WAIKAIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3336, 20 February 1918, Page 23

WAIKAIA.

Februarv 18.-The very bright sunny summer days experienced have ripened the fields of oats, which ar« in many oases splendid crops The turnips are looking first _ class, and grass is abundant—more so than m tormer seasons. Harvesting is now general, and many of the crops are cut ana in etook. , !,„„„ Angling.—A good many anglers have secured large baskets of trout, wnich were of a, fair size. :_*__i Personal.—Mr George Hicks, assistant Mataura Dairy Factory, has been appointed manager of the Waikaia Dairy Factory, and has commenced his duties here. Picnics.—On Tuesday-, Bth met., the Church of England annual picnic was held in tiie Recreation Ground, and was a great success in every way, being well patronised by the public. During the afternoon races were held for the children, and a considerable sum of money was given away m prizes. Both ladies and gentlemen took part m various items, and were handsomely rewarded. The ladies of the committee handed tea and refreshments around. At the close of the day the children were very pleased with the prizes, etc., they had won lit the different events. The Rev. Mr Button was assisted by an energetic secretary (Mr Moore) and a committee. In the evening a social was held in the Coronation Hall, which was crowded. The Rev. Mx Button gave a recitation, Mr Clark a solo, Mr and Mrs Gilmour (Freshford) -piano and violin music. The success of the afternoon and evening was due to the support of the public, to ■whom the committee offer their many thanks. —On the 13th inst. the Waikaia Presbyterian Church. Sunday school pitHlic was held in the church grounds under most favourable weather conditions, and was a gceat success in every way. There was a large gathering of parents and friends. The programme was a lengthy one. . The Sunday school prizes were handed out by the Rev. W. Hain. assisted by Mrs Hain and Mr Anderson (teachers). There are 51 pupils on the roll. Special prizes for attendance were awarded to R. and E. "Wilson, M. Cockerill, and S. Davidson. Each child present received a book. Races and sports were engaged in. The prizes were numerous. A bountiful supply of cakes, etc., and fruit wore sent in by the ladies. The large company had refreshments handed romid twice. Mr Hain thanked all those who had sjd liberally contributed to the prize and picnic fund, and also those who had supplied the refreshments. So much money had been sent in this year that the children were asked to give £1 to the Y.M.C.A. Hutment Fund, which they unanimously voted. Tea Meeting.—On the evening of the 13th inst. the Wendonside Presbyterian Church, annual tea meeting was held in the church, which waa well filled. The Rev. W. Hain presided, and gave an interesting address. The. splendid choir rendered anthems, and sonic flna selections of solos were contributed by Mesdames Anderson, Bunting, Reese, and Master Burns. Miss Hartley and Mr E. Cameron sang a duet, and a quartet was rendered by Mrs Bun Ling, Miss Hartley, and Messrs E. Cameron and J. Paterson. Mrs E. Cameron wa3 accompanist. Mrs J. M'Donald (Waikaia) gave two humorous readings. Marriage.—A pretty wedding was solemnised at St. Mary's Church, Waikaia, on the 6th inst., when Miss G. Bemrose was mar&icd to Mr R. M'Neish. Mr F. Bemroso acted us best man, and Miss M'Donald (Edendal«) as bridesmaid. The bride, who was given away by her brother-in-law (Mr Webster), wore a white dress and carried a bouquet of white flowers. After the ceremony the guests enjoyed afternoon tea at the residence of her parents. The usual toasts v/ero honoured. The Rev. Mr Button

officiated at the service, and Mrs T. Stirling played the "Wedding March." Tho church was beautifully decorated with flowers. The bride received many useful and handsome presents, including cheques. The happy couple left by motor car for Gore. Death.—The many friends of Mr W. Spence, Empire Hotel, were very sorry to hear of tho death of his wife. Mrs Spence was the second daughter of Mr and 1-rs Graham, late of Ota-ma-, and was 43 years of age. She was most highly respected. She was of a quiet, retiring disposition, ana had been in bad health for some time. She was at Nurse Grievo's private hospital, and underwent two operations. She leaves two sone and three daughters to deeply mourn their loss. The large funeral left her sister s (Mrs A. Johnston, Coutts road, Gore) on ■Saturday for the Gore Cemetery. The Rev: .Mr Button officiated. Many of her friends from Waikaia attended. Heartfelt sympathy is felt by a large number of friends .for Mr Spence and family m their deep sorrow.