OAMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 39, 17 January 1890, Page 27

OAMARU.

(Prom onr own Correspondent.)

January 13, 1890. Harvesting may now be said to have fairly commenced about here for reapers and binders may now be seen at work at several places through the country, but it will not be general for about another week or so. The crops in the Kurrow and Duntroon districts are looking remarkably well, and are far ahead of those about Totars, which this year are unusually backward. Tbe want of rain has had it* effects on the turnip crops, which are not looking at all well. Altogether the harvest outlook is more promising now than it was usjumed it would be a few weeks ago. As usual the agents of reaper and binder machines are busy advertising the respective merits of their charges and the improvements which have been made in them sinoe last season, and everywhere trials to test their capabilities are announced Everyone from here, that is all who can possibly afford it, are flocking to your city to have a look at your big show. Our station accommodation here is severely taxed when the express from the north and south arrives, and the necessity for more accommodation in this direction is apparent to all whose business or pleasure brines them this way. We want a new station here and will not be satisfied till we get it, and built in the centre of the town, where it should have orignally been built. Catholics in this district, both young and old, are looking forward to a grand picnic, which was, I believe, promised to them at the close of tbe late successful bazaar, and are anticipating a big dai'i pleasure when it comes off, as I hope it will soon, as it has already been delayed quite long enough. Shipping is fairly brisk here just now, several veisels being engaged loading for foreign ports. Gran. wool, and mutton constitate the principal articles of export. The breakwater here is now being rendeied more secure by having protective works placed outside of it to break the force of the water, and it is expected that these will prevent a repetition of the break which occurred some time ago, as well as rendering the port safer than before.

The local bands are practising bard for the forthcoming bud contest to be held in the Exhibition in March next, and are det«f. mined to give a good account of themselTes-M they always hat* done— this time above all. '

Oam am has lost another of her pioneers and a most estimable citisen in the person of Mr. Thomas Proctor, who died peacefully s* hiß private residence, Avon street, this morning. Tbe deceased gentleman had by bis kindly bearing and courteous disposition woa for

himself the respect and esteem of all classes of the community. He occupied several public positions, was thrice Mayor of Oamaru, and a up till the time of his death, besides being a prominent member of nearly every society worthy «f note in this town. He leaver a wife and family of grown-up eons and daughters to mourn his loss, which is also deeply regretted by the public generally as that of one whose place it will be difficult to fill, and who could 111 be spared from such a young community. Oamaru is gradually losing the pioneers of settlement here, and soon there will lemain none of that noble band who laid the foundation of the place which now bears the name tf •• The White Stone City." Oh mar v hae a goodly number of representatives at the Rifle Association meeting to be held down your way, and which commences this morning. I have no doubt they will give a good account of themselves in the various con-petitions to be held during the week.