COUNTRY NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23204, 31 May 1937, Page 12

COUNTRY NEWS

QUEENSTOWN County Council Chairman At its annual meeting on Wednesday last the Lake County Council reelected* Mr Leo Lee as its chairman for another term. Mr Lee has now occupied the position for eight years and still enjoys the confidence of the council. Frankton Flat The Lake County Council has received instructions from the Lands and Survey Department, Dunedin, advising it that it should proceed with the disposal of various freehold sections in the town of Frankton for which owners cannot be traced. These sections were sold to many of the old identities in the early days at prices from £1 upwards, but they had not been occupied and their owners had either passed away or left the country. The procedure of selling is advised in view of remapping out the town afresh. The council decided to take the necessary steps to auction the sections. Queenstown-Glenorchy Road A negative answer to the various deputations which waited on various Ministers of the Crown in regard to the prosecution of the QueenstownGlenorchy road was received by the L&ke County Cduncil at its meeting on Wednesday last. The Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple) wrote as follows:—"In regard to the representations which were made to me and to my colleague, the Minister of Mines (Mr P. C. Webb), at Glenorchy on February 19 last, following your introduction of a deputation from the Lake County Council and the Queenstown Borough Council, together with interested settlers, I have reviewed all of the circumstances attaching to the possible commencement of construction work .on the Queenstown to Glenorchy road. Moreover, the current appropriations do not make provision for any expenditure upon this work and I regret, therefore, that it will not be possible for me to agree to the request immediately. My department is extensively occupied with major construction works in this district, namely, the Te Anau-Milford highway, including the Homer tunnel, the Haast Pass road and the Homer to Lake M'Kerrow road. In the meantime I propose to make full investigations into the possibility of reducing the cost as a result of using modern machinery, and I will give the whole question further consideration when seme of the important works now in hand in the district are nearing completion." Prior to receiving the above communication the council telegraphed Mr Semple suggesting that some of the men taken off the Homer Saddle tunnel job be placed on the QueenstownGlenorchy road, but the Minister merely telegraphed acknowledging the letter. The council decided to let the matter lie in abeyance in the meantime.

ALEXANDRA Southland Farmers' Visit A party of 40 members of young farmers' clubs in Southland who are at present making a tour of Central Otago arrived in Alexandra on Thursday. Upon arrival they were welcomed to the district by the Mayor, Mr W. Bringans, and entertained at luncheon by members of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union. Later they were taken to Galloway, where farming under irrigation conditions was fully explained to them. They also made an inspection of the Lower Manorburn dam. They were entertained at afternoon tea by the Galloway branch of the W.D.F.U. at the residence of Mr and Mrs J. Muir. A drive over the hills finished an interesting afternoon's programme. They returned to Alexandra for tea, and were entertained in the evening at a concert and dance. Plunket Society "The annual meeting of the Central Otago branch of the Plunket Society was held on Wednesday last, when a representative gathering was presided over by Mrs W. A. Bodkin. The president, in presenting her annual report on behalf of the committee, stated that it was again necessary to draw the attention of members to the poor support afforded the society by some of the outlying parts of the district. It was to be regretted that Nurse Watt, who had carried out her arduous duties faithfully and efficiently over a period of nine years, was leaving. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs W. A. Bodkin: vicepresidents, Mrs Webb (Cromwell) and Mrs B. F. Simonsen (Ranfurly); treasurer, Mrs F. R. Whitelock; secretary, Mrs T, E. Sunderland; committeeMrs W. Jelley and T. Hyde (Cromwell), Mesdamcs R. A. Long, T. Mitchell and E. Murphy (Ranfurly), Mrs Harris (Wanaka), Mrs Mee (Becks), and all members of the committee of the Alexandra Sub-branch: Advisory Board—Messrs W. A. Bodkin. M.P.. C. Rogers. C. E. Richards and W. Bringans: auditor. Mr C. E. Richards. Mrs W. A. Bodkin then delivered an interesting address on the subject of maternal welfare, which was greatly appreciated by those present. Valedictory Mr and Mrs F. W. G. Miller, of Fruitlands. were entertained at a farewell social by the residents of the district prior to their departure for Invercargill, where MiMiller has received an appointment

