SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16052, 20 April 1914, Page 6

SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) INVERCABGrLL, April 17. ITie Foster holidays passed off very quietly as far as ; Invercargill was concerned, but in other parts of Southland racing, rowing, and bowling events at- . tracted much attention. A record number of people attended the Queenstown regatta last Saturday, the principal reason for the influx to Wakatipu's capital being the one-day excursion from Invercargill, the 1050 people -who boarded the train and steamer forming a big proportion of the regatta's patrons. Unfortunately, delays occurred during the trip up, consequently the stay at Queenstown was considerably curtailed. The excursionists, however, made most of the three hours' at their disposal, and, as the greater portion, of them were making their maiden trip, they found in lake and mountain scenery sufficient sights to entirely absorb their attention without troubling aquatic events. On the return journey it was soon apparent that seekers after the beautiful in Nature did not monopolise the accommodation on the Earnslaw; other individuals, of what is -known in prohibition towns as the bag and bottle brigade, forming a good percentage of ttie passengers. Although the conduct of the. majority of the thirsty ones .was within the law, a number of them, at times, behaved in a very unseemlv manner, particularly on arrival at Kmgston, where they blocked the gangways, wharf, and narrow line leading to the carriages, and generally made matters uncomfortable for the less erratic traveller. Incidents of this kind must always occur when some men make up their minds for, a day out, but, taking the trip as a whole, it proved enjoyable and interesting to most of those who made it, and the Railway. Department will no doubt in future include the Easter Saturday day excursion from Invercargill in the list of annual outings. It should be mentioned that ample railway provision was .made for the trippers. The Southland Farmers' Co-operative Association has decided to close down its retail business and devote its energies to the usual mercantile lines. • The Paverton Racing Club's annual meeting on Easter Monday and Tuesday proved the most profitable yet held, the takings for the two days being £1104, as against £992 last year. The totalisator put through oVer £6000 more than last year, the amount invested (£30,999) being a record for Southland. Mr G. W. Woods, who has been a prominent member of the Southland Rugby Union Executive for a number of years, has retired from the table. As a slight recognition of his'past services, Mr Woods was entertained by past • and present -officers of the union, and presented with a'gold sovereign case. Mr A. H. Geddes, who presided, referred to Mr Woods's many services in the union's administration," and regretted his intended departure from amongst them. Mr Woods warmly thanked his late colleagues for the kind remarks and handsome gifts, and expressed the hope that, although he had severed his connection with the S.R.F.U., he would, still be of some assistance in promoting its welfare. Miss Kathleen T. Galbraith, daughter of Mr and Mrs R. S. Galbraith, o.f Invercargill, has been awarded one of two local exhibitions in the intermediate grade for pianoforte playing, allotted, by Trinity College of Music, London. When it is remembered that there are only two exhibitions of the grade awarded by the college to pupils resident in Canada, New Zealand, and Tasmania, Miss Galbraith's success is highly meritorious,. and reflects great credit, not only upon herself but also on her instructor, Mr Charles Gray. The Albany Street Fife and Brum Band spent a few days in Invercargill during the Easter holidays, being the guests of the, parents of the South School Band. The Dunedin boys were quite lionised, especially by the small boy fraternity, and appeared to have had a good time during their stay. The Kirk Session has decided to present illuminated addresses to Messrs Peter Clark and Edward Gardiner, two late prominent members of the Mataura Presbyterian Church, who are leaving the district. The one for Mr Peter Clark reads as follows: —" The session of the Mataura Presbyterian Church desires to place on record its high appreciation- of your devotion to the work of the church as a member of the Management Committee during the past 33 years.'' Signed, W. W. Brown, minister; John Lowden, session clerk; and the one for Mr Edward Gardiner reads asfollows : "The session of the Mataura Presbyterian Church desires to place on record its high appreciation i of the services rendered during the past 12 ' months by you as a member of session and your' devotion to the work of the ' Sabbath school and Christian Endeavour , .Society. Signed, W. W. Brown,-minister; ' John Lowden, session clerk." Mr Clark has sjone to reside at Hastings and Mr Gardiner at Invercargill.