WAIKAIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 29

WAIKAIA.

August 2.— On Wednesday, July 27, we had a visit from Mr Don, the Chinese missionary, who gave a magic lantern exhibition in Bell's Hall m the evening. The b\ii!ding was packed to overflowing, i-.nd the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy the entertainment provided for them. Mr Don took those present, in imagination, from Dunedin to British Columbia. The photos shown on the screen weie well executed, agd the lecturer having personally visited the different localities, was enabled to give a very' clear and instructive account of e\ cry scene represented. The price charged for admission was low, but I understand that the financial result was very satisfactory. Mr Don may rely upon a hearty welcome when he next pays us a visit. Athene urn. — The monthly meeting of tno AthenEeum Committee was held on Friday evening. It was decided that a concert in lid of the funds should be held on September 9, and as Ihe purchase aad shifting of the building will entail considerable expense, it is to be hoped that the public will be liberal in their patronage of this venture in aid of the funds School Matters. — Our school has again rassed a very satisfactory examination, there being only three failures gul of over 120 pupils presented. The inspector's report as to general efficiency was flattering, and it is pleasing to feel assured that under the present teaching staff tho prestige of our school will be fully maintained. I have noticed an extract from the Woodville Examiner in reference to school attendance, claiming as a record the case of a boy there who, during eight ycais, had been absent only a day and a-half. We can go one better in Waikaia. Miss Ethel Sproat attended school here for nearly nine years, and during that period missed being present only half a day, and that during her first year as an infant. This is authentic, and I think ought to censtitute a record for New Zealand if not fur the world.