BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue VIII, 25 February 1899, Page 250

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, February 6. The farmers must have a veryanxious time this season, for we have had most unusually moist harvest weather. It seems as though spring and autumn had changed places, as the weather we have been experiencing lately would have befitted the spring rather than the dry weather that we then had. Heavy rain began yesterday at midday, and has continued almost unceasingly- since, so that the rivers are bank high, though, so far, they have not overflowed, nor is it anticipated that they will unless we have a great deal" more. The ccach to Kaikoura. which started at an early hour this morning, had to return to town, as the Taylor river was uncrossable. About a week since the rivers were exceedingly high, and a cutting made though the Boulder Bank by- some of the farmers in the lower Wairau was opened, and the result was that the flood water, instead of running two miles further before reaching the sea, had an immediate outlet, which lowered the water at once, and, creating a greater fall, relieved the tow’n immensely’. AN EXCURSION TRIP by the steamer Opawa is advertised to take place next Wednesday, to enable those interested to see "the new channel, and no doubt if the day is favourable many will avail themselves of the opportunity of gaining the sea. It is only eight miles distant in a direct line, but- the tortuous course of the river makes the distance 12 miles. It is not easily accessible byroad, the powers that "be having done little or nothing to render it approachable. The distance to White’s Bay- puts it out of the question for an afternoon drive, especially as part of the road is very heavy, but if there were greater facilities for reaching the sea beach by a shorter road many would be able to enjoy a whiff of the sea on the usual half holiday, particularly those who possess vehicles of their own. Nortbcote’s kinematograph has been exhibited here for three nights to verylarge audiences, and those who attended it speak very highly of the scenes, particularly those representing the Spanish-American war. It was enlivened by vocal music, the singers being Miss N. Beresford and Mr H. Baxter. A SOCIAL was held in the Church of the Nativity Sunday schoolroom on Fridav evening in honour of Mrs A. Sowman, and for the purpose of presenting to her, from the members of the choir, a handsome oak and silver biscuit barrel, and an oak and eljony silvermounted afternoon tea-trav. As Miss Grace Cribb, Mrs ‘ Sowman had long been a member of the choir, and had also acted as organist and teacher in the Sunday school in Manse Road, the superintendent, teach.rs, and children of which presented her with a handsome hymn

book bound in Russian leather on the Sunday preceding her marriage. At the social the Ven. Archdeacon Grace made the presentation on behalf of the choir, and Mrs Winstanley, as an old member of the choir, presented a lovely bouquet to Mrs Sowman. We are delighted to hear of the success of the Picton senior crew, both in Auckland and Wellington, and alsc of the Picton juniors at the Regatta in Wellington on Saturday. I fear that Blenheim will never be represented at a Championship Regatta, for as her men necessarily practise on the river they are quite unaccustomed to rough water, and is it ever otherwise

than rough at a Regatta?

FRIDA.