KAIKOURA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 40

KAIKOURA.

December 27.— 0n Thursday last the town school held their annual conceit in the Drill Hall. Although, the weather was unfavourable, the attendance was good, and the prize fund will benefit considerably. The entertainment itself was an exceedingly bright and pleasing one, and Miss Mabel M'Lauchlan 'and Mx West are to be, congratulated on their highly successful coaching of the young performers, who went through their alJotted tasks admirably. The action songs by a number of I^e infant pupils were very pleasing and greatly appreciated. Master Eric Clarkson's rendering of "Taps" was « popular item. The- feature of the evening was 1 that pretty canitata, <- Soot and the I Fairies. This wasi charmingly rendered throughout by the children, the girls, 18 in number,, looking very nice and singing and 1 acting sweetly. To Miss " Eileen Lascelles, who acted as Fairy Queen, is due a special i word of praise. "Soot"' and his merry crowd j of blackamoors — they were in marked contrast to the winsome fairies — also did exceedingly well. Mr H. Stanlake (chairman of the School Committee) thanked the audience for their attendance, and asked Mrs,Gunn to present the prizes, which was done most happily, the juvenile recipients of their rewards for the year's work being greeted with rounds of applause.

Wedding Bells.— St. Paul's Church, on Wednesday, 18th inst., mas beautifully and tastefully decorated, and was crowded with friends and wellwishers of Miss M'Lauchlan — the occasion being the marriage of that lady to Mr M'Farlano, of Stratford. Conspicuousat the church were the school children, who had assembled to witness their beloved teacher united in .the holy bonds, ajid it must have been' a cause of happiness to the oharming bride to see so many town and suburban scholars to wish her God-speed. The, bride wore .a dress of soft white satin trimmed with lace and chiffon, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet of white peas and: maidenhair fern. Misses Isa and Bessie M'Lauchlan were bridesmaids, and' were gowned in cream dresses, with hats to match. Their dainty shower bouquets were of scarlet geranium -and maidenhair fern. On Mr J. C. M'Lauchlun, her brother, devolved the duty of gjving away the bride. The happy bridegroom was supported- by Messrs J. W. Davidson (best man) and <T. Gray Cgroomsm&n). The ceremony was conducted) ,the Rev. Mr M'Ara, and ait 'its conclusion the newlywedded pair left the church to the strains of a joyous Wedding March (Mendelssohn's), amidst a. shower of 'rice' and rosevleaves.

The Weather. — The monotony of the dry, sultry weather - that h-as been prevalent in this district for weeks past has at last been relieved. The rain- ha~s x descended^ and with it the anxiety of .agriculturist and pastoralist has for the time being relaxed, and' to-day the hard-parched earth shows signs of fresh-n-ess that were not a week back. The 'atmosphere is now clear of that haziness which v&b i conspicuous last week owing to some 1100 acres of heavy bush that ascended! in smoke.

' January 1. — The monthly meeting of the General Committee of the A. and P. Aseoeia- 1 tion, was held- on Saturday afternoon, in" tne presence of a large attendance. Leave of absence was gran-ted to Mr F. Monk. Mr Davidson reported that he and Mr Flower waited upon the council in reference to the recreation reserve and the levelling of ! Takahongia Domain. The council had agreed i to grant the use of .the recreation ground oni conditions to be mafually agreed upon. He thought there waa nothing to fear about getting the ground, and moved — "That £Lo> be paid to the council, wh-en required, for the levelling of the Takahanga Domain." The motion was seconded, and unanimously carried. It \vas reported that only 60 members out of some 130 had paid their subscription fees. After some discussion, it waa resolved that the secretary write to all members who had not paid up, reqiiesting payment at earliest possible convenience. The Stock Committee's report waa read 1 and considered. Mr Davidson thought Mr Hyde, Government'poultry expert, should be invited to Attend the show and judge the poultry. If the association did not ask for these privileges, -they were not likely to lie offered. After some discussion it w*s resolved — "That -"the Government be asked to send Mx Hyde ,to judge $ho poultry, and to give & lecture on the advantages of fostering the .industry." ,The books showed a credit balance of JE7I 16s S"d. A vote of thanks to the chair -terminated the meeting. , The annual show takes place on Wednesday, February 12. January 3.— Labour is evidently very scarce in Canterbury. A well-known Little River settler, unable to secure men down south, sent to Eaikour* last w^ek for seven grassseeders, wages ,at the rate of Is 4d per hour. The gentleman with whom h% communicated! had no difficulty in arranging for the menrequired, and they sailed l per s.s. Wakatu this morning. Rain Needed. — The weather is now du 1 ! and threatening, and rain is sadly needed. Dairy farmers, pastoralists, and agriculturists alike would welcome a general downpour. , T . .