GORE DISTRICT NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20322, 2 February 1928, Page 16

GORE DISTRICT NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) GORE, February 1. SCHOOL EXCURSION. The annual excursion of the Clinton and Waikaka district schools took place at Colac Bay on Tuesday, and a special train of 18 cars conveyed some 800 picnickers to the southern seaside resort. On arrival at Colac Bay not water was in readiness for the excursionis.s, and after lunching a pleasant time was spent oj the beach by young and old. EARLY SETTLERS’ ASSOCIATION. The committee of the Early Settlers’ Association held a meeting this week over which the president (Mr D. M'Dougall, Mayor of Gore) presided. Votes of condolence were passed with the relatives of the late Messrs E. R. Bowler, James Smith, F. Barber, and Mrs J. D. Wilson. An invitation was received from the Wyndham Early Settlers’ Association to attend its annual picnic on February 11, and accepted. The date for he annual picnic was fixed for Wednesday, February 29, and a general committee consisting of members of the executive and Messrs F. Wallis, sen., P. Wallis, jun., W. Cox, E. A. Pigeon, J. J. Green, R. S. Green, G. Whittingham, J, Baldwin, A. H. Smith, J. Badman, A. Burrows, with power to add to the number. Mr W- Baker was appointed superintendent of sports, and Mr H. C. Mac Gibbon assistant superintendent. lessrs W. Milne and M. M’Leod were appointed to look after the dancing events, and Messrs J. Shanks and R. Ross were appointed to canvass for donations and prizes for the sports fund. It was resolved that the Wyndham and Riverton Associations be invited to the function. The Gore Brass and Pipe Bands are to be invited to take part in the festivities, and a sub-commit-tee was appointed to look after visitors from a distance, and extend the association’s hospitality during the day. It was also decided to request the Gore school committees to grant a holiday for the occasion. BATHING TRAGEDY AVERTED. A drowning accident was narrowly averted in the Mataura River at Mataura this week. With the recent spell of sultry weather the river has been besieged with bathers, and on the evening in question Misses I. Qililter and E. Martin, both of Mataura, were enjoying a dip when the former got into difficulties. Miss Martin, noticing her plight, went to her assistance, Neither could swim. Messrs P. Curtin, jun., and F. Birch, who were in the vicinity, promptly swam out to their assistance. When Miss Quilter was brought to the bank she was unconscious, but artificial respiration measures were applied successfully. The prompt and plucky action of Messrs Birch, Webb, and Curtin saved the situation. PRESENTATIONS. Prior to her removal from Waimumu, Miss M. Patton, who has for some time been assistant teacher at the Waimumu School, was the guest of honour at a farewell social and presentation. Miss Patton has been successful in securing a similar position in the Invercargill South School, and during her two years’ residence at Waimumu has endeared herself tc parents and pupils alike by her untiring devotion to duties and her interest in the social welfare of the district. Mr J. Johnston, in the course of a speech, made reference to the high ideals of Miss Patton in connection with her duties. She had willingly assisted at various social functions. Miss Sylvia Paulin presented Miss Patton with a pearl necklace and gold-mounted fountain pen on behalf of the pupils and parents as a token of esteem, and wished Miss Patton every success in her new sphere. Mr C. Patton suitably replied on behalf of his daughter. Residents of the Waikoikfi district gathered in the Waikoikoi Hall the other evening for the purpose of farewe ling Mr T. B. Jackson, who has for sorre years been head teacher of the local school. Mr Jackson has not only been keenly interested in the welfare of his pupils both in their work and sport, but has taken a prominent part in all the activities of the district which had its welfare at heart. A most enjoyable programme was given by a party from Gore, and during the evening Mr Jackson was made the recipient of a handsome chiming clock, accompanied by the good wishes of his many friends. GORE EXCURSION, A close holiday was observed at Gore to-day on the occasion of *he annual schools excursion to Riverton. A large number of excursionists took part in the outing to the popular seaside resort, and two trains carried full load, of picnickers, who spent a most pleasant day at the beaches and other pleasure points of Riverton.