, who, or> rising to rpply, was received with ringing cheei*-, e aid he had never made a sx>eech m his hlc, but Le wished for the gift that night, thi>t lie might tel them all he ■\iibhed to sa^'. He tha')kv_cl ihcin foi eaxiippmg him, and t^>n3 giving him „v> opportunity ot gsttmg to Ih" frLiit. He flanked them 'or their many kii'd rcmcnibrai>ce^, when theie, and now for their heaiiy welcome on his safe return.

Sergeant-major .Tscknian ?a\ c "Thp red, white, and b'ue." with a iirrnic, cbom 0 Mi^s ! rreig made a goncl impie<sion as an elocutionist m her reading, "Tlie Re\enge." She siho gave a nice rendering of "Crossing the Bai. A nmch-apprcciated and pleasmg item was sent" mandolin selections by the Messrs D-ck, both their numbers receiving undeniable encores. Mr A. Jenkmson ga\ c a good patriotic reading, ar.d Mr J. Bates sung m his usual good style "Jranita." The chanmaii propesed a oi thanks to all who had assisted at thr concert, and to Mrs W. CarricK for the lopii ot her 1 Ttno. Mr H T Stoddaid piopc-ed the chairman, then Sergeant-major Jackman led off "God save the King."

A most sumptiious di&plav of cakes and tea, piovided by ihe ladies, was done full ]ti=tice to, and lr.uch aopieciatrd. The flooi whs then cleared for dan°it,g. the Giand March bein^. led off by Trooper Me'villc and Mrs M. Jackmn i and Sergeant-ma^o: Jackman and Mis- McUillc, followed by bc)me 40 couples. Mc^'m W. Aberl'ethy and Bates made courteous M.C'.'s, while really excellent music Cpiano and \iohn) was urowded by Mis W. Carrick, Messrs Muriav, W. Camck, P. Tulloch, J. L. Tait, R Townlv, and Dick, and songs were sung b\ Mis Bra.iy ond Mea&rs D. Raknak-, H. Potiki, B*g.>n, Blown. Ilurnnsr, and Bates. It was i,ated b\ all to be one of t'nr iro-i sociable and successful gathcimgs c\ - er held m the Poit. [A poitiait ot Troope* Melville will appear m om next italic- Ed 1

LAKE WAXAKA.

May 13. — We had a he«v> light's urn la^t Thuisday, but there was no snow on the hill a . Tlis lake and river rose consideiabl^ , but the weather is now fair, and the &ky ceem^ settled and the weather glass is using, =o that theie is a prospect >f fine weathei for a week or two, though the nights may be Lost}'.

Weddings — We have had a couple jf marrioges lately. Mr Malcolm M'Leod, the labbit and stock agent, was married m Oamaru to Miss Appk-by, of Sandhuist, near Kurow. Mr and Mrs- M'Leod's arrival was somewhat unexpected, so that the township did not ha\& the oppcituiiity of seienadmg the happy couple as intended. However, a few friends gatheied round and made approprikte speeches. Ihey live m Pembroke in Mr J. Cayiford's late residence, which the department recently acquired. — Theie was lately a marriage at Makarora, Mr Wm. B. Ewing, the eldest son of Mr J. B. Ewmg, being married to Miss Helen Pipson, sixth laughter of M Caleb Pipson, who is on° of the earliest Wanaka settlers. The Rev. A. D. Mitchell, of Pembioke, was the officiating clergyman.

Shot m South Afiica. — I notice in the papers that Mr George Bonsey, of Gore, and other 1 art= of Cential Otago, was lately shot in Scuth Africa. Mi Bonsey lived in this district mo=t of the time aftei ne leit Gore, till he went Home to England. Mi Bo iscy w« a somewhat reserved man, and it was undei^tood that his lelations weie well off. His education was considerably above the a\eiagc

Valedictory. — Mr Hemy Tobin, of Quecnsbeny, lately' sold hi b faim, implements, stock, and household effects, winch fetched a \eiy satisfactory figure, and went to ipside at Taita., neai Wellington, on a piopeity he latch bought there Mr Tobin v\ as nno of the earliest Wanaka «ettleis, afteiwards residing for many years in Cioniweil, but ior o\ ci 15 }eais past

he has been residing at Quee.'«bcrrv. All his old friends who attended his sale took the opportunity on his leaving of wishing him success find bon voyage. Mr Tobm's departuie les- 1 vns the attendance of th^ sclijol =0 conE'derablv that the board is con=Kiermpf the adviv | ability oi closing it, which wi'l inflict htirdship | en those who arc left. Mi Wm. J Anderson, vvho hc.s bee'i residing 111 tin 1 - ci j-. t 1c t to r about 20 ycais, during the past eight years of which I he has been head shppliprd nt Mount Pisa | station, has e-ntered liito possession ot the tarm and acqtmed 1500 aei^s cf siazn g coi'iitiv besides, and intends giving his attention to sheep, ' wool, and notably fft lambs

terder meicie=. The Boiough Council is not 111 nearly -=o sol 1 , cut 1 condition as the Athenosum, and is much more unpopu ar.