on the staff of the Southland Times. Mr D. W. H. Moorhead presided and stated that it was with extreme regret that the residents learned of the impending departure of Mr and Mrs Miller, both of whom had been excellent citizens and had always been eager to assist in anything for the benefit of the district. Mr and Mrs Miller were the recipients of a handsome clock. Power Board The annual meeting of the Central Otago Electric Power Board was held on Tuesday evening, when the chairman, Mr W. Bringans, presided. On presenting the annual report and balance sheet for the past year he stated that despite the reduction in the power charges by 5 per cent, for prompt payment the revenue had increased by £3OO for the year, and the result was that the board showed a profit in the vicinity of £SOO for the year. The engineer-manager. Mr A. E. Ellis, reported that vandals had broken several of the heavy and expensive insulators. In one case in the Ciyde-Cromwell Gorge nine insulators were damaged by rifle shot, which must have been deliberate. Returned Soldiers' Function ' To celebrate the twenty-first anniversary of the formation of the Returned Soldiers' Association, the Alexandra branch held a function on Thursday evening. Mr J. R. M'Kissack, president of the local branch, thanked the public for attending in such large numbers, thus showing their interest in their organisation and its work. The main object of the function was to present to Mr W. Bringans and to Mr James Ritchie, chairman of the Vincent County Council and Hospital Board, a framed illuminated address of thanks for the many services and kindnesses rendered to the association and to returned men individually over the past 21 years. Personal Mr W. Bringans was re-elected chairman of the Central Otago Electric Power Board at the board's annual meeting, held on Tuesday evening. Mr and Mrs"R. M'Carthy left Alexandra on Tuesday on a visit to GreymoUth. Mr W. A. Bodkin, M.P., left for Wellington on Thursday. LAWRENCE A Successful Effort The annual bring and buy sale conducted by the Lawrence branch of the P.W.M.U. to raise funds for the mission enterprises of the church, was held in the Presbyterian Hall last Wednesday. The total sum collected from the afternoon's business amounts to £27. Personal Mr G. C. Searby, Government audit inspector, is at present in Lawrence. Mr D. Grant, of the Bank of New South Wales, is at present on annual leave and is being relieved by Mr Roberts, of the Dunedin office. Domain Board The annual meeting of the Lawrence Domain Board was held on Tuesday afternoon. The annual report stated that the trees planted in 1924 had been thinned and limbed under the supervision of an officer of the Afforestation Department. Further buildings had been erected on the camping area, and motorists had expressed their appreciation. The board controlled 128 acres and had 19 tenants. Rents received for the year amounted to £56 16s, and outstanding rents'stood at £l9. The total value or the fencing was estimated at £IOSO. Mr A. L. Hart was reappointed chairman. The Works Committee for the year was appointed as follows:—Messrs J. B. M'Kinlay, W. Mair, Dr Sutherland, and the chairman. At the ordinary meeting held later, Mr J/ Real asked that the lease of his section be transferred to Mr E. Hughes. —Granted. Mr Real tendered his resignation as caretaker of the camping grounds.— The resignation was accepted, and Mr M'Corkindale was appointed to the position. EASTERN SOUTHLAND Personal Mr John Watson, who has been head teacher at the Tolaga Bay District High School, in the Hawke's Bay district, has been appointed headmaster of the, Mataura School, to succeed Mr F. N. R. Downard. Crippled Children Society The annual meetin" of the Eastern Southland sub-branch of the Crippled Children Society was held at Gore. Mr J. Harper presided, and there was a good attendance of members present. The annual report and balance sheet, which showed a credit of £lOl 2s 2d, were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President. Mr J. Harper; secretary, Mr H. M'Quillan; treasurer, Mr W. B. Johnston; auditor. Mr D. Harvey; delegates to the Southland branch, Messrs J. Harper and H. M'Quillan. The appointment of a committee was left in the hands of the various district organisations to nominate representatives. OMAKAU Personal An enjoyable evening was held at Mrs Jones's private hotel, Omakau, in honour, of Mr . Frank O'Neil, of the local post office staff, who has been transferred to Milton. Over 50 people hac 1 gathered to do honour to Mr O'Neil. and during the evening Mr J. Lucas presented him v. ith a travelling rug as a token of esteem from his, many Omakau friends. Other speakers were Messrs C. Lyall, R. O'Halloran. A. Scoular, and W. Harper, all of whom spoke highly of Mr O'Neil's sterling qualities both in and out of the office. Supper was served by Mrs Jones, and the evening concluded with the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow " and "Auld Lang Syne," and rousing cheers for the guest of h-nour. During the evening two enjoyable songs were sung by Mr J. E. R. Benton. PALMERSTON Personal Mr Angus Fraser, who has been local agent for Messrs Dalgety and Co. for the past 27 years, will retire on superannuation at the end of June. He will continue to reside in the borough. Mr L. Perriam, of Ranfurly, has been appointed to take over the firm's agency. Mr W. J. Hopkins, who has been on an extended holiday in Southland, returned to Palmerston on Saturday. Returned Soldiers' Asociation The Palmerston branch of the R.S.A. held its annual reunion at Dunback on Saturday night. As is the case at most R.S.A. functions, an atmosphere of good-fellowship prevailed, and though the majority of Diggers present were grey-headed they forgot for the night the responsibilities and dignity that advancing years demand, and, encouraged by Mr Jake Turina, sang lustily war-time choruses and " swapped yarns" between the more serious portions of the programme. Mr Alexander Nimmo, president of the local branch, was in the chair, and he had with him as guests of honour Messrs A. J. Gordon (representing the executive of the Dunedin R.S.A.), W. B. Galloway (Mayor of Palmerston), D. Ross (chairman, Waihemo County Council), S. Elston, J. G. Dungey 'president, Hampden R.S.A.), and R. M'lntosh (of the local Patriotic Society). A lengthy toast list was honoured, and vocal items were rendered by Messrs J. Mercer, J. Thomson, J. Turina, J. A. Jull. and R. Hunt, and recitations by Messrs Dungey and Petrie.

