WINCHESTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3251, 26 February 1885, Page 8

WINCHESTER.

Our correspondent writes as follows : — Harvest operations are now m full force m tnia district. Though the quantity of grain is far short of the usnal amount the yield offers to bo a fair one, and it is to be hoped that the fine weather experienced for the past few days may' .continue until the crops are cut and Btaoked. This picturesque little spot still continues to bo frequented by the knights of the rod, and many good baskets have been taken. It is a pity 'that the excursionists from Christchurch, were not allowed to Btop here, as I am sure many of the residents of the City of the Plains would have takon advantage of a day's fishing or picnicking, 'as their tastcß inclined, had the opportunity been offered them. This concession need not inconvenience the railway authorities as the engines have to stop_ here to take m water, and if the authorities consented to allow passeugers to alight at such places as the train is compelled to stop ut, it would I am sure, be an extra inducement to many and would afford country residents an opportunity of welcoming their Chriatchurch friends. It is also to be desired that the same concession should be granted to residents m this neighborhood of sharing m the pleasure ot a, trip from Timaru to_ Christchurch similar . to that from Christchurch here., , The usual monthly fair was held here on Thursday last, the entries consisting of engine and combine, horses and drays, 43 head of cattle, 750 sheep and 18 pigs. The attendance was small, which can be accounted for from tixo fact that farmers arc top busy with, the harvest to allow them time to attend sales, thinking it advisable to lose the chance of a market rather than risk the loss of their grain by trusting m the continuance of good weather.' The cattle notwithstanding this sold well, but for the sheep and horses there was not much demand, so veraL lots being passed m. A. few were sold privately, . Our school opens again on Monday next, the I6tli inst., ; and as the Committee have decided to. give no winter holidays, it is to be hoped tho little ones have bonefited by their holidays, as a lone time must elapse before they will get another Bpell. .Writing on school matters reminds me that the right of one of the members to sit as a- committeeman has been challenged. It is a pity that tho Act is not more explicit on this , point. From n cursory glance at the &ot, it

would appear that anyone dwelling m tho district is eligible. It is to be hoped, however, that the Board will make pubic their reading of what is meant by a " householder," as objections of this kind cause much unpleasantness, and greatly interfere with the success of education m the district.