WAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2685, 30 August 1905, Page 35

WAKA.

August 24. — Tip till Tuesday evening the weather continued fine, then a cold wind from the S.W. set in, and yesterday morning the ground was covered with a slight coating of snow, and all the forenoon we- experienced cold hail showers. In the afternoon the sun shone forth again, and to-day it is qiute mild once more. Early as it is, the grass is shooting forth, and the fruit trees are beginning to bud and blossom, making us realise that we ar© once more in the sweet springtime. Presentations. — Last week was in every sense of the word su "Young" week, for three nights of it were devoted to farewell socials to Mr Young and family. On Tuesday evening the members and friends of the Presbyterian Church assembled to> wish the family good-bye, and to present them with tokens of remembrance and esteem. The evening opened wi?h all present joining in singing the Hundredth Psalm, after which the chairman, the Eev. J. Chisholni. called on the Rev. J. Dalrymple to speak. Mr Dalrymple said it was nea-rly 20 years since he had made the acquaintance of Mr and Mrs Yoiyng, and he had since that time, during Ms frequent visits to and fro to Owaka, often partaken of their hospitality. He also spoke of Mr Young's faithfulness" as an elder in church work, and also of his regular attendance at the Synod meetings. The Eev. S. Currie (Balclutha), said his acquaintance with the family extended over 20 .years, — ever since he came as a young student to the country. He also spokei of the kindness he had received from Mr and Mrs Young in the past, and while regretting their departure, wished them much prosxierity in their new home. The Rev. Messrs Chisholro and Wingfield, and Mr Every, also spoke appropriately to the occasion, the last-named 1 quoting some verses from Shakespeare which fitted in well with his reniaiks. During the .evening Mr and Mrs Young were presented with a handsome tea and coffee service and a- puise of sovereigns, while Miss Young was the recipient of a Bible. Mr Young suitably responded. On behalf of the Ladies' Guild Mrs K. M'Lean presented Mrs Young with a ladies' companion, and in a few well-chosen words expressed a wi&h that she might be long spared! to use it. In the course of the evening the choir rendered several concerted pieces, aa well as several solos, quartets, and a duet.

A nice tea was provided by the ladies*,. :kJw it was at a late houi that the evening closed, with all singing, "God hs with you till we meet again." On Thursday evening the members of the Bible class met in the vestry and! had a social evening together. The Misses Young wers each presented with a Bible from, the class, and the young folk spent an enjoyable evening with music and games. Public Farewell.— On Friday evening the public hall was crowded with people from far and near to farewell Mr Young and family. Numerous speeches testified to Mr Young's usefulness in the district, and many good wishes were expressed for his future welfare. A good programme had been arranged, and 1 , with Mr Richardson for chairman, solos, duets, recitations, and selections filled up tho evening. Among the performers were Misseg jSTichol and Sutton, Mesdarnes M'Lean, Latta-_ M'Latehie, Dr M'Kibbin, Messrs Latta, Sharp, etc. The E°v. W. Wmgfield, on behalf of the public, presented Mr Young with a welfilled purse. Mr Young, in returning thanks, gave a liearty invitation to one and all to visit him in his new home at Tuapeka. West : he also gave some advico to young men, and ended with a recitation on "Propriety." The ladies were to the fore again with well-fillcc] baskets, and a hearty tea. was partaken of After "Aud lang syne" had been sung, tltf hall was cleared for dancing, in which th( young people indulged till morning. Along with his many friends, I wish Mr Young and his family success and! prosperity ia theix new home.

Valedictory.— There seems to be a general exodus from Owaka. for I have just heaid that we are to lose Mrs Skein and her family. Mrs Skein had the misfortune- to lose her draper's shop here 4>y fire some time ago, and has made up her mind not to rebuild, but intends trying the Ashburton district instead. The residents intend giving her a small farewell in the Oddfellows' Hall on Friday evening, and also a small token of remembrance. Medical. — Our new medical man, Mr M'Kibbin, has had a busy time of it this winter, and has very little time to spend with his ambulance class, which has yet hardly had a start. I am sure no one will long for good roads more than the doctor, for the long, tedious rides through such mud as we hays had must be trying in the extreme.