HOUIPAPA

Otago Witness, Issue 2719, 25 April 1906, Page 35

HOUIPAPA

April 19.— The weather for the Easter holidays was all that could be desired, but it has now resumed the former role — dull, damp, WPt. Roads. — The roads are now beginning to assume their winter form — namely, mud, mud everywhere. I an: given to understand that the material for the railway bridge is expected soon, and what the roads will be like when this is all carted it is difficult to conjecture.

Accident. — On April 9 Mr Wilson, of Tahakopa, met with an accident on the Catlm's River "Valley road which might have proved much more serious than it did. A3 it was. Mr Wilson lost about three or four pounds' worth of goods. It appears he left the team of three horses unattended on the road for a short time, p.nd they went on towards home, and all three hor<=es and dray were found over a steep bank. Fortunately the driver was soon on the scene, and other assistance, including Mr W. Gwyn's bullock team, was close ai hand, and all was got on to the road again (excepting the ruined good=). and Mr Wilson made another start for his home in the Tahakopa Valley. Picnic— On Saturday, 14tb inst., the Houipapa day school picnic was held. Splendid weather prevailed, anßi this had the effect of drawing a large gathering. The picnic waa held in Mrs Bates's paddock, kindly lent for Ike occasion, where many games and swinging were indulged in during the day. There was plenty of racing for the children, with ioys for prizes. There was- also a wood-chopping competition which was of sreat interest, and was won by John Moir. of Ratanui. The catering waa in the hands of the committee, and was all that could be desired.

Weddings. — There seems to be ?n epidemic prevailing ir> the bush, for they are marrying all round. On Easter Monday there were two weddings in our immediate neighbourhood. Mr James Christie, of Table Hill, was married to Miss Powell, of Christchurch. by the Rev. Air Currie, of Balclutha; while Mr Henry Brugh. of South Dunedin, was married to Miss Daisy Bates, of Houipapa (formerly of Portobello. Otago Peninsula). In the latter case the bridegroom was attended by his brother. Mr Wm. Brush, aud the bride by her sistei. Miss Alice Bates, and three little nieces. The bride was dressed very prettily in cream silk and chiffon trimmings, whilst the bridesmaid's dress was heliotrope silk, with cream lace, the three little nieces being dressed in whito muslin with heliotrope sashes. After the ceremony the newly-married couple were photographed in the garden by Mr F. Wil=on, of Houipapa. An adjournment waa then made to a largre tent erected for the purpose, where the wadding breakfast was spread. Some 60 or 70 people sat down and partook of (he good things provided, when the tent was cleared, and singing and games, etc., were indulged in until aftei midnight. The newly-married couple left in the evening for Balclutha. Mr Boreham. of Moagiel, was the officiating clergyman. The presents were numerous and useful. I trust that both coup!e3 may be long spared to enjoy their married life.