WAIPORI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2569, 10 June 1903, Page 35

WAIPORI.

June B.— We had our full shar? of the heavy and continuous rain which prevailed at the beginning of the month, and the Waipon River was in high flood. It rose and fell twice, encli time invading the Biidge Hotel and several other houses near the bridge and on the flat. No serious da.ma.ge was done-, except that to pile of coal belonging to the Success Dredging Company was washed away, and about 200 bags lost. lor the last three days we have- had an. intense, clear frost, and now our juveniles arerevelling in the fun of sliding and skating.

Valedictory. — Mrs F. W. Knight, being about to leave us and take up her residence in Dunedin, was on Thursday night honoured with a> social by her 'mends and neighbours in the Public Hall. Nearly 300 peisons assembled to entertain their respected guesD, and during the evening she was presented with a handsomei dressing case as a token cf esteem from thp pupils of the Church, of England Sunday School, of which she has been one of the teachers ever since the establishment of the congregation, in this district. Mr Richard Cotton, in an. eloquent speech, made the presentation, and dilated on the estimable qualities of tho guest, and wished her all success and happiness in. her new sphere. Mr Kerr suitably replied on. behalf of Mis Knight. Dancing was then proceeded with, the music being supplied by Mrs. Jones (piano), Messrs Sanduger, Russell, and Ryan (violins), Kirby (piccolo), and Kerr Ccornet). Songs were sung during the evening by Misses Lomas, Gare, Crowley, and Allen, and Messrs Gaylor, Hunter, Beale, and Booth.

Ecclesiastical. — The services of the Church, of England are now a permanent feature here, and are conducted fortnightly b}" Canon Richards, of Lawrence, and at other times by his curate, tho Rev. Mr Kaye. The chapel built some years- ago by the Wesleyans is now the property of tha Church of England, the services of tho former body having been discontinued, as the congregation had been in a languishing condition for some time.

Tlho O.P.Q. Mine.— l am glad to say there is a prospect of operations in this mine being resumed at an early date. lam informed on good authority that the London directors of the company have decided to raise JE15.000 in preference shares It is proposed to sink the shaft an additional 140 ft, and bring in a water race from the river wherewith to work the battery, to which ten more hend of stampera willbe added. 'There. 13 no question of the boomi this will be, not only to the trade of Wainor, but also to that of Lawrence.