COUNTRY NEWS.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13757, 24 June 1913, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

MURCHISON

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Tho newly formed debating society is rapidly gaming popularity,"if. the increased number of listeners is anything to go by. Last week the subject was impromptu debate©, the names and subjects being drawn from a hat. Some of the subjects were decidedly funny, and the debates more laughable. At the conclusion tho best debate was declared, after a show of hands, to be "Should wo patronise Chinese labour." On Wednesday evening the subject was/ "Is town life preferable to country life." This, debate aroused considerable interest,, and extra seating accommodation had to be provided in the hall. Mr,. Stone led for the affirmative, and was supported by Messrs. Willis and Norrif). Mr. M. Rogers led for the negative,, his supporter's for country life. being Messrs. O'ltegan and Clayton, After an interesting debate, in which the town supporters had all the worst of. tho argument, the audience declared by an overwhelming majority in favour of the country party. At the last meeting of tho vestry of St. Paul's Church it was decided to collect subscriptions towards the purchase of a new organ, and Mr. Fairhall undertook to interview Mr. Cawthron, of Nelson, concerning tho matter. Tho interview was very successful, Mr. Cawthron generously donating £20 towards tho cost of the organ. 'With such a splendid start there should bo no difficulty in raising the balance required; so in the near future wo hope to sco the. new instrument installed.

For some past the Mothodists of the district have .been collecting funds towards erecting a church in Murchison. Tenders were recently invited for the building, and the contract has been secured by Mr. Bx*edbury ? so it will not be Jong .before Murchison will be able to boast of possessing threo churchos. „ /

The additions to Downie's hotel, with tho exception of the painting, are now completed, and tho improvement to-tho appearanco of tho building is very marked. Even with tho extra accommodation provided tho house has already on several occasions been .full. In addition to the extra bedrooms there are two roomy shops downstairs. These are occupied by Mr. O'Rogan, our popular tailor, who has commenced a hairdressing saloon. Fortunately for- tho Band his barber, Mr. Bartlett, is a good cornet player—just what was very badly wanted. There is also every likelihood of another first class player coming to the place shortly. Tho new instruments will arrive in about a month, so that the public mayl look forward to' having first-class music in the near future. Subscriptions towards the new instrument fund are coming in freely, the latest being £10 from Mr. Cawthron. Needless to j say tho band very heartily appreciates] Mr. Cawthron's generosity. j Our new Council Chambers are now practically completed, . and the- clerk and tho overseer move inta their, comfortable quarters, in the course of a few days. This * building _is a great improvement to the township.

Several new residences havo also been erected recently, but still there is no slackening in the building, trade. If, as your Takaka correspondent says, new buildings are a sign of prosperity, Murchison must bo prosperous indeed.

For some weeks past we have heard a great .deal about £he snow carnival, which was to be held in aid of the funds of tho new Methodist church. Curiosity was aroused', and as a result a large audience assembled at Stockton's Hall to-night to see the snow. Tho hall was tastefully decorated to represent a snow scene, and the whole effect was very striking. A splendid musical programme was presented, and greatly enjoyed. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler opened with a pianoforte and cornet duet. Songs were contributed by Mesdames day ton and Coldwell, Mossrs, Robson, Coldwell, Fowler and Fairhall; duets by Mr. Robson and Miss M. Randerson, and by Messrs. Randerson and Robson; while Miss Randerson and Messrs. Clayton and Cowie gave recitations. Mesdames Fowler and Coldwell played most of the accompaniments, Mr. Rogers acting in that capacity for Mrs. Clayton. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton appeared before us for the first time, their items being greatly enjoyed. After the concert the Band held a dance, the floor being fully occupied till about one o'clock.