Local and General News.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 144, 17 December 1896, Page 2

Local and General News.

There will be Mass at St. Bridget's on Sunday next, at 8 a.m. The Birmingham school concert will be held tomorrow evening. Members of tbe Manchester Rifles are reminded of the parade this evening. A magic lantern entertainment will be given in tbe Makino schoolhouse this evening. We have to acknowledge receipt of a pictorial almanack from Mr G. B. Healey, saddler. A new advertisement from Mr James Trewin, of the Public Benefit Boot Depot, will appear to-morrow. The absence of music at the Polo Sports yesterday made the proceedings rather " wersb " as the Geordies say. The heat for the last lew days has been very oppressive. In fact Feildiug has been as hot as Auckland and as dusty as Wellington, We have to acknowledge receipt of three convenient " Royal Exchange Assurance " almanacks for 1897, from the local agent, Mr T. Watson. The new platform at tbe railway station is rapidly approaching completion. The station buildings are being renovat ed with a mach needed coat of paint. Tbe Wairarapa Daily Times reports that :— Extensive bush' fires are raging between Eketahuna and Pahiatua, and also in the bush at tbe back of Parkyille. We have to acknowledge receipt of complimentary tickets for tbe concert in aid of the Feilding State School, to be given in the Feilding Assembly Rooms to-morrow evening. We understand that Mr W, F. Watts has sold his interest in the Manchester Hotel to Mr Barrett, who was formerly landlord of the Lolytou Hotel. The new proprietor will enter into possession ou Monday noxt. In our local columns yesterday we stated the meeting of shareholders (No, 3 issue) of the Longburn Slaughtering and Freezing Company would ne held on Monday next. This was an error and should have beeu Friday ito-mor-row) at 2.30 p.m. A statement, closely bordering on the libellous, having been made tbat the Wanganui river was " low," we are informed by the Herald that arrangements have been made tc create a sufficient depth cf water for the excursion steamers by melting the snow on the ranges. This is very pleasing. Today Mr P. E. Daniell advertises to let a four roomed cottage at ScoU's Ferry. For several years past in the summer season many of the Feilding people have availed themselves of the advantages thus presented of having a pleasant holiday ou the ocean beach, fishing, boating and bathing. Tbe cottage referred to was found convenient aud satisfactory in every respect. One of tbe most attractive features of tbe Wellington Industrial Exhibition is the dainty Tea Kiosk belonging to the Empire Tea Company. Here tbe weary sight-seer may be refreshed by a cup of the delightfully fragrant Dragon blend deftly served by neat - handed and attractively-dressed young ladies. Each visitor to the Kiosk is, in addition, presented with a sample of tea aud a tastefully got up illustrated Damphlet, bearing upon tbe tea operations by this enterprising firm. Mr John Cbowen, of Waverley, bought (says the Chronicle), one of Mr William Wilson's rams at tbe last Wanganui Ram Fair, and ou taking it home clipped 13lb ©f wool from the animal. On the 30th November (eight months later) the ram was shorn again and gave the astonishiDg fleece of 221 b, making a total of 351 b for 15 months' growth. We believe this to be a record, aud is certainly a feather in the cap of the noted Wbenuakura breeder- Auotber of Mr Wilson's rams, bought by the same gentleman, gave 31 lbs of wool. On Tuesday evening last a gathering was help in tbe Methodist Church at Colyton to welcome Mr T. A. Smith back. Mr Smith had been absent in England for nearly two years studying for tbe ministry but had to return to New Zealand owing to his health. The church was crowded and the Rev J. Cocker presided. Addresses of welcome were given by Messrs J. C. Thompson, J. Gould, R. L. Pudney, and W. F. Fen. wick, and Mr Smith gave an interesting account of his visit to and his impressions of the Home country. The addresses were interspersed with music and refreshments were afterwards handed round, a very pleasant evening being spent.