Football Social The Palmerston footballers held their second social of the season on Saturday night. There was a fair attendance of members and club supporters, under the chairmanship of Mr Phil O'Reilly. Several toasts were honoured and a very enjoyable evening was .spent, items being rendered by senior and junior members. The object of

these socials was to foster a fraternal spirit between the members and supporters and to encourage the juniors to take an interest in club management and aspire them to qualify for executive as well as playing positions, so as to be able to relieve some of the seniors who are reaching the retiring age. Rugby Football The Palmerston seniors played the Seacliff fifteen on the Association ground of the institution on Saturday. The ground was- in bad playing condition, and consequently the backs were unable to handle the greasy ball. The packs, which had most of the play, were evenly matched, and the result, a draw, no score on either side, was an indication of the merits, of the respective teams. Mr L. E. Macassey, of Dunedin, was the referee. The Palmerston juniors defeated Merton at Palmerston by 6 points to 3. Earley scored a try and Scott kicked a penalty goal for Palmerston. WAIMATE Rugby Competitions Scoring a penalty goal and a field goal against a try, Huimai retained its unbeaten record in the Senior Rugby competition, defeating Old Boys by 7 points to 3. The game generally was rather uninteresting and ragged. R. Lundy kicked a field goal and a penalty for Huimai. and T. Calder scored a try for Old Boys. Makikihi was overwhelmed by Southern, being beaten by 39 points to 3. Scorers for Southern were F. Sole (3), K. Veitch (2), G. Wright (2), C. Chamberlain (2) and W. Murphy (2). Murphy converted two tries and Wright one. G. Crawford scored for Makikihi. Junior matches resulted: Southern 35, Old Boys 0; High School 3. Makikihi 3. Basketball The basketball matches on Saturday resulted:—A Grade: Waimate 22, Konini 9; St. Patrick's. 10, High School A 7. B Grade.—High School A 10. Waimate 10; Waihao 13, High School B 12: St. Patrick's 7, Hook 3. Plunket Society « At the- annual meeting of the Plunket Society the election of officers resulted: President, Mrs N. A. Rattray; vice-presidents, Mesdames C. Douglas and H. Ford; secretary and treasurer, Mrs C. S. Hood; committee—Mesdames D. Borrie, G. H. O. Barclay, M. Collins, H. H. Meredith, A. L. Leslie, H. Anning, F. T. Wallace, S. W. Laurenson, H. B. S. Johnstone, W. Fletcher, A. V. Richards; Advisory Board—Messrs L. C. Collins, G. R. Watters, S.' I. Fitch and Dr R. G. Shackleton; car trustees, Messrs L. C. Collins and G. R. Watters. The balance sheet showed that the year had been commenced with a credit of £9 13s sd, and closed with a credit of £413 13s. During the/year a sum of £575 was raised by means of a queen carni'val. MIDDLEMARCH Hare Drive The first hare drive of the season was held over the property of Mrs Macaulay. The weather was most unfavourable, heavy rain falling during the afternoon, which made it necessary to curtail the drive. The 13 guns which turned out, however, secured a bag of 80 hares. Sale of Farm Property The sale of Mr A.- Millar's small improved farm, which was offered at auction by Messrs Stronach, Morris on May 17 and failed to reach the reserve, has now been disposed of to Mr James Spratt, rif Sutton. \ Presbyterian Church After a vacancy extending over the, last, five years, the Supply and Appointments Committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand has appointed the Rev. Mr King, of St. James's Church, Wanganui, to fill the position. The induction will take place-on Wednesday, June 16, when arrangements will also be made to onen the new manse.

