MATAURA.

Southern Cross, Volume 5, Issue 41, 15 January 1898, Page 12

MATAURA.

On Sunday last we had some very heavy thunder with an occasional shower. Mr J. B. Humphries lost a valuable mare on the same day. It was struck by lightning while grazing in the paddock and was killed instantaneously. Daring the whole of Wednesday thunder was in the air, the lightning at times being very vivid with occasional showerj.

Thursday, although free from thunder, was marked by a scorching norwester, followed by a sou-westerly buster. About mid-day the rain came down as though we had had none for months.

At the annual meeting of tbe Christian Endeavour Society held on Monday, there was a good attendance of members —Mr Macandrew occupying the chair. The reports of the different committees showed that the Society on the whole, during the past year, had done good work. The roll showed that the membership had not materially altered dining the year; this fact might lead people to believe that tbe Society had not made any progress in the work it hud undertaken, but such is not the case as it is more by the work done than by the number on the roll that you have to judge as to the progress or otherwise of the Society. This being so I can safely say that it has tried to carry out irs pledge — ‘ For Christ and the Church.’ The treasurer read a statement of receipts and expenditure which showed a credit balance of £1 5s 8-|J. The election of office-bearers were as follows, viz., Hon. President, Rev. J. M. Davidson ; President, Mrs (Dr) Hendry; Vice-presidents, Miss Macandrew and Mr John Smith ; Secretary, Mr Stewart; Corresponding Secretary, Mr Healey; Treasurer, Mr John Dickie ; Reporter to a religious paper, Mr D. Y. Dickie. A picnic is to be held on Wednesday next at the Maori Bush, or some other suitable place failing the former.

At a meeting of the band committee it was decided to accept Mrs Humphries’ offer of the ball at Is per night for practising. Messrs Macandrew and Shanks wee authorised to sign cheques on behalf of the band. At a meeting of the Horticultur d and Industrial Society's Committee on Wednesday a large amount of business was done, such as appointing judges for the various classes, door-keepers, and sub-committees- to attend to staging, receiving, etc.

As there appeared to be some doubt about being able to get Mr Cameron’s hall for the show, arrangements are to he made for securing of the Oddfellows’ hall, and a laiae tent to be placed at the entrance of same, provided the Council give permission. From present appearances the show gives promise of being as popular as ever, and given fi< e weather should prove every whit as 8 iccessful as those held hitherto.