WINTON.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 37, 9 December 1893, Page 5

WINTON.

A very successful concert took place on December Ist at Oreti Plains school. Amusements of one kind or another in country places are as a rule crowned with success from every standpoint, and this was no ex--•c.eption to the rule. Much credit is due to the painstaking teacher there (Miss Gellatly) slue being not only the prime mover in the matter, but also secured the talent, both musical, dramatic, and instrumental for the ■acasasion. A number of the dons from Winfk>n displayed not a little of their abilities, so much so as to secure a good share of the praise from the audience. The proceeds (I am informed) are to go towards the getting ■sup of a picnic among the children, when the ■weather becomes more settled than at present. ISPr W. Gray made a capital chairman. The inevitable dance followed, fully thirty couples ■Sooting (it to the strains of Messrs Ilagcrty, SEurst and Wilson, with the made-to-order H£.G. (Mr J. Campbell.) The local branch of the Independent Order efi Good Templars gave a free concert last Xucsday evening hi the Oddfellows’ Hall. Songs, solos, and trios were given, readings, wax work exhibitions, and an oration by Mr M. Fowler in his well-known style, on “ The evil effects arising from undue indulgence in ■alcoholic beverages.”

The A. and T. Association held their usual monthly meeting last Saturday—Mr Cowie in the chair. Among the questions discussed was Hie bird nuisance. It appears the County Council will not take steps to impair their efficiency, neither will -the Hon. John McKenzie, so what alternative sremains to this local body, who have been striving hard during the last six months to £ivv« the nuisance abated ? The Act distinctly states that if the County Council fails •So take action in accordance therewith the of Lands can do it at their expense. 3 c;'Hi or are going to do it, and who is remains to be seen. However, it was resolved that smited action be taken in the matter, and all fee Clubs in Southland are to be written to, srequesting them to appeal To Hie Council to put the Act in force, this being the only, most practical and effective way of coping with the difficulty. Then the Council in their wisdom will surely see iheir way either to put the -Act in force or try other means of stamping

out what is admitted to be the most destructive of pests at the present time. Owing no doubt to the unsettled weather, the quantity of wool coming into Winton is not nearly so great as it would otherwise be. It is to be hoped that the high anticipations entertained by the farmers generally regarding good prices this year will be more than realised. They fully merit this. I am given to understand that a strong tennis club is about to be started in close proximity to Winton. The rackets, nets, and balls, not to mention costumes and other paraphernalia, are about to be ordered from a well-known firm. We should have had it years ago, as folks in the country as well as in the towns occasionally need relaxation from their ordinary vocations.