ONE-TREE POINT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2287, 30 December 1897, Page 25

ONE-TREE POINT.

Decesiber 28.— Tbe festivities accompanying the 'mmortal natal day are now on, and all seem to be enjoying themselves in the bosoms of their families and uniting one and all in ptoperly making the best of the joyous season.

Political -It hns been noised abroad that a vacancy is likely to occur in the Mataura representation, and the local Liberal League has saddled Mr M'Nab for the race. A critical incident seems, however, to have occurred. Snneof the Liberals have informed the Governmeut that they cannot support a piohibition candidate, aud are opposed t o Mr M'Nab.

Prkskntation. — A very pleasant ceremony took place at Kencingtoa last week, when several settlers met and presented Mr and Mvj Douglas, of the local post oftice, with separate Cht isl mas presents as a tangible recognition of innumci able acts of-kindnps* pet formed during the couple's residence at Keniiington. la making the presentation. Mr Gilfedder said it was the true-it sigu of the people's appreciation, nnd Mr J Matheson stated that since he commenced bu.-ini.ss at Kensington he had alwajs found Mr and Mrs Douglas an obliging couple. Th*y did not spare themselves whenever a favour coul'i bs done to the advantage bf their neighbours, and he trusted they would be long spared to live in happiness at Kennin^tou. Mr John Irving said that the recipients of the presents did kind services with willing heaits, and the public could not forget this. In the gr.»in season especially Mr Douglas aided settlers in every possible way. After several others had spoken, Mr Douglas returned thank*, and a- pleasant time was spent.

Social.— The Liberal League's social, which was lield at Riruu, was larg-ly attended, tuid Mr Evans presided. Mr M'Nab gave an account of his travels, and vocal contribution < were given by Mrs Gray. Miss Jefcoate, Messrs J. IT. Gray, Swain, J. Clay, W. Clay, and C. Kerr. Miss Butler contributed violiu solos in good style, and Mr 3 Gray played the accomp-miinents with peiftction. A word of credit is due the contributors— Mr and Mrs Gray notably — for services which were forthcoming with readiness without time for preparation. A dance wa< held r at which Mr W. Melvin acted as M.C, and Miss Mabel Cameron (on the piino) aud Mr Allan Cameron (ou the violin) supplied first-class music. An important feature of the evening's enjoyment was the excellence of the dance music, for which the young musicians received showers of congratulation*. It is to be hoped that they often will let lovers of the terp3ichorean art have the benefit of their talent.

Surprise Party. — A "young colonial" pa t.y of neighbours took Mrs D. M'Farlane .md family by surprise on Thursday evening, and soon mide themselves quite "at home." Music for dancing was rendered by Miss Mabel Cameron (piano) and Mr Allan Cameron (violin). Immediately preceding the slaughter of the nice things Mr Uilfcideir mentioned that an important feature of their meeting was to show Mr John M'Failane tint they ai preciated kind acts done by him dvi ing tha time,of his driving to lnvercargill. "Johnny" ■was one of the most oblieing men on record, and had a heart full of kindness and generosity. Mrs J. M'Lennan then read the testimonial and presented Mr M'Farlanc with an artistic silver chain, locket, and medal, at the same time wishing him long years of health aad happiness to" wear them. The medal was in-scribed-as follows :—" Presented to Mr John M Farlane by his friends as a slight token of esteem " Mr Malcolm M'Farlane was then presents wi±i» a tii™.^.^!,^ pj pOj an^ b o s)x

gentlemen having responded, three' cheers were given for them and Mrs M'JFarlane. Fongs were given by Messrs J. M'Leay and M. M'Farlane, violin solos by Mr A. Cameron, and Mr P. Gilfedder danced a jig. All kind* of pleasant games were indulcgdin, andafterßinging " Auldlang syne" and giving cheers for the musicians and the M.C, Mr John Hamilton, the company broke up, all voting the party to have be^n the liveliest, happiest, and friendliest that has taken place here since Noah sailed in the ark.