SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23444, 8 December 1939, Page 3

SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

[From Oub Cokbbspondbnt] PERSONAL. Mrs R. Hobbs, of Reefton, who has been spending a holiday with her parents, Mr and Mrs T. L. Floyd, Milton, left yesterday on her homeward trip. Mr Robert Clark, jun., being the only nominee for. the. vacancy on the Toko. River Board, was declared elected. _ ! Mr J. M'Kechnie and his son turned to Milton on Wednesday after a holiday in the Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay districts. An old and respected resident of Milton, in Mrs John Halba, passed away last week-end at the age of 76. The deceased, whose maiden name was Theresa Augusta Barra, was born in Germany, and came to New Zealand about 64 years ago. On her marriage to Mr Halba they took up residence in Milton, where deceased resided for a lengthy period. Her husband predeceased her some years ago, and she is survived by a grown-up family. On the occasion of her approaching marriage, Miss Elsie M‘Lean was the guest of honour at a “ pantry ” evening at Milton on Wednesday night, when she was the recipient of numerous useful gifts. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE. : There was an excellent attendance at the annual meeting of the home nursing and men’s divisions of the Milton branch of St. John Ambulance, Ambu-lance-officer H. Fagg presiding. The annual report made reference to the loss sustained by the branch through several prominent officers and members leaving the district. The nursing class commenced -with a good membership, while 14 members were in the first aid class. Lady Ambulance-officer Mrs Wells, Mr Wells, and Corporal Fagg were the instructors, while Dr Edgar was the lecturer and Dr Mirams examiner. All members passed their examinations with a high percentage of marks. Several lectures were given by various members, and a refresher course was held at Balclutha under the supervision of E. V. Hughes. At the annual social 12 first aid certificates, one advanced first aid, and one medallion certificate were presented, as were also five medallions and one label. The officers elected for the, ensuing year are: Patron, Mr W. J. Cockburn; president, Mr A. F. Wethey; ambulance officer, Mr H. Fagg; corporal, Mr J. Dignan; lady ambulance officer, Mrs J. Taylor; assistant, Mrs Beardsmore; secretary, Mrs H Kennard; treasurer, Mrs Beardsmore; committee—Messrs U. Walker, H. Wilson, and Miss Watt. The financial statement showed a credit of £5 5s 9d. During the evening opportunity was taken to present Mrs Taylor with a cake plate; Mrs Kennard (secretary), with a writing case; and Mrs Beardsraore with a box of chocolates. RIVER TRUST RATING. A deputation from the public meeting held on Tuesday night waited on the Clutha River Trust at a special meeting yesterday to protest against being included in the rating area, and also at the representation of the borough and the amount of the rate Messrs D. M. Henderson, A. E. Russell and T. D. Pearson were the spokesmen. 1 The chairman of the trust (Mr P. Keller) pointed out that the borough could not expect representation if they did not take any liability. A general discussion on the events leading to the borough’s inclusion in the rating area took place, it being pointed out that when the amalgamation of the river boards was mooted it was stated that as far as the borough was concerned they were only asked to give assent to the proposal and would not be rated in any way. The trust said the matters brought forward would receive consideration. It has been suggested that another public meeting should be called to receive a report from the deputation and discuss the decision of the trust. A second deputation from one of the down-river districts also waited on the trust yesterday, objecting to the amount of the rate levied.