WINTON.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 39, 23 December 1893, Page 11

WINTON.

The Good Templar Lodge hold a picnic on Wednesday next, the rendezvous being the same as last year — among the trees in close proximity to the Hokonui line. I am informed that a couple of carriages are to he placed at the disposal of this highly-deserv-ing body on the occasion. On Friday night, 15th|inst., Jack Frost made his power felt. The potato crop, the most important of all, received attention from which it is doubtful if they will recover in many cases. Dahlias and other tender flowers had a hard time of it. A number of our floriculturists were down in the mouth and have not got over the shock yet A severer frost than this has not been known at this time of the year within the memory of the oldest settlers here. We had Mr Dawson, D.M., here last Wednesday to discriminate ami decide between litigants. In one case where the defendant borrowed seed oats off the plaintiff (both fanners and neighbours), the defendant’s contention was that a similar quantity was to be returned from the same oats when they grew, and if they didn’t grow the plaintiff was to “ whistle,” whereas the plaintiff argued that should the defendant fail to return, within a reasonable time, a like quantity and quality he (the defendant) would have to pay 2s per bushel for the lot borrowed. The oats were returned, but not within a reasonable time, and it was inferior both in quality and quantity, and was not accepted, hence the action. Notwithstanding the eloquence of defendant’s solicitor, his brother solicitor (though they did not address each other as brothers should during the hearing of the case) secured the victory and got judgment for the plaintiff. The Caledonian Society held their final meeting before the games last Wednesday —Mr W. Keith (President) in the chair. A dispute arose as to whether competitors who had not forwarded their entry money should be allowed to run. It was eventually decided that those who failed to comply with the conditions be allowed to run this }~ear. It is to be hoped this will be a warning to competitors in future. The Walter Guthrie Co.’s valuable trophy is to be given in addition to the first prize

in the chopping - competition. The entries for the different handicap events were very satisfactory, and so far the handicappers (Messrs D. McKenzie, J. Campbell, and A. McKay) have not much difficulty in making their decisions. Should the day be fine there will be a big - crowd at the games next Tuesday. Final arrangements were also made for the concert and ball, both of which promise to be very well attended.