OTAKOU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 34

OTAKOU.

August S.— ln common with other localities we have been experiencing tome very bitter weather — snow, sleet, rain, and heavy gales being the order of the day. The laßt snowfall was remarkable for the dryness of the snow, and in consequence of its drynes-s and lightness it penetrated into every crack and craany. 'J he drifts in some places were 6ft deep, and some of the dairymen weie unable to get through to the local creamery. Stock suffered in consequence of the aeveta weather, several losses being reported, hut not nearly so badly e.n might have been expected. Dkbvcing Socjeiy.— Y/e are ttill peggiisg away and continuing to piovide an enjoyable evening's entertainment for both old and young. We hava had two -debates-—" Can Great Wealth ba Acquired Honestly? "and "Should Women Have tbe Liberty -to Propose?." Both of these were fairly coutes ; ed, and the last-named afforded some amusement to the audience. The last meeting proved a most enjoyablo musical evening, the various it^ra3 contributed being as follows: — Violin and piano selections, Messrs Hwrdy and Waltsgott (violins) and Mrs Hardy (niunoforte) ; Miss Minnie Bishop, violin sekc'L'S ; song?. Me^rs H>rdy and Bowling and Mi?tes Noblo and Karetai ; readings and recitations, Messrs Bain, Foray tb, and Noble, all of whom acquitted themselves very creditably, the instrumental parts being especially appreciated. ] r OOTBALL —Our local team journeyed to Portobe^lo to try concisions with the Portobello boys. Mr North had kindly given the use of his paddock, and as level paddocks are at a premium down thi3 way, v-e were much indebted to him for his consideistion. MrT. Lynch officiated as referee, and Me'sis Burns and Gill as Hoe umpires. S. Williams captained the Kaik team and Freeman acted in the s>me capacity for Portohello. The game ia Ihe first f*i»ell was pretty evenly contested, although most of tho t.lay centred in the Portobello tweniyfive. After teveial force downs, ■which were agtinst Portobello, A Bit bop got possession of ibe tall and potted a goal. Soon after this half-time was called. In the fctcond Ep«?H Portobello woke up, and with the wind id their favour made thiugs a bit sultry, the liaik being forced down several times. At la?t Freeman got away and crossed the goal lit.". W. Prarce failed to convert. Purtob- l!o btill prised tli« K*ik, and another try was oMviufd by Scaton for Poitobello. Peterson, who took the kick, failed to register a goal. Suon afUnsard* the whistle bk-w, and after cheers had been given for boih team--, the referee, line uti piles, and the owner of the paddock, the various players Wended their weary way Immewatd. As th«fro is to be a return n.atch in a few weeks' time the Ktik will have au opporfsifily t^ regain their lost laurels.