THE KAIKOURA STAR KAIKOURA, MARCH 20, 1903. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Kaikoura Star, 20 March 1903, Page 4

THE KAIKOURA STAR KAIKOURA, MARCH 20, 1903. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

• - - ♦ Messrs F. Parsons and Renner have been added to the Commission of the Peace of the Colony. The Collie Dog Club will meet shortly to arrange for holding the annual trials. ’

The number of lights, evidently those of steamers, seen off here, well Nor’-East', about half-past ten o’clock last night suggested that the Australian Squadron passed the Kaikoura Peninsula about midnight. Were the run from Wellington to Littelton or. vice versa, made during the hours of daylight people living along the coast line would be afforded 'an opportunity of seeing the war-ships—though at a distance it would be better than nothing. Perhaps the suggestion might be conveyed to the Admiral.

There has been unprecedented movement in local pastoral circles this season (says the “ Marlborough Express ”). Sheep have been going forward to the Picton Freezing Works in larger numbers than ever: and record business has been done by buyers for the Southern markets. It is estimated that during the last three months over 60,000 sheep have gone South overland. During three days of the week before last quite 21,000 sheep passed through Seddon on the way to Canterbury. On Saturday a line of 8000 sheep from the Sounds went through Blenheim in the same direction.

The Kaikoura Dairy Company is advised of the sale of consignments of its cheese in .Lqjidon at £63 per ton. As the price has since increased in the Home markets, it is possible that later shipments of Kaikoura cheese have sold at a proportionate advance. What a pity that the local dairymen have not doubled their milk-supply this season. Their harvest from the pail would, verily, have been a bountiful one. Richer, by far, it will undoubtedly be this year, but how much better than in any pre•vious period we leave to their mental calculation. A little thought will show them how much greater the loss account is.

The local bakers notify that a reduction will be made in the price of bread as from April Ist. The Hack Racing Club decided, on Wednesday night, in favor of holding a Winter meeting in June, provided that the Metropolitan Club agree and the Stewards of the Club assent.

Lieut. Campbell’s proposal to light the K.M.R. Drillshed with acetylene deserved greater consideration than it received. The use of such an illuminant would be a vast ini pro vement on kerosene, which must be used very liberally to light up the spacious apartment. There can be no doubt those who argue that, from a volunteer point of view, better uniforms and equipment come before illumination of the hall have much in their favor. The men holding such vievvs are actuated by the true spirit of a volunteer, but as caterers for the public, in use of their hall,, they should remember that by bringing the appointments of the building up-to-date it will obtain a larger measure of patronage. However, they have decided to think over the matter for a year..

A largely attended social, or dance, was held in the Drillshed, after the entertainment, on Tuesday night to formally bid farewell to Mr P. J. Eccleton, of the Post ami Telegraph Office, on the eve of his departure for Auckland. In an interval in the ordinary programme Mr Jas. Davidson, by request, made a presentation to Mr Eecleton of a sum of money subas a tangible proof of the esteem in which he is held here. Mr Davidson, whose remarks were apt and concise, said that Mr Eccleton was leaving Kaikoura to improve his position in Auckland. Mr Eccleton had, the speaker continued, while stationed here, been always courteous, obliging and energetic. He had not only been energetic in his public capacity, but in social and other matters as well, that needed assistance. Mr Davidson concluded by wishing Mr Eccleton God-speed, and saying that he felt sure their parting giiest carried with him the goodwLhes of those present. Mr Eecleton, in returning thanks for the presentation, and the kindly remarks with which it was accompanied, said he only hoped that his stay in Auckland would be as enjoyable as that in Kaikoura had been.

The success of the Member for Hurunui in inducing the Premier to agree to put a ferryman on at the Parnassus ford of the Waiau River deserves the warmest thanks of all who have occasion to use that particularly dangerous crossing. Nothing that the Member for the district has done so far is of equal public importance and value, and his. having “scored ” in this matter is further evidence of his worth in a practically useful manner as a representative of the people. Of course he will view it that the employment of a ferryman is only a prelude, so to speak, to the bridging of the njver at that point. That goes without saying. Mr Andrew Rutherford knows full well, better, indeed, than we can tell him, that the Waiau must be bridged at Parnassus, and we feel sure that it will not be his fault if the work is long delayed. We hope that before his first term of office, as Member for Hurunui, terminates that Mrs Andrew Rutherford will mark her husband's stewardship by formally opening a combined railway and traffic bridge over the Waiau River. May we be there to join in the cheers for the lady and the Member for Hurunui. . —F. Parsons has large entry for his sheep sale tomorrow. —S. Maxton continues drapery sale on account of Oriental Company tomorrow. , -A- sale of the live and dead stock belonging to the Highfield Estate will be held on March 30 and 31 and April Ist. See advertisement. J. E. Hedgman, bootmaker, notifies . that, he is now carrying on business in premises opposite R. T. Pope’s.