MILLER'S FLAT

Otago Witness, Volume 23, Issue 2684, 23 August 1905, Page 35

MILLER'S FLAT

August 21. — The weather during thie winter has beiaten all previous known records, and if it continues for another month or so the usually boisterous lambing season will ha.ye teen escaped) this year.

Health Note. — There has been a good deal oi sickness in the district, including severe colds and other more or less serious complaints.

New Church. — The principal event of the season was tho opening- of the n>cw Presbyterian church on the 13th inst., and a concert in connection with the event, held on the 15th. Tho opening service was conducted in the afternoon by the Rev. Mr Collie, Dunrobin, an-ci in the evening by Mi Porter. The^church at both services was crowded with people of -every denomination,, who liberally subscribed towards the funds,' so that the day's collection amounted to some £27. At the social Mr Scott Allen, of Lawrence, was the principal speaker, and the. Roxburgh and Miller's Flat choir 3 and various local amateurs contributed to the programme. The social was sin, immense isuccess, and some £20 odd was added to •fcb& church funds, so that the church is clear of deibt. The church itself i» a creditable building for the district. It has cost in all about £450, and is a great addition to what must now be considered! a township. Ihe great drawback here is the want of land for building purpose©, aa no township was ever surveyed, s?5 that houses and buildings are put up out-and-in, in zig-zag aty'e, without any attempt at harmony. This want of builldirg sites •will be felt more in future. In the event of some of the large estates being broken up for close settlement, Miller's Plat is bound to be- the chief centre/ and the owners -of land -axe not at present inclined, to sell to any private party for building purposes at a reasonable figure. Mining. — Dredging is not booming much at present, although the rivei ia very low. The Golden Run keeps at the head of the iist in this 1 district in the shape of returns.

Railway Connection. — Railway matters have become stale again, but probably the anticipated 1 sum to be placed' on the Estimates will put new life into the supporters of the 3cheme. There is still a little wrangling going on between, the rival routes parties, in a backbiting sort of a way, la the airing of grievances. It is surprising the absolute necessity of presenting a. united front should be so difficult of recognition.