MOTUEKA.

Colonist, Volume XL, Issue 8746, 14 December 1896, Page 2

MOTUEKA.

[From oub own cobbesponbint.] It is now about ten yeara since Motaeka waß first made a centre of examination for scholarship candidates, and after being continned for fire yearß, it was for come myaterioos reason deprived of the oonvenience, and was discontinued for about five years, candidates from this sido in the meantime having to go to Nelson to be examined, when it ooald hava taken place here jast as well. However, all is well that ends well, Motueka has again been made a centre. There have always been several candidates from Motaeka alone, to say nothing of those from Riwaka and Brooklyn and other outlying diatriots, and the Board is to be congratulated

o n again allowing the examinations to be hfiUl here, and whioh it is hoped may now be continued as a permanency. Thin year there are seven candidates from the Motuekff School, threo from Biwaka, and one fronj Brooklyn, and the fact of thesa being exam, ined hero will not only be a convenience bat also a great saving of expense to the parent*, as in addition to the expense of tbe oandw dateß oni of the parents, or a friend, in« variably had to aaoomoany their children, and the detrimental effsot induced by iha sea trip will thus be obviated, and the inconvenience arising tberefrom will bi avoided, many of the cindidates having frequently entered tbe examination room suffering a recovery from the effects of a trip they were not accustomed to, and consequently they we-e not in a fit state to cop a with the task before them. Tin drought now beiug experienced is beooming a periou3 matter, and now that the exoitem?nt of the elections are over, people are complaining from all quarters, and unless rain comes quiokly the wheat yield will i» greatly diminished, the straw will be short and light, and the ears are not filling. There will also be a ory of scarcity o! water. The hop bines, which were late (owing to he cold weather experienced in the earif part of the spring) in running up the poles, are also much in need of rain, and it is to ba hoped for the sake of the district generally, and particularly those who*, to a certain extent, depend upon this crop aB a means of livelihood, that a ohange will soon take plaoa and a welooms rain will again fall and replenish tbe earth. The Ladies of St. Thomas' Churoh Guild intend holding a Bale of work at the Institute Hall on Thursday, the 17th inetant, when a varie'y of useful and fanoy artioles will be exhibited and offered for sale, the proceeds to be devcled to the augmentation of the Cburob funds. There will also be the popular Christmas tree for the Bpeclal amusement of the juveniles, and a flower stall will also ba included, in addition to which there will be a refreshment stall, and afternoon tea will also ba provided, and those who have previously patronised similar exhibitions by these ladies are well aware that the refresh* ments will be provided in a very Buperioe manner. Arrangements have also been madia for providing additional pleasure daring the evening, when Biuging, quadrilles by children io fancy dresses, tableaux, plantation chorußes, and sketches from Dickens wil; ba introduced, so that altogether the public may rely upon enjoying a most pleasant time, and it is to be hoped that the energy displayed by tha ladies will be amply rewarded by a large attendance, and still larger purchases. Motu-ka, December 12, 1896.