WANAKA NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20005, 24 January 1927, Page 11

WANAKA NOTES.

(From Ope Own Coeeespondent-) WANAKA, January 22. Ideal ’ holiday weather prevails in Wanaka. Since Christmas there has been a steady influx of visitors, among the number being a fair sprinkling of overseas people. One large party .is established at Makarora, and, having commenced laying down a lawn tcnnis couit look like carrying out their intention to stav some months. _ . Arthur Gordon’s dance band during its stay organised a concert, the proceeds from which were handed over to the Wanaka Hall Trust. In addition to the solo items given by Mr. Beath (violinist) and Mr Stokes (banjoist), the band played some very fine orchestral selections. The remaining items were given by local performers —Mrs Faulks, Misses Mackay, "Ewing, and Gillespie,—assisted b v Miss Weeks and Mrs Orr (Cromwell). On Tuesday, January 11, Mr Scaife, as district councillor, convened' a public meeting for the purpose of drawing up plans for the entertainment of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York Sub-committees were appointed to take charge of the arrangements, so that when the approved plans are returned from Wellington the committee will be in a position to advise the public as regards the programme of entertainm At"the end of this month the Rev. John Ryley, of the Presbyterian Church, is to retire from the ministry, and also from the charge of the Wanaka district. Although 93 years of age, Mr Ryley, during his 11 years of ministry in the district, has had under his care the parishes of Cardrona, Luggate, Alhertown, Mau ngawera, Hawea, Tarras, Lmdis, MaKarora, and Pembroke. Just what this has meant to him and to Mrs Ryley,. wha has been her husband’s chauffeur during these years, summer and winter, only residents of the district can realise. Their life has been one of self-sacrifice, -while their work has been carried on in the outlying districts through sheer pluck and Christian spirit. Mr Ryley’s beautiful diction will ever remain in the memory of. those who cherish kind thoughts clothed in fine language, such as Mr Ryley uses.