GTAMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2202, 14 May 1896, Page 25

GTAMA.

May 4.— During the last few weeks wo have had lovely weather hero for this tims of year, quite mild and not too frosty, but the last few days brought a change, and It is now quite wintry. PoLiTiciL.— Mr Fraeer, "M.H.E., spoke to the largont political audience that h»s ever assembled in the Utama. He dealt chiefly with the banking legislation, and defended the action of the Government in that matter, and *nid that with economy and careful manage ent it ousrhX to come o-it light. At the conclusion of his address Mr A. 51' I acblan moved a v^t* of thanks and confUleuoe iv Mr Fioser, which was kecon<l«d by Mr R. M'Allum, and carried unanimously. Mr R. H. Kennedy occupied the chair during the evening. In Search of Health.— Mr Robert Do Ids has gone away on a visit to Scotland and America for the benefit of his health. I wish him a safe return. Debating Sckmety.— The Otama Literary and Debating Society held a meeting to choose their otnee-bearers and eleot new members for the coming season. There was a very meagre attendance. The Rev. P. Ramßay was elected president, Messrs Fullarton and T. Logan vice-presideuts, and Mr J. Robertion secretary, with a committee of five. The next meeting will be held with a view to choosing a syllabus and hearing the president's address. Harvest Hour. -Mr an-1 Mra N. M'Allen gave a very enjoyable harvest homo last week. It wtas a very stormy uigh.% which prevented aome of their friends from attending, but thr>Be who were there enjoyed'themselves thoroughly. Our Band.— Out band is practising- arduously, in order to give the resident*! of <)tama -an opportunity of hearing how they have progressed lately in the art of runi>.ic. They think of giving a concert boob. It ia to be hoped that tho wealher will 'be fine, so thab thoy may have a goad audieriCJ. It is more inspiriting to play to a full house thau to an array of empty benches Bad Roads. — The roads ore now begiunlug to be pretty bad again in the back districts, being cut up with the carting -of grain, but it seems to me theie is not so much to cart this year. I do not see «o many teams passing as in former years. Farm Matters.— Thieshing here is now practically finished, and gome of the farmers nave started ploughing.