RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1680, 24 December 1872, Page 2

RIVERTON.

(FROM OUE OWXCOBBESrONDEJrr.) Dec. 23. 1872. With the near approach of the holidays, visitor! are beginning to arrive in town. Thanks to the fine weather which has prevailed so long, we are luxuriating in new potatoes, and an abundance of fruit of every description. The post and rail grievance is still the main topic of conversation with the good folks here, and I am inclined to think that before the difficulty is finally disposed of, it will supply further matter for comment. A boat arrived here on Friday afternoon from Ruapuke, bringing the Rev. Mr Wbhlera and about a dozen Maoris, for whose visit we are no. doubt indebted to the question of the disputed boundary.

The pupils attending Mr Wardrop's , ■chool underwent an examination on Friday, prior to breaking up for the Christmas vacation. The Rev. Mr Oldham and other gentlemen present catechised the children, when they acquitted themselves in a highly satisfactory manner, a %ct which reflects credit upon the teacher. The attendance of parents and others interested was rather thin, owing no doubt to the absence of any formal notice regarding the examination. Those i present, however, expressed themselves as being both surprised and delighted at the proficiency displayed by the pupils in th» different branches. In arithmetic especially, the scholars evincedan aptitude which I feel sure it would be difficult to surpass. A number of handsome prizes were then awarded by the Rev. Mr Oldham to those who had been most successful in the different classes, the rev. gentleman taking the opportunity of j delivering a short but appropriate address : to the youngsters, who were thereafter dismissed for the holidays. j In shipping matters, I have to report that the " James Paxton" is on the beach undergoing some repairs, and the " Martha and Jane," from Melbourne via the Bluff, is being discharged at the jetty. William Camming was brought up this morning before Messrs Taylor and Petchell, J.P.s, charged with being drunk and disorderly. He was fined 10s, with 5s 6d costs, and received a severe caution. The chief mate of the Storm Bird was summoned by John Horr, who had been engHged carrying cargo for the steamer, on a charge of assault. The vessel having sailed, there was no appearance of defendant, who was fined in Ms absence 40s and costs. Information has been given to the constable stationed here, by two lads, that they found the skeleton of a man, with no clothing but long knee boots, on the beach between this place and the "Wai- j matuku. From the account given by the lads, it seems that the remains were lying under a high bank, beyond the reach of the tide, which accounts for their not having been seen before. Further particulars have not yet been received.