MIDDLEMARCH..

Otago Witness, Issue 2840, 19 August 1908, Page 39

MIDDLEMARCH..

August 17. — The rainfall for last month was sin, which is about a vecord for the district. Very sharp frosts at night have been tho rule of late, with bright, warm days. There is every prospect of an early spring.

Concert. — A concert was held here recently, and a collection made in the district in aid of th© Presbyterian Orpha.na.g-e. That institution will he benefited to the extent of £20.

School Concert. — The annual school concert was held in the New Hall on Friday evening. The night was fine, and a good audience was present. The band played at intervals before the opening. The following ladies and gentlemen assisted with the programme: — Misses Sim, Elliot, and M'Cullock, and Messrs W. Robertson, Turnbull, M'Cullock, Mathieson, M'Fadyen, M'Morrin, Cameron, W. Thomson. D. Thomson, and Fraser. The accompaniments were divided amonar Mesdaines Mathieson' and Robertson and Misses Horn and Turnbull. Mr W. D. Mason was in the chair. At the conclusion. Mts W. Kirkland proposed votes of thanks to the performers and chairman. A dance followed, for which, excellent music was provided by Miss Myers. Mr Coutts made an efficient M.C. During the evening Mr Thomas Mackenzie, M.P. (chairman of the Education Board) addressed those present on educational matters, and congratulated the people of the district on the increased attendance at school, etc.

The Taiei-i Seat. — After the concert Mr Mackenzie met a large number of the electors in the committee room, and explained his intention of contestina the Taieri seat if sufficient encouraorem-ent was given him. He briefly explained his opinions on the leadine current questions of the day, and answered ouostions. It was unanimously resolved that tho^e present form themselves into a committee to forward the interests of Mr Mackenzie in the Strath-Taieri district. Mr W. D Mason occupied the chair, and the usual votes of thanks terminated the proceeding^. The ScliooT. — During the day Mt Mackenzie visited the school, and saw for himself the urgent neeessitv of providing extra assistance and increased accommodation. He addressed the children, and gave them some good advice. Three cheers were Sfiven for Mr Mackenzie. Another matter brought under the notice of Mr Mackenzie was with respect to the recreation ground •which it was ande-rstoocT had been eiven to the district some years ago by the Hi?h School Board of Governors. Mr Mackenzie promised to inquire into the question of vesting control of the ground in the district.