Mr R. Neill, teacher at the Blue,. Spur, and who is leaving for Walton next week* has bo,on the recipient, of a. number of ver.y substantial testimonials /before ,he takes his departure for his new quarters. The teachers connected with the branch of the Educational Institute presented him with a very handsome'n'eld glass as a .token ,of. their esteem /and good-will From ,-the 'Blue Spur Band of Hope he received, a very beautiful album as some recognition I. of his energetic services in the good cause. " The Tuapeka Rifles, of which he. has been a zealous member since the sf art, an ( d held, the position of color sergeant, gaye ■; him a valuable cavalry sword >ii'd\ appurtenances':, : On Friday evening. there, was a large. gathering at the ; Blue Spur. .'.School, when a' ; very pleasant .evening was spent in listening to. a capital selection of <v'ocat and instru-. mental musicand readings, and at which gathering Mr -R'. ; /Neill received a very handsome man tie' Mld'ck from the school committee and other friends. Mr M. Fraer, member of the Education Board, at the request of the committee, made the presentation, and' he. delivered -a,- 'very suitable address- on the occasion,; which was feelingly responded- to 'by.-' Mr Neill; Since my last communication the: annual meeting of-' the -members of- the. Lawrence Athenosum. was held. The balance-sheet shows '. the sum' of L2OO to ; the: credit ;of the institution, -and the affairs generally are in a very. satisfactory state. ' Mr J. Stenhouse was unanimously elected presi dent. ' - ■•- ■' ' ■ ;-i :'■ ■'■■•.-."■

.. The various school committees in this' district have mostly voted for: the,' re election of ; Messrs .Clark, M'Kenzie, and Dick to the; Education Board/ iand .there/ serins every probability -that these three: gentlemen will be again returned. _ ■  Ths settlers in the Ranldeburn district

owe a. debt of gratitude to the Otagp , Education Board for '.so promptly attend- 1 ing to their educational\requirements^ as they have called tenders for the erection of a combined school and residence.' " This should also.be an indqcem'e'nt. for. others to. settle there. ;.",. :-. ;, „.• •: .■,. -, .u^ : \ ■ While on, educational,, mattery I. 