THE COUNTRY. ROUND ABOUT GEORGETOWN. LAKE WANAKA. CAKE COUNTY. WAIMATUKU. LUMSDEN. POMAHAKA DOWNS. WETHERSTONES. CLYDEVALE. RATANUI. MILBURN. ST. RATHAN. WAIKOUAITI. DUNBACK. DUNTROON. ALBURY (S.C.) ROXBURGH

Otago Witness, Issue 2631, 17 September 1902, Page 30

THE COUNTRY. RO UND AB OUT GEORGETOWN.

LAKE WANAKA.

CAKE COUNTY.

WAIMATUKU.

LUMSDEN.

POMAHAKA DOWNS.

WETHE RS TONES.

CLYDEVALE.

RAT ANU I.

MILBURN.

ST. RATHAN .

WAIKOUAITI.

DUNBACK.

DUNTROON.

ALBURY (S.C.)

ROXBURGH

[ (By Ova Travelling Correspondent.) . People licre can say what they l:kr, hufc they have really a nice locality to live in. I Of oourse, it is the undisputed privilege ' of our colonists to do a gro». - whenever they feel so inclined ; and that is pretty often. Even the people of Georgetown have been so endowed by Nature that the i feeling of discontent has come over many pi them, and they wish they were either 1 residents of the town or of the country. But they are "betwixt and between." On the sunny slopes of the buah-clad reg.ous several of cur early settlers pitched their cahiiio, and forthwith began to clear the Lush arouud them and do a Jittlo cropping. Fires did the greater part of the work and a great amount of devastation : and as time went on pine after pine — stately and majcaiic — fell victim to th»» destructive hand of man or ita agency; ami now for miles aiound native bush is not tobe met. Mr Dalrymple's house in Appleby was - in the edge of the thickest clump of bush that grew on the southern flats; and look at it now ! The first settlers along tl»«* bush were Mr Dalrymple, Mr M'Rae, and Mra Kelly, eac-h of whom has joined the majority. Mr Ward was also an early arrival, but he had previously settled aloucj what is now called 'the East Road. About the first to permanently raside, and who> is sti'l there, wa3 Mr Macdonald, of Enwood, the present Crown Prosecutor. He never shifted ; and it might be said of him. aa of the Dutch peasant, "there he loved to live, and there he hopes to die." He has bean wonderful changes and improvements iv his locality during the past 40 year--, and landmarks one by one have disappeared, tiil 1902 sees nothing' left that is traditional or emblematical of the pioneering days There are no public institutions — in fact, scarcely anything of public note about (ieorgetown* neither school nor church, bub the inevitable policeman is stationed close by. The South school in ths vicinity supplies, at present, all educational demands, and those of the population who are churchgoers find Eoine place of public worship suitable to their tastes about the town limits. Stores, butchers' shops, etc., are> sufficient to supply local demands, but will not soon be if settlement keeps on increasing. A 'bus service connects with Invercargill, but the Seaward Bush train is also very convenient for those in the backward* portions of the locality. The Tisbury settlement is close by and in the course of a few years, at the present rate of things, the two places will probably be combined. Tisbury is a busy little centre, and is carved out oa the routo of the railway. Ijarge portions of land here are muni-* ciple reserves and endowments, and this seems to be blightly detrimental to the interests of all concerned. Lar^e blocks have been leaded for lengthy periods, and the> rents derived therefrom do not augment the corporation's funds to any great extent. Small sections suitable for a working man's settlement or for cottager*)' homes would yield greater returns and enhaiuo considerably the value of the property. The Government has been doing much in roadmaking in the vicinity, and that is all that it can do to encourage the sale and settlement of neighbouring property. The Otera> mika road will soon become the main one, and will bring settlers from the Seaward borders into closer touch with Invercargill, and thifl will mean still further progress. Captain Elles, who vra.3 Invercargill's first Collector of Customs, settled at Georgetown, and always expressed his belief thafc it would become the chief suburb of Invercargill.

Albertown, September 6. — We had some heavy showers of rain last Saturday, but ifc seemed much heavier at Cardrona and up — Lake 'Wanaka, and there were heavy falls of Enow on the hills. If the rainfall of all the different country districts were registered ifc would be a great boon. In the Wanaka district the rainfall is so patchy that there would r&» quire to be at least six stations in order to give anything like an average. Although the summer birds were generally to be seen, by the middle of August, their usual time, in one or two well-sheltered positions they were to ba seen in large numbers three weeks before that. It appears that these birds do not make long flights, the same as the English birds of passage, but gradually work their way inland. Departing Residents. — Mr John Young, of Cardrona, has gone to the North Island to join his brother in the dairyir-g business on the halves system. As his wife and tfaauljyp) with, him^ thig mews a sever* loss to

