FAIRFAX.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 27

FAIRFAX.

Juno 22. —Tho weather, which has been remarkable fine rlurin.e tho greater part of tho ii"ii'V hroVo a few days ago, and a south-easter!;.' rain ■ :\l almost for 2A ho irs Th? \parima. has been twice in fi 1 -i"vi'i'>- t'jc -week, and is running bank high to-day. Changes.—Prpperties in this district are

constantly changing hands. Mr Symmington has sold his Riverside farm, near .Fairfax, and Mr Connor has disposed of his flat kind near Gropcr's Bush Railway Station to Mr Evans, who hails from the Drummond district. Literary and Debating Society.—The Fairfax L. and D. Society commenced its thirteenth session on May 16 under the presidency of tho Rev. J. 11. Robertson, M.A., the new minister of Limestone Plains parish. The meetings so far have been very well attended, and interest in this well-established institution is apparently as keen as ever. Members are expecting to hear a good debate on .the 27th inst., when tho subject for discussion is, " Has the Farmers' Union Justified its Existence in Southland?" Mr Wm. Ford (ex-presidcnt of tho Farmers.' Union) takes the affirmative, and has for Iris seconder Mr A.'ex. MTConzie (Mains and Blair), and Mr G. Carmichael (president of the local A. and P. Association), supported by Mr D. M'Farlane, will lead on the negative side. Land Ballot.—Several of the bush sections lying to the west of Fairfax and Ringway that were balloted for early in the year were drawn by people living a long way from Southland, and who were probably not aware of the nature of bush country in ♦ these parts. So far no -work has been done on these holdings, and it will not surprise local residents if these prizes fall back into the hands of the Government.

New Sawmill.—Messrs M'Oalium and Co.. whose sawmill was. destroyed by fire a few months ago, are rebuilding on the edge oi the bush, about two miles distant from Fairfax. The firm expects to bo ready to commence operations within the next month. Personal. —Mr and Mrs Anderson were tendered a social and presentation in tho Public Hall prior to their leaving the district.