OTAMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2286, 23 December 1897, Page 29

OTA MA.

December 13. — It is very exasperating to read in the papers that rain, ig very badly wanted and the crops dying for want of rain in some places while we here are nearly swamped, oui vow-

ever, this last day or two it baa b'ea hot and fine, with the result that the good crops are rmhing up and looking well, while what was thin and straggly with the wet weather looks worse than ever, and the ground is as hard as a brick. Turnips are being put in now, and shearing is in' full swing. . School —The school was examined lately by Mr Braik, and* I believe passed a creditable examination, but as no official report has appeared I cannot say for certain as to results. Presentation —The combined Bible classes of Knapdale and 0 atna gave Mr Ramsay, our minister, a surprise party lately. After spending an hour or two in enjoying themselves at the manse Mr N. Stewart, on behalf of the others, presented Mr Ramsay with a pure" c of sovereigns to spend in taking a holiday to seek a renewal of health. Mr Ramsay suitably acknowledged the gift, and is now enjoying a month's leave of absence, after which we hops to see him back in good health.

Show.— Tbe annual show at Gore this year took place under very depie3?ing circumstances so far as the weather was concerned. It rained heavily and persistently the whole day. NeverthelefS from this district buggy loads of people went to swell thf crowd in Gore. We have bad so jnuch rain lately that a thorough soaking more or less does not seem to matter. I believe if it had been a fine day it would have proved the record show for Gore.

Picnic— A meeting of tho?e interested in the CMaina picnic was held in the school ou Monday night. Mr lrickson was chairman, and it was resolved to hold the mnual picnic on Now Year's Day. For the last year or two this picnic has assumed rathei large dimension?, and the meeting came to tho conclusion that all should be asked to provide their own Eatables, the coumu tea providing only tho foa. The band talk of haviug a concert and dance tbe night before, but no definite arrangements have been made yet.