COUNTRY NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23110, 9 February 1937, Page 13

COUNTRY NEWS

PALMERSTON Returned Soldiers’ Association A meeting of the Palmerston branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was held in the Council Chambers on Saturday night last, when there was a good attendance of members presided over by Mr W. M’Lew, the chairman. A vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of Private Charles Gumming, and the secretary reported that a wreath had been provided at the funeral and several of the returned men had been in attendance. An invitation was received to send a delegate to the meeting to be held in Dunedin, at which the Dominion president will be present, but it was decided, as such a course was impossible, that felicitations be sent to the president through the Dunedin secretary (Mr O. Ferens). In connection with the gift of a cake from Mr A. M'Gregor, the cake was disposed of and the profits accruing therefrom were over £4. It was agreed to hold the annual meeting on March 13, and that the secretary of the Dunedin branch be invited to attend. The local secretary was instructed to notify all members of the meeting and urge them to be present.

Lawn Tennis PALMERSTON A 1 v. WAIKOUAITI (Palmerston names first)

Olsen 9, Hallum 6; Martin 9, Grubb 6; M’Knight 5, Lang 9; Howden 9, Heckler 6. Olsen and Martin 9, Hallum and Grubb 5; M’Knight and Howden 9, Lang and Heckler 8. Olsen and Miss Thomas 8, Hallum and Miss Carson 9; Martin and Miss Sheat 9, Grubb and Mrs Hallum 5; M’Knight and Mrs Olsen 2. Lang and Miss F. Carson 9; Howden and Miss I. Thomas 9, Heckler and Miss Lang 8. Miss B. Thomas 3, Miss Carson 7; Miss Sheat 7, Mrs Hallum 2; Mrs Olsen 3, Miss F. Carson 7; Miss I. Thomas 2, Miss Lang 7. Misses Thomas and Sheat 7, Miss Carson and Mrs Hallum 5; Mrs Olsen and Miss I. Thomas 4, Misses F. Carson and Lang 7. Totals: Palmerston, 9 sets (104 games); Waikouaiti. 7 sets (106 games). Palmerston A2, 8 sets, Goodwood 6 sets. Dunback 14 sets, Palmerston B 2 sets. WAIKOUAITI Presbyterian Church A serious fault which has developed in one of the brick walls of the Waikouaiti Presbyterian Church has been for some time a source of anxiety, but owing to lack of funds repairs have been postponed from time to time. The matter was, however, taken very firmly in hand at a recent congregational meeting, when it was decided that the work must be done, and canvassers were appointed for the purpose of soliciting donations for a repairs’ fund. At a meeting of the Deacons’ Court held on Thursday evening (the Rev. T. W. Potts presiding) called especially to receive the report of the effort, the results were considered to be so satisfactory that it was decided to proceed with the major repairs and also with some smaller needs of the building, as early as possible.

WANAKA Cricket The Wanaka cricket team met Clyde at Clyde last week-end, and was defeated by 95 runs to 65. The doublefigure scorers for Clyde were; Rankin 38 not out. Lynch 17, M'Lennan 13, and Bergin 10. The top scorers for Wanaka were: R. Ceilings 10, D. Trevathan 11, B. Collings eight, W. Ironside eight, and J. Richmond eight not out. Bowling for the home team. Aston took four for 21, T. Lynch three for 22, and Rankin one for 10. Wickets were taken for the visitors by W. Ironside (six for 17), Harris (two for 18), and Robertson (one for 45).

Fishing Two English visitors, Mrs Turnbull Berry and Mrs W. L. Granville, spent two days fishing in the district. Their catch on the first day consisted of two brown trout and one rainbow trout. The second day was more successful, and a total of seven fish was secured. The bag was made up of one brown trout weighing 6£lb, two rainbow of 41b and 21b, and four small salmon.

Weather The weather has been excellent during the past week, and advantage has been taken of the hot days by visitors to enjoy a swim in the waters of the lake. The warm weather has brought the crops on rapidly, and harvesting is in full swing.

Ministerial Visit Advice has been received that the Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple) and party will visit Pembroke on February 20. LAWRENCE Cricket In the fourteenth series of matches of the South Otago Cricket Association, Lawrence and Waiwera played a drawn game on Saturday. Batting first, Waiwera compiled 137 (R. Nicol 43, A. Anderson 21, L. Dunn 18, W. Neale 12). Lawrence replied with 71 for three wickets (A. Marslin 21, E. Winchester 15 not out, J. Cavanagh 15, S. Mong 10). At the conclusion of the game Mr L. Edwards, president of the South Otago Association, presented the Finlayson Cup to Mr R. F. Batchelor, captain of the Lawrence team. Next Saturday the series of matches for the Knock-out Cup will be commenced.

