CLYDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2695, 8 November 1905, Page 35

CLYDE.

November 4. — The election of councillor for the Duustan Riding in the Vincent County is causing no end of mild excitement, and it is pleasing to "note the interest taken in local affairs, even though it be but a passing feeling. Mr Pitches, Mr Smart, and Mr Spain are rivals for the coveted position, the- first-named being the sitting member. During his term o? office Mr Pitches has done admirable service, and this is admitted on all sides. The roads within the riding have never before bad th^ attention given them that Eas been devtoed to them during Mr Pitcehs's term as councillor. From one end of the riding to the other end one may note evidence of Mr Pitches'? attention to his duty. Mr Smart and Mr Spain have never taken any active part in public affairs, -although, the last-named gentleman should have some knowledge of the requirements of the riding. It is of first importance that a councillor should have some little knowledge as to the outlying parts of the riding and as to the road service therein, so that he may be enabled to" "perform his duties fully at the council table. II goes without eaying that Councillor Pitches is fully conversant with the wants of the D'unstan Riding, and that he has given those every attention possible siuce he has represented the ratepayers. Bird Pest. — I am told that the orchards iv and around Alexandra, have suffered very great damage by small birds, and that hundreds of apricot and peach trees have been stripped of lie young fruit. In conversation with a well-known orchardist one "day "recently, the gentleman informed me that unless some method was soon devised for checking the increasing pest he would undoubtedly uproot his thousands of iruit trees and devote his attention to farming pursuit*. So destructive was the pest this- season that where Ire should hope to harvest many tons of fruit he cannot "now see where he is to harvest more than a few hundredweight. Severa* other fruit growers have similar, complaints to make. Political.— -Mr Tames Bennet is expected to deliver an address here in the course of tht' present week. A branch of the Liberal League has been formed here, and members are aotivly working in the interests of their candidate. Illness.— l regret to learn that Mr James Bodkin, of Monte Christo, has been compelled through failing health to take a trip to the North Island. It is hoped he will return fully restored to his usual vigour and good health.