RATANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 25

RATANUI.

February I.— The followingis MrG.M. Draper's I report of the weather at Ratanui for the month of January :— Rain fell on 14 days ; maximum, '83in on the 14th ; total for the month, 2 65iu. Tern porature : Maximum, 80deg, on the !)th ; minimum, 51deg, on the Ist ; average, 64 15-31deg. Wind variable. Unusual heat from the B'h to the 20th. The rainfall at Ratanui during 1896 amounted to 50'75in. Accident. — An accident happened to Mr Donaldson, of Ratanui on Saturday, caused by a' fall from a tree. I am unable to send any particulars further than that a medical man was sent for. Unsocial. — A very disorderly meeting in connection with the Ratanui Dairy Factory Association took place on Saturday last. Possibly I may be tempted to report proceedings in full next ; week. ! The Season -So far as I am abl&to judge by j my short and infrequent travels, this is the best ; season for stock and crops which has been ex- j perienced for many yea*s. January has passed \ without flood or storm, and with but one very alight frost. Turnips, oats, potatoes, and other crops could not look better. In our local gardens the crops of vegetables, flowers, and small fruits— excepting black currants— are much better than usual. The partial failure of the currant crop is attributable to want of moisture about the time the fruit was formed, or soon after. For the benefit of those who anticipate planting black currant trees, I recommend them to do bo close to a creek or pond. These and raspberries require more moisture and deeper cultivation than any other of the small fruits. Wedding at Owaka.— Punctual to the appointed time of half-past 10 in the forenoon of the 26th January, 1596. Miss Margaret Vial, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Vial, of Owaka, met Mr } Louis Harris, interim stationmaster at the same \ place, for the purpose of tying a " Gordian" knot. A large number of invitations having been issued by the parents of the bride, the concourse of people who responded with their presence at the Owaka Episcopalian Church, which was comfortably filled, proved boyond doubt the respect and esteem in which the bride and bridegroom and their immediate relatives and friends are held. The Rev. Canon Dodd officiated at the altar, assisted by Mr Wingfteld, and Mr Kelk, of Dunedin, presided at the harmonium. The bride, who looked very nice in a dress which it is beyond my power to describe, was led to the altar and "given away" by her ddosr brother, Mr James S. Vial, while Miss M'M'Jlan, cf Dnnedin, very neatly attired, posed f%% lady-in-waiMnjr, bridesmaid, <fco. Mr George Vial stood by" the bridegroom, and both looked as though they had just "lost a pMiny atd found a fiver." The necessary signatures being recorded the organist played the grand march out, and the company shortly afterwards reassembled at the residence of the bride's parents, ■where about 70 guests did further honour to the occasion and the wedding breakfant-tablod in Hostess Vial's very best rtyle. M* W, Oarltoft i tßert&nui) oreslded, and Mx Ji'Louuau (GUtfe*

»——»——— —————— I ■ .• •~"u*«*».-s I omaru) occupied the opposite clir.> (both bf> .special request. After a pleasant' repast Mi; Carlton, in proposing the toast of the brlddf and bridegroom, oalled upon the ladies ana gentlemen present to charge their glasses with' the delioious wines provided, and said that the' present auspicious occasion gave himself and all those present very great pleasure, seeing that they were assembled together to celebrate the marriage of two who were bo highly respected as the bride" and bridepoom. On behalf 6f the company he could confidently- say that the bride had won tho respect of all with whom she had oome in contaot, aid it was the sincere wish of the company that the future career of the bride and bridegroom. might bo one ot unbroken prosperity and happiness in their married life, and when away on their honeymoon they would carry with them not only the hearty goodwill of the company, but of all those who are intimately, acquainted with them. Mr Carlton congratulated Mr Harris on his marriage to a girl whom he was absolutely confident would make him a good wife, and concluded, by wishing the happy pair all the health, wealth, and happiooßß the world could afford them. The toast having been drunk with enthusiasm and the ÜBual niUßical honours, Mr M'Lonnan ' (Glenomarn), In a neat and suitable speeob, replied in felicitous terms on behalf of the bride fliid-bridegioou), and was followed by three hearty cheers for Mr a-id Mrs Harris. Dance —At the Invitation of Mv and Mrs Vial a largd company assembled at Mr Paterson's hall for dancing. The host and hostess led in 'the grand march, followed by about 40 couples, the number beipg shortly increased to about ' 120 people. Dancing was much enjoyed, and kept up with great spirit till about daylight. Thus ended one of the most prolonged and pleasaut outings which have occurred in this bufch district. Not a word or gesture occurred during tbe day's and night's proceedings to mar the pleasant time, each one apparently endeavouring to outdo the other in gallantry and good conduct.