WAIKOIKOI

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

WAIKOIKOI

November 24. — A concert in aid of the school funds was held in the 'Koi Hall on Wednesday, 19th mst. The weather being fine, there was a very large attendance. Gore, Waikaka, and Tapanui weTe all well represented. Mr Sinimexs, chairman of the School Committee, occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks explained the object of the concert, dwelling especially on the desire of the committee to make the playground and surroundings a credit to the committee ana the place. The performers were Mrs Smith (Waikaka "Valley), Miss Adams (Waikaka), Miss Wethey, Messrs W. Renton, L. Ferguson, T, Armstrong, and West (Tapanui), Mr ttawhnson (Gore), and West E. Bea-tty, Evison, and Archibald. Where all did their best, it would be invidious to particularise, so I refrain from doing so. During the evening Mrs Armstrong (Tapanui) and Mr Cuniiinghauie (Gore) acted as accompanists, and played pianoforte selections. It is not often we get BUch an array of first-class talent, and their services were highly appreciated by the large gathering. Mi Simmers, on I>ehalF of the School Committee, thanked the performers for the valuable services they had rendered, and Mr Archibald, responding on their behalf, said it was an honour to be asked to assist at a 'Koi concert, because o? the hearty reception the performers met with, and the splendid treatment meted out to them. Valedictory. — At Ha& conclusion, of the concert Mr F. M. Dawson, who is leaving the- district, was the recipient of a well-filled purse oL sovereigns. Mr H. M'lntyre, who made the presentation, said it was the gift of Mr Dawson's Pukerau, Benio, and Waikoifoi friends, and that all wished him. and his famly prosperity in their new home. Mr Dawson, who seemed much affected by his friends' kindness, responded in suitable terms, and said he would long cherish the friendship of those who had treated him so kindly. Refreshments were then handed round, and aftei ample justice had been done to the good things provided, the hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till 4 a.m. The music for the dance was supplied by Mrs Armstrong (piano), and Messrs Jas. Cooper and A. Simmeis (violins), and Messrs C. Chittock and H. Mackay acted as M.Cs. The ladies of the district were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for supplying refreshments. The Farm.— Farmers are now busy sowing turnips. Owing to the cold, bleak weather wo have had tLe grass is very backward, and the paddocks still look bare, so that there >s httle grass for stock. Yesterday (Friday) we had a nice rain, and to-day it has been warm and bright. If the present weather continues, grass should grow quickly, and the crops go ahead fast. On the whole stock are looking fairly well, despite the scarcity of grass. Shearing. — This work has made but little pro gresa as yet, but soon the different shedfc saould bo in full swing. Reoads. — It is reported, but whether true or not I cannot say, that the contractor who is gravelling the Waikoikoi-Pomahaka road has given jp the contract, or is about to do so. At anyrate, no work has been done on it for some time. The contractor, Mr Dynes, who is metalling and gravelling the Glenshee road, is making a good job of it. When thi. very necessary work is finished the road will be passable for all sorts of traffic. For some time it has been an eyesore to the farmers, but, thanks to the energy of the late member for Waipahi Riding, this will no longer be the case. County Election. — The defeat of Mr R. Simmers, late member for Waipahi Riding, was generally anticipated, as the majority of voters are on the Waipahi and Arthurton side of the riding and Mr Simmers's attempt to get the Clutha County to levy a special rate of a halfpenny in the £ for road repairs in the riding did not meet with their approval. As most of the large landowners in the riding objected to tho special rate being levied, their votes went to Mr dimming, the successful candidate. Cricket. — A team from the 'Koi Clul visited Tapanui on Sa£urday, Novembei 8, and were defeated by the Tapanui team by seven wickets. On Saturday, 15th the Heriot team visited 'Koi, and played th» local team. This time the local team proved th* winners, by an innings and 108 runs. Mr 0. Reid, captain of the local team, sefn-ed, by splendid cricket, 75 runs, and Mr Geo. Crawford the respectable score of 42 runs. Next Saturday 'Koi plays the return jaatch with Tapanui on 'Koi ground, when they hope to turn the tables on their opponents. These matches are played under the auspices of the Eastern District Association, Southland.