the district. As Mr Young has always been a Steady, industrious man during the period of 4ie»rly 20 years he has been m the district, bis loss is a consideration from an industrial point *)f view. A3 he had a period of hard luck in mining ventures, it is to be hoped that he will ■foe successful in his new sphere. The three families leaving Cardrona in such a short time •will be a serious loss to the school. Otago Central Railway. — Mr Robert M'Dougall called a public meeting in Mrs- Russell's Hall in Pembroke last Saturday night week to discuss the condition of affairs in reference to the Otago Central railway and the need for pushing it on. Mr Andrew M'Dougall occupied •£ke chair, and a. representative meeting was tlie «snlt. Mr M'Dougall gave a clear account of the matter, read various extracts fiom the papers, acd a letter from the chairman of the Otago League. Mr M'Dougall also dealt fully ■with the remarks of Mr Bennett, M.H.R., in favour of pushing it on Messrs Richard Nortnan, A. G. Thomson, Jno. Faulks (Makaxora), and Bey. A. D. Mitchell also spoke, advocating the immediate "extension of the line. Mr M'Dougall proposed a resolution which was seconded by Mr Hy. Barker, and unanimously . agreed to — " That the completion of the Otago • Central railway as originally determined on is s. work of vital importance to the people of Central Otago, and that the delay in pushing it on is an injustice to those who have made their homes there on the representation of Government that the railway wou!d be vigorous'y -prosecuted. We respectfully ask for a fulfil- , <ment of that promise by completing the line to Clyde with all possible despatch, and eventually to Hawera, the terminus." The action of .the North Island members in proposing the /seizure of the whole of the proposed loan and .diverting it to the completion of their railways •was severely commented on. The proposal was 4hat th*. resolution was to be forwarded to the Minister for "Public Work 3, but eventually it "•was decided to forward a copy to out member, Itx Fraser. It was further decided that tho<;e present fiss? themselves into a committee to "work in connection -with the Rail-way League, Mr Robt. M'Dougall being appointed chairman. Messrs Richard Norman and Andrew M'Dougall ■were proposed for the position of secretary, and on being put to the meeting, Mr M'Dougall gave his- casting vote in favour of Mr Norman. !Mr Norman proposed a vote of thanks to Mr M'Dougall for his interesting eddrcss. and for convening the meeting. A vote of thanks to ■the chair closed the proceedings. Afterwa T ds Mr M'Dougall forwarded a telegram to our member, Ms Fraser, to the effect that the peor>le from Alexandra to Makarora weTe up in arms st the proposed diversion of loan money by northern M.H.R.'s towards comnleting northern railways. Mi Fraser telegraphed in reply that he interviewed the Acting-Premier, who «saure<3 him that such a course would no* be tolerated. Some of our farmers were building then- hones on the comnletion of the raflwav to Clyde -within four or five years. so that they could send away some crime malting barley. Another Change. — Mr Thomas Craig, who has T>een familiar with the Bailing public and others in Pembroke for upwards of 20 years past, T>eing engineer on the p.s. Theodore and after■wards on Mr Allan's b.s. Makarora, lately severed his connection with M<- Allan, and intends to reside in Cromwell di°trict. Mr Allan has obtained a certificate which enables him to lun the engine himself. j

. Sopsember 13 — Lake. County Council held Its. ordinary meeting on Tuesday last, despatching a quantity of business relating to roads .and^trocks. There were complaints about cer*ain contractors not finishing or proceeding with ."their contracts, causing much 'inconvenience, iln this respect the council made short ehrift .•with tho dilatory contractors, who had done nothing to their contracts when the time limit had expired. A l-etter was received from the Otago Central Railway Lesgue asking the council's assistance in obtaining a fair share ©f public revenue expended on this line. The letter caused a good deal of discussion, at the end oi which it was agreed to hold public snectings at early dates at Queenstown and Arrowtown to consider the subject. The old hone of contention — viz., tlie relative value of contract and day labour in the maintenance of roads, cropped up once more. The county started with day labour, then, to improve the men and get more work out of them, the council reduced, tho pay and increased the hours, with no visible result, howeveT. This was long before Conciliation Boards and Arbitration Courts were invented. Nest, day labour was abolished and the contract system substituted. Since that day many a battle loyal was fought by iho=e councillors in favour ©f day labour, unti' about a year ago, when tha contract system waa abolished, but even this change has proved by no means satisfactory. The difficulty was proposed to be got over by improving the surface off tlie face of the county, and in the end the following resolution was carried^ — "That the engineer be instructed to reduce the number of roadmen, and that preference be given to those workmen, having a prior claim through longer service; that he apportions new lengths of road •to those he retains." To this there was only one dissentient vote. Whether more work cau he got out of men by giving them more to do than they previously did remains to be seen.

Queenstown Borough Affairs —Letters aJid legal opinions on the question of the legality of certain payments made to the clerk of tlie •borough have appeared in the Arrowtown as •well as the Queenstown paper. As already stated, the legal opinion obtained by the counciiloTS made the increase in the clerk's salary appear to be perfectly legal and unassailable. In the same issue of the papers named, Mr Turton cites a number of legal decisions, iouching, however, more especially gratuities -than salaries, all of which bear more or less directly upon the case in question, setting forth that a borough council is a trustee of •the rates and other moneys controlled by it, and therefore it is illegal to make payments in ihe nature of a clear gratuity without any consideration in favour of the corporation. Although a very deep interest Is taken in tlie ■whole affair locally, no bones have bsen broken, nor has any blood been spilt oveT it so far.

Welcome Home Social.— A very numerous gathering collected last night at the Arrow Athenaeum to welcome home Father O'Donnell, who, through indisposition, had been compelled to seek in rest and change of air the a«cupera-tion he stood in need of. At the end of about two months Father O'Donnell has co far improved as to be almost his old self again, and returned to the scene of his labours. The hearty and spontaneous welcome that awaited him upon his return cannot but have pleased the Rev. Father, and drawn tight the strings between him and his flock, as well as of the general public of the district. All ' classes vied with each other in their expres- • Bions of goodwill towards the beneficiary of the occasion. At an early hour the Arrow ' Athenasum was crowded with a merry- company of young and old of both sexes, and of many ' denominations. There were songs and instrumental music, games, including ping-pong, dancing — everything, in fact, for the healthy - amusement of a mixed company. It goes without saying that the ladies attended to the •wants of the inner man in a manner seldom excelled on any previous occasion. Obituary. —Last week there died at Frankton Hospital the widow of Captain Simmers, for many years in the zmploy of the L.W.S. Company, after a lengthy illness. Deceased

led a quiet and retired life, and was much respected.

