OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 23

OWAKA.

June 3.—We have entered into the second month of winter, and certainly the outlook is decidedly wintry. The different roads have their usual winter supply of mud, though in the township the metal which was laid down has kept the roads fine and clean and free from mud. The cows arc as a rule almost dry now, and are being turnip-fed. We have had frequent heavy frosts, but have had no snow as yet. Scholastic. —The local school has been closed for one week for the midwinter holidays. -A good deal of sickness is prevalent, and a number of the children have whooping cough. Returned Soldiers.—Recently a public welcome-home was given to Privates Rogers and Cook, who have returned to us a-gain, and I must not forget the bride who returned with the former. The war is taking its toll of our young lives, and recently Mr John Sharp© received word that his son Jack was reported missing. Wo extend our sympathy to the relatives of the missing lad. A good percentage of the men from this district were called up in the last ballot. Red Cross. —The Red Cross ladies work untiringly, and intend holding in the near future a sale of work to enable them to obtain funds for more material (wool, flannel, etc.). All previous sales have been for other purposes, but- the stock of material has run out, and must be replenished. Lectures.—Lately we have had two lantern lectures in the Presbyterian Church. Miss Boniwell, in an exceedingly interesting address suppotred by lantern slides, brought before us the claims of the Soudan United Mission. This portion of Africa holds an interest to some of us, as Mr F, Wilson, formerly school teacher at Houipapa, has been accepted for mission work in that place. Mr F. C. Every, who has been for 11 years in Canada, gave an interesting lantern lecture entitled "A Trip Through Canada."