HOI/IPAPA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 39

January 29.— The weather, in common with other places, is extremely dry— drier, m fact, than at any time since this district was opened, 17 years ago. Creeks are tailing, and springs are giving out. There is occasionally a slight shower, which ' helps turnips and grass a little, but unless we soon get a soaking potatoes will be a failure. Bush Frres.— The Cathn's Valley has not suffered so much, this year in this respect, but cne never knows when fires will start. It only wants a, small fire, and then plenty of wind, when everything 19 so dry on almost every side. One hears of this one and that one losing something through fires, and we sympathise with tha sufferers, for we have not forgotten last year's fire yet. Railway — We heard great rumours of some 50 more men going on to the railway works, and a few men did arrive; but there is always a percentage who won't stay, and a few leaving for work elsewhere, so that the actual increase lately is about half a dozen.

Accidents. — An accident of a very painful nature, if not serious, happened on the railway works to a young man named Hill. Hill was picking, -when the pick caught on something overhead, and he missed his blow, duving the pick right through the top of his foot, the point coming out the other side The doctor war soon in attendance and: did all he could for the sufferer, who is now progressing favourably. — The following day an accident happened at the WoodiLand Sawmilling Company's mill, when a young man from Orepuki, who was trollying logs, lost command of his trolley on a steep grade. The result was that the. trolley left the line. The young man luckily ©scaped with a broken thumb and severe cut on the leg, besides a severe shaking. The doctor was soon in attendance, and was able to give relief to the sufferer, and the young man a day or two afterwards left for his home at Orepuki.

Marriages — We have had two weddings of late in our quiet little place. On January 8 Mr C. Kelson was married to Miss Bates. The wedding was a quiet one. and took place at the residence of the* bride's parents at 11.30 a.m., the couple leaving m the afternoon for Christchurch. Then, oti January 27, our local school master, Mr T B. Purvis, was niaiued to Miss Faddis, of Rimu, Tahakopa Ri\er. The wedding was celebrated in the Ratamii Presbyterian Church. We wi»h both couples much joy and happiness in their wedded lives.