OTEPOPO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2273, 23 September 1897, Page 26

OTEPOPO.

September 20.— A large number of friends, including a few ladies assemble 1 at the home of Mr Chailes Beckingsale, of Otepopo, on Wednesday afternoun lust for the purpose of making a presentntion to that gentlemau on his letiriug from the position of superintend! nt. of the local Sabbath school. 'J he Rev. A. T). Thompson, on behalf of the congiegation <.f the JVcsbyteiiaa Church, presented Mr B?ckiDgsa!e with a handcome illuminated ad-Ire3s, also a most useful tiavelling rug, together with a beautifullyadorned silver centre suitably inscribed thus : " Otepopo Presbyterian Church — Presented by the congregation to Mr Charles Beckiussale as a token of their love and Hstcsm." 'Ihe recipient suitably res-ponded, and tlnu.ked one and all for their pi\sent, which had come as a great surprise to him.

Otepopo Scnoor, —The inspectors paid their annual visit of inspection la*t week. I have been unable a-s yet to hear the percentago gained, but I am almost assured that ie will as usual be very creditable, both* to Mr M'D maid and tbe mistress, SJiss Cooper. In this connection I may itate that Mr M'Dona'd, our teacher, is also carrying on a night school, which is very well attended by some of our young men. and is much appreciated.

The Weather.— Since my last we have had splendid growing weather — acme rain almost every day, and with the heat in the ground crops and grass are now making good headway. The rain is also very welcome, as ie is rcpleniuhins the supply of water ia our taDks.

Lkctuue on Burns. —Mr J. )>. Seivwright, of Oimaru, delivered his lecture on Robeit Burns in the hall at Herbert on Fiiday evening l.»st to a very moderate attendance, owing to a counter attraction at a neighbouring village. The lecture proved mo3t interesting, and was well received, as also was the magic lantern views thrown on the screen by the Rev. Mr Thompson. Songs suitable for the occasion were sung during the evening by Mi'.s Olivia Mai shall, Mrs Krame, and Messrs D. Thomas and William Meifcle. Owing to the length of the lecture ib was deemed inadvisable to have encores I\\e tendering of "Ye banks at.d braes " by Miss Maishall fairly brought the hous-3 dowD, as she is one of our best local singers. Without in any way discouraging others I say we could very well do wiih more singers in our local church choir like her. Mr Thomas's rendering of "A man's a man for a' that" ,was given iv good style, and showed that he is a thorough master of his favourite art. This portion of the evening's enjoyment was h'ougkt to a close by all present standing and singing " Auld langsyne." A dance followed, which was fairly well patronised and kept up till the "sma 1 'oors." The funds of the athenceum will be somewhat increased.

'] he Com'ingent. — The return of Trooper Marshall from the Jubilee celebrations on Monday morning last was the cause of some excitement at the railway station. He was expected on the Saturday evening by the expres«, anct a large crowd had met to welcome him home, but he had gone on to Ngapara to a welcome socia) held there in honour of the local men. Mr Marshall has represented us most creditably both in physical appearance and also in behaviour. He seems to have enjoyed himself immeusely, and is loud in his praises of the universally good treatment they received at home. We are pleased to see " Willie " back amongst us again, looking, if anything, even better than he did prior to his trip. He is just besieged with friend*, etc , who are never dona asking this, that, and the other question about all the sights, etc., they can think of. I intend in a day or two ta have an interview with him myself. I shall then pos&ibly send you along a few notes. I hear that it is suggested that he be asked to give a lecture on his trip Home, the proceeds to go to, say, the Oamaru Hospital funds. A wtlcome social to him is also spoken of, and this just wants some enthusiastic man to take it up and carry through. At the service in the local Presbyterian Church on Sabbath evening last the Rev. Mr Thomson offered up thanks in prayer for Mr Marshall's cafe return. He was once more in his old place in the church choir, where hia services are much appreciated.

An old resident of Oam&ru — Me Clement Jones, wko served in the 12th aad 16th Lancers, being in the army from 1851 to 1861— pasefed away on Friday.