OTAMA.

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

OTAMA.

May 24. — We have had about 10 "days of as rongh weather as we could possibly hove. Rain and snow have fallen in turns, till the ground is in. a very wet and sodden state. Sheep oa turnip ground are, as a rule, in a deplorable condition, unless on a very high and dry paxt. However, it looks better to-day and is clearing up for frost, so that ploughing will again be proceeded with.

The New Flag. — I hear we are to have a flagstaff erected on the school, and are to have our New Zealand flag to hoist on high days and holidays.

Improvements. — We have at last got our stove in the church, which ought to make things feel a little warmer during the winter months. — The Library Committee have at last decided to get some new books, and a3 they have £7 in hand of accumulated funds it has been determined to devote it to this purpose. Social. — On Friday, ths 23rd, a. social was held in the Otama Hall, which was given by the people of this district in honour of the troopers of the Sixth Contingent who have Teturned. In spite of the wild, inclement weather, a good company gathered to greet the troopers. When they arrived they marched into the hall, preceded by two pipers playing Highland music and accompanied by members of the Mataura Mounted Rifles, and were received on the platform by Mr Robert M'lCab. jM.H.I?., who, in the name of the people of Otauia, tendered them a hearty welcome home, and afrked for three cheers for Trcopeis Key, M'Mcekin, a;id Wood, which were heariily given. Dancing was then indulged in and carried on vigorously. During an interval Mr M'Mab presented each of the troopers with.a gold albert, subscribed for by their friends in Otamn, and said that he was sure he only voiced the opinion of the people present in. saying that they were all glad to see them: back again in health and strength, and that, although they had taken part in no very serious engagement, yet their trying marches and othet work had all helped to -build up the British Empire. Mr T. R. Carroll, in a flowery and eloquent speech, gave a resume of some of the work the British army had, undertaken «md seen through. Trooper James Wood, in replying. said that he was very pleased to be back again from the veldt among his Otama friends, but that he had enjoyed it immensely, and was ready to go again if need be. Chasing a. convoy was the b-st snort one could imagine. He thanked them heartily for their nice present, which ha would always cherish as a reminder of hia Otama. friends. Troopers Key and Jl'Meekin, also suitably responded. Two hearty rounds of chewing were given for the returned soldiers, and after tea had been dispensed dancine was a~ain resorted to Sones were given during the intervals by Miss Archibald and Messrs Carroll, M'Eachern. and Stewart; also stepdunces by Messrs Dickson brothers and Gray.Music was supplied by the Hunter Family, also nipe music by Messrs N. Dickson and Smith, and Ihe company broke up in the early morning, after having spent a very enjoyable time.