WAIKOUAITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2541, 26 November 1902, Page 31

WAIKOUAITI.

November 9.4.— The usual friendly social of the Choral Society, whic. 1 is held each year after the season's practice cease, took place in the Mechanics' Hall on Thursday evening lact. The hall was arranged in the fom of a Irawingroom, small table 3 being placed here and there, on which were vases filled with beantiful flowers. Provision was also made for a variety of parlour games, which, were entered into with great zest. Musical iten'3 did not figure very largely on this occasion, but songs were given by Mr Stewart ("Eofco"), Mr Davis ("Gates of the west"), Mr Fleming ("Gentle words") Miss Orkney ("Promise of life"), and Miss Martin ("Three fiahers"), and a trio ("Peace all lovely") by the Missos Valentine and Mr Wilson. After refreshments had been handed round, Mr Allcock (mayor) said he had been asked to undertake a little Juty which gave him great pleasure, and that was to present Mrs Kerr, the accompanist, with a small token of regard from the members of the society, and he then handed to her a handsome metal teapot, suitably inscribed with name, etc. Messrs T. Smith, E. Davis, J. N. Stewart, and A A. Fleming followod with short speeches, referring to the self-denying labours of Mr and Mrs Kerr in fostering the sor.ety, and to the benefits which' the Choral Society rendered to the :ause oi music in the community. Mr Kerr, in a few humorous remarks, returned thanks for his wife and himself, and hoped the society would still continue to nourish. The einging of the National Anthem brought a very enjoyable, gathering to a close. Troopers' Ball. — The Waikouaiti troop of Otago Hussars held their annual ball in the Public Hall en i'ndaj night, 21st inst., and there was _a large muster of the troop and then frie.itis, Captain ilcrris and Lieutenant Orbell being , also present. The music was supplied by Mr J. Yates, of Dunedin, and the catering was in the hands of Mr W. Williams, who gave every satisfaction; while Troopers Allcock and Scott madf efficient M.C-'s. Dancing waa kept up with spirit till 3.30 next morning, and all expressed themselves as very pleased with the re- .

union, which was the most successful one tht; troop has hnd for somo years past. The Election. — Tho contest for the election of a member for the eelctorate has been rath*er onesided, ow ig to the Rev. Mr Isitt not addressing any meetings, but simply contenting himself with publishing his address in ths Times. Mr T. Mackenzie was well received at the meeting he held here, although on- mm— an outsider, under the influence cf liquor — persisted in interpecting remarks. "What about prohibition ?" he asked at the end of the speech. The answer from, Mr Mackenzie came swiftly in reply: "I would have you r-rohibitsd, anyhow, ' and, amid the laughter of those preseiit, the questioner collapsed. November 24. — At a meeting of taa General Committee in connection with the above, held in th/ Houirapa Hall, Puketeraki, on Saturday evening, it was decided to alter the date from December 26 and' 27 to the Ist and 2nd of January. Thia.was done to avoid clashing with the Wingatai races, Port Chalmers regatta, and the military carnival, and to ensure the proper train arrangements being made by the railway authorities'. Tho secretary (Mr Wm. Parata) read a report from the Riverton and Colao Bay Natives, which showed that preparations in the s6uth were going on favourably. A letter was received from Colonel Robin, stating that the application to the Defence Minister for , the loan of tents had been granted. The offer of the Kaikorai Band to play for the. two -dayr of the carnival were accepted with thanks, and? in return for their generous assistance a moiion was carried unanimously that ths committee guarantee to assist them in their carnival in March next in aid of their Orchestral Society. The question of refreshments was thoroughly discussed and members were selected to make the necessary arrangements. It was also resolved to commence haka and poi practice next Saturday in the Huirapa Hall. The division of the General Committee into subcommittees to deal with the various branches of the carnival was entni't'-r' '■o +he secretary; and three of the lead' »•-, lmtteemen — Messrs J. Parata, Tien; and Hoanf Matiu. 4