Arrow Borough Council _ l]i e council, under its ne,v constitution, with mayor, town clerk, and nine councillors, met m so'emn conclave la&t Thursday week, and went into harness with goodwill. There was some healthy outspokenness, and a'togethei theie is a hope for the borough 'uiviving the extra strain put upon it by the annual demand for nine councillors

The council delegated the mayor to represent the borough upon the occasion of the 10} al \ lsit to Dunedm

WAIK.IKA.

ISI^A BA7*K

May 17 —The ucvthei is ;oi the time of the yeai. Ploughing h<i-> bee 1 com- 1 menccd on some farms, and threshing h , finished on maii\ r lbe gr«n>i i-> being dintu , to the btation, but the pnec i« iuiv.Vng but satisfactory. This is a fine aan 11 ttusl coui'- I try. I had a look round a shon time a^o > Otautau is going ahead Cilaune'.d is being bioken up, and improvements aie noticeable m all directions. Mi\ed farm ng pays best, ant 1 those who keep sheep and cattle and grow grai 1 aie doing wel!. Late-sown turnips aie looking ( well, and stock, where rightly caie.l for, aie thriving. Son el and other noxious weeds were allowed to get a bold of many early-sown , turnip fields These will not pay, but good fprming is always profitable. We lia\e a daily factory near ls'a Bank, and it is safe to predict that it will be a succe-s foi years now. , Unfortunately the Fairfax factory has dis- | appeared, and the shaieholdeTS' monej has gone with the wind. ! Newspaper Hold.— The Wit-p<s« has a good | hold m this oistnct. It bioug'it me to Xcw Zealand, 01 lather, I should say, 11 showed me the load. 1

LIKE COIj.VM'

Msr> 18 -Lake County Council held its ordmarv monthly meeting on Wednesday last, when a few items o* some importance were dealt with. With legard to certain verbal reflections cast in-,011 the enemeei and cl^ik of the council '■){ the Secretary of the Mines department, \ hiclr were specified m mv lpttei when dealing wii'i the labt Hieelug of the council, that gentleman wiote repeating his former statements, but as they contained no specific charge, the council passed a unanimous resolution that the council wa= not warranted m takinp any diastic course at present. The ordinary business as to roads and ways was unusually small, and only one tender for works was accepted — viz., that of Mr J. Chalrueis, for Miller's Flat road. Cheques to the amount of £1400, a great poit.on of which was for wages due, owing in many cases for many months, were signed, and when psud wages all round will be m arrears for one month only. An apology is due to councillors for a statement made, when last dealing with council affairs, to the effect that councillors were paid their travelling expense^ while the day men had to wait for their wages. This it appeals w-ps not correct, councillors having been paid only once for the past 15 or 16 months, and piaise is due to them foi their abnegation and courage m tiushng so confidently a veij bad paymaster. Obituaiy.— Oiip of the very early residents of Queenstown passed awpy ye-terday morning, in the person of Mr A Bovne, brother of Mr R. Boyr.p, of the =ame town. Deceased, who was a native of Falkirk. Scotland, was of a gerial and affable disposition, and highly lespecled for his many stcihng qualities Coming over fiom Victoria m the first days of the Gabriel's GuHy rush, he, m partneiship with his biothers, started in mining at Tuapeka. Making bis way to Queenstown m 1563, where aftei a shoit time at mining at Arthur's Point, he started m business . and prospeimg, went extensively into the timber and fuimtuie trade, combining v. ith it ironmongery and crockery waro, the business growing to \ery respectable uropoitions. Deceased took a keen interest in local affairs, and was always ready to give his assistance to any cause deserving support. He died m the sixty-fouith ye&i of his age, of congestion of the lungs. He was twice mained, his second wife surviving him, but there are no children. Genuine and widespread sympathy is felt for Ihe bereaved relatives — Ort Thursday last Mr S. Giles, Tally, an old resident of Cardrona, succumbed to cancel in the stomach at the Frankton Hospital. Deceased \>as one of three brothers, who engaged in mining at Cardrona, and was a shiewd and observant man. He was a native of the County of Kerry, Ireland, and was 66 years of age at the time of his death. — On Tuesday last there passed away, after a hngeung sickness, Mr Samuel Williams, who ranks with the earliest gold miners m Austialasia The deceased dates back to the early days of Ballarat, Victoria, and came over to Otago with the first gold msli He engaged in mining in all its branches, being well and widely known in Northern Ota^o, and. beii'g of a smgulaily quiet and unobtiii-'ve disposition, was generally liked. Deceased wab a native of Flmtshue, North Wales, about 78 ycaia of age at the time of his death, and was unmarried. He died at the Arrow Hospital Loin an incurable stomach complaint The fuueial, which took place at the Arrow Cemetery on Thursday la=t, was largely attended, many of those present coming long distances to pay their last tribute of re=pec- to cip whom they all looked upon a^, a man oi =mgulai uprightness ai.d honostv. Tho i'e\ R. A. Stevens- conducted the funeial scivue in hii tibiial impiessive manner.

