OTAKOU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2207, 18 June 1896, Page 26

OTAKOU.

June 13.— Since writing my last notes Mr Green, M.H.R., has paid us a visit, but owing to some mistake in arranging a placa of meeting very few of the settlers knew of his intention*, and he had to leave without having a regular meeting,although I hear he addressed a few of his con, stituents at Mr M'Kay*s store before he departed* Obituary.— Mrs Harwood, a very old resident' formerly living at the Kaik, but lately of Lower Portobello, has joined the great majority. Her remains were followed to their last resting place in the Portobello oem9tery by a large number of relatives and friends. Deceased was greatly respected in the district. Her husband, who survives her, must without doubt bo the olde3t settler on the Peninsula, and probably the oldest in Otago. Debating Society.— l am informed that several of the residents have made up their minds to form a debating tociety. At a meeting held in the Wesleyan Church on Wednesday evening, June 3, it was decided that the society be called " The Otago Heads Mutual Improvement and Debating Society." The following officers were elected :— President, Mr Buckingham ; vice-president, Mrs Sheppard ; secretary, Mr Hardy ; committeeMisses Moraan and J. Wil.on, Messrs Waltfgott, Joyce, and R. WiUon. It wa3 decided to hold the meetings every alternate Wednesday. The first subject to be discussed is, " Has machinery bean beneficial to the working classes?" I would suggest to the society that they find some other meeting place than the church, and I have no doubt that as long as they rigidly exclude all sectarian matter from their discussions all will go well, and they have my hearty good wishes for the success of the venture.