COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10968, 24 January 1899, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FROM our own correspondents.] WAINGARO, Monday. THE Rev. 11. D. A. Major, who is staying at tho residence of Mr. G. A. McMillan, Dnnmoro, has held well-attended services for the last three Sundays. It is not often that we are visited by clergymen, but when tho opportunity of attending divine service occurs, the settlers ride and drive long distances to attend.

On the 18th inst., Mr. and Mrs. T. Wilson, in celebration of the birthday of their only daughter Ethel, entertained a large number of guests. These began to assemble during the afternoon, and at six o'clock an al fresco tea, which included all the customary delicacies, was served, As soon as darkness set in, the oompany adjourned to the schoolhousc, which had been nicely decorated for the occasion.- Dancing then started, and was kept up vigorously till close upon daylight. Songs and instrumental selections were given at intervals.

BOMBAY. The annual Band of Hope picnic was held on Thursday, January 19, in Mr. E. Porde's paddock, kindly lent to the committee for the occasion. The "weather was anything but favourable. However, it cleared up in the afternoon, and there was a large muster of young poonlo. Tho president (Rev. F. 11. Dobson) and the committee were most assiduous in their efforts to make everything pass off pleasantly, and they succeeded. A large number of prizes, in tho shape of toys, etc, wore given the juveniles. In the evening an adjournment was made to the Wesleyan Church, tho building being quite full, where a very good programme, prepared by the secretary (Miss Lizzie Sharp) was well rendored. The Rev. F. B. Dobson presided, and gave a short address at the opening. The following took part in the programme:—Solos by Mr. McKinlay (2), Mr. H. Sawyer, and Mr. G. Mackej • duets by Hisses Sharp and Cornthwaite Misses Morgans, and Misses Newcome and Cornttaaite; recitations by Misses E. Hamilton and Sharp; short address by Mr H Boise. Several pieces were given by the choir, and one piece was nicely sung by the juveniles of the Band of Hope. Mrs. H. Sawyer and Misses Sharp, L. Cornthwaite. and Korean played the organ accompaniments. A vorv successful gathering closed with a hymn and the Benediction. On Saturday evening, January 21, the an-: nual meeting of the subscribers to the Bombay Jjibrary was held in the library, Mr. Hampton in the chair. Mr. Parrar (treasurer) read tho statement of accounts, which had been duly audited by Messrs. J. Evans and G. Bish auditors. The following were elected officebearers for the ensuing year:—Messrs. Jas. Hampton, chairman and secretary; Mr. J. I'arrav, treasurer; committee, Messrs. Potter J. Evans, and G. Bish; librarian, Mr. J. Evans. Tho secretary was instructed to fill un the necessary form for Government subsidy. Mr. Bisk's little daughter Elsie had a narrow escape of a very serious accident on Friday evening, as it was she met with a very painful accident She was standing bohind the kitchen door when it was opened from the opposite side, the key being in the lock The handle of the key struck the little girl on the upper eyelid, cutting right through, but fortunately not injuring the eye. Dr. Murray, of l'ukekohe, was sent for, and put one rtitch In the wound. The little patient is progressing nicely. The handle of the key was bent by tho force of the b!ow.-{Own Correspondent,]