Cvi&. - Well-giouaded complaints are henrd from time to time about the dog nuisance — that is, people keeping dotrs that aie of no use to them, and nothing but an annoyance to their neighbours. Mr G. D. Band, of Bendemerc, Lake Have-, wa= made a sufterer to some extent fiom thi? cause the oilier da>, losing about !0 sheep, which at rulin,; puces is a loss all the more aggiavatmg, because it comes thiough othei people's lemissne^s. A leward is offeied *<n bunging the owneis of the worrymg dogs to justice.

Wakatipu Mounted Rifle*.— On Tuesday last a surprise night attack upon Queenstown was made under the leadeislup of Lieutenant Baird, commanding the country members of the corps. In the meantime the town members, under Captain Algie, had^organised into detachments, guarding the likely points of attack, faithfully fulfilling their duties on Monday, when no enemy appeared. But the sui prise was sprung upon them on Tuesday night. About 8.30 p.m. the alarm was given, the different detachments concentrated at the point of danger, and the trouble began. Theie was filing on both sides, and swords slashed the air m all dnections. But Providence was kind; there weie no killed or wounded, and the prisoners were released at the end of the action after standing " hhout-s " all round, and so e\er)thmg ended happil}, ihe detendcrs being declared the victors. Dm ing the action, as a matter of course, the townspeople displayed the pioper degiee of fear and agitation, and everything was as leahstic as could be. Fallen on Evil Times— lhe Ariow Athenreum, which some years ago was the best patronised and most flounshmg institution at Ariowtown, has, thiough stress of circumstances, being reduced to a very low ebb. The value of the 'whole propel ty as it stands may be put down at £600 or £700, the debt on which docs not amount to £10, and jet it has been found impiactieable to cany on the concern as an independent institution. In this dilemma it is proposed to hand over the property to the Anow Boiough Council, and it remains to le seen how the Athenaeum will faie in then

May 20 -We aie haMng lovely weit! io i life jii'-t now The latt isniici'j .ue ru-hmg m with their woik, and sh' rtly t>-e \civ 1 i-it will be ,ibio to snap tii« ."mi,rii it the cnan,eful clerk a.icl say, " I don t ere now it it docs rain '"

The Haive-l. — Thichin^. •« jus: a'^cut o\ei, and lien wliat I can leai: the wld lias K-cn very fan. A good many are jioi <,o'iig to sell until spring, but it is e\c:i doubtiul then if puces \wll be any better Hide is a arncial feeling ot si. knebS coning over tLo oat faxnipr). A largL- number ot then; aie beginmrg to rrahoe that g?owmg oats cloys 1 oi. pay.

Stock — The diop 111 stock a short time ba> k resulted n 1 a lot of stockowners putting their or fuinip', a n'onth ci so be. ore tho u-ual tinjf, and thi« Lab had the effect of lapsing the price of feed. lam inclined to think that it will b^ fou.ifl thai theie is abundance of iced foi all the stock and to spare, and sheep ai.d cattle aie not likely to "lemun at the pi-Pscnt pnees, Thfe great siiortago m both sheep and cattle will, unless other creunibtances arise to obviate it, be sure to swing back the pendulum of prices in a short time.

