KENNINGTON (Southland)

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 39

KENNINGTON (Southland)

December 1.-j-A delightfully warm soaking rain set in early yesterday morning, and continued all day. This was much needed, and the whole district will be benefited by the longed-for moisture. Political. — The excitement and turmoil of the election are now but a memory, but" while the event was in the air it proved the all-absorbing topic of heated, not to say acrimonious, discussion. The result of the Mataura election was very keenly awaited, and the comparatively large majority against Mr M'Nab was a surprise to not a few. Whatever our political opinions may be, * we cannot but regret the absence from Parliament of a. man of the ability and integrity of the late member for Mataura. But as has already been said in print, Mr M'Nab is far from being the person most disappointed over the result. His tastes are literary rather than political, and his temporary absence will mean the enrichment of the historical records of the early days of Australasia. Local Industries. — With the exception of the creamery all the local industries are experiencing a somewhat slack time. The sawmills in the district are closed down this year for a month instead of the usual fortnight, and this has led to a large amount of labour being thrown on the market.

Amusements.— Summer is naturally a slack time for indoor amu-ements. We had the annual school concert recently, and the financial result is most gratifying. A very varied programme was presented and much enjoyed by the large audience. An unusual item for this district wa« a gymnastic display by Mr Galloway and two of his pupils. This proved a. most popular attraction. At the largelyattended dance which followed excellent music was provided by Messrs Thomson and Clark. The Myro?s Church social, which was held last week, was attended by a gathering which overflowed the church. A good old-time tea meeting was held, speeches were delivered by Revs. Gumming, Lindsay, and Burrows, and musical items and recitations helped to pass a most enjoyable evening. A club is being formed by the young people of the township for the playing of games during the summer evening^. TTlis is a good idea, and if properly organised it will do much to promote social intercourse. Public Library. — The annual meeting of this institution * was held last week, the balance sheet disclosing a satisfactory state of solvency, while the number of volumes nearly reaches the fourth century — not a bad result for a five-year-old institution. A most popular move was made last year in connection with the library — viz., the starting of a circulating magazine club. This has been co highly appreciated that the committee has decided to increase the number of magazines from four to six. Personal. — One of the best-known residents of the township — Mr H. King — has been on the sick list for many weeks. He is, fortunately, now convalescent, and we all hope soon to see him restored to robust health.