WAIKOI

Otago Witness, Issue 2516, 4 June 1902, Page 31

WAIKOI

May 30 — The concert in aid of the school funds took place on Wednesday, 21st mst., and, despite the inclement weather, was a complete success. Mr R. Simmers, chairman of the school committee, occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks apologised for the absence of the Gore contingent of performers, who were prevented from being present owing to the Waikaka Stream being in flood. Fortunately the performers from Tapanui and "^Vaikaka mustered in full force, and the thanks of the school committee ,re certainly due to them for their courage in braving the elements rather than disappoint, and to them is attributed the success o£ the concert. As the concert has been fuliy reported in the local papers I need not particularise. The performers from Tapanui were Air and Mrs Armstrong, Mr Bianigan, and M. West ; from Waikaka, Mt and Miss M'Lood, Mr Hamilton, and Miss Adams; and the local talent comprised the following: — Messrs H. Chitlock, J. Lavender, J. Beattie, J. Cunningham, T. Glover, and Master Harry Chittock. The programme afforded the audience the greatest amount of pleasure. At the conclusion of the concert refreshments were handed round, after which the hall^was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till daylight did appear. Mrs Armstrong acted as accompanist during the evening, and Messrs James Cooper and Archd. Simmers (violins) supplied the music for the dance, while Mr Thomas Woolliams acted as M.C. The edibles, which were in abundance, were supplied by the' ladies of the district"in their usual first-class style.

Presentations. — On Tuesday, the 20th inst., the 'Koi Valley Lodge of Good Templars entertained Sister May Coonibe and Bro. John Coornbe, who are leaving for Australia, at a social, and presented the former with a handsome'.lady's workbox and the latter with a silver albert and pendant as tokens of the esteem in which they are held by the members of the lodge. The pendant bears the following inscription — "Presented to Mr John Henry Coonibe by the 'Koi Valley Lodge, 1.0. G.T. May, 1902." Bro. J. Beattie, who made the presentation, spoke in eulogistic terms of both Sis. and Bro. Coombe, and, on behalf of the lr-ernbers of the lodge, wished them health and prosperity in their • new home. Bro. W. Lavender spoke in similar terms, and said theii departure would be a, distinct loas to the, 'Koi. Bro. Coombe responded on behalf of himself and his sister, and said he regretted very much having to sever his connection with the lodge, and would be glad to hear occasionally how the members were all doing. — On Monday, 26th inst., Miss May Coombe was entertained at a social by the 'Koi cricketers and presented with a lady's travelling-bag. Mr George Howat, who made the presentation, suoke of the kindness and courtesy Miss Coonibe extended to the cricketers whenever a match was being played on their own ground, and on behalf of the club wished her and her brothers and sisters a safe voyage to Australia, whither they are bound, and prosperity when there.

F?rmer3' Union. — No meeting of the 'Koi brsnch of the union was held this month. Monday, 19th, was the day fixed on for the, meeting, but torrents of rain prevented members izoin turning out.

Farming. — Threshing is not yet over, and if the preseut wet weather continues much longer those who are 'not finished will be forced to leave their ?rain in the stack till spring. Shifting the threshing-mill from place to place is no light task even now; any more rain will render the task impossible.

Amusements. — In order to pass the winter evenings m a. cheery way a social club is being formed, at which the much-favoured game of mng-pong is to be played. Ab Tapanui and Kelso folk go in for the game, no doubt matches will be arranged with these places. We are very much alive to not being behind the tinies , and although our district is not a very large one we are thoroughly go-aJiead folk in our amusements as well as in other things.