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Clutha Leader, Volume XLVII, Issue 52, 31 December 1920, Page 5

There will (be ho publication of the JJtaiha (Leader on Tuesday. "White sugar is ''off" in the local until after the New Year. iMr A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist, will Hot visit Balclutha till J'anuary '11,1821. Pea-rifle ammunition may be purfcdwwed and sold ■without a permit under the Aims Act.

'Am aeroplane from Timaru is expected to pass south on Saturday on its jray to the Wyndham racecourse. We acknowledge receipt and heartily reciprocate tokens of the season's greetings from the companionship of the "'Lyttelton Times" and "Star" end W. H. Simons a-nd Sons, Ltd. Oa Christmas Day the morning express from Invercargill was over au (hour late owing to engine troubles. The other trains have all been well up to schedule time during the holiday psh.\

Owing to the heavy rains in Central the Olutha rose considerably on Otonday and Tuesday and quantities of drift wood and other debris were $0 Ibe seen floating down. The members of the Balclutha Pipe Band, under Drum-Major P. Johnson, paraded Clyde Street on "Christmas Eve and played & number of selections to the enjoyment of the large number of shoppers albout the streets. .Although living over three miles from ihe Greenfield School one young girl pupil was able to be present every tikqr except one and the committee thought such regular attendance was jTCrthy of reward and a special prise (pMrgiT«ato Dorothy Goodman.

The extra trains, as well as the ordinary mixed trains, have all been well patronised. With the restricted service on Christmas Day no fewer than 280 tickets were issued at Balclutha.

The telegraph and telephone traffic at the Balclutha Post Office on Christmas Eve was extremely heavy. Six hundred artd sixty-one telegrams and 1234 bureau calls were dealt with by the local staff.

"As far as I can see," remarked 'Mr

T. A. Low, of Auckland, when discussing his trip abroad, << the cost of living in New Zealand is lower than in any ot-heT country iu the world."

Speaking of the high wages whi'ch now prevail in Britain, lie said, that when he was in Cornwall two coal miners in the locality played a game of quoits for £IOO aside.

j A party of bowlers from Dunedin , intend to motor through to InvercaT- | gill next month and expect to be' in I Balclutha on January ,24. They are j anxious to have a roll up on the local : green and would like a game with ; some of the bowlers.. The party will j Include Messrs Charles ®. Smith, BobI son, Falconer, and J. Rhodes, of North East Valley. .No doubt a rink from : the local -club will be able to meet I the tourists. An enterprising American theatre j has provided a nursery, so that mothers I wishing to see the play can leave their j babies in. chaTge of a nurse. The 'babi ies are given' a number, like objects | left at a cloak room. There' is an elec-

trie signboard at the side of the stage, and if any particular baiby becomes too unhappy,, the number is flashed on the signboard. ''Baby No. 18" would mean that its mother had to leave the auditorium and pay a visit to the nursery!

'Members of the Clutha County Council expressed surprise that the District. Health Officer (Dr IMcKilbbin) had seen fit to treat Clutha different from' other county councils. He wrote asking the Clutha Coumty Council to meet him at the Balclu'tha Borough Council Chambers, and he Went to the meetings of some of the other county councils. This appeared to be a slight to Clutha, which considers itself as important as any other county council. The chairman (Mr J. Cumtaing) explained the. most important provisions of the new Health Act.

The Health Department's scheme for the appointment of a district sanitary inspector has been unanimously accepted by the boroughs of Balclutha, Milton and Kaitangata which form part of the South 'Otago District with a population of 14,890. Tn each case •the suggestion for the appointment of an outside official was readily approved. Tt is anticipated that Lawrence borough and Clutha and Bruce counties will fall into line and the Inspector will take up his official duties on April 1. It is proposed to make Balclutha. the centre.

It is evident that the supply of meat held by the Imperial Government inNew Zealand will soon be removed. There- will be loading in Januarj' fourteen big steamers, with a total carrying capacity of 1,526,000 carcases of 601% each. This space will not only be sufficient for the Imperial Government meat, but also allow for "free meat" (killed this season) and dairy produce. The steamers to .load, with their freight-carcase capacities, are: Somerset, 95,000; Port Lvttelton 86,000; Arawa 87,000; Port. Nicholson 113,000; Tiaranga, 106,000; Zealandie. 102,000; Durham, 100,000; Argyllshire, 147,000; Kumara, 7'3,000; 'Hororata, 112,000; Brodvale, 130,000;- Viking Star, 130,000; Norman Star, 125,000; Stuart Star, 120,000.

