Country News

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 42, 13 January 1894, Page 9

Country News

¥INTON

On Sunday last a considerable portion of our people bad the pleasure of listening to the Rev. J. G. Patterson, formerly of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, and now of Napier. His sermon was chiefly aimed at those who unfortunately allow themselves to be carried away by the vice of gambling. He made an earnest appeal to such to substitute something nobler, grander, and more meritorious in the eyes of God. At the last ordinary meeting of the A. and P. Association —Mr J. Cowie (President) in the chair—-several communications dealing with that vexed question, '‘The Small Bird Nuisance,” were received. A circular from the Gore Farmers’ Club setting forth the absurdity of the deduction of per* cent, on the part of wheat buyers, was. similarly dealt with, the voice of the meeting being against any deduction whatever —so, intending purchasers of wheat this coming season, look out for your p’s and q’s. The Railway Commissioners were the subject of very severe comment in not having excursion rates during the holiday time. However, the Commissioners have not long to live—of course I mean professionally. Probably in consequence of the good advanced prices obtained for wool at the Invercargill sale, a number brought foiward the desirability of inducing another bank to start here. Not a bad idea, provided the present one is insufficient. The annual meeting is to be held the last Saturday of this month, at which office-bearers are to be elected, balance-sheet submitted, and general business transacted. Mr J. Shaw, one of our crack shootists, met with rather a nasty accident a few days ago, whilst engaged cutting some firewood into lengths with steam power. It appears that while guiding a piece of wood to the circular saw* his hand slipped, coming in contact with the saw, which made a severe incision in the wrist. He w r as immediately conveyed to the Hospital, where the wound -was carefully stitched. Mr Shaw is home again, and doing tolerably well under the c ircum stances. A treat is in store for us next Monday. Mr Hayes’ circus is coming. Mr Wilson, the advance agent, informs me that it has been strengthened with a number of new performers. This is the circus that was so well patronised the last time we were privileged with two circuses, both on the same night —a thing almost unheard of in any part of New Zealand. Our people continue to go off on holiday jaunts. Another party left on Tuesday last. At the sheep and cattle sale held here last Thursday, the prices ruling for sheep were close on 2s a head lower than the same class realised at this time last year. I hear that Mr J. Hagerty is about to give up his fancy goods department and confine his business,, which has largely increased lately, to hairdressing, stationery, &c. Mr Pearson, auctioneer from Invercargill, is to wield his hammer over the fancy goods next Thursday.