OTAKOU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2302, 14 April 1898, Page 25

OTAKOU.

April 11. — Aft.r many weeks of hot scorching weather a little moisture has fallen, but juat enough to make us wish for more. The paddocks are quite bare, and all vegetation looks parched up. The farmers were expecting a good crop of turnips, but through the recent scorching weather their hopes as well as the turnips are blighted. Fire.— On Thursday, March 31, a fire broke out in the local store, occupied by Mr Hugh M'Kay, which in a few minutes was a seething mass of flame. Unfortunately boih Mr aud MrsM'Kay were out at the time, and when Mrs M'Kay got home the place wfcs in fl imes. The only things she saved were the cash box and post office box, but her books, etc., were consumed. Great -difficulty wa? experienced in saving a house to the rear of tha store, aud had a breeze been blowing at the time nothing could have saved it. How the fire originated is at present a mystery. In consequence of the fire this place is now cut off from communication by telephone. Both building and stock were insured.

Farewell Social.— On MonJay, 4th mat., 3 farewell social "was held in the Kaik Hall to bid adieu to Mr Buckingham, who has been stationed on the Peuinsula as home missionary for the last two years. The s.s. Onslow conveyed a good number from Broad Bay and Port Chalmers. Solos were given by the Misses Alexander, Mis': Buckingham, and Mr Buckingham. The Ray. Mr New bold showed a fine collection of views of the New Zealand beauty spots and scenes from Egypt and Switzerland with the mag'c lantern, ■which were received with great attention. The occasion was taken to present Mr Buckingham with a violin, bow, and case as a parting gift, and after partaking of refreshments the visitors left in the s.s. Onslow atxd. lesideiits wended their way homewards.

Mutual Improvement — A meeting was held in the Kaik Sckoolhouse to farm a mutual improvement society. Presidents, vice-presidents, and other officers were elected, and hopes are entertained that it may prove a success. It is intended to make the meetings of the society as enjoyable ap possible, and songs, instrumental music, recitations, and readings will be given, as well as subjects of iuterest debited. The first meeting is fixed for Wednesday night. Unfortunately a good few of the leading members of the former society have left or are leaving the district, and their loss will be severely felt.