A pleasant function took place at the summoned .meeting of Court Queen of (Molyneux, >A.O.F., held in the Foresters' Hall on Tuesday. Sister S. Hunter,. C.R., on Ibehalf of the sisters of the court, presented 'Bro. James Gold, late treasurer, ■with a silver-mounted tobacco pouch, suitably inscribed. The C.R. stated that the present was a small momento for past services. Bro. Gold 'had been instrumental in. the opening of the court, and had held the office of treasurer since it was and had proved himself a very obliging and painstaking officer. P.C.R. Sister Taylor also referred to the many services rendered by -Bro. Gold. Bro. Gold, who *was -warmly applauded on> rising, thanked the sisters for the present. Anything 'he had done had 'been a pleasure. After the business of the court was concluded the sisters entertained Bro. Gold at supper, and a pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent at Miss Greer's tearooms.

7MTORT STORES.—Thrifty people welcome the economy of our GROCERY DEPARTMENT. -NEW SEASON'S FRUIT, sound, fresh, and in the (best of condition. Only the finest grade of rich, plump, flavoury fruit in stock. The following, are a few CHRISTMAS LTN©3:—(Seeded Raisins,. Is 4d packet; Seedless (Raisins, Is 4di lb (choice); Mildura Sultanas, l's 4d lto; Mildura Currants, la Id lib; Muscatel Raisins, Is 6d; Packet Dates, lOd; Prunes, 1«; Hawaiian Pineapple, 2s and 2s 3d (very choice); 'Canned 1 Apricots, 2 s 3d; Peaehes and Pears, 2e 3d; Mixed Lemon Peel, Is lild; Preserved Ginger, 2s 6d; Choke Kgs, Is. Fresh supplies of FISH lhave just landed. Salmon., Jib tins Is and Is Id, lib tins 1» 6d; Sardines, llld and Is; Herrings in Sauce, Is and Is sd; IFreshi 'Herrings, Is 4d. Stewed Tripe, 211b tins, 2s. SUMMER GOODS.—Jelly Crystals, 4s 9d per dozen; Sheet Gelatine, 4s 6d per lb; Marshall's Summer Drinks, Is ,6d; Thomson's Cordials, 3s 3d; Lunkiheon Cheese, Is; Bex Cheese, Is «4d; Cornflour, 8d; Custard Pdwder, lOd. 'All prices less 'CLASH DISCOUNT of 5 per cent, (la in £). We wish bo have all orders despatched in good time- so we will be glad if you trill, kindly shop early. 'Heinz Pure. Food Products now landing, and we hope to 'have these high-class goods on show next week. We would to see these goods, as we can them. -IMPOST aTOBES FOJI VALUE.

®yr. Anderson, dentist, intimates that he intends visiting Owaka district after the New Year.

| While heavy rain interfered with | holiday making in many parts of the 'Dominion, this district -was favoured with fine weather, the few showers that were experienced not being sufficient to stop outdoor pleasures. The conditions under which the sum of £3OOO voted iby Parliament for the purpose will Ibe distributed among libraries in country districts are stated in the Gazette. 'Application has to be made to the Education Department before January 25 next. The railway traffic from Balclutha, both north and south, has 'been heavy, since the start of the excursion fares. It is evident that the increased rates have not curtailed the travelling capabilities of. the pu'blic. For north stations, 1003 tickets have 'been issued between December 'l7 and 27, and 513 tickets for south stations.

To cope .with the holiday traffic on the Catlins branch line an extra carriage has been added to all trains and three large cars are- required for the conveyance of passengers. On Boxing Day five large cars were neededj and over. 300 people were conveyed to Owaka, as well as a large number to Romahapa.

A national one-shilling. subscription Ito erect a monument in memory of New Zealand women's work in the war is advocated by' a Wellington gentleman. The splendid spirit the women | showed, the sacrifices they made are recognised' by all, .and lie believes that 'such a subscription would be supported by almost, every man in the Dominion, j A minister was reading the Sunday evening lesson form the 'Book of Job. "Yea, the light of the 'wicked shall be put out," he said, when suddenly the church was plunged into total darkness. "Brethren," said the minister, "in view of the sudden and startling fulfilment of this prophecy, we shall spend a few minutes in silent prayer for the gas company. According to the 'Wanganui Herald there is a possibility of a reduction iu the price of woolpacks later in the season. Apparently a large number of farmers last year, anticipating a rise in the jute market, bought freely in order to ensure supplies for this' seasou. Plentiful supplies came to hand this season at- about the same price as last year, and the demand has apparently not come up to expectations. The annual bazaar was held in the Clydevnle Hall on Christmas Eve. There was, as usual, a large attendance in spite of the fact that the weather ■was threatening. (Many competitions were successfully got off, and the various stalls', including produce, fancy- j work, refreshment, etc., all did good 'business. Miss M. Miller proved a very capable secretary, and had the arrangements well in hand. The net-t takings amounted to about £4O.

