OKATO.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 161, 17 January 1896, Page 3

OKATO.

(OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) We are just recoveriug from the effects of over indulgence of good things dining the holidays, the state of the weather materially assisting to depress any exuberant spirits which had not settled down to ordinary Hying. Our chief event daring the holidays was the Sunday School picnic on New Year's Day, which was held in Mr W. Lambie's paddock on the banks of the Kaihihi River. Messrs Hughson, W. Andrews, Eustace, Taft and Koebuck were indefatigable in their effovts to give the children an enjoyable day's sport. Eaces of various kinds were got up, for which very good prizes were given. Games of all kinds were indulged in by the young people, and all were happy and gay. A number of visitors came out from town. Refreshments were provided in abundance, tables being laid under the shelter of the trees near the river. Mr D. Greenway erected a tent and had charge of a temperance refreshment stall, so that the tired or thirsty could partake of something light during the afternoon. Mr Clark was on the ground with his camera, and took some capital " snap-shots " of various games or scenes as they occurred. One he has named " caught in the act." It depicts that enjoyable game of " kiss-in-the-riug." (I den't suppose you or I ever played that game when we were boys, Mr Editor.) In this case a young gentleman had his arm round a young lady's neck, and the way the young lady holds her mouth I should say it would be a great temptation to the young fellow if he did not kiss her, even though she was out of the ring; but the photo does not clear that up, it only lead 3 you to surmise. Several other views taken were also very good. Every one voted it the most enjoyable picnic ever held in Okato. In the evening a concert was held in the schoolroom, a capital programme being provided. Hay-making is mostly completed,

and some heavy crops have been gathered. Settlers hereabouts have realised the necessity of providing something for the stock in the winter, so that a larger area has been gathered this season than previously. Since last I wrote you we have lost one of our most respected settlers, Mr W. Andrews. The cause of death was ulcerated stomach. He suffered considerably, his illness being of a protracted oharacter. Mr Andrews, during his residence here, filled many public offices. He was a member and chairman of the Eoad Board, school committee-man, cemetery trustee, &c. His work on the Board was always marked by the strictest impartiality and unselfishness. The labor he did in ploughing, fencing, and grassing the new postion of the cemetery was only one of a number of similar works which he Carried out without any thought of compensation. On the school committee he was a most useful member. As one one of the superintendents of the Sunday School it was his desire and delight to see the children happy and gaining in knowledge. How we missed him from our picnic! Truly we can say his works live after him, for on every hand we can see some substantial work done or trees planted by him which remind us of our departed fellow colonist. The funeral took place in the new cemetery ground with every mark of respect the whole district being represented thereat. Mr Swaizland has erected a new residence, very neat in design and apparently of a substantial character. The new Catholic Church is ready for roofing, and we hope to see it fully completed before winter.

The Church of England members expected Archdeacon Govett to conduct service here on Sunday last, but on account of the bad weather, he did not put in an appearance. Some little time ago you recorded an extraordinary runaway occurrence which took place in Hawera. I think I can go " one better," which is as follows: Mr Kepa's man harnessed a young horse to a vehicle and drove on to the road. Crossing the Stony River bridge the horse became restive and bolted. The driver stuck to the horse till the bridge ring broke, throwing him out. The horse ran at full speed past the hotel, where it took to the side of the road. Following along the fence it ran on the top of the bank above the cutting near the Co-opera-tive Store. Some excavations in the bank stopped it 3 mad career for a moment only, when it leaped down on to the second bench, and a second leap landed it on the road. In the vehicle was a small invalid boy. As the trap rebounded on the first bench it pitched the boy out in a forward direction on to the road, right in front of the wheels. As the trap again rebounded it cleared the boy, who was picked up very little the worse for his fall. The horse continued his course a little further, when it tried to jump a wire fence, which it accomplished, but could not get the trap over, and was held in that position until liberated. Thus ended one of the most remarkable runaways it has been my lot to witness.