DIPTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2433, 31 October 1900, Page 33

DIPTON.

October 2Gj. — The weather has been very threatening of late, and foi the past, two or three days the glass has been exceedingly low, and yet very little rain has fallen in or about Dipton. I believe, however, it has rained heavily in the surrounding districts, and on Sunday morning at about 6 o'clock the river overflowed its banka and continued to rise till noon, when it began to go down again, and wa3 ■within its banks by about 5 p.m. The gardens on the lowlying ground will be pretty well messed up and more oi less damaged. We sire having, however, an excellent spring, and things agricultural are very promising indeed.

Our dairy factory opened on the Ist inst., and the supply is rapidly going up, so much so ■that I believe they are arranging to run the second vat, which is much earlier than usuaf.

On the Move. — Many old residents have left here of late, and I am afraid we have not had a coxresponding addition of new blood. lam sorry to have to chronicle a change of teachers. Miss Hamilton, who ha 3 been mistress here for the past few years, and who has done excellent •work, is being shifted to Nightcaps, and I hear we are to get a Miss M'Donald in her place. There is-also some talk of our head teacher, Mr Jno. Gray, being shiited also. He iias been^with us so long (14 years), is so able snd successful a teacher, and has done his duty so faithfully and so well, that we feel very loath indeed to part with him. Besides, he is an excellent neighbour, a good citisen, and a man universally liked throughout the district. If, however, it is for his own good (and I believe it is) we can only say amen.

The End of a Refractory Bull. — On the morning of the 23rd one of our farmers, Mr W. Milligan, was bringing a young bull fioni the railway station. The bull was a bit refractory, tout with the assistance of ropes and a few of the neighbours, he got the animal lound the aroad and over the bridge, where he left it in charge of his son, while he went back for his cart and horse. While he was away the bull ■became unmanageable, and rushed the boy sevelal times, when a neighbour went to his assistance and managed to tie the animal to the corner of Daniel's Hall, but as they were leaving, the bull made after them, but the rope ■tightening up with a jerk threw him on his back in the middle of the road and broke his neck. This is a big loss to Mr Milhgan, as I fcelieve the bull was of a good strain, but 1 am afraid he would have proved a vicious beast.

Wedding.— On the 24th inst. Miss A. Hampton, of this to'wu, was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Mr W. Martin, of Luinsden. The ceremony was performed by\the Rev. J. L. A. Kayll, at the home of the parents of the bride. The- contracting parties are well and favourably known both at Dipton and Lumsden, and a great number turned up to witness the ceremony and partake of the good things provided. Miss Whitaker was bridesmaid, and Mr A. Martin best man, and the service was rendered most impressively. The Wedding breakfast was got up in -capital style, and tull iustice was done to -it. The toasts were "The Happy Couple," by Mr J. M'Fetridge, replied to by Mr W. Martin; '"The Parents of tho Bride," by Mr Whitaker ; "The Parents of the Bridegroom," by Mr H. J. Riddell, replied to "by Mr J. Martin ; "The Officiating Clergyman," "by Mr"J. Martin, replied to by Mr J. L. A. Kayll; "The Btidesmaid," by Mr F. Martin, xeplied'to'by Mr A. Martin. At this juncture an adjournment had to b"e made to allow the newly-married couple to prepare- to catch* the train to Invercargill, the first stage o? thoir honeymoon trip, and Mr Crosbie's drag took between 20 and 30 of them to the jrain, which they boarded amidst showers of rice and friendly banter. The drag took 20 on to'Lurusden, and many others went up by the evening train to a dance given by Mr and Mrs J. Martin in honour of their son's wedding. The presents were very numerous, and both good and useful.

Amusements. — On the 26th the Balfouf Coloured Coon Contingent gave a performance in the public hall, which was packed by an appreciative audience. They were most generous in their local skits, and gave everyone of any note* a turn.

Picnic. — Our annual Sunday school picnic came off on the 27th. Ij; took the form of a trip to Eiverton, but it was unfortunately completely marred by rain. Though it was comparatively fine here for the greater part of the day, I believe they had rain -moat of the Avay there and back.