KNAPDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3006, 25 October 1911, Page 39

KNAPDALE.

October 21.—The weather during the past week has been very changeable, frequent cold sleety showers having fallen, accompanied by high winds. Yesterday a very strong nor'-wester was blowing all day, but in the evening i refreshing rain fell, which will do inestimable good to the grass and grain crops. The ..Farm.—Farm work general is well forward. Oat sowing and potato planting are finished, and the majority of teams are engaged preparing the land for' grass, turnips, and other green crops. Feed is fairly plentiful, and, as might be expected after such a mild winter, stock of every description are hi excellent condition. The rush of the lambing is now over, and by all accounts ■ the percentages are such, as are very gratifying to flockowners. Quite a number of young foalsare to be observed in the district, some of which are of first-class type and breeding, and will doubtless later on find their way to the Australian market. Our district was well represented at the recent Gore A. and P. Association's horse parade, both in the draught and light horse sections. Presentation.—A large number of young people assembled at " Stratha,'' the residence of Mr J. Marshall, on the evening of the 2nd ult:, for the purpose of bidding farewell to Miss Marshall on the eve of her approaching marriage, and also to mark the occasion of her seyering her connection with the various branches of church work with which she had identified herself. A very enjoyable time was spent in the playing of parlour games, interspersed with recitations and musical items. At a suitable opportunity, Mr G. D. Wilson, on behalf of those present, asked Miss Marshall's acceptance of a handsome marble clock as a slight token of the esteem and regard in which she was held, and expressed the hope that she would be blessed with long.life and happiness. The Rev. A. Hardie and Messrs D. Millar, R. Baird, A. Byars, and W. Dun also spoke in complimentary terms of Miss Marshall's many good qualities, Mr W. Marshall replying on behalf of his sister. The gathering dispersed at 11 p.m., after the singjng of " Auld. Lang Syne." Social.—The closing social of.the winter session of the Mutual Improvement and Debating Society took place on October 3, when, the night being fine, the seating accommodation of. the church hall was fully utilised, about 50 members and friends being present, visitors coming from Mandeville,"Otama, and Gore. The president acted as chairman, and in his openin <r remarks extended a hearty welcome to all' those who had come from a distance, and, in submitting a lengthy programme, hoped that all would thoroughly enjoy themselves. During the evening several competitions which caused considerable amusement were carried through, and a prize awarded each to the winner and booby. Solos and recitations were given, by Miss Archibald and Messrs Green, Prebble, M'Kenzie, Hardie, and Marshall.