MOSSBURN

Otago Witness, Issue 2527, 20 August 1902, Page 31

MOSSBURN

August 11. — The weather, which had been very line for tho past throe or four v. eeks, iuifcrtunately broko up on the morning of the 9th. Heavy rain set in estrly in the morning, and co'itinued uninterruptedly until pbout 3 p.m , when the sun appeared in fitful glimpses. However, sufficiently bo to induce the school children to come out in little groups to see what was to be done re Coionation celebrations. The chairman, Mr DyeT, and the other members of the School Committee, seeing the little one*, and not oarirg to disappoint them, met m the school ground, where a tinj little dot, named Gladys Hood, hoisted the New Zealand flag oinidet loud cheers and cries of ■'God save tho King!" The flagpole, a x ire " Henfc to the school from Mr Wrn. Paterson, of West Donie, who also presented the Hamilton Bum School with a similar one, was erected by members of the School Committee a few days before. The children, after being called upon to give three chcera for Mr Paterson. for his gift of a flag pole, were marched in line, the greater sumbcr bearing flags, to Mrs George Beer's granary, where a sumptuous tea, with loMie«, cakes, and fruit, was dispensed, with, a hbaral hand, by Mrs M'Cauley, Mrs George Beei, and Mi^s Elizabeth Beer. After games of various descriptions had been indulged in, the little ones dispeiscd, happy m having enjoyed a pleasant -afternoon, which would have been much pleessnter but for the b-pak 111 the weather, which was greatly regretted by all.

Amusements. -The bachelors of tins diptrict ca-\e a. ball here on tho evening of the Bth, vh.ch was Ihe p!etu?Riitp'st of the many pleasant balls held here. TJie ball wus held iii a large granary kindly lent by Mrs Georee Beer tor the puipose. This large storehouse wan tra^&foimrd by fenia and shiubs, intersnersed with lights, into oiie of the most iittri<ct-\c ball ror/rns one could cle-ire to bee, and 1 hnve no doubt but that the "old, o ; d o'.ory" wus repeated there that night, »•; "sublimely hanpy ' aie t'le words which would b~st apnly to some of the j^cople next morning. The proceeds, ufter dcfrnying expenses, are to go to the School Committee's funds. M> Jaire" M'CanIcy thanked Die assembly in a few well-chosen words, Mr Kirkland responding.

Agriculture. — Ploughing is well aheod, nnd if tho weather continues fine, sowing will soon begin. But as the acreage under "turnips this season is expected to be lurger than during former seasons, sowing will not occupy so long a time. I hear that Garton oats fen- horse f»ed are much to be preferred, having a heavier gram than tb!e sparrowbill, which here is difficult to raise, on account of the prevailing high winds on<l the case with which it is diEcoiouted.

School — Our school was examined on tho 22i.d ult., vh.en the children who attendee! well of course did well, the inspector saying that the teuclnnff was of the nght kind, and well directed H? sus^o-esttd ths>t conversational lessons be given to help in eomnosition.