WAIKOUAITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2761, 13 February 1907, Page 39

WAIKOUAITI.

February 2. —Mrs W. Lenthaii, a resident of 40 years in the Wakatipu district, passed away at her home in Arrowtown on Saturday. 26th nit. Deceased had been suffering for some years past from paralysis. She came to this district in the early sixties with her fizßt husband, (the late Mr W. Butler). Deceased was greatly respected by a larga circle oi friends. The funeraL took place at Arrowt*wnon Tuesday; and waa largely attended -Picnic.—The Church of England Sunday ScEcXtL picnic to Bob's Cove took place on 'Ehursday. Tne day being beautifully fine, a large number took advantage of the excursion. Opium Cases. —At the Magistrate's- Court, Arrowtown, on Tuesday, three Chinamen were charged, by the police with hawing opium- in th«ir poaeesaion. Convictions were obtained kb, two of the cases, Loo Lee and Ah Quee being «ach. fined J6lo* and costs. The third case was dismissed. . . • Gypaies,—A, troup of gypsies arrived in QueeDßtown lasfc week. Then> were about a I dozen- in' t3» party, rangpig in agea fxonn a. ; baby in arm*, to an old. dame of 80 years. On arrival tfcey started business right a-way — teffingf fortunes, hy hand-reading, Their stay •mm. a jshoxt- one, as they were requested by ■tii» local police- to " move- an," which request tfcey unwillingly complied, with. They pitched camp in Arronrtown for a couple of days, and then, went car to Cromwell. W.M.R.—The Wakatipu Mounted Rifles went in±o camp on the Arrow Recreation Grrcund on Saturday last. About 40 men were under oanvas. Buring the week several recruits wer« enrolled, making/ the strength of the corps now over 50. Throughout the week the weather has been beautifully fine, and some usefuL instruction has been imparted by Staff-sergeant Major Grant. On Monday an election of third, lieutenant was held. Three members were nominated. Sergeant-major Reid heing: elected. The military sports were held this afternoon, when there w*s a large attendance of the public. Competition was keen in «il the. events, the most exciting contest b«ng the tng-of-war, W.M.R. v. Civilians, which was won for the sixth year in succession by the Volunteers. After the sports camp -was struck. Social. —A\ most enjoyable social in connection with ike Mounted Rifles was held in the Garrison Hall on Friday evening. Music was supplied by Mr S. Stevenson, assisted by others* and Mx D. Ward was M.C.—[The above letter wa» evidently delayed, as it was intended 'far laafc week's issue.] .

