MIDDLEMARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2524, 30 July 1902, Page 45

MIDDLEMARCH.

JuU 2S. -The weather still continues fine: in fact, we are getting delightful weather, though, perhaps, too pleasant from a farmer's point pf view as the ground waß very hard and dry, and there have been no frosta or enow ot any coi sequence to help to fertilise it. However, after Friday night's rain the farmers should be in f> much better humour, as the ground will be more workable after such a welcome downpour as we had then. In a coupV of days we shall have the first of spring, and it is to be hoped we shall not have to buffer for the beautiful winter we have experienced, as such fine winter weather too often means v boisterous spring. However, all farm work i= well advpnoed, farmers wisely taking advantage of the hue weather. No-license.— Mrs Hariisor.-L»e addressed a well-attended meeting in the Presbyterian Church on Thursday night. The Rev. J. C. Jamieson introduced Mrs Lee, who was greeted with applause. Her npacch was listened to with great interest. How -\ery earnestly phe pleaded with one arid all to " strike out the top line" and for the modorato people to fall in with the Prohibition party. I am satisfied her visit to thia district will help to wake up some of the selfish moderates, who never give a thought to their follow beings, who are drifting day by day to ruin from drink. I ani sure it is the earnest hone of even-one who heard her that her mission may be a. successful one. Lecture.— Mr Tom Mann, the English labour leader, gave a lecture on " The Labour Problem " in Webb's Hall on Saturday night, there being a very good attendance, all sorts and conditions of men being present, also a few ladies. The chairman (Mr V. P. Mason), in a few preliminary remarks, introduced Mr Mann who was received with great applause. His interesting and instructive remarks were listened to with great interest, the speakT being nppUuded several times during his lecture, which was the same as that ho delivered in Dunedin on Thursday night. A few ouestious were put, when the meeting was broucht to a close with a hearty vote of thanks to the labour leader.

So-ial.— The mmufl' social in aul o5 the Anglican Church wns held in Webb's HftH on Friday night, there being a very fair attendance. The uiotrrammo consisted of snngs, frames, etc. Between the. dances refreshments were handed rruiid winch were niovided by the ladies of tho congregation. Needless to ray. all arrangements in detail were, as usual, good