WAIHEMO Cricket The Macrae's cricket team travelled to Waikouaiti on Saturday and defeated the local team by 118 runs to 46. Batting for Macrae’s, the principal scorers were: Jolly 46, M’Gregor 31, and Fraser 11 not out. Pearson (two for 18), Bell (one for 47), Hayden (one for 17), Snook (five for 18) secured the wickets. The top scorer for Waikouaiti was Higgins, who made 17. Jolly (five for 12), M’Gregor (two for 20), and Warren (one for eight) captured the wickets. TEMUKA Distinguished Visitors Last week-end Sir Basil Brooke, Minister of Agriculture in Northern Ireland, and Lady Brooke were visitors to Temuka. On arrival they were met by Mr B. Hughes, secretary of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, and Mr F, W. Pellett the curator. The visitors are on a cour of the Dominion and are visiting the South Island fishing districts and scenic resorts. Mr Pellett accompanied them to some of the principal fishing streams, including the Opihi. They left later for the Mount Cook region

CLYDE Weather The nearest approach to Central weather was experienced last week, which was particularly hot. Tomato growers are hoping for a continuation, as their crops are very much behind, and few outside-grown tomatoes are available. Stone fruit has also been in shorter supply. Goldmine nectarines, greengages, and Bon Chretien pears are going forward in small lots only so far. On Sunday morning a light drizzle commenced, heavier showers falling in the afternoon. A good rain is required, as water supplies for irrigation are dropping quickly in the streams. The Dredge The contractors have made good progress with the erection of the machinery on the big dredge at Clyde. Little material, apart from the buckets, is now lying on the banks, and it should not be long before the dredge is at work. Lawn Tennis The Clyde and Fruitlands lawn tennis teams played their second match on Saturday. The local team was not up to its usual strength, emergencies having to be called on at the last minute. Fruitlands won by six games, but some of the games had to be curtailed owing to the darkness. Scores: Davidson brothers 1, Taylor and Dougherty 6; Ross and Blacker 6, Dougherty and M’Cambridge 2. Misses Holt and Davidson 2, Misses M. and J. M’Kissock 6; Mrs Edmonds and Mrs Blacker 1, Mrs Dougherty and Miss Sorrell 6. C. Davidson and Miss Holt 6, Taylor and Miss M. M’Kissock 1; Ross and Miss Davidson 1, Dougherty and Mrs Dougherty 6; Blacker and Mrs Blacker 1, W. Dougherty and Miss J. M’Kissock 4; Davidson and Mrs Edmonds 4, M’Cambridge and Miss Sorrell 1. C. Davidson 6, Taylor 3; Ross 1, J. Dougherty 6; Blacker 5, W. Dougherty 6; J, Davidson 6. M’Cambridge 5. Miss Holt 6, Miss M. M’Kissock 5; Miss Davidson 6, Miss J. M’Kissock 0; Mrs Blacker 3, Miss Sorrell 6; Mrs Edmonds 6, Mrs Dougherty 4. Totals; Clyde, 8 sets (61 games); Fruitlands, 8 sets (67 games). CROMWELL The Molyneux Dredge The Molyneux Gold Mining Company’s large dredge at Clyde is rapidly nearing completion. A visit to the site on Saturday showed that practically all the heavy gear is installed, and the construction of the dredge should be completed in about a month’s time.

Road Improvement Good progress Is being maintained by the Public Works Department with the improvement of the Clyde-Crom-well road, and already work is being carried out just south of Spain Bros/ residence, some five miles from Cromwell. Further down the gorge sharp bends are still being reduced, some of these requiring considerable driving through rock faces. The finished portions of the road are an excellent job, providing a fine, wide road with a good surface. If the present completed sections are anv indication, the completion of the road should remove a long-felt grievance with the travelling public. Public Meeting An important public meeting is called for Thursday night next, when a matter of vital importance to ratepayers in the town will be discussed. This is the question of a sewerage system for the town, and as there is at present an opportunity of receiving Government support towards the installation of such a scheme, it is expected that it will receive favourable support Weather Conditions

The past week has witnessed a return to Central Otago summer weather, brilliantly fine days being experienced. Towards the end of the week the heat became almost excessive, and on Friday the temperature reached a height of 100 degrees in the shade. On Saturday, however, conditions became dull and overcast, though still warm, and on Sunday a cool change took place, with intermittent rain setting in from the south. Cricket In the Association cricket fixtures on Saturday Clyde suffered defeat from Lowburn by an innings and seven runs. Lowburn made 142 for six wickets, declared, the principal scorers being: D, Elder (53), D. Wishart (36), and D. Henderson (32). Clyde was all out for 44 in the first innings. Wood (27) making over half the runs. The second innings realised 91, Leeson (41) and Henderson (23) contributing the majority of the runs. At Cromwell the home team defeated Excelsior B (Alexandra) by 130 runs to 73 runs. For the home team the top scorers were Webb (33), M‘Culloch (23). Lynn (18), Ree (16), and Bell (15). For Excelsior B the principal scorers were Wright (11), Pierce (10). and Agnew (10 not out).

