EVANS FLAT NOTES

Tuapeka Times, Volume XLI, Issue 5634, 24 April 1909, Page 3

EVANS FLAT NOTES

(Own Correspondent.)

The weather since my last report (with tihe exception of a little frost) has really been as good as summer, and the cry for more rain is frequentlt heard, especially from the miners, whose occupation is dependent on a ood supply of water.

Potato lifting has commenced, and judging froim the good looking fields I should say the returns will be much better than has been the case for some seasons past.

The householders meeting for the election of a School Committee takes j place on Monday evening, when it is to be hoped that the parents will take advantage of theifa rights artel roll up in strong force. The franchise has been extended in the election of School Committees to the women, who have a right to vote as well as '■■ the men. The number of committeemen required or our school is seven.

Great surprise was expressed here when it became known that our missionery, Mr McLennan, who has been supplying our spiritual wants for the past eighteen months, had been dismissed from the service of the Presbyterian Church, and sincere sorrow is felt for. Mr McLennan who has given the greatest satisfaction by the efficient and courteous manner in which he has fulfilled his onerous duties in this community. His sermons wore invariably well thought out and were keenly appreciated by his .congregation. His place will be hard to fill, and the feeling is freely expressed that the Church Extension Corawnittso had dealt very harshly with him considering that the trivial offences with which he was charged (and to which he manfully confessed) had occur reel over two years ago. Moreover, the opinion is expressed that the Church authorities who are responsible for his dismissal have been gfiuiltv of a very illiberal interpretation of Scriptural teaching.

There aro a few men still working on the line. One gan°\ known as Blackwell's, is engaged in top-dressing and levelling the road for the platelayers. Another gang is ballasting the branch line up Munro's Gully to the gravel pit. The engine is expected to make its apnearance On the line next week when, I understand, tihe work of ballasting between Lawrence and here will be commenced. Providing there are no more " stops " the people of this district will soon enjoy the advantage of railway communication.

The people of this district are pleased to note that there is a strong probability of the price of meat being reduced. It is not before time, £or. judging by the price of stock, the butchers can well affoitl to come down a little, especially for cash.