Change^.— l have noticed 111 the. local papers this whi'e back that quite a rurubcr of our settlers t Tue selling out This sort "of thing does do^ point to piosoeimis things for some at least. Of course some pie constantly changing their calling, and with advantage, but when one =ees the local press filled with s?le notices one may alwajs gauge the state of the industry to which the sellers beloe-g. Hoises, m consequence of the low price of oat 3, are back 111 puce b\ fully ilO a head It dees not seem, therefore, that the present is a veiy favourab'e time to sell.

Public Meeting — A public meeting was held m the hall last Wednesday evening, and was fairly well attended by a representative gathenng. The object of the meeting was to give an airing to questions of local and district liit«iest. Mr James O'Buan was called to the chair, and the first business brought befoie the meeting wa-. the question of the Hon. J. G Ward's visit to the district, which it is understood will take place on that gentle11 a,n's arrival from tbo Commonwealth fete=. I am given to understand tLat a number of local magnates are to be invited albo, ar.d that they aie to be shown over the route of the picposed Gore 'to Kelso iailwa> by a d^putat.on appointed for the purpose —^ is.., Missis Lamb, Mine, Weir, ard the chairman. Thr visitor= wi'l be leeoived at ATaikaka by a committee, who will take them m hand and see to tlien ruature conifoiti. A number ot lratten of mtpiest were biou°ht up at the meeting, and I beneve aie to be brought befoie the notice ol the Hon. the Minister of Railways Of ccurs", the Gore-Waikaka ."ailvay came in for a good deal of attp-'ition. Messrs Lamb. Wen, and Elder, esuecially the last-nairf d gentleman, spoke in vciy strong teim-> a^ to the claims of this line. Mr Elder said tho line was placed upon the schedule of tbe Loan Bill, the money was borrowed m London, and the niie w?s one of the pledges g^vm to the bondholders for the mono loaned, but the money vas wrongly devoted to othei woiks. lie aid we should not relax our claim to a railway. The land was «-old subject to t railway bcirg constructed, and settlers had a iu-t chum, and shou'd hold to their lights. Anothei niattpi of local, as rt'el) as distuct, jnteiest wa 5 brought befoie the meeting b> Mi Pemble — \iz., the increase vi the number of county councillors. This was a matter, the speaker ?tcl, that deserved the attention 01 thp ratepayers throughout the country, as it aimed at a wider representation on County Councils. Clause 53 of the Local Bodies' Authorisation Bill provides ior this, but the daug°i i-j that through the lepresentalions maclc- to the Premier by some ot the counties the clause may be altered. Southland Count] y is a very lirge one, and it is quite out of the question for the present number ot members to give due attention to all parts of their extensive ridings, and tl^o meeting decided that the matter should be brought before the notice of the Minister. A Railway League was also formed to keep the matter of the railway before the notice of the House So far as I cculd learn, the old league elected some yeais ago neglected the matter, hence the new one. The league is composed of Messis J. O'Buan, R. Weir, J. Robeitson. T. Hendeison, R. Keith, J Grey, M'Giegoi, Lamb, W. Ajoon, and Elder. "

The Rabbit Industry —Rabbiting 1= in full swing ill the =1111 aimding distucts at present. 1 am told the rabbits aie \ei> nu.iieious ou the hills this seaso.i.

WAIKOIMOI.

May n -The gr.'in season is now about ovei. and a so d mam fai-meis havi staited the plough. Sheep aie ben.g tumiped by soir.o, but, the crop being light keneiall}. thcie is a disposition to husband it. Any lots for sale aie eagerly bought up by dealeis pud others Concert.— A len succesbful concert was held i . the Public Hall oa Friday e\emrg last. The obiect was to rais° funds to reduce the debt o ,' that building. Despite the muddy icads ami in promising weather, the attendance wab good. Mr Wm. Sparks, ch.i'iman of hall trustees presided, and in the comse of his opening remaiks stated that the debt on the hall had teen leduced by .-£l4 duniig the past three years. The entertainment thioughout proved to be an excellent one. It consisted of 25 items, and about half as many encores. The following ladies and gentlemen to<Jk pait —Mrs Smith and Mis-cs Wash and Youna, Messrs Cunningham, Biaiinisan, Christie, Eadie, Mathe=oii, Jamie. Huxtc bio, WiUon, and Dee. Mr Cunningham acted as accompanist throughout. At the conc'usiou a hejity vote ot thanks was accoided the pei-tormeT-j on the motion of Mi F. M. I)i\n=,on A well-attended and enjoyable dance lol lowed.

