MOSSBURN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 32

MOSSBURN.

April 24. — The weather here to-day is cold, wet, and wintry, giving every indication of an early winter. These migratory birds which have hitherto delayed their departure for the warmer climate of the Tropic of Capricorn are hurriedly on +he wing foi their more congenial winter quarters, and numbers of poor .humanity wish tb-ey could do- likewise. Agricultural and Pastoral — The continuous wet weather is causing grass and turnips to flourish, and all kinds of stock are m excellent condition. Even en bare terraces a good picking may now be seen, with indtistrious sheep and lambs busily feeding contentedly. The harvest is now over, and general satisfaction is expressed at the result. One proof of the fertility of our land ihat numbers of^..the Castierock settlers who have not already^ done so, axe anxious to increase their holdings." This estate is being absorbed for settlement, with wonderful alacrity. Changes ai-e very frequent among cur pastoral people. The Government's action in buying large freeholds for closer settlement and cutting up leaseholds foi t-be same purpose- is responsible for this. Truth is, population is increasing on every side. Our legislators have evidently taken their cue from the small settling of the French peasantry. It at anyrate was responsible for the clean sweeping off of an enormous national debt. Amusements. — Our annual school concert this year was a great success, resulting in a nice little sum being placed to the committee's credit. In connection with this ever-pcjmlar affair, a new departure was made tihis year — that is 1 , in a-dditioji to songs, solos, recitations, __ etc., -Übere were plays, dialogues, tableaux, etc. Those who took part in the concert were Miss P. Beer .and Mr King in "Very Suspicious. This was so well carried through that it would not have discredited one of the halls of your fair city, and would satisfy one of your critical audiences. The play, "Dr Cure All," Mr Gordon MAuley, and Miss Kate Beer "Maria, the Servant," and "Patients" by Misses Anderson, DawsorvHood, A. Beer, and P. Beer, caused great amusement. Ajnong the vocalists' were Misses Chewings, Dawson, P. Beer, and Hood; also Messrs Maloney, Heid, and Jones. "The Rising Generation," a tableau by Miss Hood aiid Masters Dawson and Hood, greatly pleased the audience, as also did a recitation by two little mites^ — Flossie Reid and Irene Felton — "Dunedin from the Bay"; and also pisses Annie MAuley and Minnie Hood in "Won't you buy my pretty flowers." The Chairman of the School Committee iMr F. J. Dyer), in an appreciative speech, thanked the large audienoe — the room being packed their attendance, and showed how necessary these gatherings were to the comfort of the children, in thus providing funds for necessary repairs, fuel, etc. A special vote of thanks is due to Miss Belts for the vegy excellent maainer m whioh she played the accompaniments. Ihe concert, which was opened by Miss P Beer (piano), Messrs Herbert Beer and E King (violins) with "The old folks vt home" was brought to a close by the singing of the , Rational Anthem The room was then cleared tor dancing, and an enjoyable night was spent by the younger portion of the community. An excellent tea was served in the shelter shed PI tins being supplemented by coffee towaids i hiornmg.