OREPUKI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2388, 7 December 1899, Page 29

OREPUKI.

December 2. — Considerable excitement haa "been caused in this district during the last few days through the mysterious disappearance of an old man named Sim, the father of Mrs JEvns, of Orepuki. It appears that the old gentleman, who is about 80 years of age, left his relative's house on the afternoon of last Tuesday in search of a cow that had strayed or been stolen, and nothing has been seen or heard of him since. Search parties have .scoured the country round about, and in all directions. In fact, on Wednesday and Thursday nearly the whole of the mining community assisted in the search, but without the slightest success. Mr Sim was subject to apoplectic fits, and it is suimised that hz was seized by one of these, and in same lonely spot breathed his last. Social. — A social given by the local branch of the Wallace Liberal Federation came off last Thursday night, its object being to do honour to our present member, Mr Gilfedder. A laige number of people attended, the ladies especially turning out in great force. An excellent spread, laid out on two long tables, was done ample justice to, The caterer being Mr Max- i •well. Mr N. E. Griffith, who presided, then introduced the programme for the evening, and amid great applause announced the first toast of the evening, "Her Majesty the Queen." Other toasts followed, these being "Trade and Cojamerre," responded to by Mr Logsn ; "Our Pretext Member," lesponded to hy Mr Carl Heichel ; "The Parliament of New Zealand," Tcsponded to by Mr Burgess; "The Ladiee," responded to by Mr John Whelan. Songs ■were given during the evening by Miss L. Reid, Miss Merilaes, Mrs N. E. Griffith, Mr P. Reichel, Mr Atkinson, Mr Robb, Mr H. Iteid, and Mr C. Griffith, each item being vigorously applauded, and in many cases encores were insisted on. At a suitable time, Mr Stevens, of Waiau Mouth, arose, and after a neat speech presented Mr Gilfedder with a purse of sovereigns, as a slight token oi the esteem and goodwill of the Esttlers cf the Waiau district. In connection with this event the name of Mr Scott, oi Wa ; au Mouth, must not be omitted, that gentleman having taken great pains in coil-eating for the presentation. In thanking the people proeent, Mr Gilfedder apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Hon. J. C-. Ward, and expresse! a hope that he (Mr Gilfedder) would long continue to represent them in Parliament. A pleasant dance followed, which was kept up to a late lour.