February 9-—Holiday-making has interfered -v»tt&, Hiy correspondence, hence the following r«ports> ana- «k hit belated. Picni*.—Th* snrtuul picnic w» held m tne scAool grounds- on Tuesday, January 22. Monday waa a capital day as- regards weather, air* a&! pxedicted good weather for tha picnic; 'but the prediction proved false, as on 3faaad»y « steady rain set in about 11 a.m., aad wurtinued: till. 2 p*m. This made us all feel dbwtr in> tile damps; even the farmers -wished i* had Leia off till tke next day, so tnat an, especial^r the children, might tave » good tome. About 2.3D, however, the seen* waa changed. Tha r*m ceased, the doudSr dispersed, the sun. came out ra all his glory,, and aJI were ltappy again. Things were scon sesfc a-going, and the afternoon s proceedings went with a vim. Perhaps we enjoyed them, better because of tlie wet mornings for no doubt the rain did an immense amount of good to the growing crop 3, and the farmers' hearts were rejoiced. The children, too. were perhaps all the happier for the glad surprise of » good afternoon after such- a- wet morning. Whatever the cause, the paddock was well filled with animated life; there waa not a drone in the hive. Refreshments, provided by the ladiea, weie in abundance, end those who had couizol of them, spaaed no paina in seeing that all were catered, for. A special word of praise is due .to the secretary for hia untiring efforts to get oft each event on; the programme of sports up lo tame. He was ably seconded by th« man with the bell. The committee bad provided a ggfid *uppiy of toys for the little folk, and each was made happy by getting one after first running for it. It was a ca&e of all prizes and no "blanks. Tho following are the chief events: , Boys' Race (12 to H years)—T. Thomson 1. J I Slack 2, R. Mackay 3. Girls' Race (12 to 1* years)—A. Dentford 1, C: McDonald 2, j Jane Stark 3. Boys (14 to 16 years)—A. ' Crawford 1, D. Kfrk 2, Geo. Stark 3. Young Ladiaa' Race—-M. Crawford 1, — Kirk 2, C. I M'Kay 3. Married Ladiea' Race—Mrs Jae. .'Robertson. 1, »" las. Brown 2, Mrs- Gameron 1 8. Young Men's Race—T>. Crawford 1, J. | ißeid 0, J. Lavender 3. Boys' Sack Race— ( li. Burnett 1, G. Stark 2, Jas. Burnett 3. , Young Ladiaa' Race (No. 2) Dynes 1, J. Dynes 2, C. Scott 3. Married Men's Race — J. Cameron 1, G. Cooper % T. Spittle 3. Hop, - Step, and Jump—Geo. Wdliamson 1. P. Reid 2, J. Cameron 3. Nail-driving Competition—Mrs James Robertson 1, Mts !M'Beath 2, Miss D Beat-he 3. Running High Jump—G. Williamson 1, P. Couperthwaite 2, F. Reid and R. Bagrie (equal) 3 Couple Race—Miss Waddeil and J. Campbell 1, Miss Dynes and F. Reid 2, Miss Dynes and M. Stark 3. Hurdl& Race—Geo. Williamson 1, J Cunningham 2, J Cameron 3. {Men's Sack Rac«—W. Kirk 1, D. Burnett 2, G. Stark 3. Boys' Wrestling—Jas. Burnett 1. At an interval during the sports, Mr A. Malcolm, iM.H.R., presented the school children with tho prizes won by them for good work done during the year 1906. Mr MaJ- | colni also presented a. prize to the child who Jiad the most brothers and sisters. Thia I&as won by Aggie Burnett. Our member is evidently a believer in the saying oi the late' Mr Seddon, "Keep the cradles full." ' In the- evening tha young folk held a dance in the ball. The music was supplied by JJessrs J. Cooper and A. M. Simmers (violins) and Mr H. Mackay acted as M.O. Social and Presentation.—On Friday, January 25, was held a social to welcome 'back our townsman Mr James Ross, who had teen laid up m the- Thames Hospital for %1 months owing to an accident h« met with fit the home of an old friend at Puni, AuckSancL To show our sympathy with iMlr Ross find pleasure at his return, the social waa jbetd. It proved a most enjoyable affair, Runes of different sorts &ad merry chat Jielping' to pass a. happy hour. After refreshjtnents had been partaken cf, Mr H. Chitlock in «. neftt speech complimented Mr Rose (in, hifl return, and hoped he would scon be I'otnpletely restored to health. He then, ■in. behalf of the residents, presented Mr Boss I vith a walking-stick, silver-mounted, andsvuti i^ly inscribed. Mr Ross, on rising to respond, wna loudly applauded. In a brief Speech lie told bow his accident had hapfcenei and why he had taken so Long to

