CLINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2471, 24 July 1901, Page 32

CLINTON.

July 22.— The weather has again turned fine, bun the eftecta of the recent storm are still witb us On the higher country snow still covers the ground, in somf places to a great Litpth, while the lower ground is still in a very wet and sloppy condition. I notice some of the settlers have started ploughing their lea again, but it will be some time before atubble and turnif land will be fit to tackle. It is not known yet what loss of stock will result on the high country from the lecent •nowstorra. Many of the settlers have rescued numbers of their sheep from the drifts, but mc doubt many will only be found .after Uie> snow has cleared away. I hear of one settler whe took 17 out of a gully after his attention had been drawn to them by his dog. Another found half a dozen that had been driven against a wire fence and covered over. These seem to have been in very sore stxaights/ for when, fished out it was found they had eaten the wool off each other's backs. Present indications point to a spell of fine weather, and if these hold true, the snow on the higher levels will soon disappear. Football. — On Wednesday last oui local club sent 8 team of footballers to take part in the tournament at Lawrence, and although they did not secure a place, they have no reason to be ;shamed of their play. The team have a grievance against the association, and apparently justly so. In the final round Lawrence first was drawn against Clinton, Lawrence third getting a bye. Lawrence first beat Clinton, and then played off with Lawrence third, ■whom

they beat. Quite correct so far! That settled first place. What about second place? Both teams were beaten for first place, and as our boys and a good many others think, these should have played off for second honours. Apart irom this they speak well of the. treatment they received and of the outing as an enjoyable one. Temperance. — The first meeting of the winter series of the Band of Hope was held on Wednesday evening last, when there was a fairly larg* attendance. The Rev. Mr Blair occupied the chair. A very suitable and enjoyable programme of songs, recitations, etc., was gone through, while Mr Blair gave an appropriate address. During an interval Mr James Taylor presented Mr J. N. Stewart, wlio has been teacher here for many years, but who is now leaving us, with a purse of sovereigns. Mr Stewart was the originator of the Band of Hope, and has. long been an active and earnest worker in the Presbyterian Church. The gift was the spontaneous action on the part of the church people, who felt they could not let their friend go without signalising the occasion in some way, and showing their appreciation of the excellent services he had rendered. Returned Home. — A very large crowd assembled on the platform on Saturday last to get a glimpse of the returning troopers, and to give a hearty welcome to the two local men, Steve Cairns and Martin Francis. Both were on board, and, on stepping on the platform, were given a real hearty welcome. Both look well after the trying experiences they have had. Francis was wounded by a bullet in the leg, pvtd spent three months in hospital. However, on recovering, he joined his comrades, and saw a bit of fighting. Both are very glad to get home, but would not have missed the experience ifor something. A hearty welcome home social is to be tendered them on Tuesday evening next.