KOKONGA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2849, 21 October 1908, Page 39

KOKONGA.

. October 15.r-The social In connection with the debating society as a final' for the 1908 season waa held in the schoolroom on Wednesday, th© 7th, and was a decided success. The evening, the programme, and the crowd were a-U that oould

bs desired. There were a good many visitors presan* from Hyde Kyeburn, and Wai-pi-ata, and their presence and their items are always heartily welcomed. Mr J. Saunders (vice-president) occupied the chair and appropriately opened the proceedings. The programme presented was a lengthy and varied one, and that the audience were not lacking in appreciation was cvi- - dent by the applause. The impromptu speeches were cuite a new feature in oui entertainments, jind they were responsible for a good deal of merriment. It's one thins to deliver a prepared speech, but quite another to have a subject thrust on one with a given three minutes to intelligently express oneself. To a novice facingan expectant crowd it's quite an ordeal. Mr Dickison, the judge, chose good and popular subjects, and 11 volunteers in turn took the floor. After listening to all, Mr Dickieon concluded it would be unfair to ' judge them individually, inasmuch «s they all had clone well. Mr J. Hastie kindiy brought his phonograph and some very fine records of songs, etc, were given. Owing to the excellence of the instrument, theso were very enjoyable. The club-swinging, too, was another pleasing item. Mr Flyland has evidently given some time to this graceful and healthy exercise. The followingladies and gentlemen contributed to the programme: — Mesdames Williamson, Cuthbertson, Flyland, Misses Harris, Mathieson, Cuthberteon, Messrs Barker, Dickison. Crutchley, Flyland, Saunders, Swan, and x Mathewson. The accompanists for the evening were Misses Harris and Mathieson, M'Ssdainee Cuthbertson end Flyland. A . substantial supper, a «fOod dance, -&nd the customary— votes of thanks brought us to our feet in " Auld laag syne," In proposing a* special vote of thanks to the l*die^ for providing tht refreshments, & wasr interjected, " Oh, you're looking for a wife !'* "I couldn't do better than try my luck in Kokonga, judging by the quality and . quantity of the cakes,' retorted the chairman amidst laughter. School Examination.— -The school was 1 examined last b> Inspector Bcssence, and the result was very creditable indeed. Every child presented, with one exception, passed. In this exception nervousness caused* the failure. Mr Swan deserves congratulation for the success of the year's work, as bo had to contend with, storms, swollen streams bad roads, which necessitated the children being absent so much during the spring, and, added to this, the inspection, took place a month earlier than usual. Weather. — The recent rain showers are bringing away a splendid lot of grass, and the hillsides and paddocks are very green. Lambing 13 general, and the percentage promises lo be very good.