WAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2862, 20 January 1909, Page 39

WAKA.

January 18.— The .weather for the holidays has not been too agreeable. We had a larger share of visitors than usual this season, a good many exaa ones coming for the convention at Pounawea. A large number of tourists cam-wed out as usual, and one felt exceedingly sorry that they had so much wet to contend with. However, the farmer is not complaining, as the rain has provided plenty of pasture, and the crops are looking \evy well. The late turnips are not yet all planted. Sports.— The Caledonian, sports were held on the 28fch ulfc., but the gathering was not as large as ov former occasions. A cold north-east wind was blowing, which pre\anted some going out. The usual running, jumping, sawing, chopping competition, etc., were got off, and good prizes given. Concert.— The concert held on breakingup day at the school was well attended, and <ho children, who ba<l been well trained b\ the mistress (Mis, M-Dia-rmid) in th<Mi- different parts, acquitted themselves cieditably. The programme al-o included <-olos, duets, recitations, etc., by local singers, Mr H. Tobin occupied Uie thair, and the evening closed with a verse cf " God save the King." Chi iot mix-, Tico.— The P,apti-t Church lud it-, ChrUtmaa tr°e in Patoricn's Hall on the 23rd ult., when there was quite a record attcndanc2. The fir-t part of the ovening was opened with prayer, and a h\inn followed by so\oral action hymns by lhe children, an ilhiifraWl recitation by the pastor 'Mr Brand), aNo an illustrate*! hvinn. which was -nu' by the audience. Mi« E. O-boine rond^i^d a t-010. and Mi^s E Iflntyi-p rocitp< -on ("Tl:o Chri-t-Uia- Tiro "). ?f,me cv.o or throe hundred prize* adorned the t'vo tve*. which s ford on oithor -.ide of t!i" nhitform, and the l.u+cr nart of the 1 p'.eijm'^ uj,s taken iin wifh <) -n i^init a- thr> p,-,zp* V~> ivonrK>n — Tho- con -^uiion held at Po'iniuoa wa-. cn>i-i'!"ri''g *lir» tmse'tled v ra-Vr and muJ.lv ,•<-_<!- «-ll People wsr« present fi'om all pans el lhe

j island, and many testified to blessings re- ' ceived, while several professed conversion, Mr .Allan, the well-known Scottish evangelist, conducted the meeting, assisted by several ministers, and the singing and playing were in the hands of Mr Stephens. A large marquee, picturesquely situated in tho midst of the flowering manuka on the recreation ground, accommodated tho ; people, and was comfortably fitted up for the purpose. Obituary. — It is my sad duty to record* the death of two more of our residents since the beginning of the month. We were all surprised to hear of the" rather sudden death of one of our local bakers (Mr A. Harris), which event followed after two or three days' illness. Mr Harris came, with his parents, to the Tahatika. district some 30 years ago. and was well known. A year or two since Mr Harris started a bakery business here, and re- | cently added a grocer's store to his business. He was an honorary member of th© Oddfellows' lodsre, and the funeral service was conducted by the chaplain (Rev. J. Chisholm). The second death was that of Mr Henderson, late of Houipapa. who had N»en for some weeks an inmate of tho j Dunedin Hospital. The bo'V? was brougW ! to Owaka for burial.