OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 29

OWAKA.

January 22.— For most people the holi* clays are well over, and we have settled down to hard work again. The farmer is busy thinni "g turnips and making hay, which is a very difficult matter, considering the very unsettled state of the weather.

Induction. — On Tuesday, the 9th, the Rev. J. F. Macallistcr, M.A., was inducted to the pastoral charge of the Owaka Presbyterian congregation. The church was nicely decorated for the occasion, and thi day being fine, a good number attended the meeting at 2_.30 p.m. Never do I remember seeing so many" divines on the platform at this place before. This must have been as gratifying to our new pastor as it was to the congregation. The Rev. Mr Miller (Milton) was appointed to preach on the occasion, and gave an impressive address. Rev. Mr Fairmaid also spoke appropriately, after which the usual questions were put to Mr Macalhster by Mr Miller. The right hand of fellowship was then extended by the members 01 Presbytery to the newly-inducted minister. At the close of the service Mr Macallister, along with Mr Kilpatiick (moderator), shook hands with the congregation as they dispersed. At the social in the evening the church was full to overflowing. Interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messjt Kilpatrick, Frase'r, Allan, Spence, Currie, Dalrymple, and. Macallister. The Rev. "Wm. Wingfield (Anglican) and Mr M'Lelland (Baptist), in a few well-chosen lemarks, kindly welcomed the ;uew minister. The musical programme consisted of concerted pieces, solos, quartets, duets, etc., and among those who took part were Misses Smith (2), M'Lay, Adam, Wilson, Duncan, M-Phee, Gillies, Mesdames Morton and Henderson, Messrs Morton, Duncan, Sharpe. Gill, and Latta. Refreshments were handed round during the evening, and these certainly did credit to the local bakers. Much credit is due to our respected deacon, Mr M'Lean, who has during the Illness of Mr Young (elder) been doing the lion's share of the work, not only with regard to the late services, but during the vacancy which has lasted nearly 12 months. "I think we are very fortunate indeed in being able to secure the services of Mr Macallister and I trust the congregation will piill well together, and that hia work here may be greatly blessed.

Patriotic. — The concert in aid of this fund, arranged for Friday night last, was postponed on acount of the inclement weather, and takes place to-morrow evening instead. Scholastic— Our school has been reopened with a fair attendance, after a month's holiday.