SHIRE MEETING. - In consequence of the heavy rains preventing distant councilors from attending, the Shire meeting which was to be held on Wednesday, was adjourned until today (Saturday).

NEW BONIFACE. - Mr. J. Turnbull, of Sydney, has taken over the management of the Central Tilba Hotel, and judging by our short acquaintance with him, we opine that he will soon become one of the most popular bonifaces on the South Coast.

AUSTRALIA'S DEBT. - The grand total of Australia's pubic debt - Commonwealth, State and municipal is £828,996,734. Taking Australia's population as 5,426,000, this works out to approximately £152/13/2 per head.....

STOCK RETURNS. - Owners of one horse, one head of cattle, or one sheep are liable to a fine of £20 if a return of the same is not made to the Secretary of the Broulee Stock Board before 10th inst.

CHILDRENS AFTERNOON. - Having a few pounds credit balance from the Children's Ball on 30th ult., the promoters, Mesdames James and Gannon, have decided to give those who could not attend, owing to the wet night, an occasion of pleasure on Monday afternoon, 23rd inst. All those who were participants in the recent function are also cordially invited to attend. Parents are kindly requested to send sandwiches, cakes and scones ready for serving.

PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE. - Mrs. Hughes, wife of the Prime Minster, has been created a Dame Grand Cross of the British Empire. The heavy rains and southerly gales during the holidays completely spoilt campers' pleasure and fishing excursions. Dr. Cutler's fiancée, Miss Pearson, of Woolwich Point, Sydney, is at present on a visit to Moruya and is the guest of Mrs. J. Emmott, of 'Eversley'. We regret to hear that Mr. Fred Knight, of the local Post Office, was on Thursday hurriedly summoned to Auburn to the bedside of his father, whose life is despaired of. Mr. W. Boot of the Bega "Budget," who has been staying with his sister, Miss Boot, of "Yarragee House," leaves for home tomorrow.

MOGO. - (From our Correspondent) A sports gathering was organized for New Year's Day and a pretty able committee ran the show. Mr. Blakeley acted as President with A. J. Annetts and M. Barling as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Messrs. Geo. and Syd. Veitch backed up well with plenty of go and polish, and so did a few more enthusiastic locals. Result - a fair list of events for the day. The only thing that dampened the ardor was a watery outlook, and by George, it did rain! The old Cabbage-tree creek presented a scene fit for Harry Dale the Drover. However, out they came, and the recreation ground, muddy and slippery though, made out a good slice of life. Hot refreshments and many other good things thrown in could be had for a bribe. ...