WAIRIO

May 15 -We krow winter has armed b> the state of our un^ia\ elled ioadb, especially wheie there was much giam caitm^ in the lecent wet weathei. It is what you would call an "ease-off time" with farmeib just now. In a, few lea paddocks the plough haa been started. I can't tell why, but a greatei number have given (I can't call it "sold") away their oats this yeai than has been the case foi many yeais past. They usually hold m anticipation of a- risp. Stock/is in the pink ot condition, thankb to the 'non-appearaucfc of Jack Fiost.

Social —Our annual Pie"=bjterian Chinch socia' came off on the 4th, and vas a pronounced .success. There weie giavc doubts beforehand over thp weather, hut the clerk must have oeen bribed, foi that u'ght was perfect, bught and warm as summei. As a lesult, the church was packed, standing loom not being a\ailable. The Rev. A. M'Donald 1 Otautau] ably iulhlled the dimes oi chau-

man. In his address he ga\<- the 1 cople sor-« good ad\ ice le fcupuorting their ehurc'i finaacially Ihe Rev F W Bo\- <\Yes'c\an) exric i ;'-cd l'is plea^uie at '-eeing so niai'j ot h"» own ])coiile tlici", showng to the out-iele world \ihat was patent to him, that Mr Pn.igle (oui ri'isfcionary) had v on the hcait- 01 c\ cry \\>- lcjv 1 foi miles aiound. Hi Pri'ifr'e, 111 the cruise of in- rcrr.irk 5 -, said he had to thank Mi A E Featheistoiie for conducting °eivices oecasionpllv 111 the chu r ch n-hilp he (Mi Pnngle) ,-ra c an outl-. mg district a service. He also tbpuked, or beiialt ot the congiegution, Mi-", M'Ken/ip, for hci ■••oluntaiy seivices j' organist Mis R Ro.i?ld, who vu- m good \ oice, ->aug with swee" e\nre-b O'i "lired, ai^l

' ihe last nnlpstone" . Mnj Ci==v Clapp, in her li ml excellent &t\le, cojtiibii I cd "The cl\ .ng mill " an 1 " Strancors veu ' , Mif>-* Maagu M ive. /ic was loudly aupUucicd 101 her rendering o! "Beputiful dream" and "No moi c tears," ts w is Mit^ SOIO rfoi hci contiibu'uon "Gentle \\o:ds Mi Ciosby Smith (lii\ ercar° ill) won the hrpit- ct a r l b\ his capital lcrc'enrg of tiio^o two fa nuntcs, "Ihe last mu«tei, and "dalilcc" and Mr Pringlc won fresh !aurel° witl. "The bong of jui^.lee " Tim following menibti , ot the chcir, M]&->e& Maggie M'Ken y.ie. Mackintosh, and C. Dodds (sopranos) i[ij°«i Robm-on and Soro (altos). Mi Feather -stone (tenor), Messrs Pring-le and J. Avon tba-ses), co.itnLuted "Fepd mv limbs," "The futuie lies betoie me," "One by one," "Meeting of the loved o n es " and "Ciown Him." m a manner that left nothing to be desned, leflectmg the greatest credit oa then p£i «!.ikmg teacher, Mr Prirglc. The accompani'iientq during the evening wem paved by Mi'ses M'Kensie and Clapp and M; Fcatherstone. At fie interval, tea and all good things were handed louad by the joung people of the congieyat on, and were clo::c? full justice to. At the close of th^ programme Mr A. Rob.son, on behalf of the choir, thanked Mi Pringlc for the happy and vsrj piofitab'e hours spent together i" the summer evemrgs Thanks to all who ha. 1 . helßcd to make the social a success, and the pioposing of a special vote to Mr M'Donaic'. for pieoicung, brought the gathering to a close

niTtii'RA

May 18 —The building tiaelt is bn=k here, m, robeis ot new buildings having gone up lately. Great delay is occasioned by the s^cvidelivery of timber. The Railway department appears to be sbort of rolling stock, ar.d the sawnnlhug companies are unable to overtake their o/ders.

