Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELD GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Oct 20, 1919

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2645, 20 October 1919, Page 4

Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELD GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Oct 20, 1919

With the retirement of Sir V illiarn Fraser from polities at the close of the present Parliament, the electorate and the Dominion loses the services of one who for upwards of fifty years has taken an active and honorable part in public life. -Sir William Fraser arrived in Central Otago in 1802, and soon took a keen interest in public affairs. One of his first appointments was on the Provincial Council, and when the county system was established he was elected to the Vincent County Council as member for Dun.st;ui and was for ten years chairman of that body. He entered polities in 1803, when he was elected for Wakatipu, and since that time has been continuously elected as the member for the district. In 1912 he gained Cabinet rank as Minister of Public' Works in the Massey Government, but his services in that department were restricted by reason of the war. During his lon* icpresentation of Wakatipu, Sir William has been admired and respected by all, despite opposition to his political opinions. For. his electorate he has worked conscientiously and well, and his constituents will join in wishing him all enjoyment in his retirement, ihat he is likely to receive appointment to the Upper House will be appreciated on all sides, and will to some extent be a reward for services rendered, It can be said that ho has served the district and the Dominion honestly, honorably, to the utmost of his ability, and with great credit.

A well-attended meeting was hold in the hall, at Bannockburn, on Saturday night for the purpose of forming a bowling and tennis club. Mr Jas. Ritchie was in the chair, and several apologies for non-attendance were read, A strong committee was appointed to arrange about ground, etc,, and substantial financial assistance was promised, Mr J. Purcell was appointed secretary pro tern. Yesterday the Sun lay School anniversary services of the Methodist Church were hold in the afternoon and evening, Mr Wilhcford being the preacher. The singing of the children was a feature throughout, tbc various hymns being vigorously and well sung, and showed that they "had been thoroughly trained by Mr Richards (conductor), and Miss Bridgman (organist). An orchestra composed of Messrs L. Jolly, Evans, Jas. Towan (violins), M'Naught (trombone), and Veomau (cello), gave splendid help to the children. On Saturday evening the annual concert of the school is to be given in the Athenamm Hall, when it is anticipated that there will be a crowded house, as the concert given last year is still remembered as one of the best children’s entertainments given for some years, and is said that the coming entertainment is to bo quite up to the standard.

The Cromwell Bowling Club opens the season on Saturday next, and extends a hearty invitation to tho general public to attend. Since the opening of the fishing season several anglers have been out and report more success than is usually met with iu the opening weeks of the season. Dr. Hughes, medical officer for Otago, is expected to arrive iu Cromwell to*morrow, and will inquire into matters regarding the hospital requirements of the district. The Cromwell Canning Company is at present making arrangements to resume operations in tiie course of a few days. Mr R. Bretherton, of Lowburn, , has accepted an important appointment on the staff, and li is taken up his duties. Mr R. S. Black intim ites through our advertising columns that Mr Dau Bretherton has been appointel to purchase rabbitskins on his behalf, and will pay highest cash prices. Mr and Mrs M. L. Spratt, and Mr L. Spratt, were entertained by tho residents of Lowburn at a farewell social on Friday evening. Visitors were present from all parts of the district, to honor the guests of the evening, who were (he recipients of several presents. A full report of the function is unavoidably held over, ilr li. Scott announces that ho will carry the Reform b inner iu Wakatipu at the forthcoming election, the Otago Central seat being cut out, ami portion included in Wakatipu. There seems some doubt yet as to who will represent the Liberal cause, but it is stated there is some prospect of Mr James Horn contesting the seat, and strong representations in that direction have already been made.