ALEXANDRA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 31

ALEXANDRA.

January 30. — Mr James Bennet, M.H.R., accompanied by members of the Boiough Council, who have interested themselves in piocuring land adjacent to foi eolser settlement, visited!, on Friday, that portion of the Galloway run considered suitable foi agricultural and fruit-growing purposes. The lion, gentleman expressed himself quite satis- /■ iied with the suitability of the land undei view for agricultural and fruit-growing puiposes, and he was convinced that the future prosperity of Alexandra would mainly depend on the products roxn the land in the sur-

lounding district, as he felt assured the dredg-

ing industry would last but for a time, whereas the land was with us for all time. On their return to Alexandra the party visited the poul■fey farm owned by Messrs Theyeir-s, Ross, and Co. Mr Bennet expressed Hurpriise at teeing euch a -well-equipped poultry farm in the

■centre of Central Otago, and was delighted at seeing such s healthy flock of birds, which healthiness was doubtless owing to the dryness oi the climate.

' Fire Brigade.— This neoessaiy body to the conservation of life and property m every wellorganised town is most enthusiastic in attendance at drill. The members of the brigade show a keenness and an emulation deserving oi the highest praise, and axe becoming smart in. their movements in running the hose and manipulating the different connections. They are ably instructed in their work l>y Constable Dale, who evidently knows what is to be learned to make efficient firemen, end ■who will not permit any slipshod work, but lightly demands the best that can be doiie. Doubtless he recalls to mind the old truism, "What man has clone man can do."

Thunderstorm. — On Wednesday evening there ©ccurrted 1 one of this severest thunderstrms

that "we have experienced foi many years. The Btorm was accompanied by vivid lightning and an equinoctial torrent of rain descended v.ith great intensity ior about an hour. The rain ■was most welcome, as the parched land and dusty roads were sadly in need of it. Some little damage was done by the storm by breakages in the town race, depriving the town of a /water supply for three ciays. However, the aace has now been repaired, and a full presU/ure of water is agair provided. Band. — The Alexandra Brass Band makes excellent progress in practising under Bandanaster Bringans, and on Sunday aftarnoens gives rehearsals in the Recreation Ground. These rehearsals are much appreciated by the music-loving portion of tbe public, wht pupport the band most liberally. The band is iv O, sound financial position, its total indebtedness being about £&. Seeing that within the past two years £200 was paid for instruments and £100 for uniforms, this small debit balance speaks favourably for the management and the liberality of the public. Dredging. — The rivei to-day is at the 6ft 6in mark, and large quantitier of drift are evidently travelling, whiob will further deter the gorge dredges fiom resuming operations. The Golden Beach was working off and on during _ j<utf) week, but made f decided start yei.Lea.dav.

I have not yet learned! hew the sand pun^p nets, but doubt its practicability. The Aicxandia Lead is just about up to the Hydraulic line of tailings, which, immediately a use of any consequence takes place in the river, will commence to run. The erection of tho elevator cannot be much louger delayed. TIII3 dredge has a big claim, which, with a/suitable t levator, she is quite capable of working to advantage. Tha Moa had a. ivir run last week, and a satisfactory return of 41oz.