Gore.

Southland Times, Issue 9389, 1 December 1886, Page 3

Gore.

(fbom our own correspondent.) The event of the past week was the election of Mayor, which resulted, as you already know, in the return of Mr John MacGibboD. Our hours of leisure admitted of ample i; me to canvass the voters, yet the only feature in it was a silly attempt to import into the contest the split in the Preebyterian Ohurcb. As might have been anticipated the exorcists raised tbe Evil One to their own confusion. This was the rock on which Mac Gibbon was prophesied to be shipwrecked, and it is to be hoped all concerned will take the salutary lesson to heart and avoid tbruatiog sectarian squabbles into municipal affairs in future. Beyond Mr Simson's stirring printed address the only " types " of note were placards relating to " shoddy " and " quackery," which we were advised to eschew by voting in a certain way. Bat it may be more satisfactory to know that the Mataura Woollen Factory promises (when started) to relieve us of the shoddy, and the proposal of Mr Neil, of JDunedin, to levy a protective tariff on all patent medicines, will, if adopted by Sir Julius, restrain all quackery in that line. " "-noddy and quackery." What would the world do without them ? We can scarcely believe we are so near the |millenninm as to do without them.

By the way, a canvasser was here the other day with the prospectus of a new illustrated work on Australasia, to be completed for ten pounds, and he is said to have booked in Gore and Gordon no fewer than about 30 genuine orders — £300 1 That speaks of progress without poverty, and At same time accounts for publicans going to the wall. What chance has an ephemeral "fizzer and cider" against a lasting eteel engraving at New Zealand iceneey — " a thing of beauty and a joy for ever?"

The Agricultural and Pastoral Show, which comes off on the 7th, will be a great success. The purchaser of the gate money reckons on. at least a thousand visitors besides members. A novel instance of securing a member was brought under notice the other day, A prominent citizen, well known for his" generous distribution of tickets when anything in which he is interested ia on the tapis, said to an unimaginative fellow citizen— ''You would like a ticket to the show ?" '- Oh I yes ; thank*. Ihank you very mncb. : ' Before the donee bad time to think again his name was filled up in a membership ticket bearing a sequence number and the treasurer's lignature, and it was handed across— what could he do 1

The Horticultural Show is promising well ftleo ; tke special prizes being numerous and valuable. It comei off absut the third week of January.

The Gore School has been examined and the report bears that the percentage of passes is 83*3, being two per cent, better than last year, while there has been, in addition, a sixth standard ; one that has not been previously attained. The report is not, however, all rose-water, one or two things being commented upon which a little care and forethought might have obviated, and which would have raised the percentage. The holidays begin in a fortnight, the 17th of next month being fixed for the school concert, always a most enjoyable treat, interesting to parents and to the children a glimpse of Paradise.

I'he Fire Brgade has been showing signs of tardinesa in turning out to practice, but tbe threat of Mr Hanseu to resign A 8 instructor has brought them up to time again, This ii one of the weak points of our local youtb; they always make a splendid start but are apt to get weary before the finish We, of Gore, are all clever, bat require to acquire endurance — not an easy acquisition in these fast times.

We have been interesting ourselves in the cablegram dispute, This is the last phase : the new lady help (9s a week and no servant) to the lady oa Jibe sofa : loyititw — Six Julius has put an end to the cable rupture and we will now have the scandals of the Campbell divorce cases more freely and at the same cheap rate as the exchange quotations, the political situation, and the European crisii. Considerate Sir Julius ! Bow could we live without these English icandsls ( The lady sighs, thinks of her girlf, makes no audible response, and is do doubt &ilently praying for the conversion of the Jews, especially Sir Julius. — Why import the filth 7

The weather is all the agriculturist could desire, and this is a glorious day for Saint Andrew, and enjoy ment.

30th November, 1886.