WAIKOIKOI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2373, 24 August 1899, Page 29

WAIKOIKOI.

August 21. — Since last writing the weather has been all that could be desired, consequently farm work has again made a start forward. Oat sowing may be expected to commence in about a fortnight, and from ail appearances an area equal to that of last year will be sown. Lambing in one or two instances has commenced, but will not be general for about three weeks yet. Turnips are fairly plentiful, and sheep have come through the winter exceptionally well, the mortality being very low. Arbour Day. — Arbour Day was celebrated here last Fridaj with considerable enthusiasm. By 11 a.m. a "large number of residents besides a sprinkling of outsiders collectec 1 at the Public Hall, where operations were commenced by taking lines, digging, etc. After a noon lunch, provided by the ladies of the district, and an address to the school children Tjy the association's president (Mr E. Simmers), treeplanting under the supervision of Mr Henry Banks (gardener at Conical Hills estate) was commenced. About 200 shelter trees were planted around the Public Hall, ?. number in the school ground, and a few shrubs on either side of the path leading to the church. The trees planted in the church, Athenceum, school, and cemetery grounds in former years are thriving admirably, and already vastly improve the appearance of these places. Concert. — In the evening a concert in a,id of th-: school funds followed, and the roads being good and the elements propitious, the hall was well filled. Mr R. Simmers occupied the chair, and a lengthy programme was submitted, the concert lasting fully two and a-half hours. The various items were deservedly well received, and at the conclusion a vote of thanks to the performers was carried by acclamation. The inevitable dance followed, and was well patronised. The proceeds amounted to about £8. Our Clergyman. — The Rev. A. Begg takes exception to a reoent remark of mine "in the Witness, because in stating that he was absent from the pulpit on two successive Sundays, and not stating the cause of that absence, I left it open to be inferred that he was neglectful of a most important part of his pastoral duties. It must, of course, be understood that the remark in question was never intended to admit of any such inference, as we are all agreed that the regularity with which the rev. gentleman conducts all services — weekly aa well as Sunday — is such that the most exacting could not reasonably complain.