Lake Wakatipu S.S. Company. — Tlie company's jteamor Mountaineer has now gone through a proper overhaul, and has resumed her running, while the s.s. Ben .Lomond is receiving hor renovation, and attention is being paid to the company's wharves. Already the tourist hns made his appearance, and in another month or so the germs^, it may be expected, will flock in in numbers.

September 11. — The Waimatuku correspondent has again been .remiss in his duty to the Witness.

Our Roads. — The roada here are in a worse state than' they have been for many years. Between the river bridge and the railway station the holes are both dengerous and unseemly, those in froni of the school being filled up with pieces of firewood. The constant carting between the flaxmill and railway probably helps to break up the roads, and also furnishes a good answer to the oft-repeated query, "Why is the County Council neglecting its duty?"

Dairy Factory. — The dairy factory is to commence operations this month. The milk is to be ■ received, as usual, at the factory here, cooled, and then railed to the Underwood Factory ; but during the summer months cheese is to ba made here aa before. Mr T. Stobo, late proprietor, is to manage for the Underwood Company for a time. As there is a great demand for milk this season, at a .meeting of milk suppliers, held last week, it was decided to ask for a higher price per gallon, and the request was granted: Ecclesiastical. — The Southland Presbytery has decided to erect -the manse for the new parish at Waimttuku. Wright's Bush bsing in the centre of the parish, it wa9 thought the m-anse would be placed there, but the quality of the land (judging by the price; being too high and the quantity too low, 10 acres of Mr J. M'Leod's farm was offered an<l accepted by t,\he Presbytery. During the paat thiee months we have had three different preachers — viz., Revs. Walker, M'Laran, and Thomson. All three of them are good preachers ; the first two experienced men, the last brimfull of knowledge just from college. We shall soon be m a position to have a resident minister, either as a church extension or fully-sanctioned charge.

School. — Our school was examined by Inspector Braik on the 22nd of last month, and, judging by the report, our children have pas-sed out of their year's work with credit. Year by year pupils finish their primary eduoation and leave school, but, unfortunately, the number of new scholars who begin school life is not equal to the number who leave; consequently, our school, like many o county school in Southland, is on the decrease. For years the school has been overcrowded, but at last the Education Department having granted the necessary money, we are to have an add^ional room.

Concert. — The concert held last week in aid of the Hall funds was of a unique nature. The whole entertainment was locally got up, and well patronised by the public. The first part of the programme consisted of songs by Misses M. M'Kenzie, Maggie Brown, Marion Brown, and* Messrs J. Brown and W. Strang. Master W. Fraser gave a comic recitation, which was well delivered, the brogue being well imitated: The second, part was lengthy, amusing, and perplexing. The curtain rose and displayed a group of negro minstrels, most grotesquely dressed, with Mr W. S. Fraser as conductor. The identity of the others was concealed behind burnt cork, and so well were the features hidden and the voice disguised that the identification of our soas was a most perplexing, if not impossible, task. Conspicuous were the two coiner nu?n — on-o of them, of giant stature, w-ith a very tall hat and very short unmentionables, did his part well ; the other, with a \'ery small hat, and very long ccat to cover his corpulent dimensions, was. seemingly, an expert, and well up in the business. The songs and choruses were well rendered ; the jokes, especially those of a local nature, were provocative of much laughter ; the skirt dances, stump speeches, and darkly recitations were, considering- that this was their first appearance before the footlights, all well done, and showed patient and careful preparation. The third part was a farce, which caused some amusement, not by the w ; t of the dialogues, but the get up of the clowns. The Waimatuku Warblors, as the group was named, consisted of Messrs Xorman (sen. and jun.), H. Lobb, J. Brown, J. Hunter, W. Fraser, W. Southern, jun., and W. S. Fraser. A dance followed. The proceeds amounted to about £10, which will leave a handsome balance for the hall trustees. Mr W. Fraser presided, and explained the object of the concert, and, aa chairman of the trustees, ihanked the public for their attendance, the performers for their trouble, and Miss M'Kenzie for the use of her piano and for acting as accompanist.

September 15.— Hard fro-t at nights ard sunshiny daj's have made things more pleasant during the past, week, there is now all the appearance of ? spell of fine, settled weather, giving farmers and croppers an opportunity of completing seed-sowing by the end of the month.

RiveT Accident. — On Sunday la c t a mishap that might have terminated seriously occurred to the occupants of a bug^y while attempting to ford the Oreti at the usual crossing place, on the Lumsden-\£ossburn loute, about a mile from Lumsden Mr and Mrs Mitchell, of Mararoa, accompanied by their son (recently returned from the war), while on their homeward journey, enteir-d the river when -partially in flood "at the u°ual ford. The horses swerved suddenly, and the buegy capsized, piecipitating the occupants, with their good^> aud chattel?, into a deep cauldron of seethu.g and ra-pid-running current of srowy wate.- Mrs Mitchell disappeared, but prebently ume to Ihe surface, being swiftly tarried down stream, Lut her gallant soldier boy p'.uckily plun^l ai and rescued his mothur from a wrtery grave. Mr Mitchell, having extricated himself from underneath the vehicle, got safely cshore. Tlie horses bolted with the buggy, but without doing much damage, for they were son secured. Another trap was procured, wet garments changed, and the party again started for home, which they reached safely in due course. Fortunately none of them are so far ary the worse for their sudden and unexpected immersion.

