MERTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2151, 16 May 1895, Page 23

MERTON.

May 13.— The glorious autumnal weather of the past five or fix weeks broke on Wednesday night, when a mild rain began to fall, lasting for 15 hours or so. Since thea the days have been more or lens damp and overcast, with present indications mojt unpromising. Social —The Prebby terian congregation of this district held the'r annual soiree on the evening of the Bth inst. This event seems to increase in popularity year by year. On the last occasion the gathering wa3 as large as any previous one, notwithstanding that the weather had threatened all day, which no doubt prevented some from putting in an appearance. The church, however, was full to excess -the district having, as usual, practically turned out en masse, while Waikouaiti, SeacJiff, Evamdale, and Waitati were well represented. The interior of the building was rendered most attractive by a profusion of floral and evergreen decoration*, arranged with considerable taste, whilst the tabl s, laden with a bewildering variety of the choicest comestibles, and otherwise artistically embellished, presented a most attractive appearance. They were presided over by Mrs Campbell, and the Misses Baird, Allan (2), Davis, M'Leod (2), Hammond, M 'Donald, Richardson, Pultar, and Scott— all of whom were n ost thoughtful and attentive in ministering to the wants of tbeir patrons. The intellectual part of the entertainment consisted of suitable and inter -sting addresses by the Revs. A M". Finlayson (of the district, who presided), J. Christie (Waikouaiti), J. Cl.»rk (Palmerston), and W. Finlayßon (Ohristcliurch), which were alternated with a selection of hymns very creditably rendered by the local choir, under the skilful direction of Mr John ■White, and ably accompanied by Miss Falconer at the o-gan. The evening was characterised by the utmost Bociabilitj' and goodwill, and Feemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by all. Unfortunately the weather gave way before the close of the meeting—a moderate rain having set in, under which the company had to journey h ime, impressed with a sense of some little injustice on the part of the clerk of (he weather. Scholastic— Messrs A Pride (chairman), K. M'Leod, J. M. Utlltvray, T. Hammond, C. Hammond, J. Povtt-ous. and P. Kane constitute our newly-elect-d school committee. Obituary.— Another of the young men of the district, Mr Thomas M'Keau, passed away on the sth inst. after a most trying illness of nearly five years' duration. The m-lady to which he succumbed was diabetes— a most wearying, iksome, and exhausting complaint, which in this instance was borne with much patience and fortitude. Deceased was buried in the Merfcon cemetery, mar.y Bhowing their lespect to Ms memory by accompany ing his remains to the place of interment.