WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1307, 24 February 1885, Page 3

WINCHESTER.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A very pleating ceremony took place in the Winchester Lodge, No. 1737, E.G., on fyfonctyy ppqnhig the lsr.h inst, when Bro. Andrew Diinne’t't, Immediate Basi Master, was made the recipient of a Past Master’s jewel by the members of the Lodge. The presentation was made by the W.M., Bro. Samuel G mild,who, in a few wellchosen remarks, expressed the pleasure it gave him in presenting this special njarff pf thp esteemfu \yhiqh\Bro! Buqnett vyas 'held by tfie brethren of the TLodge. $lO. Dunnctt made q suitable reply, whiph wqs wpll received by (lie bpeUppii preseph mqny qf whprft Bad pome from a considerable distance to take part in the interesting. ceremony ar.d to show their esteem for Bro. Dunnett. The jewel, which was a very handsome one, was from the \yell-knswn ffrm of Coatq6 apd Co., of fJhristcfipiclq and was tpuah admired by the brethren present. Lient-Col. Lean and Major Slater spent two days in this district lately in inspecting (he country before determining upon the exact locality in which the different movements shall take place. As some 300 Volunteers gray be expected to {(ltend tlfio apd'na tin’s number will no (loubt be trebled by excursionist*, our little town will be quite crowded ; but I have every confidence in the ability of the residents to meet the requirements of the case, and to give all that come a hearty welcome. If the weather should be if ie a pleasant outing may be relied qpop, fop a better plage fop tl(e c ippyeipenU of a body of men would be difficult to find than can be bad in this and the *iumunding district : level ground, hilly country, streams and wooded cover* allowing for all the manoeuvres which go to make up a successful review, whilst affording onlookers an qppqrtqnity of witnessing the different movements ct the tpoop*.

The crops are, with few exceptions, quite equal to those of previous years, while the continuation of weathej; has enabled muen of the grajn to lie safely sacked which has* not been the case for several years past. I have not heard one farmer grumble this season, and that of itself is something unprecedented, while many are in hopes that the price for wheat will rjse in a short time apd enable them to secure the dpqhle pf a goqd apd a rerquperatiye price, | sincerely hope their opinions may be correct, for it will do good not only to those most directly concerned, but indirectly tq all. Many of the Residents of this district, Opari, and ape looking (orwgpa to a cheap trip to Christchurch, a rumor haring got afloat that a train from Timaru stopping at. Temuka, Winchester and Orari, will leave for the City of the Plains next week. _ , ■

Our local‘‘Dominie” intends sending several pupils to compete for the scholarships given by the 0.0, Education Board, the examination for which takes, place early in March. It is to be hoped that gome at any rate may bo successful. Owing to several scholars being required to assist in the harvest field, tho children were given an holiday, 'jlie schools agajfl opened nn Mfond'ay.