WAIRIO

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 29

WAIRIO

December 6.— The weather during the past few weeks has,be,en all that could be desired, and vegetation of all kinds has sprung up as if by magic. XJn Monday we had a big flood, it having rained incessantly for almost 12, hours. I do not think it will affect us in any way. I offer my sympathy to my brethren on the river flats. Some of the farmers are busy with the sheep shear's; others arc at their turnip ground.

Progress. — Our township has gone ahead by leaps and bounds of late. -A hall (built to the order of Mr Fitzsirnmons) is in course of erection; the building that has hitherto done service for a hall'is about to be transformed into a general store; "and two residences are also in ccurse of construction.

School. — Our school concert, held on the evening of the 24th ult., proved a great success financially and otherwise. The hall was uncomfortably full for both concert and dance. Some of tho children, under the conductorship of Mr Featherstone, rendered items which were received with great applause, reflecting the greatest credit on their teacher, who had evidently ~ spared no pains ,in their training. Both parts of the programme were opened by pianoforte duets by tfio Misses Cairns, two very promising little musicians. The following are the items contributed by the children : Bracken's " New Zealand Hymn," "Birdie's ball," " Beautiful moonlight," " Little by little," " You won't play in our yard," and ' Please give me a penny." Th.*. last-named was sung in character by three little-girls, their dresses and style of singing appealing to the hearts of their hearers, a perfect shower of pennies greeting the end of each verse. The other performers were Mrs J. Keen, Misses Keen and Baird, and Messrs Featherstone, Millar (Nightcaps), Meek (Fairfax), Strudwicke and Eagan, the last-named alao ably fulfilling the duties of chairman. During the interval Mr Geo. Rayuor (tlie American cow boy) delighted the audience with some contortionist feats, for which he was loudly applauded. General regret was expressed that the stage was too low, a number through this defect being unable to see the feats. After votes of thanks had been accorded Mrs Grant for the

use of her piano, to the "performers, andiio-the ladies of the district for the supper (one to Mr Featherstone being thoughtlessly omitted), the, concert closed with the singing of the National Anthem. The children were then treated to supper, and tihe hall was cleared and dancing commenced, being kept up with great gusto till daylight to excellent music by Messrs Eagan. Mr P. Hogan discharged the onerous duties of master of ceremonies. [Arrived too late for last issue. —Ed.]