Miniature Rifle Club The weekly shoot of the StrathTaieri Miniature Rifle Club took place on Tuesday evening, when M. A. Matheson won the rifle badge with a score of 78. The following registered the next highest scores:—J. Keast 76, C. Williams 74, W. Glover .73, J. East 72, J. Guild 70, E. Burgess 70, E. Peat 70, S. Cunningham 70. W. Youngman 69.

BALCLUTHA South Qtago Coursing The South Otago Coursing Club held a successful meeting.on the Balclutha plumptoh on Saturday. Hares were strong, and the number of kills was small. Only one stake was competed for, the Telford Memorial Cup, with £lO added money, and this was won by Mr R. Marshall's (Edendale) black dog Away (which also won the Guest Cup at the club's first meeting this season). Mr E. G. Price, of Dunedin, was the judge; assistant judge, Mr D. Sinclair; slipper. Mr Gordon Sinclair; hare steward, Mr G. Rawson; slip steward, Mr W. Edwards. First Round.—Mr T. M'Dowell's Bev's Worry beat Mr J. M'Grath's Why Worry Again. Bev's Worry took the first turn and two wrenches. Points, 3i lh "Mr James Gold's Pot Luck beat Miss E. Smith's Golden Worry. Pot Luck led all the way, and turned, the hare escaping. Points, 4—o. ~,,.-» Mr R. Marshall's Away beat Mr M. Low's War Eagle after an undecided course. Points, 9—s hMr G. Duncan's Willie Win beat Mr W R. Fitzgerald's Paddy's Lass. Willie Win led by three lengths to the hare, turned, and drove to cover. Points, 4—o. Semi-final Pot Luck beat Bev's Worry after a "no-course." Pot Luck led all the way. Points, 5 J —2. After a "no-course," Away beat Willie Win in a great course after a very strong hare. Away scored practically all the points. Points. 12—1. Final Away ran a "no-course" with Pot Luck, and then a gruelling course was run. Pot Luck scored at first and then Away took possession and turned twice and wrenched three times, the hare breaking to Pot Luck, who turned and wrenched. Away got possession, turned, and wound up with a brilliant kill. Points, sJ—3s. A social function was held in the clubrooms later, when the Deputy Mayor (Mr J. R. Copland) presented the cup and cash to the trainer of the winning dog, Mr Marshall. Mr J. M'Grath proposed the toast of "The Runner-up," Mr James Gold. Rugby Football The two senior Rugby matches played on the Balclutha Show Ground on Saturday drew the largest crowd; seen for some years. The first game was between Crescent and Toko, and was keenly contested. In the first spell Crescent played with the sun in their eyes. Early in the game Crescent was penalised and Oliver kicked a goal. From half-way Sutton started a rush, and passed to Bethunc. who scored wide out. From the kick-out Bartlett intercepted, and the ball went to Gage, who scored. Crescent 6, Toko 3. The play was now fast and even for a period, until from about half-way R. Hughes secured the ball from a scrum, and passed to T. Hughes, who sent it on to Sutton, the latter registering a good field goal. The Toko.pack was driven back, and Dick took the ball to Toko's line, where from a line-out Stanaway secured and fell over to score. T. Hughes kicked a goal, and the spell ended: Crescent 15 points, Toko 3 points. In the second spell M'Shane scored for Toko from a loose rush, and further scores were registered for Crescent by Gadsby and Sutton. Robertson was nearly over, but was obstructed, and the referee awarded Crescent a try. The game ended with the score Crescent 24, Toko 6. Clutha and Catlins provided a good game. In the first spell T. Gold scored from a passing rush, and Greenall (centre three-quarter) shortly after gained another try. Then Shand gathered in neatly and scored between the posts, the same player converting— Clutha 11, Catlins nil. Clutha had the bettor of the second spell, but the

