BLUFF NOTES.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 17, 22 July 1893, Page 12

BLUFF NOTES.

During ft recent gale the steeple in course of erection on the now Presbyterian Church was blown down, and ft boy passing at the time had » narrow escape. The mishap will entail a loss of about £2O to the contractors. The Borough Council have taken a new' departure, and are now lighting the streets. The lamps meantime are very few and far between. Still we are thankful for small mercies. Mr S. Dixon, senr., has the contract. Court Southern Star, A.0.F., celebrated the anniversary of their inauguration by a ball and supper held in the drill hall on Wednesday evening. Owing to the widely prevailing sickness the gathering was not so largely attended as on former occasions; still a Very fair number “ footed it,” and those expressed themselves thoroughly satisfied with the urrangements made for .their enjoyment. The music was supplied locally and was considered really good. Mr D. McDougall carried out the duties of M.C. in .a pleasing and capable manner, and Mr' Kiugsland’s supervision of the'supper table left nothing to be desired. Mr. Waterston’s new vessel, the barque Ganymede, is now in p»rt discharging a cargo of guano. Measles are still very prevalent, anti the school has been closed for a fortnight.

MATAURA ROMS. - The-school has - been closed for three weeks on acco'unt pf the measles. ■■ 'The band hold a bazaar’early'in'September for the purpose of clearing off part of the debt on the instruments. On Tuesday evening the Mataura Debating Society held their usual meeting, when there were a great many present. The subject for debate was Mr John MncGibbon’s paper on “ Land Nationalisation.” The subject was well handled by that gentleman and showed the knowledge of a lengthy experience on matters pertaining to laud administration. Messrs Louden, Kodgers, Hamilton, Shanks, Brugh and Macandrew spoke on the paper, all being agreed that land nationalisation was very desirable, but that it was not possible in New Zealand after so mueh land had been sold. Mr Brugh, in speaking during the discussion, said some fifteen million acres remained to be sold, and this was what, the English capitalists had as security for their money, so that the Government had no right to sell this land. Mr Rodgers questioned whether private companies might not be Just as good landlords as the Government.