Country News

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 15, 8 July 1893, Page 5

Country News

BLUFJ. r . The new hotel known, as the “ Bay View ” opened for the transaction of business last Saturday, and the proprietor (Mr Metzger) celebrated the event by entertaining' a large number ,of friends at supper. The. buildingoutside presents a very substantial appearance, and is agreeably situated, the rooms within are neatly finished, large and commodious, and have been comfortably furnished features which will no doubt commend themselves to boarders. The local staff of the Southland Freezing Company are busy just now getting two monster new boilers into which were manufactured at Anderson’s foundry, Christchurch. : They weigh about 14 tons each, and show first-class workmanship. The Tyser liner s.s. Maori King arrived from Whnganui last Sunday, with part general cargo from London. She has been busy all the week taking in general cargo and mutton, and after coaling will sail for London direct. An enquiry as to the cause of the Manapouri mishap was held in the Customs House here on Tuesday by the Collector of Customs, Mr Borrie, . with him Captain Priest of the - Othello, A report of the proceedings has been forwarded ,to Wellington for the consideration of the Marine De- ; partment. It was stated, I hear, that the steamer had to alter her course to avoid collison with a cutter, and this being the second mishap from the same cause, it was suggested that a code of signals be employed whereby . steamers about to enter might know that the channel was occupied by small craft, and such craft about to enter notified by the same means that a steamer was passing out. The Invercargill City Band gave a promenade concert on Wednesday, but owing to the cold and damp weather, it was not very largely ■attended. During the evening Miss Geddes played and sang very nicely, her efforts being much appreciated. Invitations are out for the Foresters’ ball and supper, which will be held on the 19th inst.

The barque Othello (Capt. Priest) with a cargo of 178,000 feet timber, for Lyttelton, waits favourable weather to sail. The barquentine Grecian Bend, is discharging timber for the Government, and the barque Otago, under chartei* to Messrs Hichol Bros., is loading grain for Sydney. . . We are experiencing a lot of sickness this winter, and it is fortunate that we have a doctor dwelling in our midst, Severe colds, measles, and sore throats are ailments which are very prevalent.