WINTON.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 34, 18 November 1893, Page 12

WINTON.

We are highly favoured in musical matters here. We have a brass band which would do credit to a larger town, and as there is nothing more elevating to the mind or cheering to the heart than good music, it is to be hoped that we will hear their strains frequently out of doors during the summer. 1 believe the band will not te far from the front when the judge’s decision is given at the next band contest in Invercargill at Easter. _ Then we have a Hallelujah band (on which I will comment some other time), and also a string band which, although only a few months in existence, has made rapid progress under the painstaking and energetic management of Mr Norris. A concert in aid of its funds was given on the 9th inst., and attracted a very large and enthusiastic audience. The band’s opening selection, “ Kip Van Winkle,” was admirably played. That favourite vocalist, Mrs A'icol, of Invercargill, was heard to advantage, and Mr Lillicrap in his instrumental solo proved himself a master of the clarionette. Mr J. Wilson gave “ The Girls at School ” with good effect, and Mr D. Hurst delighted all with an Irish jig. Dr Riley is' always welcome as a singer, and acquitted himself well ; so did Mr Mackie, of Makarewa, while Mr W. Nicol, jnr., delighted the audience with a violin solo. Mr J. McLeod took immensely as a comic vocalist, and was re-called. The Glee Party gained great applause in their selections, and Mrs Mnssen scored well with “Pretty Jane.” Mr J. Norris’violin solo was a very acceptable item; Miss M. Hishon’s “ Robin Adair ” was a fine piece of vocalisation ; and Mr J. Hagerty’s droll ditties provoked roars of laughter. Mr J. Gilmour made a capable chairman. The inevitable dance followed, fifty couples footing it to the music of the string band, with Mr J. Campbell as M.C. I am informed that the total proceeds will amount to about £ls.

The race meeting did not realise the anfc v cipations of its promoters —a fact due to the unfavourable weather. With one or two executions, all the races were well contested, and the horses run on their merits. The officials worked vigorously a> d harmoniously, prominent among them being the President (Mr G. M. Starkey). Mr J. Hamilton, in the unavoidvable absence of Mr Mitchell, made an A 1 starter, and Mr. J. Wilson, the indefatigable secretary, discharged his onerous duties most creditably. Notwithstanding the bad weather, the club, it is satisfactory o learn, will come out with a credit balance. Scarcely anything creates greater excitement than contested elections, but unfortunately, or rather fortunately, we are to have none. In the County it was a walk over for Mr John Hamilton, and deservedly so. None of our City Fathers are ambitious for the civic chair, therefore I learn it will be another walk over for our highly respected chief citizen, Mr A. McArthur. The handicap, maiden, and other sweepstake matches came off at Lady Barkly under the auspices of the Glass Ball Shooting Club. The competitors were not numerous, nevertheless the contests were keen and friendly throughout. Messrs W. McDonald and J. Shaw tied for first place, dividing first and honours —Mr J. Riley a good third. Mr E. McDonald, with a close shave, came off premier in the maiden. Mr A. McKenzie attended to the duties of secretary most efficiently. , A well-attended meeting of the Caledonian Society was held on Wednesday evening in the Railway Hotel —Mr W. Keith (President) in the chair. The programmes as printed were acknowledged to be satisfactory, and ordered to be circulated all over Southland. Starter, timekeepers, handicappers, and judges were appointed. The tender of our local brass band for playing was accepted. The J. G. Ward F. A. is to dispose of the privileges next sheep and cattle sale day. A strong and energetic committee was appointed to carry out the concert and ball. Should we be favoured with fine weather, hopes are entertained that the games, fixed for Boxing Day, will eclipse anything yet held here. The feeling of the meeting was very strong against the action of the racing folk in Invercargill in having their races the same date, it being a day specially set aside for country people to hold sports, &c. ; but, after all is said and done, this ungrateful act of theirs is nothing new, as they are making it one of their planks of late years to crush their weaker brethren in the country. Considerable indignation is expressed here at the Southland Land Board in entertaining the possibility of allowing a public sheep dip to be exactly between Win ton and Lady Barkley, on the Main North Road. It is not known definitely whether the land in question is vested in the County Council or Board. In any case it is to be sincerely hoped, in the interest of the public, that the request of those half-dozen farmers will not be acceded to. A petition against the proposal was got up and presented to the Board at its last meeting. That body is to prosecute enquiries into the matter, and rightly so, before deciding one way or the other.