OIPTOMN

Otago Witness, Volume 11, Issue 2280, 11 November 1897, Page 29

OIPTOMN

November B.— The bad weather seems to have culminated here on the morning of the 2nd inst. with an earthquake, since which, thoughsomewhat moie seasonable, it; is rather blustering. Grass is f Airly forward, and grain crops are looking promising, but garden stuff generally is rather backward. Fruit promises to be remarkably abundant this season, but there are many risks and trials for it to come through before the harvest time comts, and there ia no saying what it may be then,

Dairying. — Our dairy factory opened on the ?sth uit., and it is cheery to hear the rattle of th« milk carts running by i'a the eaily morning. I believe there are several new suppliers this season, but so far they have not all got into harness, consequently the supply is not yst large, though more than it was at this time last year. A Babcock tester is being put*up in the factory, and the suppliers will then be paid for all they bring ouisifie of watei*, which won't count after this.

Dance, JStc. — The Social Club wound up their season on the 29th ult. with a dance and supper, both of which, were very enjoyable, but poorly attended owinc lo tbe weather, which was bimply execrable. However, those who .braved the elesuents were amply rewarded. The club committee held a meeting on the sth inst. for the purpose of balancing, and found they were half a guinea to the bad, which was considered satisfactory after the poor turnout at the ball. The deficiency was soon made up amongst those present, and the treasurer was enipovveied tosqimoup ace amis

Amusements. -The Black family of musicians are to perform in the hall to-night, aud I fancy they will be well patronised, as I hear they are well worth listening to, and it is now some time since we had anything of the sort here. Schools — Our school children are having a coupleof days' holidays this week, as owing to the Prince of Wales's birthday coming on a Tuesday this year it wa3 not considered expedient to open up on Monday.— The Paver^ide f-choolhas been closed for a short time owing to the decease of the teacher's (Miss Christie) sister Agnes. Miss Agnus had been suffering for a long time past, and took a trip to the old country to see if it would benefit her, but it w&s all of so avail, and she died on the 2nd inst., and was interred on tbe 4th. Miss Agnes was not so well known throughout the district as her other sisters. She was of a quiet, retiring disposition, and, moreover, the others have occu-' 1 ' pied positions which have brought them mere into cont ict with the general public. Nevertheless ehe had the sympathy of all, which wav evidenced by the number that tnrned out to pay their last respect? to her remains. The number would have been considerably augmented had they had more timely notice, as many did not know of her death till after the burial. The Rev. Mr Brown officiated at the grave.

Wedding. -On the 20th \\\t. Christina (Teuy), eldest daughter of Mr Donald Mackay, of this town, was married to Mr JS. L. Croad, of Goie. The Rev. W. Brown performed the ceremony at the house of the bride's parents. The house, though large, was taxed to hold all the guests. Misses Jessie. Annabelle, aud Eliza (sisters of the bride) were the bridesmaids, while the groom was a3Bist«d by his brother. Soon after breakfast the happy couple had to leave by train, and were driven to the station by Mr George Aylin in his buggy and pair, snd had a hearty send off both from the house and the station. The guests dispelled any feeling 3of gloom or sadness at parting with games and songs till evening, when the large room used a,% the library was cleared and dancing indulged in till morning.