OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 27

OWAKA.

March 2. —The dry weather is still with us, and a good, heavy shower of rain would be much appreciated. The turnip crops are almost spoilt for the want of rain ; and many of the householders are carting water from the nearest creek. Influenza Epidemic.—The influenza has onoe again made its appearance in our midst, there being 19 cases in our district, However, most of the cases are very mild; and it is hoped that it will not spread further. The schools of the district will not reopen until Monday, March 8. A picnio arranged by the committee in charge of affairs during the 1918 epidemic was held at Pounawea on Wednesday, February 25. The main object of the gathering was to present mementoes to all the indoor V.A.D. workers in the Owaka Temporary Hospital, Unfortunately, the morning turned out wet and cold, but it grew slightly better in the afternoon, when about 100 people gathered in the grounds of Mr Alex. Anderson. After afternoon tea the chairman (Mr T. Maginess) briefly stated the object of the gathering, and apologised for holding it go late in the "day. The epidemic in Owaka would long be remembered by all. Many of the workers had since left the district, but the committee had considered it a fitting act to present each with a small token of aopreciation for the unselfish efforts ptit forth" for the benefits of their fellowsufferers at a very anxious and distressing time. Mr North also said a few words. He remarked that many others beside those specially mentioned had done excellent work. ' He specially mentioned Mr Maginess, the chairman. Apologies were read

from several for absence. The ladies were Presented with a gold bar and shield brooch. On the shield were the letters "V.A.D.," and on the bar "Owaka, 1918." About a dozen present came forward and received their gift from the chairman. About 50 were absent, and their gifts will be posted to them. It was mentioned that a tah'et to the memory of two who had made the supreme saonfioe would shortly be ereoted at Owaka. These were Mrs James Logan and Miss May Newman, Show.—The annual Horticultural Show was to have been held On February 27, but is now postponed indefinitely.