The Evening Mail. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURIST. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1878.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 805, 9 November 1878, Page 2

The Evening Mail. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURIST. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1878.

Oamaru town has been quite deserted throughout the day by its busy tradespeople, who wisely took advantage of the beautiful weather for holding holiday. The gale which blew last night with such force as to cause the Caberfeidh,which was lying in the roadstead, to drag her anchors, was followed 1 >y a grateful reaction this morning in the shape of showers of rain which were sufficiently copious to lay the dust and make the sunshine which has prevailed throughout the day doubly enjoyable to all. People flocked into Oamaru by the numerous trains, some en route, for Duncdin from the North, and others to remain for a while to enjoy the delightful change of air and scene which Oamaru affords.

The Hon. Mr. Sheehan and the Hon. Colonel Whitinore passed through Oamaru last night en route, for Dunedin, to attend the Volunteer review. They will, we believe, return to Oamaru on Monday ; but it is not certain whether the Native Minister will then proceed to the Upper Waitaki to settle the "native difficulty " there, or postpone doing so until ho visits Oamaru again, which, we believe, he proposes doing shortly. Tlie annual Re-Union and Conversazione of the Oamaru Y.M.C.A. is arranged to come oil" on the 15th (Friday), in the New Hall, Tecs-street. The arrangements are of a somewhat novel character, and the entertainment is to be divided into three parts. The first hour is to be devoted to a promenade tea ; the second hour to conversation and examination of scientific and other instruments, some of which are en route from Duncdin, we believe. The final hour and a half to some short addresses and a new service of song, specially compiled for the occasion, entitled, "The Old, Old Story." AVe can only regret thai the entertainment is to bo confined to members and their friends, as'we feel sure that a large number will Be unable to obtain admittance. It is notified in our advertisements that the admission will be strictly by ticket—no money will, therefore, be taken at the door. We should have added that delegates are expected from the Dunedin and Christchureh Associations.

The Hon. R. Campbell, being the only candidate proposed for the representation of the Ohau Riding in the County Council, has been declared duly elected. A children's service will bo held in the New Hall, Tees-street, at 0.30 to-morrow ; the eight o'clock service will also be held as usual. We are informed that gentlemen from Christchurch are expected to address both meetings. Captain W. J. Barry, who has obtained for himself the reputation of being one of the most original and mirth-provoking lecturers in the Colony will deliver a lecture in the Volunteer Hall on Monday evening, on the subject of colonial life and experience extending over 50 years. Wherever Captain Barry has delivered this lecture he has received the most flattering notices from the Press, and we have therefore every confidence in predicting that those who visit the Volunteer Hull on Monday evening will obtain a great treat. Captain Barry, who is, we are informed about to proceed to the Home Country as a lecturer for the Government in connection with the Immigration Department, intends shortly publishing a book, entitled " Ups and Downs, or 50 years of Colonial life," the lecture to be delivered by him on Monday being an outline of the work. He has already obtained a very laru-e number of subscribers in every portion of °the Colony, the list including several ministers and many of the foremost politicians of the country. We to-day had the pleasure of viewing a very handsome medal, technically termed a "Past-Master's Jewel," which was presented to Bro. Wansbrough on Thursday night last by the members of the Lodge Waitaki. The following is the inscription oh the reverse aide of the medal, which fully explains the reasons for its presentation :—"Presented to -Bro. .Fames Wansbrough, P.M.. by the Lodge of Waitaki. No. 1111. E.C., as a token of respect, and for his efficient services, as W'.M. during the years 1573 and 1577. The medal which consists of IS carat gold, was manufactured in London by H. T. Lamb, Masonic jeweller, St. John's .Square, London. It is prettily designed, and consists of a blue repp silk ribbon, decorated by three elegantly worked golden bars, and a medallion pendant, around the face of which is beautifully engraved in relief, "Lodge of Waitaki, N.Z., No. 1111.," whilst the centre is occupied by chaste Masonic signs mounted on blue opal. We are pleased "to be able to inform our Duntroon friends that M» Pryde, the Secretary to the Education Board, is now on a yisit to the district, his business being in connection with the Duntroon school -r.ffi-.i-rs about which we have written so often. It is satisfactory to learn that Mr. Pryde, on behalf of the Board, has visited Duntroon, and has fixed upon the sites for the schoolhouse and residence ; the former will be on a reserve in about the centre of the township, and the residence will be on two sections (16 and 17) situated in block 111, given bv the Hon. R. Campbell. Tenders are to bn immediately called for the erection of the necessary buildings. We congratulate the people of Duntroon in having at last, after a hard struggle, obtained a promise of thenrights. .