HINDON.

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 37

HINDON.

December 9. — The weather here for some time past has been of a very unsettled nature, and for some unaccountable reason vegetation of all descriptibns is iii a very backward state, the grass for this time of £lie year being unusually scanty. Recently frost prevailed for two ,or ihree consecutive .nights, "with the result that a goo:l many of the potato crops were despoiled of their' verdure.

Pastoral. — A few of the squatters around here have commenced shearing, but this occupation will not become general till about Christmas time. Lambing has been very favourable, the average percentage being about 80, which- is considered good for this district. What, with, the high prices ruling for wool and sheep, an era of prosperity is at hand for runholders.

Scholas+ic. — The Tab ora School was examined by Mr Bos'ences on October 21, and the results as disclosed, by his examination were higniy satisfactory. Approoriate remarks re Trafalgar were made by Mr Bossence, who is an enthusiastic member of the Navy League. Amusement. — A very enjoyable entertainment in the form of a church social was held in the Tahora School on the 6th inst. 'I'iis school was nicely decoratd for the occasion by the Misses Rutherford. Quite a phenomenal number of people for the district were present, >nd it is gratifying to know that ail were well pleased with the proceedings. Mr Nicholson officiated as chairman, and a delightful programme was enacted. Among some of the items were several selections by the local choir, a song and recitation by Mr Nicholson, a> solo by Mrs Graham, a song by Miss Holt, and a recitation by Miss A. Harrison. Accompaniments on the harmonium were played by Miss V. Rutherford. Mr Fairmaid, the West Taieri minister, gave a y,ery brilliant address on " Character," which was well appreciated, and won for him nmch applause. During the course of the proceedings, Mr J. Ewart was made the recipient of & handsome Bible, as a token of appreciation for his services in connection with the Sunday school. The money for the present was donated by the Sunday school children, and it was unanimously agreed that Mr Ewart was well deserving of this recognition. A special word of praise is due to the ladies of the district, who kindly piovided a recherche supper, which they themselves dispensed. After votes of thanks had boon accorded, on the motion of Mr Isbister and Mr Nicholson, to all who contributed to the success of the entertainment, the meeting was brought to a close at an early hour.

. Personal.— lt is with much regret we learn that Mr Nicholson, who has been conducting the church services for some time past, is obliged to resign his duties in this iocai'ny. He is the delegate appointed to represent the Otago University at a church conference to be held shortly in Melbourne. Mr Nicholson, by his genial dispositi&n and his strict attention to duty, sometimes under the most trying circumstances, has won for himself the highest regard fiom the peop'e here, and hisi Christianising influence will be felt for some considerable time to come.