WINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2686, 6 September 1905, Page 39

WINTON .

Augusta 29.—We have experienced another month ol splendid -weather, with a couple of breaks by way of change. On the 9th and 22nd we had falls of snow, but at this time oi year, except on the higher peaks, it is soon away. Spring ifi upon us, and violets, snowdrops, crocuses, and even daffodils are blooming, and those with gardens are busy working in them every spare hour. , Dairying.—The directors of our dairy factory j shipped their output to the London market ! this year, and got satisfactory prices. Had it been a good milk season, with a good and fu'l I ' eupply, things would have boomed. As it was they were enabled to pay lid per 1b bonus on tho butter-fat. Mr J. Brown, of Waikouaiti, has been engaged as manager for the incoming season, and from what' -we have seen Of him w.e consider him quite capable of keeping up our reputation for a first-class article. Volunteering.—The Dipton portion of the Wallace Mounted Rifles opened- their range on the 16th inst. Mrs D. Murray - Menzies fired' the first shot at 200 yards, and made a bull's-eye. There was a big muster of tho squadron, as well as of their friends and tho v general public. Prizes were presented by < Menzies and Aylin, Messrs Handy- , side, M'Curdy, and Whitaker, and several matches were fired at 200, 300, and 500 yards. The best scores were:— 200 yards—Trooper Ross 33, Sergeant-major Lindsay 31, Sergeant W. Taylor 31, Trooper J. Bryce 30, Lieutenant Blatch .30, Corporal Stalker 30; 300 yardsTrooper A. Taylor 32, Quartermaster-sergeant Matheson 32, Trooper* Ros3 30, Trooper Orlowski 30, Sergeant-major Lindsay 30, Trooper W. Taylor 29; 500 yards—Corporal Stalker 26, Lieutenant Taylor 21, Lieutenant Gardner 21, Lieutenant Blatch 18, Trooper W. Conley 18, Trooper Ross 18. In the match Dipton v. Visitors the Visitors won. Corporal Stalker (at 200 and 500 yards) and Trooper Ross (at 300 yards) won Mrs Menzieis's prizes of £1 Is each, Corporal Stalker taking Mr Handyside's £1 prize for best aggregate from scratch. Trooper Ross won Sergeant-trumpeter Hall's trophy for best aggregate, including handicaps. Troopers Cassia and Ewen" won Captain Saunders's prizes. Amusements.—On Friday evening the Volunteers gave a successful military ball, and the hall, which was tastefully decorated with flags, looked bright and cheerful, especially so when our boys, with their well-fitting uniforms, got moving around. The affair was well attended and was a great siiccess ii? every way, and was kept going with vigour till about 4 a.m. The music was first-class, as was also the 'catering, and all enjoyed themselves immensely.—The next bit of fun will be a concert and variety entertainment on September 8, in aid .of the funds^ of the Sunday school. The programme promises a good and popular night's amuisemenl.—On September 15 the bachelors are togive their annual ball 1, which is always-a -Kg and a successful affair. ' ° Ecclesiastical.—A congregational meeting \ was held in the% Presbyterian- - Church last week, and .1 hear it has been decided to 'caliMr Davie? a young man., just finishing his university course. It is about ti»e they called someone, as they have been without a settled' minister for nearly 12 months. Earthquake.—We experienced a slight earth tremor here to-day (29th) at about 3.30 p.m. Improvements.—Mr T. Whitaker, one of our local blacksmiths, is about to move to the eastern side of the river, where he bra a commodious-sized shop, next to the Public Hall, just about finished. It is to be hoped the change will be for the better.