SOUTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24825, 27 January 1942, Page 7

SOUTH OTAGO

WAITAHUNA E.P.S. Field Day.—On Saturday afternoon, the officials of the E.P.S. in Waitahuna staged a successful and instructive field day in connection with the local Home Guard parade. Mrs Batchelor, of Lawrence, with five qualified . V.A.D.’s from Lawrence, aided the local girls in dealing with numerous “ casualties ” among Home Guard members and Boy Scouts. An efficient staff in charge of a cleverly improvised ambulance, which was driven by Miss M. Cameron, quickly answered the calls brought in by the local Boy Scouts, and the casualties, after each had been treated by a Lawrence V.A.D.. accompanied by a Waitahuna girl, were conveyed to the hall and were given further treatment by a staff under the direction of Mrs F. Ellis. The cases dealt with Included broken collarbone, fracture of forearm, broken jaw-bone, burns on face and fingers, poisoning, compound fracture of left lee. fractured shoulder blade, sprained ankle, burst varicose veins, fractured knee-cap, frost-bite, mustard gas affection of face and eyes, electric shock, severed artery, fractured spine, lead poisoning and slight fracture of cranium. The E.P.S. and Home Guard stretcherbearers. V.A.D.’s, Boy Scouts and inside staff all co-operated splendidly, reflecting credit on those who had planned the programme—Constable Mathieson. Mr W. Cameron, the Rev. J. R, Shaw and Mrs F. Ellis.

TAPANUI Weather.—The weather during the past week was fine and sunny. Farmers took full advantage of the better conditions. Compared with other years, the work is well behind. Farmers are experiencing a great difficulty in obtaining labour, both permanent and casual. A local farmer, who has resided in the district for over. 60 years, recently stated that the present summer has been the wettest he has experienced. Horticultural Society.—At a meeting of the Tapanui Horticultural Society, held recently, it was decided that the autumn show, which is usually held in February, should be abandoned on account of the petrol restrictions, as little support could be expected from outside the township. Linen Flax.—During the week officers of the Agricultural Department made a survey of the linen flax crops in the district, and they report that the majority are growing splendidly and that farmers should again do well with this crop. On account of the season, pulling will be much later than last year. The local factory has stacked sufficient flax grown last year to keep it fully employed for the whole of the ensuing year without touching this season’s crop. Personal.—Mr M. C. Robertson, of the Christchurch branch of the Bank of New Zealand, assumed duty during the week in place of Mr J. G. Wilson, who has entered an air training school.—Mr D. Wolstenholme, of the local Bank of New Zealand staff, is at present relieving at the Mosgiel office.—Mr R. Denniston, foreman of the local linen flax mill, who has taken over the management of the Woodlands mill, and Mr Gordon Carson, clerk at the mill, who has been transferred to Blenheim, were met by the employees prior to their departure, and good wishes for their future welfare were expressed by Mr R. Knight, on behalf of those present.