BARRYTOWN NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1937, Page 8

BARRYTOWN NOTES

[our own correspondent.] The annual meeting of the Barry-town-Punakaiki Women’s Institute was held on Wednesday at the residence of Mrs. W. Rowe. The election of officers for the ensuing year was; — Mrs. P. Wafer, secretary (re-elected); Mrs. B. Russell, President (re-elect-ed); Mrs. R. Johnston. Vice-President (re-elected); Mrs. W. Kennedy, librarian (re-elected). Mrs. F. E. Rond paid a tribute to the efficient work of the officers during the past twelve months, and she said it was pleasant, indeed, to know that they had all consented to carry on their offices for another year, during which time she felt, sure the Institute would progress and carry out its philanthropic and social activities as it had so ably done in the past. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. J. W. Aiken for auditing the Institute books. It was also resolved that an autograph book containing members’ names and verses, be sent to the Cranston Institute, Scotland. It was moved and seconded that the secretary write an explanatory letter to the Provincial Council, now presiding in Greymouth, to the effect that owing to the visit of the Southland farmers to the district, today, it was impossible to send a delegate from the Institute. The competition for the best washing cosy coyer brought forth a number of beautiful entries and resulted in Mrs. Wafer being first, Mrs. T. Richards second. Hairpin d’oyleys and an Italian quilted cosy cover were exhibited by Mrs. Russell. The competition set down for next month was “the best-worked tray-cloth.” A novel and amusing “impromptu speech” game resulted in a win for the President. During the social hour, afternoon tea was served by the joint hostesses, Mesdames Rowe and Russell.

A party of Southland farmers will visit the district to-day, and local farmers will entertain them on arrival, and then they will be taken to such places of interest as Golden Sands Sluicing Claim, White’s Electric Dredge, Barrytown Gold Dredge, and then on to Punakaiki, blow-holes, and Pororari beach.

Arrangements are in hand for the Merry Makers’ Ball on Saturday. The floor has undergone special preparation, and the ladies’ committee are making excellent supper arrangements. Silver cups have been procured for the waltzing competition, besides balloons, sreamers, snowballs and numerous other novelties for lucky spots, etc. Ron Stopforth and his Marina Band have been engaged.

A pleasant function, taking the form of a smoke concert, was held last night, when members of the Barrytown Football Club and friends gathered together to bid farewell to their Club Captain, Mr. Louis Mouat, who leaves on Monday to take a position in Wellington. Mr. P. Wafer spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. Mouat, whose departure from the district would mean loss not only to the football club, but to the district generally. Mr. Mouat had done a great deal in reviving and stimulating enthusiasm into football, and had taken on the onerous duty of Club Captain. As a small token of the esteem in which he was held by his fellow club members and 'also the supporters, Mr. Wafer presented Mr. Mouat with a fountain pen and he said he hoped that it would always be a reminder of their happy times together, and on behalf of the football club and supporters he wished Mr. Mouat and his wife the very best of luck and prosperity. These remarks were endorsed by Messrs. H. Hill, R. Johnston and H. Langridge. Mr. Mouat suitably responded. Vocal items were given by Mr. C. Henry. A buffet supper was served, and the evening concluded ■with the singing of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and “Auld Lang Syne.” The Barrytown Gold Dredge is nearing completion, and it. is hoped that dredging operations will be commenced before the end of this month. During the last week or ten days, the ladder and buckets have been placed in position and the employees, welders, riveters and fitters are all working overtime, busily engaged with the final adjustments. White’s Electric Dredge has ceased dredging operations for the purpose of making necessary adjustments, and the appliance of an amount of extra, machinery for the saving of the gold. A loss of the finer gold seems to be evident at this dredge, so the Company are trying some additional device which is being put on under the direction of Mr. Gimson, mining engineer, of Christchurch. i