Bowling In the local bowling competition Cromwell met three rinks from Bannockburn and three from Clyde, all matches being played on the local green. The home team won all three matches against Bannockburn out none against Clyde.

Exhibition of Oats As an indication of the remarkable growth possible on otherwise barren areas under irrigation is a sample of oats on exhibition in a local business place. The sample was taken from the farm of Mr William Clark, on the Mount Pisa Flat, a few miles from Lowburn, and measures 6ft Sin in height. It was taken from an area of 25 acres of Garton oats which had been twice irrigated, once in early October and again in November, and patches of the crop have grown to well over 6ft. This provides a striking demonstration of the productivity of these flats under irrigation, and is a further convincing argument in favour of the long-sought irrigation scheme for the district. Rainfall The rainfall for the past month, recorded at Lowburn, is as follows: — January 3, 9 points; January 5 and 6, 9 points: January 7, 8 points; January 19. 29 points: January 21, 22 points; January 29. 28 points—a total of 175 points

Fruit Industry For the period from January 2 to January 30, 6372 cases of fruit were despatched from the Cromwell railway station. With the continued hot weather of last week large quantities were handled daily. Rifle Shooting

The Cromwell and Bannockburn Defence Rifle Clubs reopened after the Christmas holidays with a shoot at 300 and 600 yards, the following being the scores:—W. Voint 49. 43 (3), 95; E. Lawrence 42 43 (8). 93; J. Jocelyn 44, 41 (5), 90; A. Bell 43, 40 (4), 87; T A. Crabbe 45. 37 (3). 85; V. Parcel! 40. 34 (1). 81: W. Webb 41, 31 (6), 78 On February 7 the third shoot for the Cairnmuir Cup was held, the targets being 300, 500, and GOO yards. Results as follows:—A. Bell 46, 48, 45 (3). 142; T A. Crabbe 46, 46, 46 (4), 142; J. C. Parcell 47. 46. 44 (3), 140; V. Parcell 41. 48, 43 < 7). 139; R. Henderson 41. 47 45 (6). 139: W. Veint 44, 44. 43 (8), 139: R J. Bell 42. 43. 44 (10). 139; W. Webb 43, 45. 41 <9), 138; S. Wells 40. 44. 48 1 5). 137; E. Lawrence 39. 40. 46 (8), 133,

MILTON Personal The Toko High School Committee has received advice from the Otago Education Board that Mr R. Blanc, who was attending Dunedin Training College, has been appointed nrobationarv assistant at the school. Mr Frederick L. Cassidy, at present on the teaching staff of the Hokitika High School, has been appointed first assistant in the Secondary Department at Toko High School, as successor to Mr R. A. M'Gregor. who has been appointed to the staff of Cromwell High School. Mr Cassidy will take up his new appointment on the reopening of the school on March 1.

Mr E. T. M’Crorie (Milton), who has been connected with the Otago.Electric Power Board’s outside staff for some years, and was formerly stationed at Stirling, has received an appointment on the Dunedin City Council’s Electricity Department’s staff, and will leave Milton at an early date to take up his new duties. Bowling

Four rinks from Milton Club have nominated for the South Otago Centre annual tournament, to be played on Balclutha, Stirling and Kaitangata greens next Saturday. The local club’s Singles Championship competition has reached the semifinal stages, and the remaining matches are C. J. Clery v. T. Clayton, R. M. Rutherford v. J. T. Wilson. Cricket The following team has been selected to represent South Otago in a challenge match against Vincent County for the Crosby Morris Challenge Cup, to be played at Balclutha next Saturday:— W. Heads, F. Bowie, T. Wills (Milton), T. Gold, A. Stewart, L. Guest (Balclutha), L. Dunn (Waiwera), L. North, W. Parker, B. Espie, A. Stewart (Kaitangata) twelfth man, L. Smith (Kaitangata). The team will be captained by W. Pleads.

Through their respective victories on Saturday afternoon Milton A and Clutha teams finish level in points for the Stewart Shield competition, and a final game will be necessary to decide the 1936-37 season championship. This will be played at Balclutha on Saturday, February 20. Lawrence team won the Waiwera Cup competition by two points from Milton B, and the trophy was presented to that club at a dance on Saturday evening, by Mr L. Edwards, on behalf of the South Otago Association.

With the completion of the Stewart Shield and Waiwera Cup second round fixtures, the draws have been made for one round A and B Grade competitions, to be commenced next Saturday afternoon. The opening fixtures are:— A Grade (Finlayson Cup): Kaitangata v. Waiwera. at Waiwera: Milton A v. Clutha. at Milton.

B Grade (Edwards-Russell Cup): Mil ton B v. Owaka, at Kaitangata; Law rence v. Benhar, at Lawrence.