An experimental farmer assured a Manawatu Times representative that owing to the persistent recurrence of the small daisy, 'buttercups, and dandelions in the pastures, the local farmers who have ploughable land which mi ay 'become! liable to these pests', should sow a mixture of Italian rye, cowgrass, etc., as a temporary pasture, and re plough even - four years, taking a crop of rape or turnips before sowing. This plan has nearly doubled the carrying capacity of his land, and is well wortliv of consideration.

Here is a good yarn of the Yankee in vasion of London. "While one of the latest American visitors was being conducted around the West End the Yank spotted a new hotel. On toeing told that it took three months to build, lie replied, "W'liy, -we could build a thing like that in three diys.'' His Kii-glish companion said nothing uktll tliev arrived at- the end of Whitehall, when the Yank, pointing to the Houses of Parliament, said, "'My, that's adinkie sort of 'building. What is it?" "Don't know," replied the Englishman. "It 'wasn't there when I passed this morning." War regulations in New Zealand—as is also the -case in Ungland—die a very html; death. Olle regulation which proved very helpful to the soldier in war time was.that giving the soldier pro- ; tection from leaal action for debt. This is now in many instances hinderi ing the returned soldier established in ■business to a. very large extent, and realising this the Dunodui Bepatria- ; tion Board recently passed the following .motions: "In view of the fact tlmt sufficient time has now elapsed in I which all discharged soldiers in comi mercial and trading concerns should ! have re-established themselves, this ; Board recommends the repeal or modification of the Act relating to the projection from legal action in so far as commercial and trading venture® are concerned." "This Board "wishes to 'emphasise the fact that the present Act in so far asi commercial and trading ventures are concerned tends to demoralise a discharged soldier, protects the unsatisfactory case and prevents the satisfactory- discharged soldier in business from having advantage of the usual credit terms from the merchants." The resolutions received the unanimous ' endorsement of the last meeting of the Otago District (RJ3.A.

That Balclutha is not dormant as far as trade is concerned is .evidenced by the fact that the-local tailor and costumier, C. G. Kirby, whose enterprise in the tailoring line is well known, has had to augment his staff. Mr Kirby's ability at a designer and cutter of ladies' and gentlemen's attire, together with the new system by whicn Iw produces his garments, known as "Ls» Simplicite," 4iave earned for him a marked appreciation. Hit numerous customers will be gratified to learn that he has been successful in scouring a large selection ofthebest quality suiting and costume materials, and Mr business has become the leading tailoring establishment in South Otago. His numerous elients can rely on receiving U»e very bwt attention and wttrkinwaiMp.

There ,was a, general exodus from Balclutha for the Christmas holidays, and there was Jieayy ,/motor traffic in all directions. ' The' train serviceJwos ■ also well patronised, it being noticed that there were more passengers than usual for Dunedin. 'Dragging operations for the body of the unfortunate man Frederick Watkins, who was drowned at Manuka Island last Thursday, were continued for some time, but without success, and Constable Weir decided to discontinue. A careful watch will be kept along the river bank.

The famous N.Z. "Diggers" played to a fair audience in the Oddfellows'' 'Hall on Christmas Eve, though the occasion militated against a larger patronage. All the items were well received, an amusing and diverting repertoire of songs, dances and character sketches being provided. At. the last Wyndham Magistrate's Court, before Mr 6. Cruickshank, 'S.M., two charges against John Ford, that "on . October .10, he did unlawfully have in his possession (1) 29 opossum skins and '(2) 55 opossum skins, were withdrawn upon the application of Constable Jones, who appeared for the prosecution.

