WINTON.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 37, 8 December 1894, Page 12

WINTON.

The usual monthly meeting of the A. and P. Association was held in the Oddfellows’ hall on 1st —the president (Mr John Cowie) in the chair. A circular was read from the Goie Farmers’ Club on “ the world-wide depression and mono - metallism.” This is becoming a very momentous question, since itis proved conclusively that gold has increased in value from 30 to 35 per cent within the last 20 years, while silver and copper have decreased 60 per cent within the same period. After discussion, the following resolution was adopted : —“ That the Government be urgently requested to take such steps as it deems best to draw the attention of the British Government to the disastrous effects upon the colony of the great fall in prices, and to urge’ upon it the importance of the early initiation of another International Monetary Conference, to arrange an agreement between the principal commercial nations for the unrestricted mintage of both silver and gold at a ratio to be fixed, both metals, when minted, to be unlimited legal tender.” Mr Collie gave notice of the following motion : “ That this Association protest against the high salaries paid to the officials all round in the Southland County Council, especially the clerks in the office.” It was agreed that Mr J. Hamilton, the member for the riding, be invited to attend next meeting. A letter of condolence was ordered to be sent to Mr W. G. Coster, tendering the Association’s deepest sympathy to him in the loss of his wife. The funeral of the late Mrs A. Mclnerney, which took place last Sunday, was very largely attended, fully 60 carriages, traps, and other vehicles following the remains to their last resting place. It is my sad duty to chronicle another sudden death, that of the young and vigorous wife of Mr W. G. Coster, of Springbank, Oreti. This makes the fifth mother who has been interred in our cemetery within the last six months, three of them within a fortnight. Mrs Coster, who was only 24, was buried last Wednesday. The cortege was very numerous* <Great sympathy is felt for Mr Coster,

who is left with two little children. The appearance of our cemetery at present is anything but edifying. The fenced graves, with a few exceptions, are neglected, and the grass in places is very high ; but our new mayor informs me that these matters will be attended to, and that a number of seats will be placed in the ground. At the last meeting of our school committee it was decided to hold the annual picnic on the 19th inst. I understand it will take place in the Caledonian grounds.