OTAMA.

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

OTAM A.

September IS — From a farmer's point of view the weather just now is all that could be desired. Fanners aie well advanced with their work, and sowing is quite general. Turnips are all but finished, and those who have surplus sheep to dispose of aie in a fix, as prices are nearly the same as they were at the beginning of winter, and unless sheep rise in value soon farmers and dealers will be in the position that 's termed beintr " left with the baby to hold." Cattle are as dull as Fhedp, but I notice that beef and mutton are still the same price in the butchers' shops in Gore. An Kxpensive Short Cut.— One of our local farmeia taking his sheep to a sale took a short cut through a paddock which, unknown to him, was laid with poisoned pollard for rabbits, thu consequence being that over 20 of his flock died, so thit theie was no doubt of the strength of the poison that time. Amusements.— Our debating society sUll wends ou its wsiv, and is nearin? the end nf the term. Since writing la*t we have had a musical evertinc, which, was held in tbe hall, Mr Gavin Dickson beiug chairman. Sungs were rendered by Misses Clellaudaud Logtii and Messrs Millar, Scott, and Forhea ; Messrs Woods and M G.-ikeu g.ive recitations, while Messrs Dickson aud T. Logan gdve humourous Scotch readings, which were highly appreciated. Mrs llcgnn and Miss W. Stewart played a duet, "The Cana-y Bird Quadrilles" being also given, and a solo by Mr Olair Stewart completed the programme. As usual, they finished up with dancing. — A debate on "Enrly v. Late Rising" took place at the next meeting, , Mr John Bruce pleading the benefit to be derivt-d from indulging in early morning hours, while Mr O. Stewait contended for a little more slumber. I had always a fancy that we were famous for early rising in this district, but the evening's debate piovevl the" contrary, as the majority voted for late rising, and many of them averred they rather liked it. Presentation.— Mr William Marshall, who has taught and led the choir in the ch'irch herrt for sometime past, was, on the occasion of his leaving the district, presented by the choir with a gold chain and pendant as a slight token of their recognition of his services to them.

Dancing.— The wind-up of the Quadrille Club took 'place htre last night. The hall was well filled with both f'ld and young people. One noticeable feature this year is the revival of the old country dances, tuch as the Triumph, &c. Sougs vrere sung at intervals during the evening, and Mr John Valentine gave a capital rendering of the Sword dance. Abundance of refreshments were handed round, and dancing was brought to a close about half-past 3.