(recover. Ec then feelingly thanked the residents for their gift. For the sake of the young people pre&enf. a dance was held, at which all seemed to eajoy themselves. Wedding. —On "Wednesday. January 30. was marned Miss Ma.ry M'Call. eldest daughter of Mr Jos. il/Call. farmer. Koi, to ~Mx D. Murray, fanner, Milton. The ceremony tock place at the bride's home, the Rev H I Waugh officiating Tlie bude was attired Jin a lovely gown of lavender cashmere. I trimmed with silk and iace. and she -wore the orthodox veil and orange blossoms. TJie bridesmaid was 'he bride's sister. Miss Barbara, and the best man was Mr M. Murray, blether of the bridegroom. After the ceremeny all adjourned to the barn, where the wedding breakfast was laid. The barn was n:cely and tastefu ly decorated with evergieens, and the tables with all sorts and conditions of flowers, the whole making a \exy pleading picture. The wealth of good stuff in the way of fruit, etc., which greeted the cj re when one entered the barn was a treat to behold. After all had fared sumptuously, the usual toasts were drunk and complimentary speeches made. The happy couple left for Dunedin the same afternoon, amid showers of rice, all wishing them every joy. After their departure games of all sorts were indulged in, and when home time came all were sorry to leave, for they felt it was gocd to be there. The bride received many useful and valuable- presents, amongst which there were several cheques. j General. —The weather is still warm and ! <ky. with wind every day. The crops, such ' as they are, will soon be ready for cutting. Tuxnip3 are badly in need of rain, aa the leaves sro turning yellow. The work of repairing the bridges on the main road is going on. The school has again taken up. There is mnch sickness amongst the children, caused' probably by bad drinking-water, as th* tanks are low. and creeks are almost dried up. some altogether. —[Since writing •these notes there has fallen a light, steady rain of several hours' duration and turnip crops have freshened up wonderfully.]

February B.—Anyone who could hay& predicted such a dry season as we have had. and are- still having, and its duration, would not only have made a reputation a-s a weather prapb«t, but would have been, worthy of canonisation as the patron saint of Southland. There is still an opportunity for someone enough to predict when we may expect a copious rainfall to refresh and renew theparched face of Nature. It seems at present as if the hard! and drought-reiit soil could neve* again receive enough, moisturer to satisfy. Creeks and ditches that were rcver known to be dry before have now been dry for some time. I know we- have not suffered as they hare up north, but this- immediate' locality and some neighbouring' districts do get less rain in * dry season than some other parts of Southland. Although the pastures have been bare all summer, stock are in good condition,-and. on farms not tco heavily overstacked more fat lambs hare been taken off" than for many years previously. I' know of one- farmer on heavy swamp land 1, where the season h*s. suited bis pasture for fattening, who» ha» taken over 300 fat lambs from something) like under 400 ewes. Another, with one lot of ov«r 100 ewes depasturing- on senriswamp land, had 80 lambs drafted and sold a* fat* * Ryegrsss.—The ryegrass harvest is in full swing. While it is not yielding much to the acre, th& seed is heavy and bright. Scores of farmers who had. set apart considerable areas for- st^d, as -tJxey- vrere in former years in the practice of doing; were forced later on to put the stock on to them, wiili the result thai; there is nothing like- the usual quantity available, and those parties -will, in many cases, hwve to purchase- later on for their own requirements. Tie grain harvest will be fairly general vnith. another week of warm weather, and i£ the- weathec continues dry it will soon be got over. I have not heard of anyone turning stock on to their grain crops jusl> about here; but no one remembers cropp being 1 so light all over. The crops sown on turnip ground are in most cases a total failure, and while- there are some fair crops on lea ground, the bulk may be classed from light to poor. Not only ar» the crops short, but so thin in the ground that if we have heavy -weather to knock them about many of them would never cut. Roots.—Potatoes and the early turnips seem to have done better than anything, but late«own turnips- have got no chance at a-11, and even where they brairded have not grown' well. Those sown on the fiat have come away mnch better than when ridged. It is too early to say what th© turnip crops may be, but so far they promise fair. | Excursion and Picnic —The Diuuimond j School excursion and picnic is to be held at 1 Colac Bay this«.year. A considerable number ! of schools hav-e fixed upon the/-°ame locality. which is admirably adapted as a seaside resort , for up-country school cliildren and grown-up people too. I think that in the matter of I excursions and picnics this summer has beaten ' all previous records, leaving- out the Exhibij tion and other holiday outings, inc'uding ! shows. The most general turn-out from here 1 has been to Invei"cargill and Winton to have the pleasure of bearing the Be3Ees o' th' Barn Band. It was a big day for Winton. and to most of v* the playing of the band was simply a revelation

