OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2455, 3 April 1901, Page 29

OWAKA.

March 27. — Since my last we have had a succession of sharp frosts, which blackened the "potato tops rather early, but the frosty nights are followed by blight sunny days, which most of the farmers are taking advantage of for " leading m." Doubtless, next week we shall be having our share of Easter visitors . let us hope for a continuation of the fine weather for them. If I understand right, the ccming season for shooting kakas and pigeons is close, but visitors will find plenty of sport with" the ducks and labbits, bott of which are numerous. Ecclesiastical. — On Sunday, the 10th, the Rev. J. F. Macalhster administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to a large number of communicants, and preached an able and profitable sermon from Hebrews n, 17, "" Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto hie brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest m thmgs pertaining to God." Welcome Home — Trooper Adam arrived home on Friday morning last from the Transvaal, and was accorded a hearty welcome by many friends. In the evening the returned trooper was escorted to Patterson's Hall by a detachment of Owaka Rifles and Clutha Mounted Rifles, where a crowded hou.=e awaited him. For a time Mr Craig occupied the chair, and later on Mr Saunders. A very good programme had been arranged, and was successfully earned out in the following order — Piano solo, Mrs Morton; songs — Mrs M'Lean, Mr Guthrie, Miss M'Lay, Mrs Latta, Mr Latta, Master Collins; piano and violin dust, Misses Burton; song, Mr Fea , recitation, Miss Burton. Miss Craig, on behalf of a number of friends, then presented Trooper Adam with a gold albert and locket, at the same time wishing him long life to wear it. Trooper Adam, m returning thanks for the valuable present given him, and also for the grand reception accorded him, remarked that he would sooner dodge shells than speak m public. N.G. Bro. John M'Donald delivered an address of welcome from the Oddfellows o£ the district, and referred to the time, a year ago, when they wished Bro. Adam good-bye on his departure for South Africa. He also referred to other brothers who had gone from other parts to fight ior our Empire, and who would never return, having found soldiers' graves there. During the evening speeches were delivered by the Revs. J. F. Macalhster and Win. Wmgfield. A very pleasant evening was brought to a closo by all present singing " God save the King," anJ the passing of the usual votes of thanks. Volunteers.— On the 20th the Owaka Rifles shot for marksman's badges, under the supervision of Sargeant-rnajor lowler, from Dunediri. The siiccessfxil winners of badges were: T. Cox, 54 points, D. Wratten, 51; J. Fraser, 47; S. Crossland, 42, C. M'lntyre, 41. The results of examinations for sergeants and corporals were as follows — No. 1 sergeant, G. M'Latchie; 2, D. Wratten, 3, F. Pollock, 4, R. Morton. Corporals. No. 1, R. M'Lean , 2, D. Hailand, 3, A. Henderson, 4, A. White; 5, H. Tobin.