ST BATHAN’S.

Dunstan Times, Issue 400, 17 December 1869, Page 3

ST BATHAN’S.

(from our own correspondent.) Deo. 21. The dry weather still continues, without any appearance of a change, and the water supply is dwindling to small dimensions. If this state of things lasts our anticipations of a merry Christinas are bkely to suffer a diminution, With poor ground and high water rates, matters look bad enough without the additional cbawback of a scarcity. Such a contingency might be prevented, or at least greatly alleviated by the Entevp’ bo and Mountain Companies amalgamating to construct a race from tjv Manuherikia to the source of their pregtat supply and then dividing the water. The Scandinavian, which is raised from that river, never runs short. s uch an addition would greatlv enhance the value of the abox r e properties, and, as the water will, in after years be available for Drybread and other places, the idea may, perhaps, be worthy of the consideration of the shareholders.

The oiMmi tgof a sluicing claim on Kildare Hill, which has been under protection for years, was the ocof. iouof a novel ceremony last Thursday. An immense flume of fifty feet, in height has been constructed to ugjy water on to the ground. At its completion the propretors decided that it should not be a thing without name; accordingly a youndlc. iy, daughter of one of the .sherebel decs, was invited to perform the baptismal ce oniony. This she did in good style, dashing to pieces the orthodox bottle of champagne,and starting the now company unr er the euphonious title of the Pride of Kildare. Success to the undertaking was drank by the spectators in bumpers. Music and dancing followed, and if the concern does not prosper it will not be for the want of a grand commencement. An art union, in aid of the school funds, will take place here shortly. There are some fine prizes for distribution, consisting of literary productions and works of art. The impecuniosity of school committees does not seem to be a rare phenomenon in Otago. This community, at least, is being continuity drawn upon in one way or another for contributions. However, under the all 1 e management of the new master, Mr. MDairmid, it is continently hoped that the institution will soon be self-sup-porting, and the necessity for “quasi” i baritable levies be done away with. The Temperance Society, wbic.i is a very strong body here, intend boldin > a grand pic-nic on the 31st iust. Invitations will be issued to friends, and with n nsio, dancing, snorts, a d plenty of good one r, the comm.,tee hoj eto achieve a grand treat for the St. Eathauitrs.

The petition from tueminers tothewa’er companies, requesting a mine, .on in me charges sp k’ nof in my last., has not yet neen ausvored, to 1 deter any comment until I hear what the acquatic an ho. ities have to say on the subject. Your Drybread Correspondent gives the prices current, except in tna c;.se of butchers meat. Prices quoted there for all other a. tides are the same as here. A little wholesome opposition, however, enables us to get our mutton at 2d. and 3d. per lb. and beef at 4d. and Gd. On the whole living is cheap.