ETTRICK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3455, 1 June 1920, Page 27

ETTRICK.

May 28.—Mattel'? in general have been going along quietly in our district, with little to cause any special remark. Crops' were light owing to lack of moisture, but potatoes are showing a very fair yield. It has been a favourable season for the orchards on the whole, the dry spell having' kept the black spot decidedly ’in check, and the yield of apples is proving very satisfactory. Several of the new orchards are now beginning to prove themselves, and there is quite a demand from outside parts for the fruit, particularly the Stunners. The School —The public school has undergone another change of teacher, Miss Goudie having resigned to take up a city appointment, and Mis? Snell, of Mosgiel, taking her place. ,It is one of the misfortunes of the small country schools not to be able to retain a teacher more than .two or three years, as the inducement of a higher grade is irresistible. To retain a continuity of a teacher despite smallness of attendance should be the aim of cur education authorities.

Church matters have taken an encouraging aspect, and the district, which is part of Teviot parish, is demonstrating the feasibility of united effort by a co-operation of interest'? between the Methodists and Presbyterians in church service and Sunday school. Progress.—(Settlement continues' to go on quietly, and with the rapid growth of the orchards what was once a bare flat has now assumed quite a picturesque appearance. With coal stores privately erected and other enterprises a distinct commercial value accrues to the whcle district.

The Royal Visit.—Quito a. number of the School children were conveyed to Beaumont by ” motor lorry, and thence by train to Dunedin, to see his Royal Highness, “our” Prince, and it was quite, a pleasing feature to them all. One of our residents, Mr Morrow, was honoured in receiving a decoration at the hands of the Prince in commemoration of distinguished service by his son, who sacrifice! his life in the noble and worthy cause of Empire and Kin".