OTAMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2289, 13 January 1898, Page 25

OTAMA.

January 10.— The annual picnic was held in the school g' ounds here on New Year's Day. The day was very windy.but did not deter a, goodly number of the sunounding settlers from putting in an appearance. Bacos were indulged in for young and old. Messrs M'Lachlan and Bruce acted as handicappers and starters, and gave universal satisfaction. The young men chiefly attended on the youcg ladies, and d'd not seem to care to get up any jumping or cricket competitions, as they sometimes do. Mr G. Dickson, ia Highland costume, marched through the grounds playing on the bagpipes— a part of the entertainment which was highly appreciated by the young folks, many of them never having seen a Highlander before. The bdisd also lent their aid to keep things lively. Thei c was a dance held in the evening till halfpast 10, when everyone turned their faces homewards.

Dance. — Mr and Mrs Gavin Dickson gave a very enjoyable dance in their barn on H< gmauay night. There were three generations of Dicksons present, and they all seemed enthusiastic in their love of Scotch music and dances. A Highland fling by a little girl (Mits Sandford) elicited great approval, also one given by Mr G. Dick- on in national costume. Songs were rendered by several of the guests, and before departing Mr and Mrs Dickson were the recipients of thanks from the whole company for the enjoyable time they had spent together. Accident.— A young lad named Peai-ce, ia the emplojment of Mr R. Walker, met with a nafsty accident on Tuesday last. When engaged in backing a dray he lost his balance and fell out. the dray passing over his chest and breaking his left arm. He was taken down to Gore to Dr Donaldson, and afterwards sent to InvercargilJ Hospital. Sounds Trip. — I ccc " Civis" pokiig fun at the teacher who thought the Government would do well to give all teachers a trip to the Sounds. "What is to hinder them going if they want to without the Government doing it? They get about six weeks' holidays, and could easily do c walking tour there and back. They would piclr up more ideas and see more scenery than going ia such a common way as a boat. I think tht Government might as well give the farmers a trip. I promise to keep a diary and publish it if they will only t.»ke me. Teachers as a rule are not noted fer tellitjg how they have spent thah holidays or what they saw when away at the best of times. Weather.— We have been favoured with plentj of high winds lately, but on Saturday night o welcome rain fell. To-day it is cold and wet, ana we have had quite enough of it at present. Tht grass cutting is in progress, but unless the weather clears will be a bit of a contract. However, tfet: turuip3 are showing up well after the rain.