OWAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 39

OWAKA.

- February 29.— Along with the rest of the country, we have been much benefited by the- rain tKa* has fallen^ during the last fort* night, "and tfiinga are looking <a little fresher. Our turnip crops have a fair share of the blight, hnt notwithstanding this the crops are looking- fair. So far I have heard no complaints , about the potato crops being blighted. Seeial. — The annual soiree of the Presbyterian Ghrurch w*» held in the- church on Thursday of last week, and was well attended. The Rev. J. Ghifiholm occupied the chair, and after a. few remarks % relating to- his five years' ministry in Qwak<a, introduced the Rev. Mr Hewitson. (Bttnedtn), who gave us quite a long address? on the "Chmesa Invasion Question." The address was listened to with attention throughout. Mr H. B. Hughes, B.A. (Baptist minister), aW made a few appropriate- remarks, m which he wished Mr ChisliolnL success- in his work, sod spoke oi the assistance he had derived, from, the- Presbyterian body both in Auckland and Dunedirr. During the - evening the choir rendered several anthema. Mr M. Latta> sang "Abiding teat," Mrs Show a slumber song, and Mr Hughes gave a clarionet aolo. The- cjrcheatns' p.ayed >aever»l itemb very ' nicely. Aa usual, the Ladiea provided an abundance or refreshments, which were served round by' .a- bevy of: bonny l«da and lasses. At about half-past 10, aa a protest that the hour was late enough, the gas went out, and under cover of the darJmesa I made my exit without waiting to hear the usual vote* of thanks, which. I presume were passed Sunday School Work. — A very enjoyable social was held at Owaka Valley on Tuesday evening laet. The event was in connection with the Sunday school, and was the first of its kind beld in the^ school. The gathering was quite- * large one — much too large for the building, and a, number h«d to be content to stani ' in the porch or outside. Mr 0.. B. Hughes, 8.A., filled the chair very acceptably, «nd- after a few remarks called, on the performers, of which therewas a goodly numbs*. Thef programme- conaiisted of soloa, duets, reeitattiona, action songs, etc., moat of the items being supplied by the children. A atranger in our districts the- Rev. Mr Pewy (Baptist miniateT, of South Dunedin), after con- ' graiuLatrng the people on having had the • services- of Mr Brughes for acme months; gave an instructive address' from Ezra- x, I: "A great congregation of men, women, and children." A special word of thanka i» dueto Mra> Green, Miss Bradfield. and Me J. i Thomson, who took up the worfc of the Sun- ■ day school so heartily and trained? the cMI- : dren 'n their different parts. The children were assisted? in- their singing by Miss1 Bonnan. and. some of the Tahatika- children, and die nice tea; which waa so much appreciated, was supplied by the parents and ' friend* of the 2 cMMren. ' Volunteers.— Thet Owaka Volunteers held» t their "annual concert sod ball last evening-, ', and a* • very large- number of invitationa i ha£ been. iasa«s. Fattersen'a Hall, where the : functian. wa» held\ was well filled. Captain ' Richardson waff chairmaai for the evening f and a fair programme had been- arwmgedi , some of the. singers coming: from a- conaider- ■• able- distance.. -& marquee: adjoining the hall f held refreshments. Ifierev -the guests were 1 well attended, to by the officers wives' and daughters. After supper the hall was- cleared for dancing, «nd the young folk "tripped the light fantastic toe" till far into the wee '. sma' hours.