OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 44

OWAKA.

January 29.— Afier all the beautiful dry weather we have had, a shower last evening, which. lasted five or six hours, was \ery acceptable indeed, for not only weie our tanks empty, but the pasture was beginning to look withered and dry, while some of ihe lately-sown turnips 1 had never had a drop of iaui, only the heavy morning dews, which are so benefio a! co the crops. Everything in ths district is looking splendid, and to judge by appearances, the harvest will be fully two months earlier this season than last. Nearly all the settlers have thcTr hay safely in stack, which is saying a good deal for this locality. Ecclesiastical. — A baptismal service was held in the Baptist Church here on Wednesday evening, when the new baptistry, with which the church has been lately fited up, was Uoad for the fir&t time. The service was conducted by Mr Heaven (pastor), who gave an able and instructive address from Acts viii. Fotu candidates foi baptism were then addressed, and tho beautiful text gdveii them from Isaiah xhn, 2: "When thou passest through the waters, I -wull be witn thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkesfc through the fire, thou shalt not hs burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon, thee." Hymns suitable for tne occasion were heartily sung.

Picnic. — The same church held its annual Sunday school picnic on Thursday. The spot chosen was some five miles up the valley in the cornei of Mr Bradne]d's paddock, and truly a betier place cculd not be found. Surrounded on either aide by river and creek, with plenty oif native bush for shelter, the spot was ?n ideal one, and the elder o.ie&. as well as the children, seemed to enjoy the day to the full. The provisions were all mixed together, and all shared alike. This, to -ny mind, is a much more sociable plan than the one we see sc often nowadays — namely, that of each family sittnng down tc eat of their provisions. The teachers and friends were kept busy all afternoon distributing fruit, sweets, b-scuits, etc., ond playing games with the children. After this a hearty tea was enjoyed by all. Owing to the dust, which was blowing m clouds, and a showei .which overtook us before we reached home, our attire was in a dilapidated condition, but in mind and body we felt much invigorated after the pleasant holiday.

Owaka Rifles. — After a week's encampment the Owaka B) fles broke up on the 15th. Ser-geant-major Taylor instructed the Volunteers during the encampment, and every evening gave a lecture for the benefit 01 the men. On the evening prior to the breakup the camp was visited by Colonel Robin, who put the Vo lunteers through a numbei of exercises in drill, firing, skirmisbing, and outpost duty. The Colonel expressed satisfaction as to the way the various movements were peiiormed. In contrast to last yeaa the weather was perfect all through, which made it much moie agreeable for those in camp.