Februa<-y B.—The weather stn! continue dry wi'h a slight sprinkling Tiow and again - just enough to moisten th<* yiiiiKe whic'i 13 koe dried up again by s>tron% w.iuU hum \ arious quarters. Bush Fires.—Bush fires are the < rder ft tlie day. As soon as the wind up. so do the fires. February 1 will long 1c lemembered by many m this and surrounding districts The wmd rose to a gale ri the- momma; from the wpvl and nor'-weat. I and soon it was evident big fires woaid rage. Mesfers Macdonald and Richardscn and Hailand and Warnock'3 sawmills were the first in danger, and Mrs Macdonald oog. Mrs Richardson had hard work to keep their i houses from being burnt, until hp'.n arrived. The first to arrive weie Mr Widdow=on (e»giiLeer in charge of railway), Mr Murphy, and Mr Stennlng. Soon rnoie help was available, and both dwelling koukes wcTe saved , but Messrs Harland and Waanock's sawmill (which h»* been idle some time) waa burnt. Somel of the saws, beltings c-U. . were saved, but it will be a =enous loss to the- owners. As soon aa the worst was over there, a body of men turned 1 their attention to Messrs j. and W. G-nyn's, where there was plenty to do to save tho buildings.. Then word went round that Mr A. Miller was hard pushed, and a number of men went to hia assistance, and managed to save his property from- serious damage. Three or four railway men were burnfc out; others had a hard fight -to save their tents. Mr Henderecm was in eerioua danger, but with assistance saved all the buildings, but lost hundreds of posts. Many others had all they cculd do to eav& their belongings, and al' were heartily glad when the wind died down and night fell. It was the nios' serious fire yet experieacetl is. tlua district. But it

may be orly the forerunner of many. Th« thanks of the district are due to Mr WiddowEcn, who, as sooa as he saw imminent danger to rattlers, sent word to every man to cease work and assist, and hiniself led tho way, and thereby set free 50 cr 60 men. Accident. —A sad accident happened on the =aiue day to 'Mr Eobevt Marshal at Lat'.A mill. He vras felling in the bush, wlie.i ihs higli wind broke a branch, which, m fa'liKg ttruck Mr Marshall on the head face, and shoulder. I hear he i& progressing fa', cmrabiy.

February 11. — The weather since I wrote last has been extremely dry, and everything has a bnrat-up appearance. Yesterday 'morning lam began to fall and since then we have had seme thunder showers, which will do a lot of gco<3. "Water- for stock has been \ery scarce, all the creeks and springs being dried up. Farm Work. — Gra&s seed threshing is about finished, and as far a« I can learn the y:e!a has- been light, but the seed is heavier than usual. A few farmers have started the oat harvest, and judging from the number of stooks the yield, will he only half of what it was last year. The turnip crop in some cases is fair, but a quantity sown on the raised drill has failed to put in a« appearance ; and some fanners have re-sown on the flat, but unless the weather proves more fa-voiuable they will not come to much. Personal. — I regret to aay that Mr J. Lain**, of Carterhope, is still in Dunedin Hospital, and is making slow progress towards recovery. We hope soon to see him about again restored to his usual healthi and vigour Summer Show. — The- summer show was- held on Wednesday, February 6, in. "Warepa Hall Alter the extremely dry season we have had some thought it •would, be wise to let this year pass without holding- a- show. However the -committee decided to hold one, and I am glad to say that there wa& a better display than had been expected. The gale of Friday, February 1. spoiled flowers and vegetables which were being kept for show, and so there were not many entries in these classes; but m the clasßes for butter, scone°. etc., there waa more competition. Mr 3 Dalrymple, and Messrs A. Somerville and C. Naish were the judges. On the same day the ladies of the Warepa and Kaihiku branch of the P.W.M.U. held a sale of work, the show committee ha-ving granted them permission to have a stall. There was a quantity of useful and ornamental articles made by the members for the sale, most of which was disposed off during the afternoon and evening. Considering that the day was- not too fine, there was a good attandance in the afternoon. and a great many more attended m the evening. During the afternoon there were comp'atitions for sawing, chopping, and stepping; and in the evening nail-dnvmg and hat-trimming competitions for ladiee which created some amusement. Mr W. Marshall presented a sheep and Mr G. Somwvdle a, lamb for -guessing competition. The president (Mr J. Grigor) and the secretary (Mr J. Wilson), together with the members of the committee, worked well to make- the show a success^

