MAUNGATUA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 22

MAUNGATUA.

June 25. —During the past few weeks the weather has continued very unsettled, as we have experienced heavy showers of rain, sometimes accompanied with wind. As a consequence the ground is at present very wet, and farming operations are almost at a standstill, as very little ploughing can be done. The roads in the district are in a very unsatisfactory condition, being in some places nearly impassable, and they require a good coat of gravel all along. It is to be hoped that before next winter the county council will see their way clear to put them in an efficient state of repair. Valedictory. — A social anU dance was held on the evening of the 15th ult. in tho Berwick Public Hall, on the occasion of Mr and Mrs Alexander Sinclair leaving the Waipori district for the North Island. The hall was tastefully decorated, and was set round with tables at which various games were indulged in by those present. Later in the evening the floor was cleared, and dancing was kept up with vigour until an early hour in the morning. Several songs were very well rendered in the course of the evening by Mrs M'Diarrnid, Miss E. Millar, JMessrs Fletcher, Heenan, and others. The refreshments were providel satisfactorily by Mr Jno. DowdiJ, storekeeper. Concert.— A concert in aid of the school funds was held in the schoolhouse last Friday evening. There was a fair attendance, and after a few

remarks from the Chairman (Mr W. M'Pherson) the entertainment was opened by a selection from the Outram Brass Band, who also rendered two other selections during the evening. Among the songs given at the concert may be mention "Robin Adair" and "The bonnie hills of Scotland" by Mrs A. M'Dlarmid, " The Scottish blue bells" by MiBS Baird, "The auld quarry knowe ' by Mr Bruce, and "Of a' the airts" by Mr Meston ', also soncts by Miss Maclean and Miss Watts, One or two instrumental trios were very well rendered by Miss Rutherford and Messrs M'Bride, Maclean, and Robertson, and two instrumental duets by Miss A. and Mr A. M'Diarmid. A recitation was also well received from Miss Grant, of North Taieri. After the concert terminated the floor was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till an early hour in the morning.