" JOTTINGS " FROM RAKAIA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1894, 16 July 1888, Page 3

" JOTTINGS " FROM RAKAIA

After a long spoil of splendid winter wea her, we have hsd ft few wet days vhich put a atop to farming operations. However, farmers this yeer are well forward wl'h their work, and are anxiously looking f >rward for better yields and pricea There is a large area of crop already sown, every advantage having been taken of the remarkable season.

On Thursday evening an Orange ball was held m the To* a Hall, and despite tho wretched weather there was an attendanca of soma sixty couples, from all parti of the district. The ball was opened m the usual loyal manner, and wai the moat successful and onj >yable one held lathe district for m»ny years. Mr Pearce, of Lauriotoo, mada a first-rate M.O Excellent music was provided by M< Curtis, and dancing was kept up till dawn. The refrestmants were (supplied by MrG. Murray m hit nsuil style, and recaived ample justice at the hands of those present. A few days before the ball, application was mada to tho Lodge officers for a free pass to admit a few people ' jasfc to see what an Orange ball was like, not to dance yon know." It la almost needless to state that the applioa tion was very properly refused. I mention this by request, In order that officers m the future may be saved the unpleasantness of having to refuae such unbeoomlag and mean applications. On Friday evening, m the large schoolroom, Mr Windsor gave the children and a number of adults an hour's amusement with a magio lantern and a number of views kindly lent by Mr Lytteltou. He was loudly cheered at the close of the evening, and well he deserved it. For the past twelve months Mr Windsor has Interested hlms M In obtaining subscriptions for the purchase of a magic lantern and views for the amusement of the ohildren, and his efforts have met with success. Not only this, bnt he has spent muoh time m preparing a large canvass sheet and other requisites m connection wlih the show. I understand that the whole oonoern, whioh will bo to hand shortly, will be handed over to the Sohool ' Committee for the benefit of the Bcholaro. I shall forward a description of the same on Its arrival.

Mr Dlxon, the headm»Bt3r of the public, schoo', has recovered from his unfortunate accident, and resumes charge of the aohool on Monday,

A week ago I received through your oolamns, by one " UnseotariaD," a hint to send yon jottings Well, Rakaia is a quiet place, and nnless I wander In my* mind, and manufacture yarns, I oan't give you a regular supply. By the way, " Unseotarlan " has not given me a call during the week ; at least, if ho has he has not made himself known as the author of "Wanted at Rakaia," He may come yet,' and if he doea I mus.t indo.ee him to subscribe to your valuable paper. On Monday last a copy of your ■ "Guardian " was borrowed from a Eub- i soriber by six householders, and the copy yon so kindly forward free to the Library was stolen. I most admit being softhearted, and at a meeting of the Rink Club's Committee, out of sympathy to " Unsuotarian b " feelings, I moved •'That as so many social advantages are to be gained at the Rink, and there are so* many opportunities of rising a step on the social ladder, arrangements be made for taking the ball for, at least, one month longer than originally Intended." The reaalutlon was carried unanimously. It was also decided to have raoes, etc, every evening.

Mr Winkleman, an officer of theß.N Z., who has been with as for some months, made h'mself a general favorite, and his removal to Auokland will be regretted by a host of friends,

Satisfactory arrangements are being made for oar conoert m aid of the Library funds, which takes place on the 27th, and the affair promises to come oft well. Meetings of ratepayers are to be held at Doric on Wednesday, and R&kaU on Friday, to consider the Abolition of Road Boards question. The general opinion expressed outside is decidudly against doing away with the local Board.