PeV'tiary 9— l ( would appear chat no satisfactory arrangement can be come to between Alexandra and Clyde as to a united function to celebrate- the opening of tbejai - wa y from Orafcra to Clyde. The Clyde people have .bgbtif rec e a«r fro~ tfa«x former position by mbolvujs to make the openin" a general one for Central Otago. ±sut even tiiis apparent concision doesn t meet the views of the Alexandra people, hence it has been determined to call a public meeting for next Friday evening to discuss the whole euestion. As there are several matters of vitai importance to the welfare of the district to bnng Wore the Acting-Premier as well as the form&L opening of the Omakau->lc-xandia section of the railway, it is quite within the bounds, of probability that the Arting-Prjmier may see his way clear !•„ devote a day to Alexandra. Railway Station.— The station buildings are now fully completed, and the contiactor. 2ir M/'Lean. has done- his work, in a praosewoithy manner. The srfcrtiou verandah, which has been erected at the request of the Hailv .iy League. 19 a substantial at met are, and wi4 admirably suit its purpose. Suggestions.— As the boundaries >f the Tuapeka electoraite have been so altered a* to place Mexa.idra, as its geographical centie. and as it is now the largest town within the boundaries- of the electoiate the Bciough Council migJt senoubly consider the advisability of approaching the Acting-Premier to ]-v "before him the claims of Alexandra to he tlv principal poling centre of the ek<toiate. and the residence oi the registrar 01 electors for the electorate. 1 wou d alw. suagest that ih<>y point out to him tna ( , a-" the amoi nt of couit. business done ut Alexandra is considerably m excess of the Business done- at Clyde, it would be a convenience "to the public using the machinery of the court to have the court records housed «t Alexandra^ wbeie all court business should ba dene Further, I would suggest that tue Borough Council a&k the> ratepayers to give them the power to borrow, say, £2000 on negotiable bond", for the purpose of asphalting the footpaths and improving the sanitary conditions of the town. Minister of Mine* —The Hon the Minister cf Mines visited Alexandra on Wednesday, and several deputations waited on him 10 bnnjr under his notice matters in connection with' his department. The question of water < on=ervaticn foi mining and irrigation purposes was laid before him. but e'icited ik< definite promise from the MinibEer exLei^t that the question would recei\ c consideration The matter of prospectirg for quartz reeis and deep leads was dwelt upon by several cf the speaker", and in the di-cu^on tli-» question of aid to prospectors cropped up one speaker asking the Minister if he wou'd grant a subsidy of £2 to £1. The Minister replied with an unqualified negative, j-tating that he would grant £1 for £1 up to £150 or- £"200, but nothing until a report wa» forthcoming from an .expert as to the nature of the country to be prospected Even then the applkitien for the grant would have to be made through a Miners' Association or oilier responsible body. Railway League — A meeting of the Railway League was held on Thursday evening, .when it was unanimously resolved, notwithstanding that the railway h&a heen completed to Alexandra, to continue in existence as a body to assist the Dunediu League 111 advocating the speedy continuation of the railway to Hawea Lake.

