OTAMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 25

OTAMA.

July 7.— At last the flue weather has broken, and we have had quite ourshaieof stormy elements. On Thursday last we were treated to a snowstorm, and afterwards heavy rain, which filled our creeks and rivers to overflowing and culminated in the largest flood we have had for many years. The low-lying portions of Utaraa were all under water, but I have heard of no cases of lois of stock.

School,— Our local school has at last scraped up a committee. Very little interest is taken in educational matters here. The committee comprises Messrs John Bruce (chairman), John Flavel (secretary), Alexander Stewart, Robert M'Callum, D. M'Bain, John M'Kay, and James M'Aleekin. Amusemrnts.— l htarour hall committee intend shortly to have a concert to try to raise the necessary funds to procure a piano, which is much wanted, as the people who have piaaos object to lend' in consequence of the distance from the hall, the risk of damage beine by no means slight. —Our dtbating society still holds its meetings. We had a miuical evening a fortnight ago, at which songß, recitations, readings, and a dialogue were given, and proved very acceptable. On Monday night we had a debate between the Rev. Mr Ramsay and Mr John M'Nab on the question "Should the present Government be returned .again?" Mr Ramsay spoke in the affirmative, and Mr M'Nab in the negative. The subject was fairly debated, and a division of the house was called for, which resulted in 11 votes for the Government party and 14 against. We are certainly improving in our debating powera, and a very enjoyable evening was spent.