WAIKAIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 27

WAIKAIA.

September 3. —Th > weather has oecn very changeable—sunshine, and again very cold, wintry winds, and heavy showers of rain on Saturday night. Farmers' Union. —On August 21 a meeting of farmers was held in Mr Lette's Hall, When Messrs D. Gilchrist, G. P. Johnston, and A. J. Nichol (of Waikaka Valley) explained the objects of the Farmers' Union. On the motion of Messrs J. M'Crostie and M. M-nckay, it was unanimously resolved to form a branch, to be known as the Waikaia Branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Office-bearers were elected as follow: —Chairman, Mr J. Davidson; vice-chair-man. Mr J. Dennis; secretary and treasurer. Mr W. Christie; auditor, Mr J. M'Crostie;' Executive Committee—Messrs M. Mackay, W. M-Kee, W. Barron, and T. Jeffries. The annual subscription was fixed at 12s. Eighteen members were enrolled, and many more will likely join on September 1, the date of the next meeting. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Waikaka Valley members for the information they gave to the meeting. Social.—On Friday evening, August 31, the Coronation Hall was crowded with people. The hall was most beautifully decorated with British and the Allies' flags and greenery. The members of the Railway Department at Waikaia arranged and carried out a most successful and pleasant evening in aid of funds for the Rod Cross Society. Patriotic addresses were given by Mr Sexton (stationmaster) and Mr Robertson (guard), both referring to the splendid work the ladies of Iho British Empire had done for the Red Cross Society on behalf of our brave, noble, and gallant soldiers. Dancing was part of the eveninsr's enjoyment. Solos were rendered by Mesdames Sexton, Robertson, W. Mackay, Messrs Stenning, D. Sprout, P. Sproat, P. Wright, Reese. Mesdames Sexton, Soper, Robertson, and Bishop carried a flag round the hall, and money was dropped into it, totalling £1 odd. Mr Sexton proposed three cheers to the people for their presence and liberality. A recitation was given by Mr Sexton, a solo by Master M. Cronin, and a hornpipe dance by Mpster T. Oronin. The musicians were Mesdames Clark, Lightfoot, Robertson (piano), Messrs Soper (three; accordion, piano, violin). Very acceptable refreshments were handed round. Votes of thanks and cheers were given for the musicians and visitors from Edendale, Lumsden, Wendonside, and Freshford. ' A very enjoyable evening was closed by the singing of the National Anthem and " Auld lang syne."