WAIKAKA VALLEY NOTES.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 18, 16 July 1920, Page 15

WAIKAKA VALLEY NOTES.

The Farm. — Since last writing ihe atmospheric conditions have continued unusually favourable, and apart from an occasional heavy burst, the rainfall has been considerably leSs than last season, and ploughing operations are well advanoed for this. period of the year. As far as can be ascertained at present, there will be an increased area under the plough this season. During the war period the scarcity of labour and other conditions compelied the farmer to lessen the area under the plough, with the consequent res.ult that the depletion of grass on many farms has, with the coming of normal times, caused farmers to plough up and lay down more land in order to renew the pastui.es and increase production. Mutual Improvement. — The • local Mu tuai Improvement Society, which has lain dorrnant since 1915, has been resuscitated this winter, and adthough t-he attendances have been somewhat indifferent, some successful meetings have been held. The Society has adopted the poliev of procuring, if possible, t contributions from returned soldiers, who liave w.ilhngly acceded to the request of the Society and contributed papers. So far papers have been delivered by Mr Robt. Cum- . ming on "A Trip to the Dardanelies after tlie Armistice;" by Mr A. R. Johnston on "Impressions of Bonnie Srotland;" and by Mr II. 1'. Mclntyre on "A Few War Reminiscences from Camp to Egypt," and other contributions have been arranged for from returned soldiers. Farewell Socials. — Prior to their departure from the district for their new home at Roslyn, Dunedin, Mr and Mrs A. J. Nichol were entertained at a farewell social in the church, Rev. A, Gow presiding. Interspersed throughout the programme were several vocal selections by the choir and others. At a suitable period Mr Gow, on behalf of the assembled gathering, presented the departing guests with a large framed photo as a parting memento, and made eulogistic reference to Mr Nichoi's great work in connection with the church. Several others followed, speaking appreciatively of Mr NicboFs faithful work in connection with religious work, Farmers' Union work, education work, and all the district organisations, to which Mr Nichol made a suitable response. Mr Nichol, who has disposed of his well-kuown property to his sons, left recently for his new home. Another farewell social took place in the Benio Hall on the evening of July 2, when, despite the pouring rain, there was I a good gathering assembled to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Alex. Mclntyre and Mr D. R. Mclntyre, of Benio, on the eve of their d epa/ ture to take over their re-cently-acquired properties in the Wendon Valley district. A short musical programme was submitted, and during the evening presentations of a suitable nature were mado to the departing residents, one and all wishing them long life and prosperity in their new sphere of life. Wcdding Bells. — Wedding bells continue to ring locally, the latest to report taking place at Gore Presbyterian Church, when Mr A. M. Johnston, son of Mr and Mrs G. P. Johnston, Maitland, was married to Miss Helen Henderson, of Motherwell, Scotland. Anoiher mdding of lc-cal interest was that of Miss M. Donald, eldest daughter of Mr an-d Mrs Robert Donald, of Maitland, to Mr A. Henderson, oi Waikaka.