WAIKOUITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2675, 21 June 1905, Page 39

WAIKOUITI.

June 19. — Mr Joseph Bates, who has been i living here since February, 1862, received congratulations yesterday on the attainment of ', his eighty-fifth birthday. As the Eev. Mr Caimey wrote, "it is not often a pastor can • congratulate one of his flock on attaining that ', age." Mr Bates is in good health just now, : and very cheery, and he enjoys a "crack" about old times. '. Football.— The local club journeyed to Pal- ', merston on Wednesday last, and lost the : match, being defeated by the Palmerston Club ; by 3 points to nil. Although not successful, the Waikouaiti team had the best of the game ' throughout, and played pluckily, in spite of the strong adverse "barracking" indulged in ; by some of the crowd. Carson, Hoad, and M'Leod (backs), and G. Townsend and W. Russell (forwards), of a very even lot played ■ best for Waikouaiti; and Mr P. Bell made an impartial referee. The match was witnessed by a good number of people, and excited much interest. The date of the local club's annual ball has been altered to July 19. Dairy Factory. — Hearty congratulations to our manager (Mr E. C. Wood), who has kept up the reputation of the factory by winning ' a first and two second prizes for large and a < second for loaf cheese at the winter show. The first prize (for coloured cheese) also wins the cup for the year. Mr Wood has striven to follow worthily in the footsteps of his two predecessors, and well deserves his success. The i factory is still receiving between 700 and 800 gallons of milk every second day, but will most likely close down for the season at the end of this month. Presentation. — As Mr Harry Heckler had occasion to visit Waikouaili again last week, a few of his personal friends seized the opportunity to present him with a saddle and bridle as a token of their regard. The presentation was made on Saturday night at the Railway Hotel by Mr A. S. Orbell, who congratulated Mr Heckler on his recent appointment, and wished him all success. The friends afterwards spent a pleasant evening together. Frost-fish.— The first frost-fish of the season was picked up a few days ago by a lady wh< was walking along the beach towards eveningWith the late severe frosts it is a wonder more have not come ashore, but they seem to be getting more scarce nowadays. Goodwood Hall. — For some years past .. the residents of Goodwood have been much inconvenienced owing to the want of a hall suitable for gatherings, most of which had to be held in Mr Kennedy's barn. However, some 10 months ago a meeting of resident* was held, and it was decided to erect a hall, provided funds could be raised. In a short time £150 was subscribed, the subscribers receiving debentures for the amount, and the building was proceeded with on a section of land close by Mr Dernpsey's. The hall ia 45ft long by 22ft wide, and is fitted with an excellent Jittle stage 12ft by 16ft. There are two convenientlyarranged anterooms ; while at the main entrance there is a large porch. The contractor was Mr E. H. Clark, of Palmerston, and the total cost is about £200. To celebrate the opening an entertainment wag held in the hall on Tuesday evening last, the building being so crowded that some weie unable to obtain admission. Mr E. Cameron presided,

and in his opening remarks briefly detailed the circumstances which had led to the bi'ilding of the hall. He thanked the subscribed* for their liberality, and hoped they would have a very pleasant reunion iv the hal, whicJt he would ask their member to declare open. Mr T. Mackenzie, M.11.R., who was greeted with Hp'fiuss, ga\e a short speech, and declared the hall open, after which he called for three hearty cheers to Mr Cameron and those associated wt'ui him in the erection of the Goodwood Public Ilall. A concert programme was then, proceeded with, the first part being undertaken by the Kia Ora Minstrels, who made a very fivditable first .lppeaisrcc, and kept the audience tliojoughly crau'ed while they kept The stage. In the second part items were contributed by Mr Matheson, jlr Fleming, Mr Branson, Miss M'Lareu, Mr M'Laren, Miss Dugdale, Mr P. M'Gregor, Mr Hayes, Mr Carruthers, and Mr M'Farlanc, and a melodrama, "The Haunted House,'' completed the programme. The hail v/as then cleared for dancing, Mr Sutherland supplying the music, and Mr O. Deinpsey acting as M.C. The Palinerston Brass Band also gave a number of selections outside the building, which were much appreciated.