MATAKITAKI NOTES.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 260, 13 February 1886, Page 2

MATAKITAKI NOTES.

(from our ow t n correspondent.) February 10th. This district has suffered, together with the rest of the couutry, from the late drought, though fortunately the bush fires have not proved so destructive as elsewhere. The miners, of course, have suffered the most from want of water, or rather have done so till last week when some smart showers fell reviving the sinking spirits of the farmers, who were beginning to have grave misgivings as to the main crop of potatoes, and grass to support the cattle during the winter; even now many will be forced to reduce their stock at a disadvantage, the feed being so parched as to afford no nourishment whatever.

Monday, Ist February, the Anniversary of the Province, was a large day at Hampden, (I beg its pardon, Murchison,) being the Annual Fete of the two schools, and if the Inspector had only seen the muster, he would have had no cause to complain of bad attendance ; a goodly number of adults also took advantage of the opportunity and rendered justice to the good things provided. The catering ot Mesdames Lynch, Downie, and O'lvourke, elicited from ail who had the good fortune to enjoy it, enthusiastic, and well merited commendation. The proceedings of the day were brought to a close by a grand ball, wheu the votaries of the goddtsf Terpsichore performed many rites in hei honor to the inspiring strains of the twc able violinists, Messrs O'Eourke anr* Lang, and desisted not till interrupted by :he cows, coming home to be milked.

The only incident that occurred to mar the harmony of. the day was a distressing accident that happened to the youngest son of Mr Dixon, contractor for the bridge, aged 12. The little fellow was jumping at the standards, erected for that purpo : e, and tripping, fell with his arm under him, resulting in a tincture of the forearm, and owing to the absence of any properly qual.fied medical praetioner at Mnrchison was, after temporary hand ging, removed to Nelson.

The contractor has now completed the horse.-hridge over the Mataktaki, and another dangerous ford is now circumvented. Though the subject of approaches (of some considerable length, as it is some distance from the road) still remains a mute point, our impecunious Council and dilatory Government being at issue thereto.

February Ist was also nomination day for the Local Licensing lieu eh, and owing to there being no new candidates or obi vacancies resulted in a walkover which save* the abovementioned Council considerable expense. John, the almond-eyed, has been enjoying himself, in his own peculiar manner, with much brandy, opium, and crackers, together with startling concocted viand, compose*' of the most diverse of comestibles known to the human race ; the occasion being their New Year. Quid Nunc.