MATAURA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2476, 28 August 1901, Page 31

MATAURA.

August 21. — The weather for some time past has been anything but pleasant. Heavy frosts, snowstorms, and rain have prevailed, and everything i& in a very backward condition. There is a good deal of sickness, influenza being prevalent. Returned Tioopers. — Like other places, we have been welcoming one of our representatives, who has just returned from South Africa. On Monday last Trooper M'^onald, who rode the horse Pipermaker, pre ed to. Mm by the paper mill owners and en^oyees, ■was presented by Mr Cameron, on behalf of the people of Mataura, with an albert and pendant suitably inscribed, as a mark of appreciation of his conduct while at the front. A number of speeches were made, by Messrs Raymand (chairman of the County Council), Cameron, Rev. Mr Davidson, and several returned troopers. Trooper M'Donald, in returning thanks, said he was pleased to be among his old friends again, and that he would prize the memento just given him to the end of his days. Several songs were given, and an enjoyable dance followed. On the same evening' Trooper Donald Henderson, late of this town, was presented by his worship the anayor with a gold albert and pendant. He suitably returned thanks.

Our Dredges.— Dredging on the Wainiurnti as still being prosecuted vigorously, and fair returns received. The Victoria Company will snost likely be working in about 10 days. It is favourably situated, being close to a good snetalled road, distant about a mile and a-half tfrom this township. A coal pit is within a ■few hundred yards of it. The expenses connected with working it will be very little, and the ground, it is thought, will yield good re-

Dairying. — The annual meeting of the dairy factory takes place on the 28th inst. It has paid J2BIOO for milk during the past season. Horticulture. — The Horticultural Society are already making a movement m connection with their next annual show. A meeting of the general and sub-committees ia called for to-niglit, at which preliminary airangements will be gone into.