PICTON.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 32, 6 February 1913, Page 5

PICTON.

[from our correspondent.! Thursday

PROMOTION SOCIETY.

A meeting of' the Pictoni and Sounds Promotion Society was held last night. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. Dickson. The secretary reported that the Society had undertaken to assist and arrange for Mr McNab's lecture next Tuesday, The matter of providing a. lantern that evening exercised the minds of those present, as it was found impossible to procure one in Picton.—lt was1 resolved that the secretary try to procure one in Blenheim or Wellington:.

A special committee vises set up to arrange the sale of tickets, booking of seats, and other prelimniary work in ■connection with the lecture.

The secretary reported that the funds in hand were insufficient to pay accounts ■owing.—lt was resolved that an appeal to the public be- made for subscriptions of Is and. upwards. The question of further beautifying work was discussed, especially Nelson Square; but it was resolved to leave the matter over till the annual meeting in March. OUTBREAK OF FIRE. An alarm of fire was given on the fire bell -yesterday morning, the cause being a small blaze which occurred among some rubbish behind the gaol. A fowl-house was burned, and a house in course of erection was in danger of catching alight; hilt prompt action on fhe part of the fire brigade checked the flames. THE FIRE FIEND. Bush fires are again prevalent on the hills in tlie vicinity of the town. Every year the fire fiend reaps a harvest amongst the native bush. During last evening a large fire was raging on the top ridges behind Essoii's Valley, amongst the beautiful bush. Human agency must have been at work, as it is next to impossible for the fire to have originated of its own accord. Fire amongst this lovely bush is nothing short of vandalism. It is a pity-the culprit or culprits cannot'be punished, as the crime (as crime it is) is a most serious one against the inhabitants of Picton and posterity;. Every year sees the bush diminishing, and black scars and bare patches increasing. 'While one portion of the Picton community are discussing ways and means of beautifying the town, -certain-.individuals who do not possess a soul capable of admiring anything above a thistle or a fat sheep, are doing their best to disfigure the hillsides and surrounding country by destroying the virgin-, bush thereon, which can never be replaced. SWIMMING TROPHIES. At a meeting of the Swimming Club on Tuesday evening the trophies won at the recent sports were presented by Mr G. J. Riddell (chairman) to the respective winners. Mr Riddell congratulated the recipients on. their swimming capabilities. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to Dr Redman, Mrs Stuart, and Mr W. Ivamy for special prizes presented by them for competition. . ' 1 It was resolved to hold a 100 .yards club race on the evening of the' 17th instant. RAILWAYMAN INJURED. While at' worit. moving railway sleepers on Tliesda^Mr J... Mclntosh had the misfortune-to get one of his fingers badly crushed, necessitating its amputation.