KAITANGATA.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVII, Issue 50, 20 December 1910, Page 6

KAITANGATA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) „ A CLOSE CALL. An accident happened on Saturday evening which fortunately did not terminate fatally. Ah \\ing, the wellknown vegetable vendor oi Balclutha, was crossing the Kaitangata railway crossing at what is known as Bryce's crossing, when the train which was going: to Stirling, consisting of an engine and carriage, came in contact with horse and vehicle. ' The cart was smashed to pieces. Ah Wing was thrown clear, and escaped with a severe shaking and two ribs broken, but is expected to be out of Kaitangata Hospital (where he was taken to on the train returning) in a day or two. It was broad daylignt, and some assert the whistle was not biown at the crossing. So far there is no explanation as to how it came about that Ah Wing came to be in the position he was in. SPORTS OX MONDAY. The Sheffield Handicap closed with 18 entries as compared with 25 the previous year, but the calibre of some performers is first class and represent tative of all parts oi a wide area— North Island (Taihape), Tasmania and Canterbury. Trembath lUoro) is on Scratch, McWhiter (South Canterbury), 2yds ; Stinson (Milton), and Foster (Gore) on Hyds, and others varying up to 12yds, which is the limit. The local ped., N. Bissct, is on the 11yds mark. MLXKUS' UNION.

The nominations for executive ami qtlicers of Otago Miners' linioii closed at the meeting on Saturday evening, and there is to be a contest for all oiliees except general secretary (Mr li. N. who has been re-elected unopposed. Mr Ridd thanked the members for renewed mark of coiridenee. and said he would strive to serve them to the best of his ability as he had done in the past. For president, the present holder of o,llice (Mr Sim) is to be opposed by 1). Mel lines, an ex-pr"sident : for treasurer. Mr li. Sharp (the present holder) is opposed by Messrs T. Forrester and W. Shallish. For executive, the candidates an- Messrs T. Heard. F. Hebbard, -W. Crow, and W. Hollows (Green Island), present members and Messrs P. Russell, W. McGhie, J. Terry (sen'r), C. .King, and A. Love (Green island). The scrutineers for ballot arc Messrs T. Hayes and A. Fergusson, and ballot takes place between the end of year and third Saturday in January, when result is declared.

SCOUTS' EXAM. On Saturday afternoon 16 Scouts presented themselves for examination tor lirst-class badges. Dr. Fitzgerald who is official inspector for South Otago, put the candidates through the ambulance test, and was highly pleased at the proficiency shown, all passing the examination, which rellects great credit on Scoutmaster Lavery, their teacher. Swimming, signalling, and the various other tesis necessary for first-class badges will be conducted morning and evening through the week. Those who pass the tests will prove a credit to our rising generation of young defenders. INCIPIENT FIRF. A narrow escape from another blaze happened on Thursday evening in the vicinity of the last great tire in the Arcade. Mr W. Paterson. bootmaker, was in the shop attending to a customer about 0.30 p.m., when a cloud of smoke was seen arising from the back part of the premises. A search was made inside the building, but no trace of fire could be found. A search was then made outside, and the skirting board at the bottom was found to be smoking, and a hole burnt through underneath. The board was speedily broken' oil and the blaze extinguished. It is presumed a cracker had found a lodgment there.

PICNIC PARTY. The Rev. .Mr and Mrs Currie nave a picnic party on Saturday afternoon at grounds of Manse to the children who had performed at the Hand of Hope through the winter, and needless to say there was a large "fathering. A number of adults. Sunday School teachers, were present, and assisted the little ones in their games und dispensed the refreshments which were so abundantly and generously provided by their kind Host and Hostess. MUNICIPAL. There was only one candidate for tin' vacancy in the council, caused by the resignation of Mr T. llislop—viz., Mr Thomas Oagc, proposed by Cr -I. R. Hunter, seconded by Cr R. Aitchison. The Mayor, the Town Clerk, a member of the Fourth kstate, and the proverbial small boy were present. iiolsti;i\"s. Congratulations are extended to Mr G. Aitchison. our well-known farmer, on his success at the recent Southland Show in the Ilolstein Cattle. His animals won the admiration of all interested. Mr Aitchison goes in for breeding on approved lines, and is deserving of the success which should be the rev.aid of all enthusiasts.