MATAURA.

Southern Cross, Volume 4, Issue 42, 30 January 1897, Page 12

MATAURA.

The crops are looking wonderfully well despite the dry weather, and give promise of a good harvest, although a large quantity will be very short in straw. The root crops are all looking well and coming on rapidly, thanks to the timely and seasonable showers which came just When wanted. The Christian Endeavour Society still has a good attendance at its weekly meetings, and members are evidently in earnest in their work.

The death of Mrs E. Townshend. took place at her husband’s residence on Monday after a long illness. Verygeneral sympathy is felt for the' family. Her kind disposition had won her many friends.

The members ot our local band should feel well pleased with their committee. lam happy to state that the society is at last free of debt, and all interested are to be congratulated thereon.

There is a chance of the local Rifle Club being represented at the forthcoming meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association in Feburary, as the secretary (Mr Shanks) intends being present it able to make the necessary arrangements.

Our town had rather a deserted appearance on Wednesday, the day on which the excursion train ran to* Co lac Bay. Everybody who could possibly manage to take advantage of the trip went. The train left here at about 8.10 a.m., and did not reach here on the return journey until after eight in the evening. All came home tired but well pleased' with the outing.

A fire broke out in Mr MacDowell’s dwelling house on Wednesday afternoon. The alarm was speedily given and ready hands quickly arrived on the scene and by prompt action verysoon had the fire under—not, however, before some damage was done, the place being saturated with waters Damage to the extent of £lO resulted. The building is insured, I understand in the Standard Company’s office. The fire is supposed to be due to a flaw in the fireplace below the colonial oven, caused by rata working their way through.