TAPANUI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25505, 8 April 1944, Page 7

TAPANUI

Borough Council.— I The monthly meeting of the Tapanui Borough Council was held on Monday evening, when there were present the Mayor (Mr J. S. Varcoe) and Crs R. Duff, A. G. Dumbleton, J. B. Wilson, W. J. Love, F. Lischner and J. F. Robertson. The main figures from a draft balance sheet prepared for the year just ended showed that the general account commenced with a credit balance of £136 Os 9d, and the revenue totalled £1445 Is 4d. while the expenditure amounted to £1099 12s lOd, leaving a credit balance of £4Bl 19s 3d. The Mayor said it was gratifying to note that the position was very satisfactory.—lt was reported by the Mayor that representations had been made to him by Mr R. Knight, manager of the local linen flax mill factory, in regard to procuring the area recently surrendered by Mr R. Kirk for the growing of linen flax. In Ihe interests of the war effort he felt the council should give every assistance to an industry that was of vital importance to the Dominion. Mr Knight, who was present by invitation, said he did not come before the council with a concrete proposal in view of the fact that there may be some difficulty in a transfer. It was his endeavour to keep the industry going in the district. This year 1500 acres were required for (he growing of linen flax, and so far he had received only two' replies to hs inquiries. His department was prepared to pay a nominal rental and would leave the land ploughed when the crop was removed. After discussion it was agreed that the Mayor, the town clerk and members of the Reserves Committee interview Mr Knight and make final arrangements in regard to taking over the ground for the growing of linen flax for one year.—The R.S.A. was granted the usual concessions in regard to the Anzac service to be held in the Town Hall on April 25, and permission was granted to take up a collection for the care of soldiers’ graves in the Tapanui and Crookston- Cemeteries—The Mayor advised that the public baths were now closed for the season. The council was fortunate in that practically no expense had been incurred during the year.—The town clerk reported that the commonage reserve lease expired this month and it was agreed that the town clerk should interview the present lessee. —Before concluding the business the Mayor said it was not his desire to seek re-election as Mayor or councillor. He thanked the councillors for their co-operation during his term as Mayor, and added that he had at all times endeavoured to be fair to all. Cr Duff, on behalf of councillors, expressed the wish that Mr Varcoe would reconsider his decision and again be at the head of the table. W.D.F.U.—The annual meeting of the Tapanui branch of the W.D.F.U. was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursday afternoon. The president (Mrs D. Kane) was in the chair, and there was a good attendance. The secretary reported on a year of progress with increased membership and a satisfactory financial position. The following officers were elected:—President, Mrs E. Arnold; vice-presidents— Mesdames J. Edgar, W. J. Love and G. Metzger; committee—Mesdames D. Kane, M. Robertson, J. A. McDonald, J. Kerse, J. A. Chandler, G. Brooke, J. A. Bowman, and Miss Murney; auditor, Mrs J. C. Cameron; secretary, Mrs A. E. Mills. After thanking the retiring officers for their work, the branch made arrangements for a group meeting to be held in Tapanui on April 19, when Mrs Coop, Advisory Board member, and Mrs W. J. McKenzie, provincial president, , would address members. The results of the competitions for the year were; Mrs G. Metzger-1, Mrs M. Robertson 2, and Mrs J. A. Bowman 3. Plunket Society.—The annual meeting of the Tapanui sub-branch of the West Otago Plunket Society was held on Friday last. Mrs J. H. White presided over a good attendance. The acting secretary (Mrs R. S. Sime) submitted the annual) report, and the treasurer (Mrs J. S. Varcoe) presented the balance sheet. In reviewing the year’s work the president remarked that the report and balance sheet disclosed a satisfactory state of affairs; in fact, it was one of the best years the branch had experienced. She congratulated the members of the committee and thanked them for their assistance and support throughout the year. Mrs White spoke of the good work done by the secretary (Mrs F. H. Cockerill), and expressed regret at her resignation. She also paid a tribute to the work carried out by Nurse Riddell for the mothers and babies. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected: —President, Mrs G. Brooke: vicepresidents, Mesdames J. H. White and J. A. Bowman; secretary, Mrs F. J. Lischner; treasurer, Mrs J. S. Varcoe; committee—Mesdames P. V. Quin, S. Varcoe, L. C. Sutherland, R. J. Mclntyre, E. Mason. W. A Davies, J. F. Robertson, R. S. Sime and A. Sheddan; auditor, Mr H. J. Hay; trustees. Mesdames J. H. White and J. ». Varcoe; Advisory Board, Messrs W. B. Naylor and M. J. Hay. It was decided that the meetings be held bi-monthly at 2.30 p.m. on the first Friday in the month. Bowling.—The final challenge match for the Gordon Memorial Bowl for the season was played on the Tapanui green last Saturday afternoon under pleasant conditions. The local rink (J. McDonald, L. Peat, J. Grant, H. Trustier, s.) 23 defeated Heriot (Henderson, Herbert, Arthur, Foster, s.) 16. Personal.— Constable W. Coatsworth is at present on annual leave. He is being relieved by Constable Rouxel (Gore).—Mr W. A. Davies, postmaster, who is at present on sick leave, returned to Tapanui on Saturday after receiving medical treatment at Invercargill.