KOKONGA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2391, 28 December 1899, Page 29

KOKONGA.

December 20. — The rainfall for November wa/ Z.4im. Xlain fell on 13 days, tho heaviest fai beiiig 1.42 m, on the 21st. ' Wot weather' has beei the rule here during the p»3t few weeks, not, as usually happens, the exception. As a. coßEcquence, the farmers are anticipating a good harvest, which they well deserve, for farming in a dry season is a very discouraging business. It i 3 possible to get ,too much* of 'even such a good thing aa rain, and those who ar© at pieseut engaged in shearing operations would . hail ;\ spell o£ line dry weather with, delight. School. — At a meeting of the School Committee, held on the 4th inst., satisfaction was expie&aed with the results of the examination, and it was resolved to place on. record the committee's unanimous appreciation o£ tho" work done by the school under somewhat unfavourable circumstances. General. — Everyone is looking forward vith pleasure to the festive season, aivd the c'isplay o£ toys at Hr Gillies' s store has a real Christmas appearance. Kckonga is renewing its activity, if one may judge from the number of men at present employed in ballasting on tho lailway line. lam inloimed that there are 18 men at present einx'loyed on the line. Railway Works. — The Central 'railway line is being pushed forward, plate-laying being well advanced towards Wcdderburn. School Picnic. — The annutfl picnic of the Kokonga School took place to-day, Wednesday, the 20th, under vtry favourable circumstances. With, the exception of a few showers, the weather was all that could be desired. Soon after midday the picnickers began to gather, ancl by 1 o'clock, a good nujuber ol parents and children were on. tho ground. After justice had been done to tha liberal supply of refreshments provided by tbe ladies of the district, the real business of the day began. Racing and jumpnig for nicney prizes and toys were indulged in by the children to their hearts' content. Mr MaiJi, in- his well-known capacity of handicapner, left no irtone unturned to satisfy the children, while Messrs Ryan and Allan, who were in charge of the prize department, gave general satisfaction. Towards 6 o'clock the gathering banks of heavy clouds plainly intimated that home was the safest place, if one had any respect for dry clothes. Thus was brought' to an end a 1 very, enjoyable day's outing. Mr Gillies, 'on behalf of the chairman, who was unavoidably absent, thanked those present for their attendance, and the ladies for their liberal supply of excellent refreshments. Complimentary. — This being the festive season, and my last letter for the year, I wish ihii editor and staff the compliments of the season.