February 11.— ifucb sympathy was felt for tlio Eev. Mr Miller when :t was known that ho had returned from hiß hohdav at Pounawea. seriously ill. Dr Sutherland, who i\as called m, diagnosed the case as . one of sppendicitis. Mr Killer was in a serious condition for some days, but hy3 many inendii will b« glad to hea.r that under the skilful ' cua of bis medital advisej: be is now out of

danger and that an operation has been a\oided Band Concert.—The Bosses o' th' Barn Faud gave an afternoon performance in iiiiton lasrt Tuesday. The attendance was large, likewise the amouiu taken .it the dtor, th(^ m«nagement wisely, in its own interests, dec imn^ to sell two-shilling tickets until the sitting accommodation was filed with its five and thiee-shilhng^ patroHs. The total amount taken was orta.ted to be >;ose on £120 a large proportion of which .wis contubuted by visitors from Bale utha and Lawrence, who were present in strong foice. Xeedless to say the playmg of baud was a revelation, and even the perspiring " pit. ' which stocd in a sweltering mass n side the dcor. had nothing but praise- to give the performance. A return visit is mentioned Xew Schoo!hou?e. —A new schcolhouse has Lcen built at \*e:ieynioie, and Ihe event was celebrated in rig-lit royal fashion la*t Fiiday e\ emng by a most successful concert and dance For the concert part of ihe e\cnmg's prcx-eeluigs a most attractive programme had been arranged, including a 'pteoli by the Rev. P B Fraser. cf LoveT-< Flat, a member of the Ediication Beard, who dealt mainly with the evils of ceniiah--a-tion of educational affairs at Wellington and with the disadvantages under which country =choo's at present labour The dance wTu;h followed the concert was equally successiiu. and the proceeds, which amounted to about £9, will «;o towards getting the surroundings of the scbool in order. The Milburn Disaster.— Quite a gloom waa cast over the district on Saturday morning when it was rumoured that ac the result of a. nreinature explosion at the Mi.buxn lime quarries two men had been killed and three men severely injured. Further particulars unfortunately showed that the rumour was orly too tiue The two men killed wore Jchn Fyffe and William Cksserley, the formw residing wiih his mother at Milburn and the latter with his parents at Fairfax, while Patrick Casserley. brother of 'William Casseiley, was so severely injured as ..o necessitate his removal to the Dunedin Hospital. Charles Tay'or. foreman at the quarry, also sustained serious injuries, and Henry Pearce injunes of a less serious character. The greatest sympathy is felt tor th 3 two families into which bereavement has so suddenly come. In me case one son has been killed, whue. the ether is lying serious-ly injured in the hos-pita'. In. the case of young Fyffe, the circumstances aie equally *ad. as he is ibe third] member of the family who ha.« been accidentally killed during the pa«t few years, older brother. Joeeph. having been killed through tho capsizing of a dray at Paeroa- about a month ago. and anotTier brother, James, having mot his death through falling down a precipitous cliff into the rocky_ bed of the Tokomairir^ River at Canada Bush a,bou+ eight- years ago. An inquest in connection with the Milburn fatality was commenced on Saturday before 5Er John Somerville actingccrcner, but was adjourned till Thursday next. Evidence may then be forthcoming that n-ill lead to the elucidation of the mv«tcry as to why the charge exp'oded as it did. I

February 12.—A fine rain fell here for sis or seven hours on Sunday "morning, beginning 'oon after midnight; showers fell in the afternoon, and also on Monday. The heat was very great on Mfonday, but there was no drying wind, so fhe land got tho fvi'l benefit of" the ram. Reaping nas commenced. sorn« o£ the crops already cut looking very well — n.uch better than nas expected, even if .the stocks aie not a* thickly placed as usual.

