OUTRAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 39

OUTRAM.

' February s.—The fine weather still continues, and water is getting scaTce. All the creeks are drying up, and tbe Owaka Rner has not been so low for years. Pasture is looking burnt up and dry, and the farmer is anxiously looking for the "refreshing showers." Owing to the shoitage of grass the milk supply is decreasing rapidly, auM the tests are low compared with other seasons Some of the crops are in stock, and harvesting will be general next week. Notwithstanding the large quantity of eggs destroyed by the small boys during the spring, the small birds seem more numerous than ever, and the oat crop will suffer accordingly. Owaka Rifles.—A parade for inspection by Lieut.-001. Sniythe w*s held m Thursday afternoon last, when there were present Capt. Richardson, Lieuts. M'L&tchve and Tobm, and' 38 non-commissioned officers and men. The Colonel expressed himself well pleased with the turn-out, it being the Dest country company he had witnessed. "While the marching was not up to the standard, the men were congratulated on their manner of handling their rifles. After putting the men. through a few evolutions, he pointed out the necessity of attending drill regularly, as a disciplined body waa far better when it came to actual service than many times its number of undisciplined men. The company are much disappointed at not being allowed to compete for the Ladies' Challenge Shied in Dunedin. On that occasion they expected to distinguish themselves, and were only informed at the last iiinute that they were out of the district. Picnic.—'i'ne annual school picnic was held at Hungerfords Point (near Pounawea) today, and was well attended. The day wasall that could be desired, and the children enjoyed themselves to their heart's content in wading, swimming, boating, etc. Two oil launohes were at the disposal of the people all afternoorr, ami a good numoer availed themselves of the pleasant trip to the Heads and back. Th© committee worked hard to make things a success, and had collected something over £3, which the children contested for as prizes in running, jumping, skipping, etc. Mr Jones had the management of the boiler in hand, and after the blessing had b;en asked by Rev. J Chisholm, ( all sat down to enjoy lunch and lea under j the fiiendly shade of some largo pines. On tho homeward journej those who were on foot were conveyed by the oil launch a-s far as the Owaka landing, thus shortening the journey. Social.—The annual Presbyterian soiree is announced for Thursday next, when, bea»de the local speakers, we are to have the Rev. Hewit°on (Dunedni) with us, who will probably give an acecunt of his trip to India