Otiake Notes.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXV, Issue 9730, 6 January 1908, Page 4

Otiake Notes.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

The weather in our locality still keeps very dry, and many of the crops have given way under the scorching- heat of tho Cattle 'so I*far,''maintained 1 *far,''maintained 'their''good cofiaition, and Mr It. Little sold some time ago a line of fat ewes with lambs at foot at 35s per sheep, and lamb.. Turnip crops are poor, although potatoes still look promising: Our annual picnic was held on Christmas Bay, ' the school children being each presented with" a nice book by Mr G. Grant, in the absence of Mr M'Gimpsey (chairman). Games .and races among the young, people were indulged in till about 5 p.m., when tea, cake and sandwiches were handed round by the ladies, and much appreciated by all'. The usual dance following the picnic was suspended owing to the death of an old and respected resident, Mrs J. M'Cone, which caused a deep gloom throughout the district. Mrs M'Cone was among the settlers in Otiake, having come with her husband and family to their farm nearly 30 years ago. She passed away regretted by the whole community. Her kindly presence will long be missed, for she was ever helpful to those in trouble, as well as a good neighbor. The deceased lady was a native a. Oai'rickfergus, Co. Antrim, Ireland. She leaves a husband and family of four sons and two daughters to mourn their loss.