BALCLUTHA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3336, 20 February 1918, Page 23

BALCLUTHA.

February 18.-The weather, last week was not so sultry as that experienced the pievious week. "Then the temperature-on two days stood at 106 deg which, if not a_ record, is next door to it. The ram that has fallen has helped the farmer with his work, which in most instances is as far advanced a~ has been the case in other years. Local Politics.-" Dirty linen ' was waged at a special meeting of the. Balclu ha, Borough Council, held on Friday everting. The trouble arose through themetallmg of Renfrew street, and the whole argument was conducted in an like manner. The Mayor (Mr A. M JNeii; made frequent references to "***"£* methods of street-formation, end the factory manner in which the work on this particular street was being conducted He had given instructions that the work was to be g snspended, but had been overruled by the Works Committee. He also strongly criticised the borough fore man'« ™rk. .Ne edless to say, the views of councillors, as ex pressed at the. meeting, were very diverse and it took considerable time to >™ a settlement. In the end a vote of MJBn was passed against the Mayor for his statements the borough's employees, and il was decided to continue the work as comm ßank Enlargements-The local branch of the Bank of New Zealand has beenoonsiderably enlarged recently, and isi now up to date in every respect A new front has been erected and brought out to a level with the street-line, thus making the banking chamber considerably larger. Various improvements, and additions have also been made to the dwelling premises. Brass Band.—The annual meeting of the local Brass Band was held last weex. This institution is said to be m a better financial position at the present trrn<* than has ever hitherto 'been the case Returned Soldiers' Association.—A Clutlia, branch of this socioty has been formed lately, and members are very enthusiastic. Enough money is to be raised to start a Returned Soldiers' Club, and a bowling carnival will be held shortly to assist m tnis direction.