Febiuary B—DryB—Dry weather sti'l continues, and a high ba-rometer indicates that we nefd ii ot expect rain in the immediate future. The lurnip crop despite the dry season, piomises to be unusually good. Grass is going off rapidly It wants rain, and a lot of it Crop'J aje upenmg fafet, one or two paddocks near Fairfax are already in str.ok, and the yellowish tinge of others is tausing farmers to think seriously of harvest The School —The Fairfax Schoo,l, which >?- 0 |^.npd on the 4th, commenced opeiation* for the new year with a new teacher. Miss ilcek, who resigned her portion as lmctie^fe at Thorn bun- has taken charge here Annual Picnic.—The annuaJ, and now extremely popular, picnic of the pupils ot nil the £< hooU fiom Nightcaps- to Fairfax came of! at the old. favourite spot. Colac Buy Benc-lt. -se«terday. The Drurumond and Caltnui' children .» ong\ with a goodly nmnupr 01 adults, joined forces with the local cont ngei't, and made it the largpfet crowd that h<<s o\ er left Fairfax on one train. The day was perfect, and the outing thoroughly enjoyed by both young and' old Colac, vith its tine stretch of perfectly safe beat)), it.> picturesque mit:vo bush, and its gra«,y krtlls. & an ideal place for school excursions Train arrangements were exceileut. two "Brocia.'.s being utilised for the event. Trucks vere ccnspicuous- liy their absence, and tin-. ye»r. for the nrtt time, tarrwgw w<?n» provided for all. Sawmill —Timpany Bros., whose sawmills at Seawood Bush were destroyed by fire, have commenced work again at tlie-ir P'airfax mill, which had been closed down for a. number of months. Railway Mattw" 1. — 1+ has l^een cfficially liotified that a station master's refcidente is to be erected at Fairfax

Februaiv 9 -- The long spell o£ dry wealbe'-ha-s matle pio»pectj anyihmg but proim^iii" lor faru'ei- Tho oldest residents in the distrn t teil me it is the driest tea^on they havr» e\er known Feed is vc~y -.card' Tn ■ boiough toniiti 1 was \<-iy lorlnnate m gpl.\.iiig the wa-ter supply m the nick of time. School—The annual school picnic was heM to-day at I'uketiiaki. The day was all that could be desned, and the committee did all that lay it their powei to make the picnic a success Fully 400 attended, and as one of those present, I consider it was one of the be=t social gatherings I hare ever attended. Old and young alike thoroughly enjoyed themselves I regret that the local band did not tee its way clear to give the children a little music However, Mr William Moffat, with his bagpipes, attended at the railway statio i. and did full justice to "' Auld lang syne ' Tlie chairman of the committee desues it mentioned that the- committee were highly pleaded with the railway department's arrangements. I take this opportunity of congratulating the Mosgiel High School committee upon their successful annual gathering.

February IL—The many friends of Mr J. P. D^ack will be interested to learn that ho has onco more returned to our mxd&t after many years sojourning in the golden West of Australia, and looks h«tle and hearty. It was like old times to see him at the Early Settlers' social renewing his more youthful days by (to u=e Ins own expression) " haein' a burrl." The Weatlier,—Since mj liu>t not » drop