Meetings.— The L.M.I. Society held its fortnightly meeting last Tuesday evening, when a paper on " The Life of Tennyson "' was given by Miss Thomson. The paper bore evidence of great care being taken in its preparation, and it was highly appreciated by those present. Songs, composed by the author, were intermingled with the reading, with a pleasing effect. Mr H. Clark read a paper on the Zulu war, which was favourably received, and greatly enjoyed. Mrs Lyrnburn, Mr Davirs, and Mr W. H Clark spoke to the paper, and all young intending performers should benefit by tho kindly remarks made. Railway Ball.— The Lumsden railway employee's annual social and ball c.imc o2 on Wednesday, 10th inst., the public being admitted for a small sum. A goodly number were present, and a most enjoyab'e evening was spent. Dancing was kept up till well on towards daylight, capital music being supplied by Mr Clarke (piano) and Mr Jmkir.son (violin). Mr Small, as M.C., gave every satisfac-

tion, and all those taking part in the affair were unanimous in pronouncing it the most successful gathering of the kind ever held in Lumsden. Football. — Our boys paid a visit to Queenstown last Thursday to play the return match. They got beaten by 6 to nil for their pains, and a few of their returned warriors were on the list of the wounded. I notice that anything short of a fracture or a broken neck is considered as trifling wh-;n received on the football field, whereas an injury of a similar nature received while employed in a lawful calling would mean medical attendance, paste, and plaster for days to come. Ping-pong. — This ciaze has reached us, and is spreading fast. Thtre is one thing in favour - of this form of amusement there need be no monopoly, as anyone can obtain a set of fur- \ nishmga at a small cost, and may indulge in \ the pastime to their hearts' content at their ' own fireside. j

New Business. — Mr J. Payne has started a saddle and harness maker's shop here With attention to business and good workmanship, and the exercise of a little patience, I have no doubt he will do well.

Improvements —I see by tenders being called , in the Southland papers that Dr Todd intends , to build a residence. I understand the genial doctor, since he came among us, has been greatly hampered by being unable to procure a suitable residence, but now we shall soon se-e him settled in en up-to-date house of his own. Lumsden should have a cottage hospital, the need of which :s daily demonstrated. During the past few weeks several minor accidents have occurred, and there have been a number of casns of sickness throughout the district ; so it behoves us all, as residents of a great centre, to take this matter up and bring it prominently | before the people. Were this done, I feel sure ) th*t Immsden in the near future would bo posesssed of a comfortable institution in the shape of a cottage hospital I trunt some of our leading townspeople will_Jake the -matter in hand, and if so, they could depend on the support of the whole district to a man. Saleyardß. — Constant inquiries are being made about sheep and cattle saleyards. Is ' there no one among us shrewd enough to see how such a project would :iot only prosper financially, but also benefit our district as a whole?

September 15.— The weather has been very j fine for a long time back. Of course, we have j had an occasional burst, but the winter and I spring so far are better than the same seasons j last year. > Agrftultural. — The fine weather has given | everyone a, good chance to get on with sowing, and some early-soATi oats are beginning to show above the ground. Of course, some turnip ground has yet to be ploughed. Lambs are coming pretty freely now. I notice that there is a large percentage of deaths amongst some of the flocks.

Stock Sales. — The Clinton stock sales are not now advertised in the Witness This makes it very awkward for those in the country far removed from the railway, as they depend upon the Witness for information of that kind.

Farmers' Union. — I heard at the sale last Thursday that the next meeting will be on sale day, 25th inst., and as some very important communications are to be made that day, I should advise all to turn up.

Ecclesiastical. — Last Sunday week we had the R-ev. Mr Dalrymple, of Paerua, preaching, the Rev. Mr Blair having been exchanging pulpits lately. Previous to Mr Dalrymple, the Rev. Mr lieid, of Waitahuna, preached in Wairuna and Clinton, nnd held a mission in Wairuna, Church every evening for about a fortnight. Lrgnite. — Mr Fovno is stilt busy at the lignite reserve, and is getting out some finelooking lumpe. Most in the neighbourhood have heard of the Burning Plains of Pomabaka, but lately, as there was no smoke appearing, it was supposed the fire had gone out. However, Mr Forno tells me that since he ha 3 started opening up, the fire :s still there, as some of the lumps he has taken out were so hot he could hardly lift them.

September 15. — There is still a truck load or two of rabbits going away from Lawrence. Some of the rab biters are still trapping, and doing very well, while others commenced poisoning at the beginning of last week. Some of the settlers have also commenced laying poison. Under the circumstances one would think that trapping ought to be stopped for th»- season ; but, so long as the agents take them, the trappers will not stop, for it is natural for them to wish to continue to make good wages. The rabbits are in prime condition at present.

Weather. — The weather during the week has been changeable, and not very good for farming or gardening. Although there has been some ploughing and digging, no sowing or planting has been done yet, except in sheltered places. On Monday, the Bth mst , we had snow and rain in the forenoon, and hail Ehowers in the afternoon, with a low barometer — 29 — but rising. Next day was fine, with ffost. "We had some heavy rain on Wednesday, the wind being from S.W. toS., changing to S.E ; barometer, 29.57, being higher on that day than any day :u the week. There was fog the folio-wing morning. On Friday we had a sin prise -n the shapp of a onowstorm, which cam 1 on h;' at once, the ugh it had been fine previously Tlie past three days, up to Sunday night, she barometer ha 3 been steady at 28.85, bufc t\m u.orning it is down to 28.61. It was blowing a NE. gale before sunrise th.a morning, but was otheiwise fine. The lowest reading of thennon.eter was80deg at Bam. of the Uth, there being fret, the highest, Bldep, at rcoon of the same date.

