WTNDHAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2497, 22 January 1902, Page 35

WTNDHAM.

January 18. — We are having summer weather at last. This week has been very hot indeed, but a spell of this kind was badly needed to finish off the shearing, which has been a long job in most places this season. Most of the smaller flocks are getting put through this week so as to catch the second wool sale at Ir.vercargill. «

Holidays. — The holidays passed off very quietly here. The usual picnics were held on Christmas Day, and the Wyndham Jockey Club held two days' racing this year (which ha 3 already been reported). The money speculated on the totalisator did not far exceed that of one day's racing last year, owing, no doubt, to the number of " bookies " on the ground.

Accident. — The enjoyment of the first day of the races was greatly marred by the fatal accident that befell the jockey, George Johnston, who was well known here, he being a son of the lata Mr George Johnston, of Redan.

Generou3 Act. — A number of jockey friends of the deceased have contributed £6 10s toward Ihe erection of a tombstone.

Our Boys. — Two local members of the Murihiku Mounted Rifles have been accepted for the eighth contingent, and have lsft foi the training camp — namely, Surgeon-captf.in J. E. Rogers and Corporal James CuEhnie. The latter left for camp on New Year* Day. He received a public " seed-off " on New Year's Eve, when a farewell social was tendered him in the Oddfellows' Hall. Dr Rogers did not leave for p. week or so later, and returned again on a flying visit on Wednesday last. Although there vas no time to give notice outside the township, yet a number of residents met the same evening in the dining-room of the Farmers' Club Hotel to say " Gooil-bye " to the doctor. An interesting toast list was honoured, each and all the speakers testifying to the doctor's many fine qualities both as a doctor and a citizen, and all" joined in wishing him Godspeed and a safe Teturn. Several other members of the Murihiku Mounted Rifles volunteered but were not accepted.

Farmers' Union. — The monthly meeting of the Wyndham branch was he!d in Mrs Blackley's sample room on the evening of January 4. There wns a very small attendance of members. A paper was read by Mr D. Doull on "Xiand Valuation," ivhicli was -well receives. Mr Blackley resigned the secretaryship of the branch, and Mr J. Cushnie was elected to take hia place. Several othei minor matters having been attended to. the meeting adjourned. Local Medico. — For the present Dr Howden has taken charge of Dr Rogers'a practice in this district.