OTAMA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2604, 10 February 1904, Page 31

OTAMA.

Febiuary 6. — We are having very fair harvest weather here quite a contrrst to that of last year. Cuttcng has begun quite a month earlier, and is now geneiai. Mo3t of the farmers who had grass to cut secured it in excellent co.:dition, and the yield of seed was very satisfactory. Feed is now very dry and burnt up by the recent hot weather, although on some farms on tha flat the feed is splendid. We are getting an occasional tlvi ader storm, with ram, which helps a little but we ecu d do with -a good day's ram. The stock market also seems to be brisk, as there are plenty of buyers round after tfat sheep , but they are not very plentiful yet, and the season is early.

Concert. — A veiy enjoyable concert was given in the Otama Hall on Thursday evening last by the Thomas Family. There was a fair attendance, and a very creditable programme was gone through, a number of the Scotch songs being accorded an encore. After theconcert a short da-nee was hold.

School. — Our school has again resumed work, with ?n increased attendance. How is it that our school children never get a trip to the Blufi or the Lakes, kke neighbouring schoo.s 9

Church. — Rev. Mr Paulin hu's returned from his holiday, much rested and invigorated by his rest -and change. I should like to remark that, it is time some steps were taken to clean up the place round the church. It has tha appearance of a cowyard, and ac-cms io be used for that purjipse.

Teinpsiance. — Since last writing our Band of Hope Society has held two meetings. The first, about three weeks ago, was presided over by Mr N. Byars, and considerable interest was taken m a lecntmg competition. The prize, which was given by Mi John Dunn, was won by >a little girl, Miss Ciaigie Cleland. The judging was doie by Mr Robertson, pnd gave general sa-tisfaotion. The next meeting came off .ast might, and again there was a good attendance. Three choruses were given, accompanied on the organ by Mr Beveridge, who also gave as a solo "The heavens are telling" in a very effective manner. Miss Norman sang two so os — '"Star of the Sea" and "Tatters" — and proved herself to bs a fair nustress of the art of song. The Misses Archibald also contributed a, duet, "Lullaby," very pleSs.ngly. Another reciting competition took place between boys and girls u.ider 14, prizes for which were given by Mr A. Stewart and Mr R. Byars. The boys' prize was won by Master Stanley Dunn , but he was the on'y boy who had the courage to come forward and compete, and he did so well that he deserved tha prize. Four gurls competed. Miss Hoisted got first, Miss Wicks second, Miss Kennedy third, and M.ss Cleland fourth. Each of these, however, got a prize. Mr Robertton again actod as judge very satisfactorily. Harvest.— All the men for harvesting seem to have gone north, as I see by the papers tkey are very plentiful there. We could do with a, few more about here.