OTAMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2456, 10 April 1901, Page 29

OTAMA.

April 6. — We have had splendid weather this last fortnight — foggy mornings and hot days. Threshing has been prosecuted with the utmost despatch by our two local mills — M'Lachlan's and M'Leod's — and the gram has threshed out very well, especially oats; btit the price is very low, and a good many farmers are storing for a. rise. The rise has come m our valuations, some of the farmers here having been again raised, though it is only a few years since they were raised before. Men's wages are also up to lOd per hour at the mill — a step that there was no necessity for, as labour was as plentiful as in former years. Valedictory. — On Friday night Mr and Mr 9 William M'Allan were entertained at a social held m the Otsuna Hall prior to their departure on a trip to Scotland. Mr M'Allan is an old colonist, having landed here over 30 years ago There^was a very large attendance of their friends and neighbours. The Rev. Mr Ramsay said that it gave him great pleasure to be present that night to do honour to such a worthy couple, who had in their day done their duty, paid all their dues, reared a large family, and established themselves in the land of their adoption. On behalf of their friends he presented Mrs M'Allan with a handsome travelling rug, and Mr M'Allan with a travelling bag and a walking stick. Mr M'Allan briefly thanked them all for their kindness. Mr R. Dodds also spoke of the pleasure it gave him to be present to help to speed theii guest. He thought everyone was better to travel. This place was becoming famous for the fanner* taking trips te £c§tlandv He

wished them a pleasant journey and a safe return. Mr 'Murdoch (Pyramids) said ne had known Mr M'Allan for over 30 years, and that not only was he a man who had assisted in the pioneer work of the colony, but he was always foremost in every good work to help his fellow -creatures. He also hoped they would enjoy themselves, and that we should have the pleasuie of giving them a hearty welcome back. Songs were given by Messi s Stewart, Dalryrnple, M'Eachern, and Millar, and Misses Archibald, Stewart, and Forbc = . Dancing was indulged m for a. few hours, and the singing of "Auld lang syne" by the company terininp + ccl the proceedings. School. — Our school has been closed for Easter holidays for a foitnight.