WINTON.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 24, 8 September 1894, Page 12

WINTON.

[From our own Correspondent.]

The monthly meeting of the A. and P. Association was held on Saturday, Ist Sept—Mr J. Cowie (president) in the chair. Letters were read from the Western District A. and P. Association and the Hedgehope Club, denouncing the increase in the rate of auctioneers’ commission. Their action in these dull times is anything but commendable, and it is to be hoped they will soon revert to the old rate, which was considered ample. Three delegates were appointed to attend a meeting to he held in Invercargill shortly, when the pros and cons of the matter will be fully ventilated. Several letters were also read from the various clubs agitating for the removal of the duty on binder twine. The general opinion of the meeting was that If. Z. twine is to be 5d per lb this year. The same twine can be purchased in Victoria and delivered to the farmers at a much cheaper rate. Surely if this be so there must be a screw loose somewhere. But I forgot—the cockatoos are going to get plenty of siller at a cheap rate of interest from our G-overnment. It was resolved that the Hon. J. Gr. Ward be written te asking him to place on the Estimates the sum of £IOO, to complete the Forest Hill tramway road and make it fit for dray traffic. This no doubt would be a great advantage to the people in the Hokonui and Forest Hill districts, as it would reduce the distance to Winton by fully three miles, A good few settlers in those localities purpose bringing in milk to the dairy factory, which is almost

completed. Mr Jamieson, of your town, brought up the engine and fixed it in its place in the factory last Wednesday, with little or no trouble. The cemetery ground was all fenced in lately, and it may be mentioned to the credit of our City Fathers, with a fence of no mean order. It is proposed in the meanr time to lease this ground from year to year until it is required. One of the first settlers in the Oreti Plains, Mr J. Evans, succumbed to cancer during the week, making the sixth who has died from this disease about here within the last two years. Who wouldn’t be a bachelor after the last bachelors’ ball held here on the 31st ult ? It was creditably got up. Fully 75 couples took part in the grand march. Mr Kingsland catered in his well-known style. Mr McGregor (violin), and Miss Peters (piano) supplied the music, which was excellent ; while Messrs J. Campbell and J. Wilson made efficient M. sG. The festivities closed about 6 o clock next morning with a snowball match.

The closing match of the Lady Barkly Glass Ball Shooting Club in a paddock belonging- to Mr McArthur, last Wednesday In the firsts match Messrs J. McDonald J. Shaw, and 0. Gerard tied, breaking every ball up to 18, and divided the award, £7. Second match—lst, JVTr McDonald • 2nd, Mr J. Shaw. Third match—Mr W. McDonald secured first honours. Messrs T. Me William, G. Sampson, and G. M. Starkey gave special prizes. The competition was well got up and carried through in a, most friendly spirit. Evidently our spinsters are not going to be behind. lam told they purpose putting the bachelors’ ball in the shade by one they are givino* next Tuesday. It is to be held in the dairy factory building—a very suitable place. The mayoress of Onehunga is not to be invited, either to open the ball or the f&ctory. One of our own feminine beauties will perform the ceremony.