OTARA NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 20200, 10 June 1927, Page 10

OTARA NEWS

SUCCESSFUL DAIRYING SEASON. (From Our Correspondent.) The month of May just closed was a big improvement to the month of April; the weather of that month being very cold and dismal, rain falling on 15 days. The total for the month was 4.71 inches. The month just passed was noted for some fine but dull days, and bright glorious sunshine. Rain only fell on 10 days, the total for the month being 2.92 inches. DAIRYING The dairying season has been a. fairly successful one this year in regard to output at the local factory which shows an increase over the last season. The factory closed down on May 31. The back-end this season fell away very quickly the last two weeks of May and the factory closed a fortnight earlier than last year. It is to be hoped by the time the new season commences the price of butter-fat will be more encouraging than the past season. A great deal of sickness is going about the district this last few weeks, the chief complaint being whooping cough and very bad colds, which is also affecting the school attendance. The past week of June has been ideal winter weather accompanied with glorious sunny days, and very hard frosts, which are rare along this part of the coast. On the evening of June 6 a terrific gale of cyclonic force, from the north-east, passed over this district, lasting for 30 hours, doing damage to many out-buildings and unroofing several sheds besides, straw stacks and other stacks catching a fair share of it. It also disorganised the electric current for over 24 hours, the district having to fall back to kerosene lamps and candles. A kitchen and gift evening was tendered Miss Katie Jennings in the Otara Hall on Tuesday evening, June 7 on the occasion of her approaching marriage. A large number turned out to do honour to the departing guest. Dancing was indulged in for a few hours, then before the articles were opened for inspection a guessing competition was held, as to who could guess the greatest number of correct articles. The winners turned out to be Miss Muriel Thwaites, ladies, and Mr Con Casey, men. Miss Nellie Casey, in a neat little speech asked Miss Katie Jennings’ acceptance of a various assortment of articles, and on be-y half of those present wished her very much happiness in her married life. Mr William Jennings responded on behalf of his daughter. Supper was then handed around and after a few more dances a most jolly and pleasant evening was brought to a close by singing Auld Lang Syne.