On Dit — A imnour is abroad to the effect that a Tnapeka Flat teachci has ccn.c i:i fur a legacy of £3000.

September 9. — Our annual schoo! roncrrt was held hore on the 23rd u!t. The \wit!.er having been fine for so ma:iy dnvs, and t;'e roads therefoie beiE>,' in ddinirab'e couditioi., there was a record attendance. In fact, finarcially, the affair was the gieatest success of its kind we have held. The school children, under the direction of Miss Walton, contributed several items, consisting of action songs and chorus-os, recitations, physical drill, ard wand exercise:. The tv. o last items met w,th sr-ecial favour, as they showed care in time and great precision of action. The remainder of the programme was in the hands of the adult residents of the district. Songs were contributed by Mr Robertson (encored), Mr J. M. Smith (encored), Mr Colhnson, Misses Walton and Wright (duet), Miss Watson (pncored), Mr Tonne and Mrs CopeJnnd (vociferously encored), and Mr Patercon (encored;. A violin and piano duet by Mi cc! «s Breeze met with hearty applause, while Mrs M'Gown, m her recitation, "The Broken Bowl, was fc-ced to respond with "Bairuies, -Cuddle Doon. ' Three, tableaux and sketch completed a toim whj-t lengthy programm-e. The proceedings closed with "Soldieis of the Queen.'' <UUr which refreshments were handed round. During this interval opportunity wa-j taken to propose heart}' votes of thanks to the performers, the ladies who so kindly provided the *efreshments, and last, but not lea6t, to Mr Karlson, who for bo many years has beautifully decorated the building The floor was then cleared, and dancing was kept up till the small hours of the morning, and, judging by the happy

faces, everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time.

September 15.— The winter is fast leaving us, and springtime has asserted itself once more. The bloom on the tre^s is profuse, and everything in the pomological line promises well. However, frost is vet to be counted with, and more than once our applecart has been_ turned over by late and unexpected snaps. Notwithstanding the very low anft unprofitable condition of the fruit market during the past season, never were the gardens throxighout the district in better order, a fact which speaks well for the hopeful, diligent, thrifty "class of people employed in this branch of industry. The frnit-gro'wer? are exercising their minds jus^ noiv in re<ja"<3 to a jam JacVoiy. Weather. — Th<= winter has been exceptionally mild for this locality . Not half a -chance was given ifor a skate on the ice, whilst last winter we had six weeks' skating. There has been a fair amount of rain, and almost constant frost for the past month, sufficient to keep the young growth of grass in check. Dredging.— Mining is not doing so badly, and we feel up-to-date with a dividend-paying dredge such as we have in the Roxburgh Jubilee.

Town Improvements — Mr W. Keniston is building a beautiful villa residence for himself in Scotland street, whilst other residents are having their gardens put in good order. A lot of gravelling through the borough has been done, and more requires to be done. The Bank of New Zealand, which is now completed, harmonises well with Mrs Herron's beautiful hotel, and we flatter ourselvps that with two twoslorey liotels and a two-storey bank building, ■we are becoming an important centre. Oux coal pita are having a good innings this season.

September IS. — The weather recently hasbeen very changeable, and a great deal of rain has fallen. Fortunately, however, it has not been very co.d. September is usually a. very dry month dow- this way, but so far it has been very wet '-.. s year — just a. nasty, misty, murky, drizzle, a sure forerunner of colds among the children. • Sickness and Accidents.— There is a good deal of sickness in the district. I hear of several children being laid up with what is known as British cholera.— There have been several accidents among the bushfellers this winter. Mr j W. Leal, who some time ago lost portion of his J big toe, is now progressing favourably. Mr J. j Moir had his foot rather badly cut, but he is i now able to be about his work again. George Meek, a lad of, 14 years, also had his leg rather bpdly cut. I The Catlins Railway.— That ohe Catlins railway has not got anything like fair tieatment from the hands of the present Government must be admitted, surely. This line has dragged along at the rate of one mile per year, and, according to Mr Hall-Jones, it iB not to be pushed on any faster. Just fancy, it is two years sines a start was made to bring the line from Owaka to Catlins bridge, and by the look of things it will be two more years before it gets that ifor. This does not say much for a Government that boasts of assisting settlement, nor yet is it creditable to the much-vaunted cooperative system of making railways. I read a few weeks ago of four miles of railway being completed, two bridges built, and several miles of fencing finished in a little over four months' actual working time. This is a vast' improvement on the dilatory manner in which our present Government carries out their railway schemes. Why, it must cd*st an immense amount of money for overseers— for even if there were only a dozen men working, there would be no reduction in the staff. With regard to Mr Jefcoate's contention that the men were working on the co-operstive and not on day wages, let me ask Ht Jefcoate a question which has puzzled many : Why are the head men of a gang given a daybook and instructed to book each man's actual working time, and pass in their book before pay day? I have been told on several occasions by men working on the railway that it was just day wages, pure and simple. Why, if a man wants off for a day, he must give notice a certain time before hand. The nien may be quite satisfied with the wape. It would be p.. very clever engineer who could classify men and day work so that one month's pay will be 7s 3d and another 6s 9d, and continue at that average.

Gardens.— Fruit trees are looking very promising, and there is every indication of a great show of blossom on apple and plum trees. Small fruits are getting their foliage, and all the country is putting on a green trage. People are busy everywhere getting ready for the crops of oats and potatoes. A Winter Effect. — Although this has been a mild winter, it has proved a very severe one on old horses. I know of no fewer than 16 old horses that have died or had tc be destroyed in and around the Ratanui and Houtpapa districts. No doubt this is partly owing to the scarcity of chaff. As much as 3s 9d por bag is asked for chaff here at present, and it is anything but plentiful even at that price.

