DIPTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 39

DIPTON.

Septesiier 30.— The prognostications of an ■early spring have not so far been realised. Though nature is assuming a verdant tint, it is more apparent than real, as grass generally is short, and stock looking somewhat lean. The weather has been broken and cold, with some very sharp frosts. The latter half of the month has been particularly rough, with heavy hail showers on the 26th, and about 2in of snow on the 28th. This is- particularly bad for the lambing, which is now becoming general. It has been more settled since the snow, and wo are hoping now to have turned "the corner Some of the early-sown wheat is looking well. Sunday School Entertainment. — On Bth inst. some of the young men gave an entertainment in aid of the funds of the Sunday school, which were increased' thereby by the sum of £5, after deducting all expenses. The first part of the programme consisted of a concert, at which Mrs M, Campbell, of Wintou, Miss Lucas-, Messrs T. dark, J. M. Walsh, Geoige Pa-tton, and others took part. Miss Betfe, of Lumsden, and Miss Oia M' Curdy played 1 the accompaniments. Refreshments! were then ibandccJ round Hie second part oonistf&ted of a bun fight for the youngsters, which created much amusement. A pillow fight for young men, which was keenly contested, created a, tot of intecest. Then there were shooting' competitions for both sexes 1 , and though rivalry was keen, tlhe efforts of the contestants would have made a critic weep. Prizes were provided out of the funds for each competition, and altogether a very -enjoyable evening was spent.

Church Parade. — The first church parade of the Dipton section of the Wallace Mounted Rifles was held on the 15th inst., when some 16 or more members turned out, and made quite an imposing appearance. Accident. — Mrs Jane Daniel, who 'ias passed* her eighty-eighth year, and is the oldtest lcsideirt of Dipton, mci. with a. distressing accident on the 14th, inst. S'ho rose about 10 a.mr , and w-ent across the room to get something she wanted, and in turning fell and broke her left leg well up towarsd the hip. Dr M'llroy, of Lumsden, was called in, and put the leg in splints, and did all he could for her. They have now got the leg in plaster, but the patient suffers a deal of pain, and this is bound to tell on one who has reached such an advanced age. It is a sad thing to happen at her lime of life*, and much sympathy is felt for the old lady.

Personal. — Mr Whitaker, another old resident, who has been in business here for over a quarter of a century, has been suffering from sciatica for the last 18 months, and after using different remedies to no effect left to-day for Eotorua to try the effect of the hot springs. It is the wish of his many friends that he may return completely cured from the wonderland of the north. The ■evening before he left a score or so of the young- people came along -with the necessary paraphernalia for a good evening's amusement and took charge of the place. They removed the bulkier part of the furniture from the dining room, and said they intended to let him see how they could enjoy themselves before he left home. The music was started, and with Mr P. Campbell for M.C. a couple of sets took the floor. -Refreshments, which they brought in plenty, were partaken of, and Mr Campbell, as spokesman, thanked Mr and Mrs Whitaker for the kind invitation which they had "not" given iheni, an omission which he knew well was due solely to Mr and Mrs Whitaker's bashful and retiring disposition. He trusted Mr Whitaker would return thoroughly cured, and would be able to trip the light fantastic with them again as of old. They left at 1 p.m., with three cheers for their host and hostess.

Dairying. — The annual meeting of shareholders in the dairy factory was held on the 16th inst., when the report and balance sheet was read, and being 1 considered most satisfactory, it was duly passed. The output for the ensuing year has been disposed of at a satisfactory figure, and it was decided to make a progress payment of 9d per 1b for butter-fat from the start of the season. Messrs W. Ompbell, J. Dugaift, and W. H. Whitaker were re-elected as directors.

Church Meeting. — On the 27th insf. the annual parishioners' meeting was held in St. Matthew's Church. Mr Whitaker, secretary, read the report and 1 balance sheet, both of which were considered satisfactory, and were adopted A strong committee was elected, and a motion was passed to have these meetings held every six months instead of every 12 months. Votes of thanks Avere passed to all who have assisted in cluirch matters during the year, and Messrs Reynolds and Whitaker were elected clergyman's and parishioners' waidens respectively.