only further score was a try by Shand, the game ending Clutha 14 points, Catlins nil. . : -• Other district games Grade: Clinton 26 beat Star 3. Second Grade: Crescent 6 beat Catlins 5, Valley 3 drew with Toko 3, Clutha defaulted to Union. Third Grade: Crescent 24 beat Toko 3, Clutha 10 beat High School >•.--, ■..."' ..'-'•' ',,. A. and P. Society There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Clutha and Matau A. and P. Society on Saturday night. Mr Adam King (president). was in the chair. • ■>'-..•• Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet (which showed a credit on the year's working of £2B), the president said that, owing to circumstances over which they had no control the society had been faced with a much smaller "gate" than previously, and the fact that they had a small credit balance was, he considered, a subject for congratulation. An innovation this year had been a social, which he thought should - be made an annual fixture,. . The motion was.seconded by Mr S, W. Moffat and carried. The election of office-bearers resulted:—President, Mr S. W. Moffat; vice-presidents, Messrs H. C. Holgate and W., Bisset; honorary veterinary surgeon, Mr J. Danskiri; auditor,, Mr E. B. Lothian; general committeeMessrs G. Anderson, A. Allison,^-E-. Moffat, G. Maze, A. C. Begg, W. Begg, J. Donaldson, M. Moffat, J. Scott*- E. King. J. Crutchley, A. H.. Moffat, W. C. Moncur, A. Maxwell, J. Lory. J. Marshall, J. Cochrane. J. Wood, R. G; Lockhart, J. G. Weir. C. King. P. Cleat, W. Mathewson, W. Telford, J. Kirk., Messrs T.. M. Thompspn (Balclutha). and W. Ross (Warepa) were elected life members. Mr A. C. Begg was appointed to represent the society <6H the committee of the Otago A. and P. Society, and was also appointed a delegate to the Royal Agricultural Society; On the motion of Mr Clent a vote of appreciation was accorded members of the committee which had charge of the Walter Murray Memorial Shield Fund, and on the motion of the chairman a motion of sympathy was passed with the widow and relatives of Mr J. T. Lewis, veterinary surgeons , A discussion took place whether the show should be continued as a two-day fixture or whether they should revert to one day only. The majority favoured one day, and a motion for. a oneday show, proposed by Mr W. Telford and seconded by Mr A. C. Begg, was carried by a good majority. „> Discussion' followed as to the holding of the show on a." Friday or a Saturday, and on a vote being taken Friday was decided on by. 17 votes to 12. , It was left to the General Committee to fix the actual date. ' " Messrs Holgate and Moffat paid a tribute to' the work of the retiring president (Mr A. King), and the latter thanked all who had given him support in a difficult year. < ■['.:' ■"'