SWITZERS,

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 313, 17 December 1873, Page 3

SWITZERS,

(From our own Correspondent.)

On Monday (St. Andrew's anniversary) the school children, to the number of between forty and fifty, assembled at the Schoolhouse, and marched in procession to some wellshaded ground in close proximity to the Independent Co.'s large dam, where they partook of a comfortable pic-nic kin-Hy provided -for them by Mrs. H. W. Davidson. The weather was all that could be desired, and the youngsters enjoyed with a will the good things provided for them. Sporta were got up on the ground; there being present a good many children of '-larger growth," whose contributions of shillings, and half-crowns soon raised a fund which was placed at the disposal of the ladies, and was- sufficient to .cause a keen competition amongst the juveniles at the different games. On their return to the Schoolroom in the evening, a liberal tea was in waiting ; after which, dancing- and various other games were introduced, and maintained as only youngsters can, Miss Hawßon kindly officiating on the harmonium. I have no doubt the children will long remember the, hearty day's enjoyment provided for them by the kind -forethought of Mrs. Davidson.

Some of the -publicans in this locality are in a quandary anent the annual licensing arrangements. They interpret the Act of 2nd October, 1873, that no license can issue until April next, and consequently they will be selling without from January unfcil then. I somehow fancy they may take the matter easy, as one generally finds when fines, fees, penalties, and other impositions are to be imposed or collected, the Government generally find out a way of imposing them, and will no doubt dp so in. this instance, should it necessitate the putting in practice of the O'Connell theory of driving a coach-and-four through the recent act.

"Wild Will Emlerby" took immensely here ; and I have heard several express a wish to resume the acquaintance of that very well drawn char&oter — our trans-Atlantic cousin, " The Senior Partner."

. Nothing but growling from the draymen about the "no progress " of the contractors for the Mataura bridge ; eight months on hand, and the piles not yet driven. Unfortunately, the people here suffer by- the delay, as we draw a good deal of our supplies for the table from the Clutha ; and, however, age may improve beer, it has just the contrary effect on fresh eggs and butter. Somewhere between £30 and £40 has been already subscribed for games on Boxing Day. at the racecourse. Tbp Committee arrange fclie programme to-night. What tie BportS will consist of, lam not yet aware ; probably,a repetition of la^t year, with the addition of racing for local Horses. ' , ' , . . On dit, that* the Oddfellows will celebrate the anniversary; of the formation of the Lodge by a pic-nic on a large scjale. c." ' In the E.M. Copt, on. Wednesday, the case

.Plaintiff was engaged as shearer at 17b. 6d. per i(X). On his being requested by defendant -to sign articles for other sheds after finishing at his station, plaintiff declined) and demanded a settlement for work done, namely, 522 sheep, amounting to L 4 18s. The case had been heard at Invercargill, and adjourned to Switzera at the request of defendant. The case was adjourned again till yesterday, 'for the production of the station manager. Evidence, -was gone into for both sides at great length. The object of defendant being to show that the sheep were badly shorn. The manager proved that one sheep had flesh marks. Plaintiff's witnesses, however, swore that any shearer was liable to such accidents, and that plaintiff's sheep were turned out, on average, fair. Verdict for plaintiff for £1, without costs. Notice of appeal was immediately given by plaintiff, and tho usual recognisances entered into to-day. — Halley v. Hutchinson for assault, the effect evidently of old grievances, which culminated in a row. Defendant was fined 30s. and costs. — Morrison v. Meas. This cose originated in a woman's quarrel, which the Magistrate observed should never have come into Court. Fined ss. "We have intimation this morning that gold is reduced Is. per ounce, and as I intend to return to this subject, I will only observe that I trust at last, after twelve years experimenting, the banks have found the intrinsic value of gold. The Hospital Secretary informs me that ho received by mail yesterday, the subsidies of £81 Ba. 6d., due for some time by the Government to the Hospital*