OTAUTAU.

Southern Cross, Volume 7, Issue 9, 11 June 1898, Page 9

OTAUTAU.

A social was given on Thursday evening in aid of the fund for the additions to the Presbyteriun Church. There was a full house, £8 17s being taken at the door. A very good programme was given, and tea was provided by the ladies of the district. Very interesting and instructive lectures were given by Mr Robert Roberts on Monday and Tuesday. A meeting of those interested in the Debating Society is to be held next Tuesday, and is to be hoped that a good many will turn up and keep it going 0 evening a meeting of subscribers to the athenmum met in

that institution to arrange for carrying it on for another year. Only some ten persons turned up ; whether this can be put down to lack of interest or shortness of notice I do not know. But certainly 20 hours’ notice is very short. However a committee was formed with Mr W. Walker as president. The annual subscription was fixed at 10s, but those using the reading-room only are to be charged 2s 6d. Trucks ! Trucks ! Trucks That has been the cry for the last month all round the country, and nobody is satisfied. Instead of spending d 840,000 odd on additions and tinkering at Parliament House, it would be better for all concerned if the Government were to spend that amount in providing rolling stock for the railways. If they were owned by companies the Government would very soon make their voice heard in the matter. For example, see the Midland Railway Ooy., and the treatment they are receiving. Mr Hall-Jones is to be complimented on his forethought in travelling through the district before harvest. He would find it pretty rough, if he were to try and do the South just now while the cockatoos’ blood is up.