SHAG VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 17

SHAG VALLEY.

May 19.—The annual concert and dance in connection with the loch Valley School took place on Friday evening last, the 18th inst. The evening proved fine, and there was a fair attendance. The committee are to be praised for the manner in which they carried out the arrangements, and everything passed off as merrily as a marriage bell. Mr William Craig occupied the chair and suitably introduced the various performers. The following ladies and gentlemen rendered songs in their usual pleasing manner:—The Misses Harrison and Duncan, and Messrs Russell (Palmerston), Hughes (Dunback;, Pinder, and Duncan. Miss Duncan and her brother also gave a duet in good taste and style. The concert was followed by a farce, in which Messrs Webb, M'Farlane, Mills, Scott, Hughes, O'Neill, and Mitchell took part. Messrs Lindsay and Scott also contributed some excellent step dances. A liberal supply of refreshments was handed round, and the dance which followed was entered into with spirit and kept up till about half-past 3. Miss Highett (Palmerston, violin) and Messrs Oswald (violin) and Urquhart (bagpipes) supplied the music. I understand the funds were augmented by about £10; and as. there is little expense, the committee must be well pl«ased with the result. Ploughing Bee.—The other day the farmers round about here took the opportunity of showing their friendship and obliging nature by turning out to give Mr M. Todd, of Carrick farm, a day's ploughing. Owing to various reasons there were only some 11 ploughs on the day fixed, but in the following woek another half-dozen turned up, and it is needless to say that the ploughmen worked with a right good will, and I should think that altogether they must have turned over something like 30 acres. Mr C. M'Gregor had charge of the field arrangements, and carried out his duties to the satisfaction of all. I regret to say that Mr Todd is laid aside with severe illness, and^his sons are rather young to take charge, but the eldest is going into the ploughing like a man, and deserves great credit for the energy he is displaying. Altogether the family is one of the most industrious in the neighbourhood. It is the earnest hope of all that Mr Todd may be able to be among us again once more enjoying the blessing of good health. For many years he hp > been connected with the Waikouaiti Council, and I understand his fellow members are moving in the direction of making a presentation to him as a recognition of his past services. He did not seek reelection at the last election. [Shall be glad to hear from you at any time.—Ed.]