SOUTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24372, 9 August 1940, Page 9

SOUTH OTAGO

TAHAKOPA Unprecedented Dry Spell The rainfall recorded for July was the smallest for that month since official records were commenced 25 years ago. The total for the month amounted to I.3in, compared with a total of 13.65 in for the corresponding month last year. The continued dry spell has proved a boon for farmers, and seasonal work is well advanced. Many residents, however, have been considerably inconvenienced by a shortage of water. For the past six weeks the weather has been ideal. Frosts have been followed by sunshine. Last Monday's frost was particularly heavy. It was a perfect example of hoar frost, and every twig and leaf was covered with minute icicles of wonderful beauty. Patriotic Ball On Saturday another patriotic ball was held in the Tahakopa Hall, but, owing to counter attractions, the attendance was smaller than usual. Mr A. Griffin carried out the duties of M.C. A " lucky spot" waltz was won by Mrs A. Griffin and Mr J. Crossan. Two competitions conducted by the Patriotic Committee were won by Mrs J. Henry and Mr A. Junge. Kugby Football Committee A meeting of the Tahakopa Rugby Football Committee was held last week, Mr J. Blair presiding over a fair attendance. It was decided' to enter a further protest to the South Otago Rugby Sub-union concerning the draw for the third round fixtures. It was decided to present a football to the Tahakopa School. A motion was passed stating that the club would endeavour to fulfil all engagements to the end of the season. The president extended congratulations to Messrs W-. Hay and J. MeLennan on gaining representative honours. Rabbit Poisoning During the past few weeks there has been much activity in the district by farmers who have been poisoning rabbits. Several good catches have been recorded. One farmer has taken over 1000 skins off his property and another received over 300 from the results of one night's poisoning. The popular bait appears to be jam. Mishap to Engine On Tuesday morning, while engaged in shunting operations at the Maclennan Station, the engine iouled a set of points, and in consequence passengers were transferred to the New Zealand Railways bus to continue the journey to Dunedin. The train, after a considerable delay, continued to Balclutha. School Committee Meeting On Tuesday night the monthly meeting of the Tahakopa School Committee was held, the chairman presiding over a good attendance. The headmaster reported that the attendance during the past month had been excellent. This was in contrast to neighbouring schools, where an epidemic of colds and influenza had adversely affected the attendance. The roll number was 76. Interschool football and basketball matches with the Owaka School had been played and had proved their worth. The annual Association tournament for schools in the Catlins area would be held at Tahakopa on Saturday. Advice was received that the school projector which had been on order for some time could be expected within two weeks. Golf During the week-end a party of Tahakopa golfers visited Owaka where a friendly match was played against representatives from the Owaka Club. The visitors were decisively defeated, and won only one match. Tahakopa-Wyndham Road Keen disappointment has been experienced by those Tahakopa residents who bad looked forward to being able to make the journey from Tahakopa to Invercargill via the new Wyndham road. The Public Works Department, which has had men working on the road for the past two years, has suspended operations, and last week aIL the huts and equipment were railed from Tahakopa. OWAKA Children's Community Sing There was a good attendance of both children and adults at a community sing organised by pupils of the Owaka District High School. The singing was led by the Rev. Mr Hoffman. Items were contributed by Bryan Bell, William Crawford and Evelyn Paterson. An item was also rendered by Mrs Hoffman. A further display by the marionnette show run by John Bell brought in the sum of £l. This form of entertainment has now earned nearly £4 for patriotic purposes. The stalls were well patronised, and £6 10s was raised.