MARLBOROUGH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XX, 15 November 1902, Page 1265

MARLBOROUGH.

Dear Bee, November 3. Our friends the Catholics are like the kangaroo, and go ahead by leaps and bounds, while other denominations are at a standstill, or are in a ' state of retrogression, and many people are asking “Why is this thus?” Not many years ago a large church was built, lately a new convent, and last week a new hall, called St. Patrick’s Hall, was formally opened by the Rev. Father Servajean. The opening was celebrated by a social gathering, where speeches were delivered, songs sung, and dancing Was not only allowed but encouraged as a source of innocent amusement for the young people. Father Servajean, in formally handing over the hall to the Hibernian Society, hoped the society would increase for good and be worthy sons of the land to which they belonged. The Mayor of Blenheim also made a congratulatory speech on the occasion. The anniversary of Marlborough province is being celebrated to-day, and picnic parties overrun the land. Besides numbers of private little outings the Wesleyans are invading the Taylor Pass, and the Presbyterians Picton, where some picnic in the ever-favour-ed spot, Esson’s Valley, and others enjoy the beaches and the boating. Mrs Harris, of Ketu Bay, Pelorus Sound, and her brother-in-la-w, Mr E. Harris had a wonderful ride last week, and Mrs Harris can boast of doing what no other lady has done as yet. The tracks lately made all round the Sounds from bay to bay have brought civilisation within reach of settlers, - who were formerly wholly dependent upon boats. Now they have oil launches, steam launches, and traffic by road. Mr and Mrs Harris had an enjoyable, if long ride, across the Manaroa Saddle, round Kenepuru, and Mahu Sounds, through the most beautiful scenery of throng the most beautiful scenery of

land and water. They are now rest, ing from their journey at Captain Harris’ in Picton. <

Dr. Nairn and Mrs Nairn have returned to Blenheim from an extended trip to the Old Country. The Misses Chaytor (2), “Marshland,” Spring Creek, have gone to Wellington. Miss Maggie Nash, of the Trust Department. Wellington, is staying with her people in Picton.

Mr Gerald Allen, who went to South Africa five years ago, has got on very well in the Bank of Africa, and is now accountant in the Market branch of the bank at Capetown. Unfortunately his health has broken down, and his friends at Picton have received such unsatisfactory accounts of it that they are urging him to give up his career and return to New Zealand, even if he has to take up other work than banking.

Mr T. Scott Smith, solicitor, of Wairoa. has been appointed temporary S.M. and Gold Warden for Marlborough. He is expected to arrive this month, when Dr. McArthur will take his departure. Mrs Robertson, Christchurch, has returned home after a pleasant visit paid to her son at Koromiko. Miss Tressider, Dunedin, is»visiting Mrs Beauchamp at “Anikiwa,” Queen Charlotte Sound. The weather has been so very variable of late that all the early crops have been nipped by the frost in Blenheim and Pieton, from the latter place an enterprising Chinaman, who lost his crop of tomatoes, went off ta Nelson to buy plants. The Hon C. H. Mills has opened his electioneering campaign. He gave a long address to the elecrtnrs in Ewart’s Hall on Thursday evening, end is now perambulating the country, following in the footsteps of the other candidate, Mr John Dunean. People are wishing the province could carry two members, as they are anxious to vote for both. The residents of the Pelorous and 'Kenepuru Sounds met last week and resolved to start a

creamery. Messrs Edward and Greenfield, who have bought over several creameries, are pushing on this new industry for the Sounds.

MIRANDA.