RATANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2273, 23 September 1897, Page 25

RATANUI.

September 20.— Public entertainments at Ratanui have been few and far between, and when one took place on the 10th inst. for the benefit of the local library fund— and the public— a good muster was ensured. The school was comfortably filled for dancing, and those present were apparently well pleased with the management. The usual way of catering refreshments by leaving it in the hands of a tradesman was discarded, and the whole of the eatables were sup-

plied gratis by the local resident?. In this way the total expends amounted to only 6's, and the library fund will benefit to the extent of about £,2. Had the &ffur been iv some ether hands the locating of these moneys would have been just about reversed. 'I he refreshments were of a much s/upeiior quality to the usual run, the taste of "powerful" butter being absent, and thanks to a ''boss" on the load great praise was bestowed on the qualilwof tea supplied. The combined efforts ot our local teachar (Mr D ivis) as chief pioiiictcr with Mr Carruther*, at the lei urn were highly appreciated. Mr W. F. Henderson, assisted by Mr IX. Wilson and others, supplied the necessaiy music; and during the • inttrvals between dances the meetiog was enlivened by the vocal efforts of Mrs Hendeison, who was in capital voice, and agreeably suiprisfcd many even who had heard her before. Messrs L. Scott, W. Holland, W. M'Donald, and others also sang. Mr Carruthers contributed a recitation Tho Upper Catlina people, excepting Mr and Mrs Hendeison, were conspicuously abs-nt, and their voluntary and valuable services* will not be forgotten. (No sarcasm intended.). N Mr R. White officiated as M.C. in a satisfactory manner. All looked well up to the juaik. The company separated at a reasonable hour, and hope for a similar spree soon. ,