OTAMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 29

OTAMA.

March 2, — During the last week or two .we have had several very windy days — in fact, proper gales ; but so iar I have not heard of very much damage Toy shaking. Some paddocks of oats suffered slightly, but they all escaped very well considering.. Harvesting is now quite general, and crops are very good. Grass seed threshing is being proceeded with, but some of it has been touched by the frost. Stock of all kinds are looking well, feed being very- plentiful, and several lots of fat lambs have left this district for the freezir.g works.

Soiree. — Things socially have been very quiet here lately, the only break in the nionotony being the soiree in the church here on February 14. As it was a fine night the attendance was very good. The Rev. Mr Ramsay occupied the chair, and was supported by the Eev. Mr Aitken (Wyndhain) and Rev. Mr Carter (Waikaia) as speakers. Mr Ramsay, in his remarks, spoke of the increased prosperity in the church, also of the manner in which the elders and others had worked during his absence in order that the services should go on as ufeiial. The attendance also had been very gratifying. Mr Aitken in the course of his remarks spoke of the little sins that congregations are often guilty of — such as coming late to church, inattention at prayers, etc., also of a habit some people had ox being very discourteous in manner, all of which little faults, I fear, we are occasionally guilty of. It is our duty to see that we profit by the remarks made. Mr Carter's theme was znoral courage, one of the most difficult virtues to practise, but of very high value when acquired. The choir, tinder the leadership of Mr J. Dunn, rendered several anthems. During the evening solos were given by the Misses Forbes and Archibald, which were much appreciated. Refreshments in abundance were provided by the ladies of the district as an accompaniment to the tea, which was handed round during the evening. Votes of thanks were heartily passed to the speakers, the caterers, the choir, and tlie organist, after which the meeting dispersed. Patriotism. — In accordance "with instructions issued by the Board of Education re infffcilline

patriotic sentiments into our young people, Mr Carroll, hotelkeeper, Otamita, and Mr M'Jlenna, of Otama, addressed the children on that subject, but it was a pouring wet day — enough to damp anyone's patriotic ardour, — and there not very many at school.