MEETING AT OPOHO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11658, 15 February 1900, Page 5

MEETING AT OPOHO.

ONE HORSE TO BE SUPPLIED.

The good people of Opoho liekl a mcctin"last night, with the double object of showing their patriotism and of raising funds to assist in the sending- off of the Otago and Southland' Contingent. The little Baptist Church Schoolroom was much too small to accommodate all those who attended, and many lmd to view the "proceedings from the doors of the lobbies and ante-rooms. Bunting had been hung on the walls during the afternoon, a large Union Jack facing the audience and the Stars and Stripes and the flag of New Zealand hung on the sides. Mr C. Maeandrew, the mayor of the borough, presided, and Mr T. Mackenzie wag also on the platform. After a few prelimiiiiuy remarics irom the Chairman, a comic song was given by Mr Wilson, who received a voeifei'ous encore. Mr J. Evans was then called upon for a speech. His remarks were.few, but they were eminently practical. "We want to provide a horse, to bo called Opoho." said lie to the audience. "We have called you here for that purpose, and now that we have you, don't intend to let you go until you give us money enough to get one." Truly a" 3tand-ivnd-deliver " sort of remark .to make, but the audience evidently liked being bailed up in this fashion, for they immediately accorded the speaker a round of applause. Proceeding, Mr Evans said that he and Mr M'Peak had made a canvass throughout the; district, and the result had gladdened their heart". " Not one refusal did we get," said Mr Evans, (smiling at tho pleasant recollection. It had been

their intention that the horse should be ridden by an Opohu boy, hut. he had unfortunately just failed to pass the measurement

test. Nevertheless, (hey were going to present a horse, call him " Opoho," aiid watch his career in South Africa. It was a .small di>trict, and in giving a hor.se they might earn a name for their loyally : but they should not exalt themselves over it, but rather think humhly of their gift as compared with that of the fathers and mothers who were pending (heir tons to go and fight for them away in South Africa. —(Applause.) "The last muster" was then sung very nicely by Mr G. Mirams. "England will see it through," by Mr Drake, and Miss Farquharson followed with a selection of patriotic airs on the mandolin, an item which was deservedly encored.

Mr Evans again made an appearance on the stage. It mis to announce that at an interval rofreshmenls provided by Hie ladies ■wild be obtained free, the <mly charge made being 3d for standing at (he, table.

Following tliis announcement came songs by Mesdnmes Strain and Walker. A recitation was then given by Miss Sim, the piece contributed being an original poem entitled ".New Zealand's Answer to the .Motherland,"

Hid the Chairman intimated that the first liar! of the programme was over and tea was •eady.

The audience, recognising the bargain the ladies were offering, spent their threepenny pieces^ freely, and as there was only room for a limited number iti the refreshment room, winsome young ladies went round disposing of their "cakes and coffee." In a corner was a number of boys whose "spirits were willing but whose purses were weak." However, they were put o> the. free list. That the ladies of Opoho had been unstinted in providing refreshment;; was evident from the fact that

even nfter the appetites of the juveniles had been satisfied, there was nothing to spare. Ten minutes had been allowed lov this interval. Twenty must have elapsed before proceedings recommenced with the singing of "The Absent-minded Beggar" by Mr Drake. He sang it to the accompaniment of the jing-

ling of the "shillings" in the hat. Mr T. Mackenzie's speech followed. He briefly traced the history of tho Transvaal, showed the base ingratitude of the Boers, and indicated the vast 'importance, of the present war being- carried to a successful termination. Mr Maekonzie, in his closing remarks, drew a picture of the time when the whole oE the English-speaking peoples would unite in one grand federation.

"The Absent-minded Beggar" again came 'on the scene. Tin's time Mr Wilkinson recited, and a shower of coins began to fall, some boys clambering up the wall outside and throwing contributions through the window. Four little girls then stretched out a. flag and cnught the coins as they fell. "Pennies,"

paid a small boy. " Not them ! " said a second, " Shillings! " " I saw half a crown," said a third, and a fourth, who went to satisfy his curiosity, returned with bated breath to say that there was a £1 note.. More enthusiasm was displayed when Mr■ Hnpcraft sang

" Sons of tho sea. Miss Brake gave a son;,', Mi Springer a recitation, and Mr Wilson another of his amusing items. This concluded the programme. It was announced that the Fiim altogether raised was £31 Ts 7d. Seven pounds eighteen shillings and one penny of this was token in the hall, the balance being the result of the canvass.' Votes of thanks to tho mayor. Mr Mackenzie, the singers, and other performers wore then given, and the meeting closed with cheers for the Queen and the New Zealand boys. Messrs Seoullar and Chisholm, it may, be stated, supplied chairs, j