To conduct services in as many different parts of this «Anglicani parish as possible on 'Christmas Day and last Sunday, the Vicar (Rev. J. Perkins) travelled over 110 miles and conducted nine services. The inclusion of Kaka iPoiut and' Owaka in the Vicar's regular round of services' 'increased the mileage considerably. Because the Wairoa Freezing Company dismissed two men who liad taken a half-holiday without permission over 100 employees went out on strike in sympathy with the two. After negotiations the company agreed to re-engage the two men, one in his old position aud the other in a different department, and the strikers returned to work.

The prospects of securing a permit for the Clutha Trotting Club seems very bright indeed. Tire suggestion that the claims of the proposed club would receive more favourable consideration if it were backed by a sufficient number of responsible residents has 'been enthusiastically taken up, and already over twenty guarantors of fifty pounds each have been secured.

'The freezing works dispute has been settled, au agreement having been reached between the Federation of Freezing Works Employees and the freezing companies on the 'basis of the payment of a bonus of 25 per cent, to hourly and weekly 'workers, and of 20 per cent, to piece-workers, on the 1910 award rate on all time, including overtime. The bonus to be retrospective as from November 1 last.

A most enjoyable gathering was held on the Awamangu tennis court last Saturday afternoon. Players were present from Greenfield and Tuapeka Month, while the local players turned out in force. IPlay commenced at 2, o 'clock, and the court was kept full all the afternoon. 'About four o'clock a very dainty repast was handed round by the ladies and was greatly appreI'iated.

Ths inconvenience occasioned by the break-down near Waiwera. on Christmas Day of the evening express to Dnnedin 1 was the means of providing a happy entertainment to the people who congregated' on the Stirling Railway Station in the interval. A number of pipers and dancers who were returning from the Kaitangata Sports provided the bulk of au impromptu programme, and very pleasantly were the hours of waiting passed away.

An amusing story comes from Constance. The proprietor of a travelling circus there notified the- police that a lion tamer, who is addicted to drink, was ,missing. All the cafes in the town were searched in vain. Finally the tamer, whose name is 'Grabner, was found in the cage of a lion and lioness, all three lying together asleep. Efforts by frightened employees to rouse the tamer were met with noisy protests from the trio. Eventually they were permitted to sleep on, while the employees watched the cage nervously, fearing that the tamer would be attacked and eaten. After eight hours Grabner awoke, patted the lions, walked out of the cage, and went home to- his wife for breaMaist.

Smokers in the West End of London .are reviving an old method of filling their pipes. "Walking down Bond Street, W.," writes a correspondent, "I was surprised to see a friend 1 place a little round disu of what appeared to ■be rice paper, with a tiny hole iu the centre, on the palm of his hand, pile the tobacco 011 it, and twist it lightly into a pear-shaped ibomb, which lie I popped into his pipe. The small hole in the centre of the paper was then oil 1 the top, and lie lighted the tobacco through it. More surprising still was the condition of the paper after, the smoke. Beyond a small area on the- top it was not even scorched. 'lt left- the pipe perfectly clean, and all the nicotine had collected in the screwed-up "tail." Xmas, 1920.—'Ladies of Balelutlia and and Surrounding Districts: The Import Stores extendi a 'hearty invitation, to visit and inspect our stock of fancy goods, electro ware, capper ware, chinaware and numerous other useful articles. Splendid assortment of electro ware in_ teapots, salad bowls, breakfast eruets, jam dishes, etc., at low prices; copper kettles, copper flower bowls, handsome crockery, flower bowls, Doulton fancy ware in choice designs, Doul* ton. eups and saucers, teapots, vases, 'bowls, wihich awake a pretty and useful present. Just unpacked an assortment of English Deal e ware in quaint designs—something new and worth'inspection. We have also landed English cups and' saucers, plates, suigar and creams—these are of the well-knoifai brand:, "'Grafton China," and are the best on tbs 'BsjUsh market. Oar range, of and aaiuoers, jugs,' glassware, flower vases,, etc., : are -worth a visit, ladies, to inspect, 3nd we can confidently say you will (be pleasM with the. display; We also extent to you tflie coittplimenta of-tfaemaon.-Import

• There were good attendances a* the Christmas services conducted "by. the Vicar, Rev. J. Perkins in the various Anglicaii-- churches throughout this parish.

•At the meeting of the South Qtago Rifle 'Association, Captain Rutherford intimatM that -he had received the promise of a challenge cup for the aggregate score, starting 'with next year's •meeting.

There are more deaths by drowning in 'New Zealand, in, proportion to the population,' than in any other part of the British Empire (states the Feeding Star). During the ten years 1909-18 the deaths by drowning in New Zealand were 1635.