WAIKAIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2303, 21 April 1898, Page 25

WAIKAIA.

i April 18. — Jfc is always a pleasure to have to record a wedding in our district, and on Monday ; last one of these interesting events of more than ordinary importance was celebrated. On that 1 date Mr Duncan Matheson, jun., was united in i matrimony to Miss Mary fctewart, of Horseshoe I Bsnd, sister of the Messrs Stewart Bros., of the j Argyle Sluicing Company. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr Carter at the residence of Mr Robert Stewart. The bride, who was handsomely attired, was given away by her father, and was attended by Miss Mathesou as bridesmaid. Mr Alex. Cameron acted as best man, and about 30 relations and intimats friends of the bride and groom were present to do honour to the occasion. The ceremony over, the guests adjourned to Mr Matheson's granary, where a sump- j tuous repast was spread. Speeches appropriate to the occasion were made by several of the gentlsmen present, and all went merry as the proverbial marriage bells. In the livening a large number of friends attended by invitation at Bell's , Hall, where preparations had been made for a i dance. The hall was tastefully decorated, and I excellent music was supplied by Messrs Edwards i aod White, and with. Mr Win. Christie as M.C. ! the entertainment lefb nothing to be desired. Twice during the evening an adjournment was made to the granary, where excellent "refreshments were supplied. A hearty vote of thanks and wishes for their future proiperity were ten- , dered to the happy couple, and their kind hospitality on this occasion will be long looked back to as one of the pleasantest social gatherings we have had. | Concert. —A concert and dance in aid of the ' cemetery funds was held in Bell's Hall on Friday, t the 15th. It would not be too much to say that j it was really the most successful entertainment i we have had for many years. No effort was .' spared by the committee to secure a good pro- ! gramme, and expectations were fully realised. , Mr John Milne occupied the chair, and in the course of his remarks referred to the disgraceful state of the cemetery and the urgent need there ■ was of immediate steps being taken to make its ■ appearance a little more attractive. Several pirformers- from a distance gave their services, which were much appreciated. Miss M'Kersey, in her rendering of "Home they brought her warrior dead," was well received, as was Miss j Birch in her singing of "Nea" in the first part ; of the programme and " Paradise alley " in the • j second, for which shs received a well-merited i j encore. The committee were fortunate in having ' IMr Frank May's help. He proved a hoßt in 1 himself, being quite at home both iv sentimental | and comic singing. Messrs Tanner (Riversdaltj) ' and Thomson (Balfour) also rendered a good j account of themselves, and succeeded in pleasing the audience. v Our local singrera ako gave valuable assistance, the Misses Brown, Taylor, and [ Hamer rendering their various items in their , usual pleasing manner. Messrs Groom and Williams pleasantly varied the programme with a violin selection, the latter gentleman especially deserving thanks for his kindness in supplying the violin music for the dance giatis. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Hutchinson and Mrs Edwards. At the end of the concert liberal refreshments were supplied by the ladies of the community. Financially, tha effort was a great success. The gross receipts from all sources amounted to £22 7» 6d, and the expenses to £3 103, leaving a net balance of j£lß 17a 6d, which will enable the trustees to carry out a good many , of their projected improvements. A public meet- j ing is to be held in Bell's Hall on Saturday, 30th inst., for the purpoge of nominating five trustees to take the full management of cemetery matters, when it is to be hoped there will be a I large attendance, from which a suitable number I of men may be picked who will carry out their j duties conscientiously. j Angling — Our fishing season wound up very poorly. A few of cur anglers turned out "on the 15th, but about two or three fish were the best baskets. There have been very few fish caught j dining the last month — only a few in the evening ! with the fly. j Agricultural —Although the weather has i been bad for miners it has 'ooen good for farmers. The harvest has been unusually late this season, and some of the crops are not fit to cut yet ; but the bulk is all in stack, and threshing is getting well on. j