WAIKOUATI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2425, 5 September 1900, Page 33

WAIKOUATI.

September 3. — The weather during the past week has been decidedly v.'et— not a nne da/ in. it. It has lamed on and off during the whole time, , and tins with a cold northerly wind has made everyone who possibly could, do so hug the file. At present it looks better, but it ha. 1 , piomised to clear up ior two 'or three clays only to sturt again as pei&istently as ever. All the rivers, creeks, etc., are in high flood, and 1 fear that much of the early-sown giain which was coming on so nicely will, on the lowlying lands, be rotted. Several farmers, too, who have ploughed up low lands, have them under water, and will, at any rate, have to plough again, if the soil gets ciry enough. The week has been co cold, too, that I am afraid many of the earjy lambs will be lost. Farewell Social. — xV social was tendered to Mr Walter Wilson on Thursday in the Golden Fleece dining room, to bid him good-bye, and wish him success in his new career as manager of the Hawkdun station. Mr Wilson, being a P.M. of the local Masons' Lodge, it was only natural that most of the officers of the lodge were present. The chair was taken by Mr (j. M'Leod, W.M., and amongst those present I noticed Messrs H. Buckland, A. S. Orbell, B. Bray, and others. A good programme of songs, recitations,, etc., was given, and the guest of the evening heartily pledged. Speeches redo 1 ent of good wishes wer,e made by most of those present, and a very enjoyable evening spent. Oddfellows' Social. — The Loyal Prince Alfied Lodge of Oddfellows held their annual social oil Friday night, about 75 to 80 couples putting in an appearance. The weather was wretched, bus with a good floor and good music, interspersed with songs, and a card table foi the elders, the time passed very pleasantly. Conspicuous among the decorations I' noticed the lodge's banner, exceedingly handsome one — indeed, I believe it is one of the best, if noc the best friendly Society banner in Otago, A large number oi: visiting brothers were present, amongst whom I noticed Bro. Cable, of _the Port, the Deputy Provincial Giand Master "of the district. The music discoursed by Messrs Cheyne (violin; and Melville (of Oaraaru, piano) was of the best, and the lefresltments leflected great ciedit on Bios. Ciocome and Janiieson, to v.'horn the task of catering was entrusted, iiios. J. and R. Bell, J. T. and H. Allcock and E. Aitcheson, as M.C.'s, contributed a full share to one >f the most successful anniversaries ever jet held by the lodge. Whilst on this subject I may remark that the half-yearly balance sheet, read at the ! la it lodge meeting, shows the lodge to be well j up in numbers, in spite of the healthy opposition created by a lodge of Druids ; and the ] finances are in good strength, the lodge being j financially strong. School. — The annual school inspection was held on Monday and Tuesday last, and as far as I can learn the school passed very creditably. I hope to have the returns shortly, which I am confident- will confirm the great respect in which Mr Pinder and his staff are justly - held.