September 15. — Mr TayJor, foreman at the limekilns, wa 1 * caught Tt^nfcly by a fall of rock but fortunately esc.tpej with nothing worfre than a nasty spram of tts fo»t and ankle.

Schoolmistress. — From the th^-^e ladu*s rccoiEmeiided by the board, th" comrnittep selected Miss Budd, who has been teacher at Hiilend for <h>3 past six years, to fill the position of mistress. Mis 3 Budd bcpn3 her duties on October 1, and during the interval Mies Calder is acting as relieving teacher. Church Affairs. — The many friends of tho Rev J. CJusliolm throughout the district were delighted when it became known that the anniversary spjrvic."'; ou the 7th jn=tt. were to be conduct-id b/ him. A v?ry large congregation assembled at txe n'otiiirg service, and hatenfd with pleasure and profit to then old minister, ns tor the fiist time he spoke from the pulpit of the church thai, has been built since his departuro from Alilto.i The ra:n that fell during the afternoon and evening hindered numbers fi om <amir,S! to the evening service, a*, which il 1 - C'lisholm ai^a.n spoke with fervcur and power. On Friday evening, the 12th inst., the annual =oiree wn3 held. The weathei waa again unpropitious, but a goodly iiiimber turned out. The ladies provided refreshments in the schoolroom, ar'W enjoying: which the people went into the church. The Rev Gro. Sfdler (moderator of the charge) took tho chair. Speeches were delivered by R-ov. R. S. Allan, and Messrs S"o!t ard Budd (student"), Mts Kiu^- recited, pon^s were Ming by Mrs Hare and the Rev. W. H. Howes, while severx! items were contributed by the choir. The financial report was read by Mr Somerville. Though very hea"y demands had been made upon the church' 3 finances. Mr Somerville was able to report a small credit balance and a very healthy financial condition. Special attention was drawn to tho gerprous assistance rendered to tho church by different lay-preachers in the district, to the choir for its vaiuab'e help, and to the Ladies' Guild for ■tho u=eful work done and being done Miss H'- > icJer=on a-eted a-s organist, ard Mr Geo. Robinson as conductor.

September 11. — A plea«ant hour was spent in M'Clintock's Hall, St. Bathans, to witness a presentation to be given to Dr Stenhouse, M.A., M B , Ch 8., prior to his departure for Baiclutha, the presontation taking the form of a very elegant and costly illuminated address. Mr W. M. Wilson, who presided, explained m

a few appropriate remarks the object of th* meeting. Encomiums upon Dr Stenhouse treia expressed by Messrs Eagle, Pyle, Cowan, Excell, and Sexton, each speaker extolling the guest as an able and sympathetic physician, a. good and generous citizen, and a desirable neighbour to any community. The speeche» when summed up represented Dr Stenhouse to ba socially and morally an exemplary man. The Chairman, in presenting the testimonial, said, that the inhabitants of St. Bathans and neighbourhood had concluded that Dr Stenhouse' s departure from their midst should be marked by a tangible token of the esteem he had been held in by them during his term oi residence of four and a-half years, and they asked his acceptance of the address as a reminder of the many pleasant days he had spent in Str. Bathans. The recipient suitably replied, expressing regret at having to part from, so many dear friends who had so ably stood by him during his sojourn in St, Bathans.

September 15. — A meeting was advertised ta take place in M'Clintock's Hall last Saturday night, and at the appointed hour a good numbei of townspeople turned up, the object being to take prompt steps to secure a medical practitioner for St. Bathans. After discussion, it waa deemed to be best to take no further steps in the matter, waiting events that would crop up in response to advertisements appearing in the Daily Times and other periodicals. The meeting entered on the election of a Medical Aid Committee, the following members being duly elected — viz., Messrs W. M. Wilson, J. Eagle, N. Nicolson, J. Enright, A H. V. King, E, Gerkins, and W. Gay, the two latter representing Lauder and Cambrians respectively. County Council Elections.— l learn from yom Cambrians correspondent that there is in th« field for .the St. Bathans riding i'-fourth candidate, and although his name is the last ta appear, in print, 1 have the conviction that to is not the least important. The candidate alluded to is Mr W.-M. Wilson, Hawkdun sta- , tion. Mr Ewing doe* not seem to Tfe standing. I suppose heis looking for bigger game, antt^T admire 'his pluck for aiming at something higher than a county councillor, and wish hin luck in his venture.

September 15.— The Ladies' Guild of the Presbyberian Church are very busy working fox the bazaar which is to be held next month, and as this is their first attempt of the sort, it will, no doubt, be well patronised. Two or three other events come off next month also, of which may be mentioned the Good Templars' annual soiree, a temperance address by Miss Balgarnie, and the choral society's concert.

Fishing Club. — The annual meeting of the Waikouaiti Fishing Club was hold on Saturday night, when Mr W. Ward wa» appointed chairman and Mr H. Townsend was re-elected secretary. The report stated that in spite of th« leugh weather experienced last smson the haul of fish compared favourably with former years. It was decided to hold a working bee on Wedr nesday afternoon to fix up the floor of th* boatshed and do other odd jobs, and to make i. start with the fishing for the present season aJk soon as possible. Messrs Ward, Jamieson, ond Allen were appointed aa a coaimitiee to lookafter affairs generally.