of rain naa descended on- our droughtstricken pastures, and the outlook. for winter feed and for stock is very gloomy. There- is a great scarcity of water for household purposes) aa- the majority of tanks are- completely dry. Quite a raid is being made on tfce pumps and watering troughs, and so great is the drain on them that the supply in some, which heretofore weie never-failing, is nearly exhausted. Picnics. — Last week we had quite a delugeof picnics vi our township. No leas- thatt four were held, and it was quite a carnival for the juvenile portion oi the community!. The Early Settlers held- their annual gathering on the* prettily situated Domain ground^ where a large number had foregathered from the surrounding districts to exchange reminia*cences of bygone days. The gathering included a good sprinkling ot visitors front Dunedin. and as far north as Oamaru. Tho day waa beautifully fine, and everything passed off most successfully, thanks to ate energetic committee and the- tact displayed by 3tr Thosi Allcock, sen., who made an ideal' secretary. The Athenwum Hall was packed; for the social in the evening, and despite the fact thai some oi the speakers- failed- to put in an appearance, able substitutes wen* found, and the audience thoroughly appreciated their efforts. Mrs Burgen (nees Miss Tillie Jones), a. visitor from Melbourne, received quite an ovation, and she delighted the audience with some fine a\3 Scotch songs, as she was, wont to da manyyears ago when she lived in our midßt. Th» Presbyterian Sabbath School held their aannsl gathering in Mr Diaek'a paddock, an*' the Primitive Methodist School held their* mMr Ca-ntrell's paddock. St. John's Sunday School spent an enjoyable day at the beaah*. which is an ideal resort far picnic parties. Prizes.— Quite an innovation in Waikouaitt was the presentation of prizes at the Publio School last Monday afternoon. The local school committee deserve to be highly commended for this progressive step. Parents ot the scholars showed their appreciation by a - tending in large numbers. Mr William Riisseh, chairman of the committee, presided, and was supported by several members of his comr mittee Prior to the distribution th« prizes the children were addressed by the chairman and Messrs Thos. Smith, AFleming, and S. R. Smith, members of tna committee. Mr S. R. Smith wound up a, capital speech of twenty minutes duration. on our grand educational system- by exhorting the children to be loyal to their P*«™Jtheir teachers, and their country and, standing as they weTe on the threshold of m^ne impressed on them the necessity of tttanff full advantage of their opportunities. H» warned them that " wastecs "at school were usually the " wasters " in after We. Tb« committee «ere extremely liberal with their prizes, and the want of space- preclude* m» from furnishing more than the first three of each standard. The prize-winners were , w. follow: -Dux of school: Ethel £»•**■*- Standard VI • Ethel Whettor, 1 ; Pemberton, 2; James Ruseell, 3. »♦«*»**> Ella Crocome. 1: Lance- Kerr 2; £«W» i Cunningham, 3. Standard IV: James-Aitehe-?on 1? Dorothy Prescott, 2; EU-.Dw.Wto. 8. Standard in- Minnie Prescotfe I; Em. Jonos, 2; Herbert Brown .B. SUndarf 11. were preeented to 14 pupils. HA-WKSBURX DOMAIN BOARD. ( WAIKOXTAITI. Pebruaiy' 5. ~ nSLISi rf^'. 4 w£« Ie T t C »ns"r i ',"»i ...tod U»t over 300 .««,. Sbv a donation of 421 17» from the focal Relation Society, the board was enab'ed to form a new track 440 yds long by 16ft wide, l ch has proved a. great attraoboii when »port» are held on the ground. . Moio filhng-in in the Recreation Ground is contemplated so as to provide a, bowhng green. ThTreceipts for the year ending Decembg 31 exclusive of credit balance of £110 6s 4a from Se former year, were-rents of reserve* and pastures. £15* 19s 4d refund, 10s donation, £'U 17s. The expenditure was— new works i'lsß 10s sd . ordinary maintenance M^» Ts'Tcl, trees. £11 0* sd , salaries (clerk and isuaoer) £17 15s sd ? other expenses £o 3s Id; leaving a credit balance of £50 15s- 9d. The report and balance sheet were adapted. Among other work* it ww i decided to open v,> some springs in the Beach Reserve for th* u'e of cattle grazing there, and to lay. poison for rabbits on the Matanaka face. A transfer of section*. L - 21, and 30 from J Valentine to H. S. Allcock was agreed to It wa* resolved that the cUrk ■«*««* notices to the tenants of the board that in terms of lease an inspection of the domain sections would be made in due course to see that the conditions of lease were being fulfilled It was decided to dispense with the mi vices of the present ranger and to call for applications, for the comlfmed office- of inspector and ranger, also that applications bf , ailed for a dayman to do all the casual laboui of the board. A< counts to the amount oi £& 10« 6d were passed frr payment.