UNKNOWN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2672, 31 May 1905, Page 35

UNKNOWN.

May 26. — Empire clay was celebrated here by the display of a little bunting, the closing of the banks, and Government offices. The chairman and members of the High School Committee met a the school in the forenoon. The flag was saluted after which the children sung a number of patriotic songs. The Chairman announced a holiday in honour of Empire Day. Some members of the committee made a fp T appropriate remarks, and '- ~^<~r dismissed for the day. The Athenseum Committee having granted the school the use of their stock of chemicals and scientific apparatus, the scholars will now have tile privilege of science lectures, by the assistant master (Mr Sfcraehan). The election to fill the extraordinary vacancy I in the Borough Council took place yesterday and a fair amount of interest was evinced, l large number gathering in front of the Town Hall to hear the result, which was declared aboast a quarter to 8 o'clock by the returning officer as follows: — Walter Andexstm, 120; David M'lntosh. 59; Donald Munro, 42; Jas. Robertson, 3a I understand our townsman Mr Hugh Craig has purchased between, 1100 and 12OT acres of the Moa Flat Estate, being the portion known as the la! and Block, and the land on which the Coaching Company's stables are built. The purchase, of course, is subject to the lease of the Island Block Gold Mining Company, but as far as the new owner is concerned he would be more than satisfied if the company abandoned the mining altogether, and so save the further destruction of valuable land. We were pleased to notice tbat such a, strong Dunedin deputation waited on the Premier to urge the necessity of a voto being placed on tho Estimates to construct the railway authorised from Lawrence to Beaumont, and trust their efforts will meet with success. We are having extremely hard frosts, with fine bright days Representatives from the Taieii and Peninsula Milk Supply Company visited Lawrence during the week, and had iwo suitable sites for our creamsry placed under offer, and a decision will be arrived at wixen the directors meet next week, and the buildings put in hand at once. We are expecting a visit from th« Hon. the Premier next Tuesday, when, I understand, he will deliver a political address in the Town Hall, and also present a charter to the Liberal League. A number of deputations will also wait upon him re road to Greenfield ; silting up of Wetberstone*? drainage ohamnel ; railway extension; and other matters.