OBSERVER’S OBSERVATIONS OF MEN AND THINGS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 320, 20 November 1880, Page 2

OBSERVER’S OBSERVATIONS OF MEN AND THINGS.

Since last writing, affiairs at Winchester in the trout line have not improved. Indeed, with two exceptions, the “ takes ” are few and far between—Mr N. C. Nicholas heading the list with fifteen fish, and Mr W. Binley following with thirteen. It must be trying to a few amateurs of ray acquaintance, who, after patiently pernra bulating the banks of the various streams, fail to “grippit” or to attract the attention of the fish, let them “charm them never so wisely.” However, one of the gentlemen above referred to lias just returned from a visit to Christchurch, where he assures me he got hold of a few wrinkles, notably one for securing the larger species, and if he imparts the secret to his confreres, we may expect to see trout in the auction room yet. On dit that one of the local storekeepers has accepted an offer for the purchase of his business, and that the transfer will be effected by Christmas.

Mr Cox recently announced in St. Saviour’s Church that the Eev. J. Chaffers Welsh had accepted the pastorate of the church. From reports to hand, this gentle man is very popular in the parish he now occupies, and belonging, as he does, to the evangelical section of the church, I predict the present small structure will be found inadequate. Mr Welsh enters upon his duties about Christmas.

The following from Ashburton is too good to be lost sight of. An insurance agent, busy in his office, was accosted by a rev gentleman, “You seem rather busy Mr S—.” “Yes I am,” returned that gentleman. “ lam filling in some policies for life insurance.” Clergyman, “Life; what is life. Life is but a shadow. Can you insure the soul !” The ready wilted insurance agent replied that he regretted that the Government had not yet seen fit to undertake fire risks. Tableau.

At a meeting of the members of St. George’s Masonic Lodge, held on Thursday evening last, Mr Wm. De Renzie was elected Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. Mr Meyers, Treasurer, and Mr Cooper, Tyler. Some time ago 1 saw in the Leader an anecdote of Mr J. JfcS. Gough, the temper ance orator. Here is another not generally known, but one the writer has heard that gentleman tell against himself. Mr Gough had been announced to lecture to a Yorkshire audience, and was introduced by the village squire as follows :—“ Ladies and gentlemen, you all know that tempeiance is thought to be a very dry subject, but to oighVas we listen to the horator from the /♦ocean, we shall expect to see the miracle of Sampson repeated, and to see water flowing from the jawbone of a Aass.

The concert for providing prizes for the scholars attending the day school is fixed for the I9th December, and as the object is a most laudable one, I expect to see the ball well filled on the occasion. Mr Statham has kindly placed hia services at the disposal of the Committee, and the whole affair promises to he a great success.