OTAMA

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 29

OTAMA

July 22. — We arc now in the midst of severe winter weather. The ground on Friday morning was covered with snow to a depth of two or three inches. Stock, imless well cared for, are having rather a bad time, as it has again turned to frost, and unless they have a straw stack and plenty of turnips they stand a poor chance, as there is not much show of picking up anything in the paddocks. Hounds. — Mr A. Wayte and party had a good run with the hounds on Wednesday. They had good sport, and got one hare. There were a few croppers, but no serious results ensued. Sickness. — Oxir ministei, Rev. Mr Ramsay, has been removed to Dunedin for further medical advice. He has had a long time of sickness, and it i 8 to be hoped that ho will benefit by the change. There is a good deal of sickness prevalent amongst old and young in this district. Single Tax. — Mr R. Dodds gave an address on Single Tax at the last meeting of our Debating Society. Apparently ho did not explain the working of the movement nroDerly,

( as he did not make many converts. He was awarded a. vote of thanks for his address. Church. — I think it high time that we had some sort of a warming apparatus in our church. There are at present large lamps, which are I lighted, but are not nearly adequate to dis- ■ pel the frost in the air, and the church stands I in the shadow of the hill and 'never gets the I morning sun, which makes it worse. People cannot be expected to come to church to "t in such a freezing chamber as it is at present. Concert. — The concert which takes place here annually in aid of the hall funds was held on Friday night. Despite the snow and cold, there was a very fair attendance. The lady singers were Mrs Carroll, Miss Forbes, and the Misses Archibald, the latter being encored for the duet "'Life's dream is o'er," and giving in response " The convent bells." Messrs Thomson, Carroll, and Christie contributed the comic element, Mr Thomson's singing and playing being above the average. Mr Brandon Cremer gave some recitations, which were very much appreciated, " How Pat Murphy's Mare Won the Steeplechase " being very good. Mr R. L. Christie depicted some views, during which Mrs Carroll and Mr D. M'Eachern sang, "What are the wild waves saying?" Mr Wayte sang " Father O'Flynn " and Miss Forbes " Robin Adair" during appropriate scenes. Mrs Weave and Miss Johnston aoted as accompanists in a very satisfactory manner. At the dfjice which followed the music was supplied by fLe Hunters, and the refreshments by Mr Thomson, of Gore.