HOUIPAPA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 39

HOUIPAPA.

January 3. — The holidays are practically over, and work is being- resumed by degrees. The weather has been fexy good on the iwhole. A little rain fell on Christmas Day 1 and- New Year's Day. A heavy gale spoilt INew Year's Day to some extent.

Picnic. — The annual Houip&pa Sunday School picnic was held on New Year's Day in Mrs Bates's paddock (kindly, lent for the Occasion), where a large gathering assembled — about 230, young and, old, in all. Games, lacing, and swinging were indulged in during the day. The S.W. gale marred the outing! eomewhat. The races were conducted principally by Mr Pollock and Mr Geo. Berney, and 1 were mostly for the children, for whom there were plenty of toys- The married 1 ladies' race caused a little stir. Tt was won •by Mrs Gibb, of -Houipapa, with Mrs Chain Second. The single ladies' race (for which a very handsome .hand-worked cushion cover, Mndly donated by Mrs Henderson^ of Houipapa, was given as first prize) was keenly competed. It was won by Miss Gibb. There •was plenty of, good food and tea, the latter ■being- made and. served out by_Mr W. Gwyn, who gave very general satisfaction as cook. Poaching. — I. bear Constable Mackenzie has caught, a, couple of parties poaching — one irout-poaching and the other pigeon-shooting. Both parties ere to be prosecuted in due course.

KSmXVTAO &OK6E. January *.— The weather during- the p«afc month, feo» been superb' for »xawing— nice*

rains have fallen, followed by warm, quiet days. On New Year's Day it wns blowing very hard, and at night we experienced a heavy downpour of rain. Up to the time of writing the weather continues rough and cold. Grass is abundant everywhere, and' all crops are looking well. Shearing is nearly completed in. this district, and most of the farmers have their wool carted to the station. Although the price of wool is not so so favourable this season as last, growers are still hopeful. ■ Scholastic. — Our school was examined last month, with very fair results, there being only one failure. All parents are well satisfied with our new teacher, Miss Gillespie. The usua.l picnio and dance is to be held this year shortly after the school reopens, at the end' of this month, when the distribution of prizes to the pupils will also take place. Accident.— Mr Peter Orr, from this district met with a nas,ty accident whilst wrestling at the Clinton sports on New Year's Day, breaking one of his ribs. He was removed to Mrs M'Kechnie's hotel, where he was attended to by the doctor from Gore, and is making a good recovery.