EASTERN DISTRICTS

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

EASTERN DISTRICTS

PALMERSTON Farewell to Soldiers A large gathering assembled in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening to bid farewell to the local soldiers on leave. Proceedings commenced with the men being piped into the hall by the pipe band. After the National Anthem and a short address of welcome by the Mayor (Mr W. B. Galloway), a brief concert programme, interspersed with dancing, was held. The chairman (Mr James Mcßae) then called upon the Mayoress to make presentations of fountain pens to the following:—Privates J. Whitfield. H. Whittleston. R. Pope, T. Alcorn, J. Arnott, and Sappers J. Burrow and R. Johnston. Suitable addresses were delivered by the Mayor, the chairman, Mr J. McCowan, and the Rev. W. French, who. on behalf of Mrs Hugh Ross, presented each soldier with a sprig of heather. In his concluding remarks, the chairman stated that pens would be forwarded to the following soldiers, whose absence from the function was unavoidable:—Privates Gawn, Hansen, Murdoch, Sappers Currie, Kilgour and Brill. Those contributing to

the concert programme were Mrs Wedge, Miss Martin, Sapper J. Burrow (songs). Miss A. and Master K. Curran (vocal duet), Messrs Kirby and McFadgen (instrumental duet). Mrs M. Gray (recitation), Mr G. Reilly (dance), and Master A. Ward (mouth organ solo). Dancing was continued until a late hour, Mr E. Stevenson acting as M.C., music being supplied bv Mr and Mrs Park, Mrs Mcllroy, and Messrs Rasmussen, Kirby, and McFadgen. Rugby Football On Saturday afternoon a Rugby football match between the Palmerston Club and the Referees" Association will be played at the Show Grounds. The selector, Mr Ken Bryan, has chosen the following to represent, the " Refs. : B. Ward, Mcßae, Gunn, Olsen, Perriam, Rowe, Mcllrov. O'Leary. Herbert. Sutherland, McLew, Burrow, Johnston, Galloway, Heckler, Ward, Morrison, and Thomson. The Palmerstoir' Club will be represented bv McGregor, Cameron, Murray (2), Haldane, Parkhill, Clearwater, Heyes, Murdoch (3), Currie. Philip, Gunn, Mercer, Malloch, Aitchison, Oliver, and Hudson. Mr A. Strachan (Glenparki has been appointed referee. TAPANUI Borough Council Meeting The monthly meeting of the Tapanui Borough Council was held on Monday evening, when there were present the Mayor (Mr W. B. Naylor) and Crs J. S. Varcoe, J. L. Wylie. W. Wright, J. D. Edgar, J. Gosden and R. Duff. It was decided that the Reserves Committee should be allowed to employ labour to fell trees on the cricket ground, to split sufficient posts to fence an area on the racecourse, where Douglas fir and macrocarpa trees would be planted and to erect a new boundary fence. In regard to the planting of native trees in Essex street to commemorate the Centennial of New Zealand, the Mayor reported that the preparatory work had been carried out. and suggested that the trees should be planted on August 15. It was decided that the special rate securing the charges on the waterworks loan be not collected during this financial year. A general rate of 2s (3d in the £ was struck for the current year. The valuation roll was amended to provide for certain transfers of properties reported by the town clerk. It was agreed to procure the usual supply of dog collars from the Disabled Returned Soldiers' Products, Dunedin. Accounts amounting to £lO4 9s 4d were passed for payment. WAIMATE Rugby Draw The draw for to-morrow's Rugby matches is as follows: Junior Knock-out Competition.—Southern v. Old Boys, Huimai v. High School. Both matches at 3 p.m. Third Grade.—Rovers v. High School, 1.45 p.m. Leading Debating Team An elimination debate arranged by Young Farmers' Clubs in Waimate district resulted in Waihaorunga A team being chosen to meet the Timaru district winners shortly, when South Canterbury's leading team will be selected. The winning team are Messrs J. Barclay (leader), I. Hurst, and C. Whatman. Mr Whatman was adjudged the best debater of the evening. Six teams competed, Mr N. L. Knell was the judge. Month of Fine Weather The month of July was unusually fine, pastures being remarkably green for the time of the year, while early-sown wheat has made good grow'th. The rainfall was very light, only 71 points being registered for the month. The average temperature was 50.61 degrees, and while.several frosts occurred, the heaviest was on July 25, when 13.50 degrees was recorded. There was little wind, the average run of the anemometer being 37.45 miles. A total of 101.7 hours of bright sunshine was recorded.