REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1936, Page 7

REEFTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) REEFTON, April 29. Tb c < members of the Rugby LeagueSub Centre, returning from Maruia last evening, were 'astounded at the number of deer seen on the road. On one occasion three of these animals just loped along in front of the car for about one hundred yards before making off into the bush. It was wonderful Io see, in the distance, two lights showing in the middle oi Ibe road, but on getting closer it was found to be a doer that was dazzled by the car lights. (Rabbits and hares were also plentiful. It is no wonder the Maruia is such a popular haunt, for sportsmen. A rather humorous incident took place a few miles , this side, of the Maritin Springs. A friendly deer stood in the middle of the road and when the, car stopped it made no attempt to move. Not knowing the cunning of these animals, Messrs Coxall and Riley set. off, on foot, and unarmed, in an attempt to catch the prey. Starting off at ft leisurely pace, the men managed to keep up with it. and even when the pace was full on the two worthy sportsmen, much to the surprise, of everyone, pressed tho,deer to the fullest extent. However, just when the deer was about to throw in Dm sponge, Mr. Riley tripped over a branch, bringing Mr. Coxall heavily to the ground, and the exhausted animal made its escape. Just at this juncture, however, the ear gave a lurch and the struggling pair woke up to find Reefton in sight. Mrs. O'. Dobson, who has been in the North Island for some months, returned last evening accompanied by Mr. D’obson. The firn that occurred at Mr. H. Betts’ homestead at, Oweka yesterilay, completed the destruction of everything, house furniture and all personal effects, leaving Air. Betts with onlv what he stood tip in. Included in the goods lost was a. splendid piano and Mr. .Botts’ valuable library, the collection of years, which it is almost impossible to replace, and which will cause Mr. Betts greater regret than al) his personal belongings. Mrs. Betts was not at home al the time, being away 'n the South. Mr. Botts will receive much sympathy in his great loss. The find of stone reported in the vicinity of the Progress the Othcn day. is not a new block. Old residents of Globe district assert it has been known since 1876, and was woi ed underneath by tbe Progress Company from the shaft nearby. 'I here i,s also a. winze in the vicinity winch was put down by the Progress Compan v. The present prospectors, howewer, think there is a good few tons of stone left, and with the increased price of gold, it will be profitable to Heat. However, more work will be required to be done to open up the block before anything can be stated about it with any degree of eonfid c n c e • The monthly meeting of the Reiffton Women’s institute was held in St. Stephen’s schoolroom’, yesterday afternoon, when Mrs. Duff ‘presided over a good attendance. A member of 'the Levin |Tnstit!ute was welcomed. A vote of sympathy was passed to Airs. Ceresoto m the death of her husband, all the members standing in silence. An interesting report on the annual Council meeting of the West Coast Federation was given by Airs, Duff, who, in cidentally, received hearty congratulations on her election to the Executive Committee of tho Federation. Mrs. Findlay was appointed delegate to the Dominion Conference to be held in Dunedin in July. ft was decided to hold a cake day on May 9th. An interesting (lonian strati on m tasting ■was given by Alesdam'es Yellowlees •and Duff, ant| Airs. Watson demonstrated the art of smocking IhO competition for the month was tor tne best plate o f pikelets, and was won bv Airs. McMillan with Airs. Findlay second The roll call, “Cooking Hints,” brought forth many new suggestions in the culinary art. delightful afternoon tea. served by the hostesses, Mesdames Cooper, Austin and Fielding, concluded a pleasant afternoon.