OWAKA.

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

OWAKA.

February 19.— Generally speaking, om autumns are the best part of the year, but this season, so far, has been exceptionally wet. This last few days, however, it has changed for the better, and for the sake of the farmer let us trust that it will continue so for the harveswhich is coming on. Patriotic.— As a rule, postponed entertainments are not a success, but surely the concerl on the 23rd in aid of this fund was the exception. The evening turned out fine, and Paterson's Hall was full to overflowing. No paint wore spared in the decorations, which consisted of flags, flowers, and shrubs. The chairman (Cr. Saunders), aloag with Eev. J. Mac allister, M.A., Raw Mr Wingfield, Messrs Carlton, and Craig, delivered appropriate addresses The singers were, Misses Louden and Carlton Messrs Jackman, Wingfield, Sharp, Latta, Clap perton, and Blyth. Selections were also given by the Owaka String Band, and on the orgar, and- violin by Mrs Morton an^ Miss Stewart The proceeds of the concert, along with the vari ous subscriptions, amount to £80. This, witl £30 which has been collected since for a hors* for the Transvaal, is not a mean sum for little Owaka, and I understand wsf are at least to send one man from here to Africa.

Oddfellows. — The half-yearly meeting oi Owaka Lodge 1.0.0. F. was held in Patersou s Hall on January 13, when the Grand Master, Bro. Crichton, and Bro. Reid, Grand Secretary, visited the lodge officially, for the purpose oi installing the officers elect. These gentlemen were assisted by Bro. G-. Ford as acting Grant 5 Marshal. The following officers were electe* for the ensuing term: — N.G., H. J. Latta; V.G., R. M'lntyre; secretary, D. Wratten; trea surer, A. Richardson; warden, H. Jones; con ductor, J. M'Donald; R.S.N.G., I. Findlater;L.S., R. Crews; R.S.V.G-., Jno. M'lntyre; L.S. Alex. Adam; R.S.S., Win. Spinks; L.S.S., Alf. Anderson; 1.G., Wm. Adam. After the installation, Bro. Reid, G.S., in replying to a vote oi thanks, gave a very interesting address on the spread of Oddfellowship in New Zealand, Australia, the Continent of Europe, and Asia, and said that a brother visiting any part of the world could soon claim brotherhood, whereas another who was not a member would bi as a stranger in a strange land. The amiiversr&s of the lodge takes place on Februavy 23, on which night the members purpose holding a ball, to be followed by a picnic on Saturday, 24th, on the Recreation ground. I believe some money has been collected for the children's prizes, and 6wings, etc., are' being put up, so that, given a fine day, doubtless there will bs a large and pleasant gathering. All are invited.

Medical. — I notice a movement is on foot tc get a rcsi-itvit doctor for this place. -This rnetter has been brought fgorwvd before, Vj,t r-ai always fallen through. It is tj bs hrved thai this will not prove the cevp. fclij time, ft- although Drs Smith ar.d I",->mina pay Weekly visits here, a doctor chreSiiug in oar midsfc would be much more satisfactory.

— The G.P.O. pays £] .ZSCsGtfB a y*ra to the carriage of English maD-j. For the Planting Season, 1900, Nimiio anp Blair have for Sale th« " Superlative " toil " Hornet " Raspberries, both new Sorts, and vastly Superior to tho Varieties grovm her&. Prices on Application*