District News.

Southern Cross, Volume 17, Issue 8, 5 June 1909, Page 9

District News.

WAIMAHAKA. Good progress is being made with the extension of the line from. this place. Formation work has been made to about four miles from here. The cuttings, of which there are a number, are composed of granite and clay, and require skilled labokr. There are about 70 men engaged—some local and a good many Australians, and single men at that. Of course some of the workers are married, and have their wives and children with them. There are also single men from other parts of the colony. Knowing that there are some men idle in Invercargill, most people think that they should have some say in the matter, more especially as some of the men from the other side are not experienced in railway work. The inspector should have power to appoint the most suitable workmen. The inspector (Mr McMahon) is a most capable officer. and does his best alike for workers ahd the Government. The navvies gave a ball in aid of the school funds on the 21st of May. Mr Fox, manager 'for Mr Preston, placed a large wool shed at their disposal,, and there was no doubt about the enjoyment of the company. Talk about the low birth-rate ! It was a sight to witnessi the numbers of healthy young folks flying over the floor in the mazy dance. People of older growth were also in evidence, the total attendance being about 160. WREY'S BUSH. Our quiet little township was all astir on Tuesday last. For some time preparations have been! going on for a concert in aid of the hall funds, and the committee's efforts were rewarded by a bump er house. Father

O'Neill presided, and complimented the residents on having such a suitable hall in the district, on which there was only a debt of £43. With the proceeds of the concert a' substantial reduction will be made. A number of Invercargill performers were present, and won loud applause from the audience, as also did the local contributors. The following took part : —Bagpipe selection, Mr C. Wilson ; Songs, Misses Kirwan, McGrath, Ross, Clapp, and Messrs T. Brown, W. Wilson, and G. Lindsay ; Highland Fling and Shantreus. Miss Stevenson ; hornpipe, Mr G. Lindsay ; duet, Misses Kirwan and McGrath. Mrs Cupples played the overture in capital style. At the conclusion of the concert Mr Power moved a hearty vote of thanks to all who had contributed to the success of the entertainment., NIAGARA NOTES. O'ur neighbours at Halda'ne", treated Mrs Wilson, their school teacher, to a social evening on 28th May. Mrs Wilson, who has left for Hokonui, was highly esteemed both on account of her personal. qualities and character as a teacher, and her many friends wish her abundant success in her new sphere. Mrs Wilson was the recipient of several handsome gifts, handed to her in an appropriate speech by Air Harvey, chairman of the school committee. Mr Lopdell is the' new teacher.

Our three sawmills are working away briskly, and a fourth will soon be completed for Messrs Mol'fett and Co., one of our most enterprising local firms.

A service of song entitled' "The Calif ornian Nugget" was given in the Niagara Hall on the evening of May 28th in aid of the organ funds. The money taken at the doors was supplemented by a few subscriptions, and the sum of £ll 6s was netted a very satisfactory total. Mr J. Johnston, the Presbyterian Home Missionary, made a first-class conductor, and Mr White, teacher at Quarrie Hills, did good service as reader of the connective passages. Another worthy worker was Mrs Woods, mistress of Niagara school, - whose organ-playing was a very.p:easing feature of a most successful entertainment. Secretary 1 Sihipworth, ' who • had 'worked hard in the good cause, must have been pleased with the success achieved. After the service of song Air Mainland, of Quarrie Hills, intimated that Air .Johnston, the Home Alissionary, was leaving for Stewart Island, to which charge he had been appointed by the Presbytery for a term of three months. They were all sorry to lose Mr and Airs Johnston, and had asked him to give tangible expression to their good wishes by presenting Mr Johnston with a travelling bag and a set of silver-mount-ed carvers, and Ales Johnston with a silver tea service. Air Johnston suitably acknowledged the gifts on behalf of Mrs Johnston and himself. Air Johnston, who has laboured in the Waikawa district for the last ten months, had the misfortune to sustain a severe fall in September last while on one of the numerotis horseback journeys involved through the wide extent of country to. be covered, but it is hoped that the change to Stewart Island, where less travelling will be needed, may restore him to his wonted health and strength. All who know him sincerely hope that such may be the case.