Mataura.

Southland Times, Issue 9540, 9 June 1887, Page 3

Mataura.

(from our own correspondent.)

The annual meeting of the Licensing Com* mittee of the town district of Mataura "■vas held yesterday. The police report v/as favourable to the two hotels, and renew&la were granted.

On Monday night about half past ten what might have been a serious fire in Loudon and Mail's engineering shop was avertei by timely notice being given. Constable Lesce, who ives immediately opposite, observed the flames, and threw on a few bncketß of water. A number of residents anived in a Bbort time, and the flames were apparently Bubdued without much damage being done. An hour or two afer wards the constable took the precaution to again inspect the place, when he found it hsd again lighted up. He remained for some time until satisfied that the fire was <ff ctnally subdued.

The first musical cut rtaioment which has taken place thin winter was given on the evening of the Queen's Birthday when the cricket and lawn tennis cluba gave a concert in aid of their funds. It was largely attended ; the music and recitations were altogether very goad j it passed off with considsrnble <cl<it, and a goodly Bum w»b taken towards liquidating the debts of the c.lu h s. It is not unlikely, 1 understand, that the performers may be again indaeed to give tbtiir services durins tbo winter months.

The Ploughing Match Association held their annual m< c ing a few days ago when the balance-sheet presented showed that the Association was in a flourishing state, Some alterat'ODß were made in the rules, and officers were elected for the ensuing 12 mrntbf, A sub-committee was al o appointed to arrange about a paddock in which to hold the approaching match. It is an-ticipate-i that a suitable piece of ground will be foun ' close io the town?hip.

The Town Boar.-! are making some muctaneeded icaprovenjeu f e in the tow ship, euch as fofmi g footpaths and doing some kerbing and channelling. The Bjard propose to pay oft' a loan they have had from a neighbouring body, as they can borrow on easier terms i han they have at present. They paid off a loan of a similar kiod to tbe Tuturan Road Board some two years ago,and on that occasion effected a considerable saviDg. The matter has been remitted to the Finance Committee to report at next meeting.

The paper mill proprietors have received ?ome machinery from Home, and have been getting it fitted up. This caused a stoppage of operations for about a fortnight, but the machinery is now completed and work is going on as usual. A number of hands are steadily employed in this industry, and the demand for the output is still increasing.

Our footballers are busy at practice nearly every afternoon. They played a match lately with the neighbouring club at Gore, when a atifly-sontested game ensued, the local team making strenuous efforts to gain a victory, but fate was against them all through, end the visitors carried off the honour?.

The rise in tbe value of rabbit «kins has induced a number of men to go rabbi bins:. At the price now • btainable there is no difficulty in making good wages and being fully occupied for some time to come, Bkh Jane, 1887.