Ping-pong. — The return match between the Waikouaiti and Palmerston Ping-pong dubs came off on Wednesday night at tlie Mechanics' Hall, Waikouaiti, in presence of a large number, of friends of the players. The following composed the Palmerston team: — M-essra w. Macleod. D. Macleod, H. M. Eohertaon, W. Q. M'Kollar, D. Ferguson, H. M. Spec-cer, J. Fleming, and Misses D. M'Ritchie, Ross, M'Ritchie, Forsyth, and Mrs Robertson. Waikouaiti: Messrs P. E. Wilson, W. Bray. Ifc. Temoleton, M. Jamieson, R. Wilson. J. Allen, A. Fell, D. Malloch, and Misses A. Te'mpletori, E. Templeton, M. Martin, M. M'Do'jgatl. aii3 Orkney. Messrs Ferguson and Spencer duplicated for their team. Three tables were- arranged for play, the scores being — First round 1 , Palmerston, gents 308, ladies 185, total 493; Waikouaiti, gents 261, ladies 180, total 441; a lead of 52 poiuts for Pa Inversion. Second round, Palmerston, gents 303, ladies 163, total 466; Waikouaiti, gents 268, ladies 176, total 444 ; a lead of 22 for Pa.lniers.ton. The. games wero 40 points up. The total scores ■were-^ Palmerston 5)39, Wnikouaiii 885, c, majority of 74 points for the former team. After refreshments hod been handed round, the rest of the evening was spent in playing off souk? friendly games. All expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made, and a very enjoyable tizne was put in till the train left at 12.45.

Hussars. — The Otago Hussars have juafc erected three new canvas targets at the range* on the beach, naar the Ma*an»ka. They are. on the shutter principle, which is now coming into vogue as the most satisfactory sort <3 target, and work like two sashes — in. pulling one down it nulls the other one up. The contractor was Mr R. Tomplcton, who n-upeaia to have made a good job of his work. Th* targets were used for the first timo on Saturday after* noon, when the loyal troop turned out for class firing, and tho^e nresent expressed themselves .'l9 vsry pleaded with thp new order of things, the fliing bt-ing pot through in much less tiro* than with thn oVI target. The troop held ,a parade after the firing was over, Lie-itenanfc A. 8. Orb-ell being in command.

SspUmlw 15. — The nu.moria.! tablet erected in the Dunbnek School by the residents of Uunback in honour of the late Troopers M'Lew, Sim, and Roberteon was nnveiletl on Friday, sth September. The tablet ia a brass one, mounted en oak, shield-shaped, and bears th* inscription : "This tablet is placed here in honour of Thomas M'Lew, George Sim, and Robert M. Robprtson, ex-pupils of this school, who lost their lives while defending Ihe British flag during thfi South African campaign, 18991&02. Dulce et decorum eat pro patria mori." There was a large attendance present at tho unveiling ceremony, including parents, brothers, and sisters, and ether relatives of the deceased troopers, all the school children, several returned troopers in uniform, members of the North Otago Mounted Rifles (of which Trooper M'Lew was a member) and Palmerston Rifles (of which Trooper Robertson waa a member). In the absence of Mr M. Isbister, chairman of the Tablet Committee, Mr J Murray occupied the chair. Apologies were received from Mr Isbister, Captain Robertson, and Lieutenant M'Dona-ld, PaJmerston Rifles, for their absence. The chairman, in the cours* of his remarks, stated that the tablet ha« not been erected in any opposition to the monument to be erected in Palmerston. and said they were honouring the three brave lads from Dunback, while the Palmeraton monum-en.* was for all those of the Waihemo County who fell in South Africa. Mr Mills, teacher, unc er whom the three lads received nearly all their education, was called upon to unv*>il the tablet which was appropriately covered with the British flag. Mr Mills, in the course of a sympathetic speech, paid a high tribute to the character and good qualities of the lads while they wore at school. Mr J. Ritchie next addre«opd those piesent, and pointed out thai nothing of any importance had ever been ca* riod out without sacrifice, and that num. sacrifices were made during the late war, anc? instanced case.=j where men of rote had been, honoured by having places Tismed after them. He assured the relatives of <he l-.itf trco-oera that their names would r ever ho for{ro**en, and hoped that the children of the school would treat the tablet «ith revc-ence. Mr O. Blundell also spoke, and stated that of tho

thzee troopers he haA only known Trooper liltew, but said the relatives had the sympathy of all, and that they were not alone in their sorrow. He instanced a number of -battles fought by the British, and referred to the Spartan war, and also Bothasberg, where Trooper M'Lew lost his life, and where our hoys fought bxavedy to the bitteT end, preferring fleath to surrender, and quoted a verse of "Horatius at the Bridge. The ceremony was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem. The ceremony was a- most impressive one. All we jvell pleased with the manner in which Messrs J. Swan ana Co. have finished the tablet, which is a. really handsome one. Enough money was subscribed to pay for it in a short time. The thanks of the committee are due to Mr A. Battersby for making all arrangements witn the makers.

