WAIKOUAITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2672, 31 May 1905, Page 35

W AIKOUAITI.

j May 29. — In spite of forecasts to the contrary, the weatli-ei- has been xnosi enjoyable during this month — clear, sharp, frosty nights and beautiful sunny days alternating as a> rule. Entertainment. — Under the aus>pioes of the St. John's Ladies' Guild the St. Glair Comedy Company gavie an entertainment before a moderate audience, in the Public Hall, on. "Wednesday night last. The first comprised a oneact play by Cosmo Hamilton, entitled, "Toby Comes Home. During an interval Mr F. V. Blondford gave some humorous selections Mr W. J. Robertson's charming oastume comedy in three acts, "The Ladies' Battle," th«n foli lowed, the characters being taken by Messrs

' T. J. Penibcrtoii, A. R. Gardner, J. EastheB. Pelre, and Mrs MacknJght ai;d Afisa D liai'ther. The plays were well staged, the act li'g was very c'everiy done, and altogether the entertainment was cf a superior order Presentation. — Between 40 and 50 lauies and gentlemen assembled at Corner Bush on Wednesday afternoon, 24th inst., to show their appreciation of the servioes rendered by Mr John Duncan, J.P., duung the many yeax3 he has taken so prominent a. part in public matters, and also their esteem for Mr and Mrs Duncan a<= private individuals. The presentation, which consisted of an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns, was made by Mr A. S. Orbell, J P., who read apologies from Captain H. T. i.i-Kisi, oar-tain Crosby Morris, and Messrs *.>. t.barlton, J.P., John Law, John Law, jun., Robert Scott, and Jno. Maxwe-il. He then, ia a eulogistic speech, made reference, to Mr Duncan in his public capacity, also* as a, good neigh- < bour, and lastly to his sterling qualities a3 & man. Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H li., then gave a short address conipjiincnting Mr Duncan on Ins uprightness and integrity during his pufarcr ihe Rev. J. J. Cairney also &poke, lx erring specially to Mr Duncan's services in Conneciion with r ho Presbyterian. Church and rehgiou's matters. Messrs T. Smith (Mayor), T. Al.cock, and J. Muir followed with sonja complimentary remarks. Mr Duncan feelingly re-plied, expressing his dicep sense of the Kindness which proraxsttd this recognition of his servio&3 He felt himself unworthy of such an. Lurour, and hoped siiil to give his services, aa usual, whenever lequircd. 'Lhi-ec hearty cheers wore then given for Mr and Mrs Duncan, after which refreshments wore lib-eraiiy supplied in the dining room to all who chose to partake. Reference was made to the illuminated address in a formei note. Needless to say, it .was much admired, and Mr Duncan stated he would be rery pioud to hand it down as a heirloom, so that his grandchildren might see the esteem in which their granddad had been held. Personal. — Mr John Duncan is a native of I Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and arrived in Otaga : by the ship Mooltan in 1849. Ir 1565? he settled 1 in the Waikouaiti district, and was well known and universa-Uy respected as the lessee for many years of Cherry Farm, and the helper of all who sought his aid or advice. Mr Duncan was until just recently a. prominent member of the Waste Lands Board, and has always taken considerable interest in public affairs, though he never saw his -way to represent dny constituency, although fr».quent'.y a<?ked to do so.

Druids' Social. — The usual fortnightly meeting of the St. Patrick'^ Lodge, U.A.0.D., was held on Thursday evening, there being a good attendance of membez*. One new member was initiated, and the members of the Rose o£ Palmerston Lodge, to the numbet oi' 16, were present. After tht business iiad been disposed of, the lodge went into harmony, and a couplo of hoxirs were passed pleasantly. Songs and lecitations -werv contributed by the following: P.D.P. 820. P. E. WiJeon, P.A. Bro R Wilson, A.D. Bro. Hallum, and Bros. Gwynne, Gillies, Rendall, Chapman, Guffie, Park, and S. R. Smith. At the conclusion D.P. Bro. Ross, oa behalf of the Palmerston Lodge, thanked the Waikouaitx brethren for the pleasant evening passed and the kind treatment they <md received. Legal. — At the adjourned sitting of the Magistrate's Court od the 26th mat , the case brought by Mrs Drury against Mrs Falconer for possession o-f a cow, etc., was decided in favour of plaintiff, the defendant having to restore the cow or pay the sum of £6 9s, together with, costs, £2 7s. The hearing of applications tor renewals of old-age pensions followed, 17 being granted full persion, one at £17, two at JEI6, two at £15, and two at £U. Major KeddelL S.M., presided. A number of the pensions hacl been standing over for some time, causing great inconvenience to the recipients. Removal. — Mr Robinson, rabbit agent, haa been transferred to Dunedin, and Mr Grant, Or Naseby succeeds hie here.