CENTRAL OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24632, 13 June 1941, Page 9

CENTRAL OTAGO

TAPANUI Borough Council.—The first meeting of the newly-elected Borough Council was held on Monday evening. The Mayor. Mr J. L. Wylie, presided, and there were present; Crs J. S. Varcoe, R. Duff, W. J, Love, A. G. Dumbleton, J. D. Edgar, J. Gosden, and F. Lischner. The chairman of the Lake County Council forwarded a resolution passed by his council in regard to existing legislation retarding production, and urging that the Government should at once be pressed to bring about the immediate cessation of the 40-hour week. It was unanimously agreed to support the resolution. Mr P. Crawford, Conical Hills, wrote offering to lay six-inch pipes free of cost in the borough lease recently leased by him, provided the council provided the pipes landed on the ground. The offer was referred to the Reserves Committee for its report. Reports were received from tire Hall, Cemetery, and Reserves Committees. Mr T. Morris was appointed hall caretaker on trial for three months. It was agreed to obtain a supply of poison in an attempt to get rid of the rat nuisance in the borough rubbish dump. An invitation to the Mayor and councillors to attend the annual meeting of the Fire Brigade on June 21 was accepted. Accounts amounting to £162 19s 7d were passed for payment. Obituary.—The death of Mr Duncan McColl, which occurred recently at his residence, Timaru, removes the last of a well-known pioneer Tapanui family, who have been district residents since 1864. Born at Ballachulish, Argyllshire, Scotland, 88 years ago, he was the second son of the late John and Mary Ann McColl, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the sailing ship Mataura in the year 1863. For the first six months the family resided in Green Island, when they removed to Brooksdale, Tapanui. The journey from Dunedin was made in two drays, the family being conveyed in one and the plant for the first sawmill at Brooksdale in the other, the journey taking eight days. When the Dalvey run was cut up for settlement Mr McCoITs father purchased a section close to the township, which was taken over by the deceased and his brother Donald after their father’s death in 1891. This property they farmed together until Donald’s death in 1929, when the deceased sold the farm and went to Timaru. where he lived in retirement. Mr McColl was of a quiet and reserved disposition, and was held in high esteem by members of the older generation. He took a keen and active interest in the Oddfellows’ Lodge, and was associated with the Order for the past 71 years. On two occasions he filled the office of noble grand, and for many years acted as a trustee for the lodge. Apart from being a member of All Saints’ Church and the Tapanui Farmers' Club, he did not take any active part in public affairs.

LAWRENCE District High School. -The monthly meeting of the committee was held in the school on Monday night, tne chairman presiding. It was reported that the total of £2O 17s 9d had been taken at the recent concert, the expenses amounting to less than £2 10s. The attendance at the scnool has been somewhat affected lately by the prevalence of jaundice and heavy colds throughout the district. Miss Kerr is at present relieving in the Secondary Department until Mr I. McLean, the new teacher, commences his duties some time in July. It was decided that all members of the committee pay a daylight inspection of the grounds with a view to working out a plan of repairs and new works for the coming year.

Borough Council. —After making and signing the statutory declaration, the new Mayor. Mr W. J. Suters, presided at the meeting of the Lawrence Borough Council. Each of the councillors made and signed the declaration, Cr F. J. Gray was elected Deputy Mayor, and the following committees were set up:—Finance. Town Hall, and Lighting—Crs Gray (chairman), Barr, and Girvan; Works. Cemetery, and Reserves—Crs Girvan (chairman), Duthie, and Milne; Waterworks, Sanitation, and Baths—Crs Forbes (chairman), Milne, and Gray. Messrs G. R. Talboys and H. E. Pitt were appointed the council’s representatives on the Lawrence Fire Board. It was decided to purchase a new fire bar lor the Town Hall heater. Accounts totalling £4Ol 18s lOd were passed for payment. The Rainfall.—During May rain fell on 13 days for a total of 3.39 inches, the heaviest fall registered on any one day being 0.75 inches. For the corresponding month- of last year rain fell on 18 days for a total of 7.64 inches. Young Farmers’ Club.—At the monthly meeting of the Lawrence Young Farmers’ Club, Mr A. Cameron presided. The delegate to the annual meeting held in Dunedin on June 5. reported on the activities of clubs in Otago and Southland, and of the efforts being made to assist young farmers to keep the movement going during the war. A communication was received from the Department of Agriculture regarding the arrangements for the growing of linen flax next - season. It was resolved to keep in touch by letter with members overseas on active service. The secretary of the Ball Committee reported that the ball held at Waitahuna had been very successful and that the profits would be paid to the Patriotic Fund.

ALEXANDRA Borough Council The first meeting of the newly-constituted Alexandra Borough Council was held on Monday night, the Mayor, Mr A. McKellar, presiding over Crs R. S. Kinnaird, A. B. Armour, E. Russell, G. H. Fox, T. E. Sunderland, A. L. Hern, J. R. McKissock, and G. R. Campbell. The Mayor extended a welcome to the new councillors. L. H. Denniston wrote asking for a water service to his residence outside the borough, and the matter was referred to the Water Committee. The Breen Construction Company, Ltd., asked for a street light to be installed at the corner of Chicago and Station street. " The Works Committee was asked to investigate the question when other lighting applications were under review. The National Service €)epartment advised that the council had been appointed trustees for capitation money for Home Guard companies in this area. The Lake County Council asked for support for a resolution requesting the Government to review the application of the 40-hour week. It was agreed to support the request. The Lands and Survey Department submitted a plan for subdivision of the police paddock. This was approved, and the newly-formed street, will be named Bringans street. Two residents outside the drainage area wrote asking that their residences be included in the scheme. It was agreed that the council could not undertake any further extensions at present. It was decided that the council should undertake the care of the Soldiers’ Memorial in future. The following committees were appointed;—Works—the Mayor, Crs G. H. Fox, A. Armour. G. R, Campbell, and A. L. Hern; Finance—Crs E, Russell, A. Armour, T. E. Sunderland, and R. S. Kinnaird; Water —Crs G. H. Fox, A. L. Hern. R. S. Kinnaird. and J. R. McKissock: Hall and Library—Crs R. S. Kinnaird. E. Russell. T. E. Sunderland, and G. H. Fox; Reserves, Baths, and Motor Camp—Crs A. B, Armour, G. R. Campbell, J. R. McKissock, and A. L. Hern. Cr E. Russell was appointed Deputy Mayor.

QUEENSTOWN Rugby Football.—The third match in the first round of the sub-union flag competition played at the week-end resulted in la win for Queenstown by 28 points to 3. Arrow Club, as well as country, have been weakened by the loss of men who have gone overseas. Queenstown has won all its matches in the first round. Personal.—Advice has been received that Private William Wilson, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W. K. Wilson, who was previously reported as missing, is now safe in Egypt.—Dr and Mrs A. McDonald, Invercargill, are on a holiday visit to Queenstown,—Mrs Double, Winton, is spending a short holiday in Queenstown. —Captain G. H. Herbert and Miss Diana Herbert are on holiday 1n the North Island.—Mr and Mrs R. Eastlake are spending their annual holiday in Invercargill.—Mrs E S. Landrebe has gone to Dunedin for a short holiday.—Mr G. Reidy. Lower Hutt, is visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs Reidy.— Mrs J Barnett, Christchurch, is in her residence in Queenstown. —Mrs E. Monson has returned from Dunedin.—Miss D. Cochrane, Dunedin, has been on a visit to Queenstown.—Mrs J. Chalmers has returned from a visit to Dunedin.