New Year’s Eve passed off quietly in Otaki, there being no rowdyism of any description. Many attended the picture entertainments, several spent a pleasant time at the camp, but the great majority attended the dance at Otaki Railway… Three orchestras — Sharp’s, Rikihana’s and Cook’s — supplied the best of music while Messrs Richards and Frank Rule were capable M Cs. Streamers, balloons, confetti, paper hats, etc., were greatly in evidence and the scene was a gay one. All present passed away a very pleasant time, breaking up at about 5 am on Tuesday morning.
A vivid flash of lightning at about 6.30 pm on Wednesday was responsible for putting all the instruments out of action at the Otaki Railway station. Telephones and wireless sets in various parts of the town and district were also affected. The thunderstorm on Wednesday night interfered with the attendance at the dance at the Otaki Railway theatre, but, nevertheless, those who braved the elements had a most enjoyable time.