WAIKAIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1787, 20 February 1886, Page 13

WAIKAIA.

February 16. — Two fires occurred here last week. Mr F. Murchison, farmer, had about £30 worth of hay burned, and Mr D. Gillanders' stables were also destroyed. Mr Murchison was uninsured. Mr , Gillanders was, I believe, insured with the National Office. The cause of the fires is unknown

Athenteum and Library. — The Committee held a meeting last Friday evening, when a good • deal of business was got over. A sub-committee was elected to assist the Progress Committee in obtaining an endowment. It was decided to hold a concert on March 17 to augment the f ands. The secretary has received the donation of £10 promised by Mr H. S. Valentine. The public must feel very thankful to Mr Valentine for this donation, for I believe had ho. not given it the question of a library would uot yet hive been taken up.

Minister of Lands. — The Hon. Mr Ballance visited this place last Monday, and.was highly pleased with the district. During theafternoon he visited some of the land lying up the valley. He addressed a public meeting at the schoolhouse in the evening, and left on Tuesday morning. He received deputations from the Waikaia and Wendonside Progress Committees and the Athenaeum and Library Committee during his visit.

Cricket. — The match Waikaia v. Lumsden, played here last Monday, resulted in a win for tie home team by eight wickets. The bowling of J. Mailer and A. Brown for Waikaia, and Wilspn and Purdue for Lumsden was excellent. There was no tall scoring done, both teams being weak in batting. The match finished about 4 o'clock, the usual cheers being given.

Conceht. — A concert was held in the evening in aid of the funds of the local cricket club. Mr T. Taylor occupied the chair. Considering that only one week's notice had been given of this, it turned 'out very succe.ssful.lv. Mr JShaimcsy contributed the comic part of the entertainment. and acquitted himself well. Songs were, given by Misses Collie and Hardman and Messrs Vial, A. Brown, and E. Brown ; a reading by Mr J. A. Grant; recitations by Messrs Fyfe, M'Kenzie, and Hardman ; and two glees by the company. Musical selections were played by Misses Cameron and J. Collie and Professor Groom. The concert concluded about a-quarter past 10. a verse of " God save the Queen " finishing- the programme.