WINCHESTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3416, 8 September 1885, Page 3

WINCHESTER.

(Fbosi ova own Coebespondent.) Winter has once more given place to Spring, but tho warm weather of the past month, while it has induced Nature to send forth her leaves earlier than usual, has not been without its disadvantages. Cattle and sheep have suffered much from the drought, and colds have been very prevalent. A regular nor'-weßter blew here on Saturday afternoon and evening, accompanied by lightning j but with the exception of a few showers, no rain fell, and a calm clear night followed. Sunday broke warm and bright. Towards the afternoon, however, the wind shifted to the south, the sky became overcast, a piercing cold wind followed, and some heavy showers were experienced. It was hoped tho long wished-for rain would fall during tho night, but towards midnight the wind fell, and a sharp froßt followed. This evening (Monday) it was bright though cold, und the rain seems further off than ever. These sudden and violent changes are trying to the strongest constitution, so that there is no wonder that those m delicate health are suffering from colds and low fever. We now boast of two blacksmiths' shops ; Mr William Barrett having commenced business as a shoer and general blacksmith. The cottage lately built to the order of Mr Deßenzy is now occupied. It is a wellGnished building, and fills up what was formerly an unsightly gap m the township. Many improvements m the way of fencing and cultivating vacant spots are also noticeable. The ordinary monthly meeting of the School Committee was held on Friday, the 28th ultimo. Tho members present were Messrs Ensor (Chairman), Robert Smith, W. Klee, and James Northam. The minutes of tho previous meeting were read and confirmed. The master reported a falling off m the average attendance owing to sickness. It was decided to hold a concert and dance m October next, m aid of the school prize fund. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned. Mr G. Fraser, teacher of Orari, has resigned, and Mr D. Munro has been appointed Ms successor. Mr Munro is expected to take charge next week. Mr Robert Smith, woolscourer of Smithfield, entertained a number of his friends at a ball on Thursday evening last. Some forty couple were present, and dancing was kept up with great spirit until the small hours m the morning. This is the second party given by our kind and genial townsman, and it was looked forward to with much pleasure. It is needless to say the guests anticipations were fully realised, and that everyone enjoyed themselves to their heart's content. The affair was m every way a success. The usual monthly sale of 6tock was held on Friday last and was well attended. The sales effected were at satisfactory prices. The members of tho Winchester Masonic Lodge, No. 1737, E.C., intend giving a bull m the school on Friday, the 25th instant. The Committee appointed to carry out the arrangements are working energetically, and it is to be hoped their efforts will meet with success. A large attendance is expected. This reminds mo of a great want, namely, a public hall. With the exception of the school we have no place m which to hold an entertainment of any kind. For many reasons the school is unsuited. There is no doubt the erection of a building to hold say two hundred persons would be a paying investment, and I hope shortly to see one erected. I have to record the death of Mrs Pearee, late wife of Mr Pcarce, nurseryman, of Orari. Mrs Pearce had resided for many years m the district, and her loss will be felt by a great number of friends. Her funeral, which took place last Sunday week, was largely attended. Her remains were interred m the Ger.tldine cemetery. Tho news of the death of Miss Cameron, of Timaru, was deeply felt here by many who had the pleasure of her acquaintance, and much sympathy is expressed towards her relatives at her untimely end.