ARROWTOWN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 8 July 1903, Page 38

ARROWTOWN.

July 4. — The weather has again token up, and in the ordinal y course of events we should for a v/lnie have seasonable wmtei we»th;r, although 1 suppose the old adage wili be verified, "As tha days lengthen the cold strengthens.' Debating Society.— The firs', meeting af the Debating Societj was lield in the Council Chambers (use of wh.ch was granted by the council) on Wednesday evening, ai:d proved an unqualified success. All sides of tlis subject "Is Fre&trade Pieferable to Protection " were fully discussed. The president, Dr Thomson, ably took the EifurmatiVe, and the vicepresident the negative, l'ae opinions of the numbers seemed to be about ecuahy divided, for on a vote being taken, protection was declared preferable on the costing vote of the chairman. The Secretary intimated that Mrs< V'esley Turton had kindly donated a number of megazmes for the u?e of members, and had i>lso intimated hex intention of giving a prize for the bast essay. It was resolved tha.t the secretary convey to Mrs Turton the thanks of tho society. The next meeting takes place on the lath inst., when 'Town v. Country Life" is to be the subject of debi'te.

District Coioner.— Then Sir J. G. "Ward visited Arrowtown witb the rest of the parliamentary party a month or two back, a deputation of the city fathers waited upon fiim and made various requests, among others that of the appointment of a coroner "or this part of the district. It was pointed out to Six Joseph that a saving of money would be one of the results of the appointment. Whenever an inquest was necessary thfe coroner had to come all the way from Queenstown, and in other ways it would bs much move convenient to have someone locally. The request of the deputation has. been acceded to, and Mr Henry G raham lias been api^ointed i.o the office.

Extra Mail. — Oue other request the deputation above spoken of made at the same time has not yet bsen granted, and yet, to the majority of the townspeople, it is of more importance than the appointment of a coroner. The request was made that the contract at present existing for the conveyance of mails between Queenslown and Arrow be amended to allow a mail to reach Arrovvtown on Saturday night. This would, as was pointed out to Sir Joseph, be of immense convenience to thr business people of the place, a saving of three or four nays between, the despatch of a letter to Dunedin and its reply resulting. Social — A most enjoyubie social in connect.on with St Pwui's, Arrowtown, was held in the Athenseum Hall ou Friday evening. The weather looked very urproimsing in the earlier part of the day, but tcwaids evening it cleared up, and a beautiful moonlight night was the result. The ladies of the congregation had evidently spared no trouble to make the gathering a success, and all who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some excellent vocal ileni3 were rendered pleasingly by members and friends of the church, and dancing was indulged in by the younger people present. The vicar, Mt "Brooke, thanjjtd tho-,u present for their attendance.

Official Changes.— Some time ago it was mentioned that our popular postmaster, Mr J. A. Algie, had received instructions to proceed to Paeroa and take the position of postmaster there. Owing to some alterations in the proposed plan of exchanges, Mr Algie's departure was postponed, but this week he received definite instructions, and by the time this appears in print he will be on the way to his new appointment. Mr Algie has taken a great interest in the local mounted corps — has been their captain, in fact, since its inception, aud in that capacity will be greatly missed. Mr Algie has also acted as lay reader at St. Paul'e, and has been the recipient from BisJiop Nevill of a memento of the Bishop's appreciation of bis services, ulso a letter from the Bishop wishing him much success in his future sphere of labour.

Police Force. — Sergeant M Kenzie lias been promoted to Gore. The sergeant will probably have a busy time in dry Mataura. Obituary.— The old "identities are rapidly diminishing in these as in other parts. Last Sunday evening thero passed away at bis residence in Arrow one of the oldest of the settlers of the district, Mr William Scoles. It is Borne 42 yeaj-s since Mr Scoles arrived, in Arrow from Gabriel's Gully in Boarch of the precious metal. From then he has been actively associated with the history of the town and district. After a considerable number of years in the hotel-keeping business, Mr Scoles disposed of h.13 interests in the New Orleans aud Ballarafc Hotels, ar.d devoted all bis energies to farming. This industry he carried on ou a laige scale, his land at Miller's Flat consisting of about 1000 acres. Although for borne years he has been unable to take any active part in the working of the farm, be has until recently superintended operations. For many years "Mr Scoles was a trustee of the local hospital, in fact, he was one of the founders of the institution, and alwajs evinced the greatest interest in its progress. The funeral took place on Wednesday, and w»3 very numerously attended. Ihe service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. D. K. Fibher. Borough Council. -The ordinary monthly meeting of the council was held on Wednesday, Juno 24, the business transacted being of an ordinary nature . Patents.— Mr William Murphy, wheelwright, has patented an improved brake, which has proved a great success. The movement of the brake when applied on a down grade draws the body of the vehicle up, instead of, as n the case of the ojd idea, allowing the body to fall forward, thu3 losing power. The patent can be attached to any vehicle without destioymg the existing brake. Mr Murphy has fitted the attachment to a. number of local traps, and Caidrona roads, proving all the things that are claimed for it by the inventor. There is no doubt tliat the idea is an excellent one, and that it is only a matter of time when the patent vail be in general uset