WAIKOUAITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2390, 21 December 1899, Page 30

WAIKOUAITI.

December 18. — Things hava settled down a I bit since the electioa, and the moral atmosphere is decidedly calmer. Of course the election is now ancient history, and even the local option poll is pretty well "understanded of the neople." The weather, too, seeris «to have settled a little, although it is at timea rather > fitormy. A week or so of real fine weather j would help the shearing considerably. , Social and General.— Things social seem to ! bo at a rather low ebb. We have had one j or two tennis matches lately, and the Cricket ! Club journeyed to Seaclifr the other day and j got a licking. Nearly all the public interest is centred in the war at present, and as four of cur lads are now at the front, giving, as well aa taking hard knocks, you will readily understand that the daily papers have an absorb- ! ing interest here. I see that the borough cortr.- i cil are giving the footpaths in the main street J another coat of tar — a much-needed improvement, j Bits of Fun. — A good deal of amusement was caused by the Passing 2fote written on the subject of our bridge — at' least, if if. wasn't our bridge, the cap fits very well indeed. Just such another "farce" :s in evidence at the top of Soutor's Ilil l , half-way to JPalmersion from here. 'On a telegraph post the N.Z.C.T. Chili have erected one of their useful warning boards, "Dangerous to cyclists, ' and immediately below runs tho legend, "Jesus saves sinners." Whether the cap fits in this instance, you may inquire of "Demon." Church Matters. — Ine various churches sre' going On much as usual ; but a break from the usual routine was made for the Anglican? by the visit of the Right Rev. the Bishop of Dunedin on Sunday last. Matins were sung by t'.ie j vicar (being fully choral), and the bishop celc- J brated, and preached. The sermon -wAs based } on tho well-known text : "Is not the life more 1 than meat?" and in an eloquent address the J bishop pointed out hovi the tendency of the j present day was to starve the highest portion ( of man — the spirit — while taking much care j of the body and mind, emphasising the three- ! Fold component parts of man, body, soul, and Bpirit. A fairly large congregation was present, and the offertory was good. A Merry Christmas. — Before next week's notes appear in print Christmas will have come and • gone, so I shall take this opportunity of thanking my many readers for their patience arid forbearance. If I have offended any, it ha.fi not been- through malice, or >want of chaxity. I have therefore much pleasure in wishing them and you a merry Christmas, and I hope next year to be on as good terms with them all as I am now. CORRESPONDENTS are requested to send as few items as possible during the next few ' weeks. — Ed.