WINCHESTER NOTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2282, 19 November 1891, Page 3

WINCHESTER NOTES.

Athletic Club Stouts.—The committee meeting for the above sports fixed for the 14th hist, took place on that date in the Mechanics Institute kindly lent for the occasion by the Library Committee. All the members, with two exceptions, were present. Mr Robert Smith was voted to the chair. The programme was the first item dealt with, and a few alterations 1 were made with regard to it. The election of officers, judges, etc., next took place as follows : —Judges of running, Messrs H. E. Smith, Robt.. Smith, and A. B. G. Rhodes, if present; wrestling, Mr H, Mappisou; handicappers, Messrs

I D. E. Lewis, and F. W. Shallard; and 1 Messrs H. B. Smith and Win. Stewart, I for local Waihi football race ; starter Mr T. L. Hart; ground committee, Messrs T. Twigg, A. Shallard, Robt. Smith, and Wm. Stewart. The secretary was instructed to see to the followin matters : mowing of ground, erection of hurdles, and refreshment booth. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting. Bicycle Race.— Great interest was shown in Winchester regarding the bicycle race which took place on Monday evening, 16th inst. Quite a large crowd assembled near the Wolsley Hotel to inspect the performers as they turned opposite this building on their way home. Henry, the winner, was going strong when they reached here; and not a few onlookers fancied him. The favourite, however, with most present seemed to be Gillespie, who was fully a quarter of a mile ahead of his scratch companion, McCarthy, and travelling well. McCarthy seemed to have a rather heavy machine, but displayed considerable science in managing it. He must have greatly improved his pace on the return journey, as according to the result and times he was close up at the finish. As soon as the last man was out of sight the spectators dispersed in a quiet and friendly manner. Winchester Library. —A meeting was held about a fortnight ago for the purpose of reopening the library, which had not been used for some time. A fair number of interested persons were present. It was resolved that the library be reopened under the management of a new committee. The election of a committee resulted as follows :—Messrs L. Pepperill, J. Opie, Nesbitt, (A. Baillie, Wm. Klee, J. Ellis, Jas. Patrick, and Greenall. Mr Pepperill was elected chairman and treasurer, Mr J. Opie secretary, and Mr Nesbitt librarian. The subscription was fixed at 2s 6d for the first quarter. About sixteen members have joined as yet. The Mechanics’ Institute, in which it is held, is open from 6.30 to 9.30 p.m. The Temuka Leader has been given free, Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, M.H.R., has generously given the Press, and Mr Pepperill has also kindly supplied the library with the Lyttelton Times. In addition to the supply of books already on hand and the papers above mentioned, there are various games kept to serve as a pastime for the members. On entering the room one is at once impressed that the greatest care is taken to make the place as comfortable as-possible—it always has a clean appearance, and on cold evenings a bright fire adds in no small measure to the comfort. The members trust that fully fifteen more members will join, as this, in addition to a fair balance of money in hand, would enable the committee to procure a fresh supply of books. The object aimed at is a laudable one. Hitherto there has really been no place in Winchester where both young and old could safely resort in the evenings for their amusement. This will supply the long-felt want, and diffuse knowledge in our township. We trust the public will realise the importance of the work of this societv, and give all the assistance possible to keep it going.