WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1286, 6 January 1885, Page 3

WINCHESTER.

(j’rom Our Own Correspondent). Tlie old year died weeping bitterly and sheddingl copious tears of regret, no doubt in recollection of past sorrows and disappointments, and at the near approach of her own demise. “ Weep witli those that weep ” was strictly observed, one and all showing evident signs of sorrow at the prospect of a wet day for the New Year’s sports, and the death of all their fondly-formed hopes of pleasure. New Scar’s morning opened with rain and mist, as though she was afraid to show herself in all her glory until a fitting time of mourning had been given to the respect of the sad death of her predecessor. The sun, however, coming to her assistance, speedily removed the clouds of vapor, and ushered in our New Year -not in full ; dress certainly, but in modest fashion befitting the commencement of a reign, which, accoiding to scientists, is to be so tull of wondrous events and unprecedented misfortunes. Let us hope, however, that (he calculations of the wise ones for once may ho wrong, and that as each succeeding day of the new year has outshone the other so may our joys increase and multiply until it may be said (hat the kindly wishes so continually proffered at this feslive season have for once been realised, and may this year prov'e of unprecedented happiness to one and all. There are not wanting signs of improvement even in this quiet village of Winchester. Mr Carston, wheelwright and builder, is erecting a house and paint shop in the centre of the township, while the drays, buggies, etc., to be seen in all stages of completion, afford ample proof that trade is brisk. On all sides are heard praises of the workmanship and finish displayed. One dog-cart in particular, made to the order of our enterprising host, Mr Young, is well deserving of praise, and would hold its own among any of its kind in Canterbury. That successful woohcourer, Mr R. Smith, has, owing to increase of work, found it necessary to enlarge his present wool stores by the erection of an additional shed capable of holding 260 bales of wool. The whole establishment now consists of one main building 36ft x 20ft, capable of stowing 250 bales, with a lean-to 36ft x 22ft, to be used as a sorting shed, and a second main building attached to the former, 36ft x 22ft, and capable of holding 2uo bales, with a lean-to 36ft x 10ft, to be used as a general storeroom for woolpacks and sundries, Mr Smith, it will be seen, has every accommodation for wishing and storing wool, and I have no doubt the excellence of the work done, as shown by the prizes recently taken by the firm at Christchurch, combined with the increased accommodation, will add materially to the success of the firm and the prosperity of the district. To celebrate the opening of the shed a numerous party of friends were invited to a social hop on New Year’s Night, when a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr and Mrs Smith gave all a hearty welcome, and it was not till the sun was rising that the party broke up, after wishing Mr and Mis Smith all happiness and prosperity, and expressing the hope that his venture might prove a remunerative one. The flooding of the Opihi and the want of a bridge (long delayed) has prevented many from visiting our neighborhood, and our two hotels have consequently had but a small share of custom, while the arrangements made for those who never came must have incurred some loss. Let us hope, however, that belter times are in store for them. There is a rumor afloat that the Easter Encampment of Volunteers is to be held here, and if that be true they will then have an opportunity of making up for the losses of late.