SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23565, 2 May 1940, Page 5

SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

[From Our Corresponkent] PERSONA.L The death took place at Kaitangata this week of Mr Thomas Frazer, of Centrewood. Deceased, who was in his eighty-fourth year, was the last of a large family of pioneers of the district. He was well known in shooting circles and had taken part in rifle competitions in all parts of the Dominion. He was a particularly fine shot and was one of the stalwarts of the Kaitangata Defence Rifle Club. Until quite recently he was to be seen having his round of golf on the Kaitangata Club’s links, which are on his property. The death took place at Oama.ru on Sunday of Mrs Catherine Jarvie, widow of Mr James Jarvie and the eldest daughter of the late Mr and. Mrs Ralph Barclay, old residents of Kaitangata. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs W. Easton (Oamaru) and Mrs L. Hoff . (Christchurch), and two sons, W. and R., niembers of the second echelon. TABLE TENNIS. This week’s results .in the South Otago Association’s competitions:—A grade; Railway B 19, Railway A 15; Football A 19, Football B 15:" Kaitangata a bye. B grade; Benhar 19, P. and T. 15; Methodist 19, Railway 12;' Fire Brigade 22, Stirling 12; Kaitangata a bye. C grade; Football 30. Railway 4; Methodist 24, Boy Scouts 10; Lovell’s Flat 21, Benhar 13. VITAL STATISTICS. Following are the vital statistics for April, the figures for last year being given in parentheses: Balclutha: Births 14 (10), deaths 5 (4), marriages t2 (5,). Milton: Births 8 (4), deaths '3 (s’), marriages 3 (2). RAINFALL. Attßalclutha the rainfall recorded for April totalled 1.86 in. Rain fell on 14 days, the maximum fall (,87in) occurring on the 25th. In April last year the fall totalled 2.48 in, and for the four months this year the total fall has been 16.20 in, compared with 6.80 in for the corresponding period in 1939. The rainfall in Milton totalled 1.65 in, rain falling on 12 days, the heaviest fall (.57in) being on the night of the 25th. In April last year the fall was l.Glin. For the first, four months of this year the fall has been 14.01 in, compared with 8.99 in for the first four months of 1939. SHOOTING SEASON. Prospects for the shooting season, which opens on Saturday, appear to be bright. In the vicinity of Benhar and Lovell’s Flat and the Kaitangata lakes district pukeko and swan are very numerous; in fact, it is doubtful if there has been so many of the former seen about. Ducks are also reported to be more numerous than usual. SCHOOL COMMITTEE. Mr H. Holgate presided oyer a full attendance at the first meeting of the new Balclutha Primary School Committee last night. A circular was received from the Education Board relative to the collection of scrap metals by the children for sale for patriotic purposes, and it was decided to recommend the head master that the scheme be carried out. It was decided to procure sets of Raupo books for the school library. . Reference was made to the long service of Mr J. L. Gormack (who did not seek re-election), and it was decided to record a minute appreciative of his services as committeeman for about 21 years, 15 years of which he was chairman. The head master (Mr A. Hall)' reported that the roll number was 348, with eight in the hospital class additional. The average attendance was satisfactory. Mr L. G. Ball, relieving since the beginning of the year, was leaving at the end of this term, and Miss R. Wither would fill the vacancy. Mr J. B. Irwin, supernumerary, would also commence duty next term. CLUTHA SCOTTISH , SOCIETY. At the monthly social of the above society held last night a party of about 40 visitors from the Bruce society attended, and Chief U.. Walker, Chieftains N. Drinnan and M. Scott, together with the officials of the local society, were piped in by Piper L. Copland. Mr Russell tendered his resignation owing to his removal to Dunedin. A welcome was extended the Milton party, to which Mr Walker replied. Two original songs written by Miss Petrie, of Warepa, were then sung, after which a programme was presented by members of the Bruce society. Those contributing were: Vocal duet, Misses J. and L. Fiddes; vocal solos—Mr R. Allison, Misses P. Martin, Miss Jean Paterson, Master E. Young; humorous sketch, Mesdames S. Martin and J. M'Kechnie; national dance, Miss Pat. Campbell; musical selections by the Rhythm Boys (Messrs H. and I. Whitaker, K. Ross, E, Ward); recitation, Miss 0. Lowery; mouth organ selections, Messrs A. and Ni Allison; recitation, Mrs M. Dale; novelty item, Mr T. Bell; national dances—Miss K. Soott (Irish jig), Misses F. Robinson and June Hills (double sword dance) ; magic, Mr E. Russell. Mr W. Taylor was the accompanist, while Mr C. M'Grouther piped for the dancing. EARLY SETTLERS’ REUNION. Arrangements are well in hand for the bi-ennial reunion of early settlers under the auspices of the Clutha-Bruce Association. This year the function will be hold at Balclutha as part of the week-end Centennial celebrations. The pioneers will meet in the Masonic Hall, and in the afternoon they will take part in a period procession to the show grounds, where a gala day will be held.