Local Industnes — The Papei Mill is making full time, the quality of the papei still maintaining its excellence. The new mill started m the An -kland district has not affected the output of this mill in the least.— The rabbitpacking industry is ir> full swing, and giving employment to a large number of people. Reading Room — A public meeting was held on Wednesday evening last to consider the ad\ isabihty of erecting a reading room. There were about 30 residents piesent, the Mayoi bpmg m the chair. Some discussion too* place, and a mot. on to the effect that the timt has arrived ior the erection of a reading 1001,1 fit Mataura was carried unanimously. Ths committee has £77 111 hand, and as £100 moie will be lequired, it was decided to canvass tne clistnct for subscriptions. Over £20 was p'omisecTin the room. The committee has a freehold site 111 one of the principal sheets of ijie township, and, with a little assistance fiom the pubho ,it will be able to build a suitable 100 m very shortly, thus filling a long-fe't want. Mining-.— Dredging is going on steadily, a i-> umber of dredges being working, while others are neaung completion. £1400 has b?en pad m dividends by Waimumu companies dncc thi beginning of tne year. Band.— A bazaar 111 aid of the funds 01 th« Brass Band will be held i>t the end of t'n Pionth. The band has made gieat progress duMiio- the last fey months under the able leadership of Mr J. J. Henessy, and if they keep up the same rate of progie&s, 111 a short time thpy will be able to hold then own wita any band m the colony. thanksgiving —A haivest thanksgiving tooit place m St. Saviour's Church on Friday last, theie being a fan attendance. The church wa= m.-ely decorated with fruit and flowers by the ladies ot the congregation, and the vicar pi cached an eloquent sermon

back;-

Tj ay 13 _The weather he^e during the past month has been anything but p.easant, cold showers of hail and ram faihrg c\ery day. It is only seasonable, howe\ er, =0 we cannot complain. We have hue 1 very little troat as vet, but will no doubt get plenty of it next month.

School Committee— As there was a %ciy mca°re attendance of houaeholdeis at tie meetmg held on Apnl '23, no committee was elected! It is houed that people will take more interest 111 the matter and attend well when the boaid appoints a time tor the election. Farming.— Faimeis aie again getting their p'oughs on the giound and making preparations for their winter's woik. Vei\ few have threshed th"ii giain yet, but the piesent low pnees offer htt'e Tnducumert to farmers to hur-y it into the market.

WETKEKSTaBXES.

May P. -I mentioned in m> last that the mhaditant3 ot Blue Spur and Wether ; to.ies v.ere agitating to ha\e the departure of the outgoing nTai's .Miher. 'Ihe authorities veic not long in granting the request, the coming into 1 force on Monday, 6fh last. Now, when thmails leave any of the above places, they laave Lawrence that afiernoon and arm c m Dunedm in the evening. Comet — SfUurdaj night, the -Hli i.i-t. \, u s tl,f> first tini2 the comet >vas been liere. Ihat right tbo who'e le.iath. from head to tpil, ci-u'd bi = seen at once with a small teiescopo Last Viiday night it was the length ot two diunieteis of the same telescope, while its tail had spread out like the wings 'of a fl>ing fish. At present •t is close to the belt of Orion, and appears to be travelling in a north-east direction. Buanj- The weather we had at the beginning of 'last week and the week before prc\ eel a great set-back to the trappers, most of the ti^ps being btuied under 2tt or 3ft of sno.\ That, with the low price per pair, has disgusted °cmc ot the men who were willing to work, so the> sought other employment, which =cmc o' them found. The rabbiters aie \ erv di ==atished with the price, and they don't appeal to Uc exerting themselves at piPient in catching them. I don't tin k theie is half tho quantity :*oing away horn the Lawicnce lailvay station now, even altl ough the puce has risen a htt'e. Weathei.— l he a eat! ci since th, tir-t vi M<i\(with the excepuon of thp last fpw days) luw beer gloom} and btoiruy Oa May Day we had stiong south-webt winds and rovgii shov\eis, c-nd each of the following days oi the week weie not much bettei On Sunday, the sth, thcuwas a south-west gale with shower-, and tin next da> was ncaily as bad. The 7th was the woist da\ we ha\ c had this month so fai. Theip was a fierce scuth-wct galp v\ith ram, hail, and slept, and sno>v on the ranges, which put a sel on the rabbiters. It has been clearing greduall> since, and the pa^t thiee days ha\e been fine, with frost in the moinrgs. The barometei was icmarkably low all last week, and steady The lowest reading was on Friday, 28 72, when it commenced to rise At present (MoiicLu ioienoon) it is 29.54 There has been rain on nine days this month aheacU. The lowe=t reading o; the theinionieter was oodeij al 7 a.m. oi the

lSlh (this morning) ; the highest, 68deg at noon M the 9th. The lamfall for April was> 3m. i