KOKONGA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2818, 18 March 1908, Page 39

KOKONGA.

March 13.—The recent heavy rain which ' was so very welcome has had a wonderful effect on vegetation. The pastures which were -so burnt up and dry are coming on nice and green, and the turnip crops have been greatly freshened. Some very good paddocks of drilled turnips are- to be seen m the neighbourhood, having flourished! even in the drought. Harvest operations are almost completed, with the exception of an odd paddock. The grain is all in stack. Generally speaking, the yield is very satisfactory, and specially good) samples of oats are to be seen on some farms. Stock Sale.—The second stock sale of the series took place at Waipiata. to-day, when a large number attended. About 4000 sheep were offered, and the prices advanced considerab:y, the ram and the bright outlook for feed being responsible. Milking cows sold cheaper than sheep! Farewell Tea.—"A farewell" in the form of an afternoon tea on the Tennis Grounds was given to Mr George Crawford by the club and friends prior to his leaving the district Unfortunately the afternoon was cold and windy, detracting from the pleasure oi the outing. The time was spent in games and social chat, a very welcome break in the proceedings being the afternoon tea and refreshments which were served in the schoolhouse. Before dispersing, Mr Glendinming voiced tb* feelings of those Diesent in regret-

1 ting Mt Crawford's departure to "Wellington. He said Mx Crawford had, by his kind and obliging manner, been very popular, and he would be greatly missed from the district. Mr Crawford suitably res-ponded. Time did not allow of a presentation, being made, but be. forwarded to Mr Crawford. School Picnic. —A moat successful school picnic was that held on> Saturday, March 7. The weather was glorious, and happy harmony prevailed. jNo doubt the bright dia-y was lesponsible for the attendance of such a large number of visitors from. Ranfurly andl Kyeburn, Capburn and, Waip^ata being also represented. The previous beavy rains had so gladdened our hearts that the Bports were entered into with schoolboy enthusiasm by the adults. Mr Mann's paddock (which had been kindly lent fox the occasion) was a very nice spot, being central. A pla.nta.tion of willows formed the background, and under their inviting shad© seats had been arranged and hampers of refreshments, including quantities of fruit, were m evidence, and dispensed with generous frequency by tha conroiittee, their wives, and volunteer assistants. The programme provided sports and games for ail, the children having special attention. The greatest amusement was caused by the apple-eating competition, the youngsters entering into it with great delight. 1 append a list of the sports, which has been handed to me. Before dispersing, the Chairman, Mr K. Williamson, proposed hearty votes of thanks to the visitors 1 fox their attendance, to all those who had helped to make the gathering such a success, special mention being made of Miss Wilson' and Mir Bremrier for prize gifts to the children. Hearty cheers followed. The following is the sports list: —High Jump (Men's) —D. Redd, 1 (as three tied for second 1 place, stakes devided). Hop, Step, and Jump (Men's) —D. Reid, 1; T. M'Namar*, 2; C. Hare. 3. Flat Race (100 yards) —R. Crawford, 1; D. Reid, 2; W. Reid, 3. Wrestling Competition (Cumberland style)—D. Reid, 1; W. Reid, 2. Old Buffers' Race—J. Rawcliffe, 1; Win. Pearscn, 2; D. Mann, 3. Married Ladies' Race — Mrs Mann, 1; Mrs Mathewson, 2; Mrs Williamson, 3. Young Ladies' Race —Misg Geddes, 1; Miss Coyle, 2; Miisa Rawcliffe, 3. Apple-eating Competition (boys) —D. Healy, 1; J. Lcgan, 2; — Lunan, 3. Jumble Race — Fred Lunau, 1; Alex. Lunan, 2; L. Lippert, 3. - Various other races for children were got off throughout the afternoon. Personal. —Mr. Mrs, and the Misses Glendinning, Taieri-side, purpose leaving on the 23rd for a holiday to the Old Country, joining the Himalaya at Sydney.