WAREPA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 39

WAREPA.

January 4. — Tne weatner lias been very ary and windy. Strange to say that both Christmas Day and "New Year's Day were cold and stormy, although the days before and after were bright and sunny. The ground is dry and hard. The creeks are dried up and; rain is very much wanted. * Crops." — The crops, both "grass and winter 1 sown oats, are coming on very fast, and in. another week the hum of. the binder, will be 'heard in all directions. The turnip crop is all " brairded," and a few nice showers, would do them a lot of goodShearing. — Shearing is still going on^in a few places, but the majority have finished, and most of the wool will be in fox the- secona

wool sale. It is to be hoped that the pried - vail be better by that time. ; Changes. — Still more changes.! I hear tha^ two farms have again changed hands, Mi Wm. Ross having bought Mr Begg's f&rn% and Mr Alex. Johnston, of Puerua, having} bought Mr Park's farm. It is ju3t abou^' three years since Mr John Ross sold hiij farm, which is at present occupied by M* Begg, but during that time it has changed hands three times; and in the same waythe .arm lately sold by Mr Park has changed owners twice since Mr Alex. Smith sold it' about two years ago. Concert. — The annual school concert was held in Warepa Hall on Friday, December 20. AHhough '..here had been "a -good deal of rain through .the week fortunately it cleared up on Friday night, and, as usual, there was a large attendance. Aa there- was only a* week or two given to tlie teachers to prepare the children", it was impossible, to expect them- to supply the whole pro- " gramme. The children performed during tha first half, and the second part was given by older people. The children performed their pieces very well, the recitations being a freai in themselves and. Sessirc-in- o{_ tli«applause which greeted each little performer..* Great credit is due to Miss HopcTaft and Mr Wilson, the teachers. All the items on tha second part were well received: The following contributed:— Mrs T. Riddell, Misses Hopcraft and Crawford, and Messrs M'Hardy,," A. Walker, and R. Ayson. Several eiljoy>, able selections were given by Mr W. Murraj * on his graphophone. The prizes and gifts were distributed by the Rev. J. Orr. Refreshmeats were provided .by the ladies. Tha school has closed for six weeks. Holidays. — Again the holidays are past for another .year. • On Christmas -Day the Sunday school picnic was held in the mansa grounds-, but iEe attendance was not ea larga as, usual, the cold, wet showers, evidentlykeeping many away who might itnerwissr have been there. On Boxing- Day several' from here attended the sports at Balclutha. Although v New Year's morning was not too promising, quite a number drove at rode to Port Molyneux, and. a. pleasant day was spent there.