MIDDLE MARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2516, 4 June 1902, Page 32

MIDDLE MARCH.

May 30. — The annual concert in aid of the S\»tton School funds was held in Webb's Hall on Friday night, 23rd. Though the weather was anythiug but pleasant, yet there was a very good attendance, and the concert was in •every way a buccess. Mr M. Moynihan, chairman, briefly explained the object of the concert. Mrs and Mr J. H. Matheson opened the entertainment with a, piano and cornet selection; while Misses Kilpatrick (2), M'Kay, {Messrs Matheaon, Thompson, and Sonderhof iwere applauded a.nd encored for their songs. Mr Turner's recitation, also a recitation by Mr [Ralph Thomson (which was thought to be a clever take-of of some of our local business people), seemed to be appreciated, and the Jatter caused no end of laughter. Mr W. Kirkland gave several selections with his up-to-date graphophone, and they were much enjoyed and iea'gerly listened to, especially in the case of those who had not heard one before. It also proved a novelty and an excellent change in Ihe programme. The second part of the concert was devoted to magic lantern views. The lantern was worked by Mr A. Falconer, of 'Mosgiel, Mr Walter Blackie describing the elides. Several of the scenes were photographed by Mr Blackie when on his trip Home fast year. His vivid description of the places shown was eagerly listened to, and was interesting »nd much appreciated, many being carried back and reminded of the homes of their birth — first to Glasgow, then to Edinburgh aud many other places of note, then across to the Emerald Isle (where Mr Blackie laid lie spent a most delightful day). There we. «ftT«**l *liH** c>i jura* ci the prize-taJtere

[ at the agricultural shows at Home, which unI doubtedly proved interesting to the farming community. The Chairman thanked all who had so kindly assisted in making the concert the great success it had proved, especially those who journeyed from the Lower Taieri, Mo«giel, and Dunedin. It certainly shows that a very kindly feeling exists between the Suttonites and their Lower Taieri friends. The inevitable dance followed, Mr Sonderhof providing the music.

Draughts Chib. — A draughts club was formed here a short time ago, comprising some 10 or 12 members, who meet on Saturday nights in the school. Some very well-contested games have been played, and so far as I can learn we have some promising players in our midst.

Library. — The library in connection with the Presbyterian Church is still a matter of interest. Several new books by up-to-date writers have been ordered; indeed, they may have already arrived. The Eev. Mr S'corgie gave a lecture here about the middle of the month on "lan Maclaren and his Books," the proceeds of which, amounting to about £2, go to help the library fund. With the addition of about 40 new books there should be plenty of reading material foi the winter months.

Rabbits. — The season for trapping is now pretty well over, and taking the season all through it ha 3 not been a success, the weather having been dead against this kind of work. Hare 3 are very scarce, there being nothing like the number that were to be seen last year, in fact, j'gu have to tTavel a long way to obtain a decent bag. Still, there are quite enough from a farmer's point of view.

Weather. — The weather has at last changed for the better. We have had a very cold and boisterous month, and I think Tuesday was the roughest day experienced here for years. It was nothing short of a blizzard— snow showers with bitter, searching winds all day, and a heavy fall of snow oy the Rock and Pillar giving a very wintry aspect to all round. Since then we hay« had two fine days, with every indication of fine weather.