WINCHESTESTER NOTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2399, 23 August 1892, Page 3

WINCHESTESTER NOTES.

(From our own correspondent.) Winchester just now does not by any means present a busy appearance, trade being rather dull. Some of the residents are busy in spare time preparing their gardens for the coming season. We rather pride ourselves on having good flower and vegetable gardens—a fact which travellers through the place often note. A little competition as to who shall have the first dish of green peas and early potatoes adds slightly to the interest shown in gardening. Mr Robt. Smith is running a flax mill at Smithfield, near Winchester, which gives employment to a fair number, of laborers. The flax industry, as has been pointed out in an article in this paper, is a splendid one for supplying work, and it is a pity it does not receive more encouragement not only from those possessing the raw material, but also as to its quality for export. There is no doubt but that the low prices ruling for New Zealand hemp are due mainly to the fact that a great quantity of fibre sent away from here is of decidedly inferior quality. Strong measures ought to be taken to foster this industry, which is a valuable one for this colony. On Thursday, 18th inst., Mr A. 0. Watson, local blacksmith, was married to Miss Agnes .Bailie, third daughter of Mr Bailie, saddler. The marriage ceremony, which took place at 12 o’clock, was performed at the Presbpterian Church, Temuka, by the Rev. J. Dickson. The day was cold and showery, but in spite of this a few friends met at the church, and accompanied the happy couple back to Winchester. Arrived here they repaired to the residence of the bride’s parents, and there spent the afternoon pleasantly. In the evening about 100 invited guests met at the Public Hall to celebrate the occasion by enjoying a night’s amusement, The gathering, which took the form of a social, began at 8 o’clock. Games and dancing were indulged in heartily. Songs were given by Miss Bailie and Messrs A. Hart, Richards, 0. Haar, Watson, Watson, Barr, and Bromley. The latter gentleman is a recent arrival here, and as a musician is certainly an acquisition to Winchester, as was shown on on this occasion, when he proved himself not only a skilful player on the piano, but also as possessing a well-trained voice. In additioo to the above items, Mr Barr, of Temuka, gave a humorous Scotch reading. All the performers were applauded for their efforts. Abundance of choice refreshments were provided, to which full justice was done. Mr T. Hart acted as M.C., and acquitted himself well, and Mr H, Colvilje supplied good music fqr the dancing. The gathering, a most pleasant one, ended about 4 a.m., all expressing themselves well satisfied with the night’s amusement. M'r apd Mrs Watson sorted for Dunedin on the following day, where they intend spending their honeymoon.