Bluff Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 18, 4 August 1900, Page 9

Bluff Notes.

At time of writing the weather appears to be changing for the better, and not before it was needed. Last Sunday evening we were treated to one of the most severe storms, accompanied with heavy thunder and lightning, that it has been my lot to witness. About 9.30 p.m. a most vivid flash of lightning, struck the earth at Ocean Beach, killed a valuable horse belonging to Mr Aitken, and also, I believe, did some damage to the electric wires in the vicinity. The oystermen ventured out yesterday, being the first time for a month. I wish them better luck this month than they have had during the last.

The local brass bap.il is practising assiduously for the coming contest to be held at Milton, about the end of October. They intend to fetch home two ,‘ firsts ’ this year, so the other bands will have to be on their mettle. At the last monthly meeting of the Harbour Board it was given out that there was an increase of revenue for the first six months of 1900 amounting to £795 above that of the corresponding months for 1899. This is a practical proof of the growth of the Bluff as a favourite bilipping port. To-day (Friday) we have in port two large freezers, viz., the s.s. Otarama and the s.s. Star of Australia, and also the IJ.S.S. Oo.’s Talune and Pnkaki, Since my last (of July 27tb) the s.s Janet Hicoll and s.s Westralia have been in port. The Wanaka will also be here on Saturday, so taking the week through matters in the shipping line are very brisk. The new landlords for the Club and Eagle hotels commenced business on Wednesday last. The houses were duly ‘warmed,’ and ‘mine hosts’ were wished all success, and so everybody is satisfied. Aug. 3, 1900.