Gore News

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 7, 13 May 1893, Page 5

Gore News

Tlie railway authorities intend to remove a long-standing obstacle abd ve the bridge (one that has contributed to the damage done to the East Gore side) by calling tenders to dislodge some stones that have long diverted the stream. The beautiful weather that we have long been favoured with has at last broken up. In the early part of the week cold southerly rain set in, with snow-' on the hills. The rain was welcomed, many of the farmers having to delay ploughing owing to the dryness of the soil.

The annual services in connection with, the Congregational church were held on Sunday, when the pastor (the Rev. H. J. Lewis) preached appropriate sermons. In the course of his remarks he said the result of his labours among them was best known to themselves. If his hearers had received benefit and had been brought nearer the Master by his his preaching, his duty to Him who had sent him among them was fulfilled.

At the last meeting of the Borough Council the Mayor, on behalf of the works committee, recommended that Mersey st. be ashphalted on both sides —Ashton st. to receive the same attention from Main st. to Dr. Copeland’s • that similar work be done from the court house to Tyne st., and all footpaths be repaired. He reported the present overdraft to be only £950, and that they had a margin of £1225 to spend during his term of office, and considered these works urgent. Cr. Martin thought such a large order too big at one time, objected to asphalting being done in the winter, and considered it unnecessary at the present time to spend £4OO on such work. He was also of opinion that it was unwise to spend up to £2,000 simply, it might be, to gain popularity. He considered it simply borrowing. The Mayor would gain -more honour by keeping down the overdraft than running the Borough into a large expenditure for interest. An amendment was carried that only Ashton street footpath, from Main street to Dr Copland’s, Mersy street on the south side, and path fronting Courthouse only be asphalted. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to approve of the appointment of Lieut. James Boyne to be captain of the Gore Rifle Volunteers. The Knapdale school, under Mr John McKinnon, continues to keep up its reputation. The Inspector reports the management as highly creditable. The teaching is intelligent and impressive, class-management excellent, and the teacher’s relations with the pupils are cordial. Order is excellent : the children obedient, cheerful, diligent, and respectful. The annual meeting of the Gore Teachers’ Institute was held on the pth inst., Avhen Miss Tracey delivered an interesting lecture on “ Science,” illustrating her subject on the blackboard, and was accorded a well-de-served vote of thanks. MrD.Munro (Riversdale) was elected President, and Mr W. Gilchrist (East Gore) secretary. A discussion took place re joining the Invercargill Institute. Several suggestions were made, when Messrs Macandrew (Mataura) and Strang (Waipahi) were appointed to. represent the Gofe Institute at the

Teachers’ Conference to .be held in Invercargill shortly. How that the tree-planting - season has come round, I would suggest that the Borough Council plant each, side of the river with weeping willows. The expense of catting, labour in. planting, and stakes and two . barb wires would not be much, and I feel sure the citizens would gladly give a day to assist, and thus help to beautify our bleak town. The fortnightly sheep sale was held, on Tuesday, when prices showed a decided improvement. The number forward was not so large as at previous sales. I regret to announce the death at Waikaka on Tuesday of the wife of Mr James Patterson, after a short illness. Great sympathy is felt for Mr Patterson and family of six childien in their sad bereavement. Debating societies are now the orderof the day, or rather night. The Presbyterians are the first to get into working order, while the Wesleyan and Congregational are in course o£ preparation. A Parliamentary Union is also spoken of. At the last meetings of the Presbyterian Mutual Improvement Society a paper was read by Miss Morgan subject “ Five word-pic-tures of England, viz., Druids, Saxons,, Normans, Elizabeth, and Pitt. At its conclusion the lady was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.