FAIRFAX (Southland).

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 11 August 1909, Page 39

FAIRFAX (Southland).

August 6. — During the past few weeks j the weather has beea remarkably mild — no- 1 storms, heavy rains, or severe frosts; consequently grass paddocks are more forvrar-1 than they usually are at this lime of the year, and farm work is well advanced. Most of the lea ploughing is done, and disc harrowing is the order of the day. Mission Meetings — Mr Hercus, a divinity student, commenced a series of mission meetings at Fairfax en Wednesday evening. They were to be- continued on Thursday and Friday, and are to nni=h on Sunday evening. Debating Society.— The Fairfax L. and j D- Society is still a nourishing institution, j On the 19th ult. a debate took place on one . of the burning questions of the day: "Are , You in Favour of Compulsory Military Training?" Two teams of six ae'ido were arranged, the vice-presidents (Mr G Meek, affirmative, and Mr C. M'Kinnon, negative) acting as leaders. The sides being fairly well matched, a capital contest was the result. Mr W. Ford, of Isla Bank, who was appointed judge, decided in favour of the ( negative. — A debate between tihe Otautau , and Fairfax Societies took place in the ! Otautau To*vn Hall on the evening of j Augast 2, when the building was fairly well j filled by an appreciative audience. The subject was: "Is ft desirable ,thafc Britain should forgo her Fneetrade policy, for a form of ' Protection?" Messrs Fisher (leader), Saunders, King, Burke, Labatl, and M'Neil, M.A., the chosen of Otaurau, spoke in avour of the affirmative, and were opposed by the Rev. H. H. Barton, M.A., Messrs M'Kinnon, Bennett, Brownridge, Hen-ny. and Reichel, tha Fairfax representatives, in the negative. Mr G. Meek occupied the chair, and also acted as timekeeper. Mr J. J. Wesney, of Inverca*gill, who judged the contest, allowed marks for argument, rhetoric, and repartee. His decision was in favour of the Fairfax speakers, who scored 126 points, to their opponents 116. At the conclusion of the debate th: visitors were hospitably entertained by the members of the Otautau Society. Obituary.— Mr John Meek died suddenly at his brother's residence (Mount Fairfax) on the 11th ult. The deceased gentleman was of a retiring disposition ; he was thoroughly versed and deeply interested in current topics. He was highly esteemed , by all -who came in contact with him. i Stock Sales.— The Thornbury stock sale, which was held to-day, was well attended, i There was a moderate entry of sheep, and , a large one of cattle. The sale was bae , dullest' held at Thornbury for some considerable time. All classes of sheep were- j back in price. The demand for cattle, too. was anything but brisk, and very few pens changed bands.