September 15.-A meting of the Band Committee in connection with the Duntroon Rifles m? held on the 12th inst. to consider what steps should be taken to form a band. After » lengthy discussion, it -was resolved that a SnnU be formed, consisting of 15 instruments, and a sub-committee was formed to in.terview Mr Meldrum (of the Dresden Oamaru) ■with regard to terms of payment for the instruments, and if satisfactory arrangements can be tmade to purchase those necessary. The only difficulty I see will be the getting of guarantors, ior the officers have already plenty of responsibility on their baka. A band is badly needed here to enliven the place a little, and 1 sincerely hope the movement will be successful. Obituary.— Mrs R. R. Orr, whose husband was for mariy jrear3 prior to his death maaageT of Station Peak, pasted quietly away onThurSJ»y. last' in her 74th year. Deceased was of a loudly disposition, and will be mourned by anany friends. The funeral took place yesterday at 8 p.m., when a large concourse of people followed her' remains to the grave. In the evenling a funeral service wa« held in St. Martin s Church, special Psalms and lessons being taken, including hymns 399, 230, 231, 428. -Angels «ver bright and fair " was rendered very nicely ibv Mrs Simmoiw (Kuspw) as an offertonum. 'Atter the benediction, Mr Finch played the grand march in " Saul," the congregation all standing. Agricultural. — This month so far has been very cold, mid spiing is advancing correspondingly slowly. Last week we had mil weathers imaginable— hail, rain, wind, and snow, the latter bfing the heaviest fall this winter. A month's warm weather, with a few showers, ■would be very welcome. Turnips are almost finished, and grass is much needed for the ewes »nd lambs. Creamery.— A. new separator vas pu; -.r. the creamery last week, the o!<l ore being too piua!'. The price for Mc-Jh Otago factory butter i-s 1^; td per pound, while dairy butiei is only Is.

September 15.— With the adrenc of spring comes its attendant burdens of care and lt> bour. .This season, bo far a3 it hss advanced, has been bo favourable for the latter, however, that the former has been comparatively iight. We have had Bplendid weather lately, with tho exception pi the 11th inst, snd this has gor.e far towards 'counterbalancing a somewhat tardy spring m (pastures, while also enabling field work ot all kinds to be pushed ou with great advantage, iwhich means a big aggregate area of spring trops. Nevertheless, consequent on a very ■•limited field of autumn-sown gram, the total •«rea under cereals will be much smaller than •formerly, 'despite vhe. progress ol settlement. ■ Forestry. — After a lengthened period of inactivity by the members of the Board of Forest 'Conservators during the past two years, at 'last they have awakeped Into realising that it jzealJy exists, an-d could perform useful funcas well a* merely existing figuratively. jTEhis state of affairs was certainly not in the 'Mnteresta of tha tiro fine plantations vested in {♦he cate of the board. Howe. ; ar, now that a anove has been made, and the body seems to Shave awakened to its position, it is ,to be hoped^they will ere long letrieve thenj>o3ition with the department, 'j'bat the Forest Department is really a live institution, possessed of an importance to State settlers and public bodies, has been mort abundantly demonstrated in a very worthy, practical manner .through the medium of the local County Council, a very large number of excellent fore&t trees being obtained 'from the State nurseries at a cost within the 'reach of all. This is a most excellent arrangement, for not only is the farming community encouraged to plant trees, but it is enabled to plant tho lnoie i desirable and ultimatp'y valuable knxis. the commoner s»nd an valuable sods not being supplied by th« Department. With a judicious selection of hardy ornamentals, along with a small selection o: natives, especially totaras and birch, thes^ latter prasumably more by way of experiment, with -a hope that they will prove adaptable to thpee parts, great good can 'be effected. Native forest will ultimate';- be oi great value, foi bo.i the timbers n,ei>iio>*cd are becoming scarce ,v cur local bus'a. On the other hand, brracilcjf is plentiful, and I hope this fine tree is being given an opportunity of proving its adaptability to cultivation, for I have seen it give very excallent account of itself under favourable conditions, making as piuch as 7ft to Bft of fine, clean, straight growth in one season For ruch results, however, it must be well piotjeted from wind, otherwise, it's " leader 3" are fure to get bioken, so tender and brittle are the young shoots. Ornithological. — A tew weeks ago I observed % discussion, the result of a query in your columns, Te the laughing jackass, and was rather surprised at the amount of doubt that leerned to exist in connection with this bird, »nd the more so that those go well able to give information should lcmam quiescent. That •uch a bird es.s t; 5 there can be no doubt whatever, and in fin'- ljumbers in par's, such as dark, secluded nooks, these being their natural resorts in the daytime. If I mistake not, Mr \V. W. Smith, curator of the Botanical Gardens at Ashburton, a naturalist of considerable experience, could give seme valuable information with reference to th s strange nocturnal bird, which is frcquTi'.lv of a summer's night to be hear din this lotaiuj. 1 hair hei<rcl of several being ferreted out of their dark, clay resorts. They emit guffaws, laughter-hke noises at night. The birds have, however, rever been known to give forth their cry during confinement, and iiveriably pine away and die. The reason of then cry not being heard in con unement can, 1 think, be accounted for by the iact that they merely give \ oioe on the «m g and when cuiing fantastic capers, after the manner of a tumbler p:g-eon. The birds caught in small caves and such like dark places were about twice the size of a starling, with a mandible very lik) that of a kingfisher, but hardly so big in proportion. They are of much the same colour as a shag— i.e., dull blacky gTey. The laughing jackass proper is quite a different bird to the stormy petrel, with us an invariable sign of fine weather that fly <;o ■wtftly and so high.

Changes.— Scarcely a month passes but some change can be chronicled. The latest moves have been the arrival )f Mr James Annan, recently of Cheviot, who his entered into residential possession of his section, bought some time ago from Mr William Braddick. who has removed to the North Island. Mr A S Smith has loft and taken up his residence in Fairhe, while Mr D. Scoului, from Caversham. fills his stead on the settlement. Messrs G. Townsend and R. Casey have also disposed of their section in the settlement. It is also said that Mr Heatie^, master at Tenxavtu School, is

leaving at an early date to take up a similar position in South Otago.