WYNDHAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2400, 1 March 1900, Page 11

WYNDHAM.

February 20. — Last week was r very exciting one here. On ■Wednesday word arrived that two of our boys who had volunteered for the Hough Riders' Contingent, had been accepted — John M'Kay, son of the late Sir David M'Kay, and John G-ibb, nephew of Mr G-. Or. Fife. Edendale also adds two — A. E. M'Donald, son oC Mr A. M'Donald, Menzios Feny, and J. Stevenson, eon of Mr J. Stevenson, Edendale.

Social. — On Thursday evening a complimentary aocial was accorded Troopers M'Kay and gijs, in 'J.>y_lor/e gall^ §#& &l&o.«£h. Jbjj time

was short in which to make the necessary arrangements, nothing was left undone to make the social a success. The Wyndharn Brass Band turned- out and discoursed patriotic airs as the peox>le crowded into the building, and at the appointed hour for opening the hall was packed to the door. Mr James Walker occupied the chair. The meeting opened with our gTimd old National Anthem, sung by all present; after which addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Rev. Mr Aitken, and Messrs J. Cushnie, W. J. "Winter, J. Allan, I. W. Raymond, J. Milne, J. M'Lauchlan, W. R. T Fraser, J. B. Taylor, T. A. Connor. Songs were sung during the evening by Mesdanies Allison Drummond, and Allan, and Messrs Smart' Walker, MaePhersou, Allan, and Watson- and recitations were given by Miss A. Cushnie and Mr W. J Winter. Refreshments— liberally supplied by the ladies of the township— were partaken of at an interval in the proceedinos Before closing, Rev. Mr Aitken prayed for the JJivme blessing on the members of the contingent, after which they were loudly cheered by fhe company. Troopers M'Kay and Gibb returneci thanks for the entertainment the ueople had given them, and also said that it was encouraging to have the hearts of the people and aIZ gOod wislles with them. The National Anthem was again sung, after which Troopers M Kay and Gibb took their places at the door and shook hands with all present as they filed out of the building. Troopers M'Donald and btevenson were entertained at a similar function the same evening at Edendale. The Send-off.— As soon as it was kjiowii that the troopers were-to leave by the South express on Inday, it was universally, agreed to give them a public send-off and convoy as far as Edendale. Punctually at 12.30, the hour appointed for meeting, the Wyndham troooers and friends mustered at the railway station where *hey were joined by Troopers M'Donald and btevenson and their friends from Edendale. lhe four lads took their stand on the platform facing the crowd. Farewell speeches wishing them God speed and a safe return were then given by Messrs R. Paull, I. W. Raymond, J. Millar, J. Walker, and the Rev. Mr Aitken the latter also offering up a prayer for - r cmr boys • safety, and invoking upon them the Divine blessing. The company then joined in singing • God save the Queen."- Cheers wc^e then called for the Queen and the contingent, which were loudly and heartily given. The oroto Edendale, headed*- by the Wyndham Brass . Band, in a coach and four, with the Union Jack flying. Next came ,the members of the contingent and town board in another four-in-hand, closely followed by the relatives of the volunteers, and then the residents of the district, making up a procession fully one mile in 'length. On arrival at Edendale the volunteers again took their stand m front of the people; Messrs Cranston, Chisholm, Stalker, Craig, M'Kinnon, and Raymond each addressing a few words of farewell to them on behalf of the rcsi' dents of Edendale. ~ The company then sang lang syne" and the National Anthem, after which the lads took a tearful farewell of their relatives and friends. They then took their seats in the train, which steamed off amid deafening cheers. They were each presented with a hor3e, M'Kay with Mokoreta (presented by the residents of Wyndham and .district), <Jibb with Flora (presented by Mr Donald M'Donald), M'Donald with General Bfector, and Stevenson with Countess of Edendale (both presented by the New Zealand Land Co). Accidents. — As the procession passed down Balaclava street a painful accident befell Mr A. Campbell, accountant in the Bank of New Zealand. In trying to board one of the traps he slipped and fell, the wheel passing over his right leg and breaking it just above the knee. The sufferer, who was carried to the Railway hotel, was attended to by Dr Rogers, and afterwards conveyed by the evening train to the Southland Hospital. — The same evening James Milne, a son of Mr George Milne (driver of the Edendale coach), had the misfortune to break his collarbone while engaged with other boys in a game of football. He also was attended to by Dr Rogers. School Demonstration. — The local school held its patriotic demonstration on Wednesday forei noon. The children opened by singing " God I save the Queen," and addresses were given by Mr Fraser (chairman of the school committee), the Rev. Mr Aitken, and Mr I. W. Raymond. A collection was then taken up from the chil-' dren, amounting to M 7s OJd. The chairman said he woiild leave the list open for a day or two, and hoped they would be able to raise the amount to £5. Cheers were given for the Queen, the soldiers in the Transvaal, and the Wyndharn volunteers, after which the children were sent to the play ground, where Mr Walker showed them the horse that was to be given to Trooper M'Kay. The children were then given a holiday for the rest of the day. School Excursion. — On Wednesday a school excursion from Orepuki, Riverton, Colac, and Thornbury visited Wyndham. The train arrived about 12 o'clock. The visitors were met at the station by the local school children and a number of friends, who escorted them to the Recreation Reserve, where all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves until about 4 o'clock, when the train left again on .the return journey.