OUTRAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3415, 29 August 1919, Page 27

OUTRAM.

August 18.—On Tuesday, sth inst., the residents of Outram and surrounding district met in the Drill Hall to pay a tribute of respect to Mr John Grant, who just recently attained his eighieth birthday, and who has for many vears been town clerkof Outram, and who during the war period did valuable work in" connection with the Patriotio Society. Mr Chisholm occupied the chair. During the evening musical items. were contributed by Misses Dows, Bates, Patrick, and Mesdames Mitchell and M'Bryde, and Messrs Chisholm, Walls, Logan, Roberts, J. Bathgate, and J. H. Bathgate. The accompanists were Miss Scott and Mr M'Bryde. At an interval in the programme the chairman called on Mr Grant to accept, on behalf of the gathering, a handsome framed address and a purse of sovereigns. Many speeches were made eulogising Mr Grant's work on various boards and. in the Oddfellows' Lodge. '' Mr Grant suitably replied, and gave a stirring account of His early life, and the many hardships the settlers had to endure in the early days. A short dance concluded a most enjoyable evening. Social. —The annual social of the West Taieri Church was held on Tuesday evening, when, notwithstanding 1 inclement weather, there Was a good attendance. The Rev. Mr Bates presided, and the Revs. W. W. Brown and Scott-Allan were present, and gave helpful addresses. This choir rendered several anthems, and solos were , contributed by Miss Allen and Messrs Marshall, Chisholm, Bathgate, and Valpy, and duets by Miss Bates and Mrs M'Bryde and Messrs Roberts and Bathgate, and reoifcations by the Misses Gambles. Mr M'Bryde presided at the organ. At the conclusion of the programme supper was handed round by the ladies, and was much appreciated. August 25. —The residents of the township spent a very anxious night on Monday, when the river rose with alarming rapidity. Fortunately, the bank held although there are several weak spots which are a source of anxiety. We hope the Drainage Board will see that these weak spots will be strengthened in the near future.