COUNTRY NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26040, 2 January 1946, Page 9

COUNTRY NEWS

QUEENSTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING At the final meeting of the Queenstown Borough Council the Mayor (Dr W, A. Anderson) presided and there were also present Crs H. Sew Hoy, D. W. Thompson, J. B. Hamilton, A. H. Wheatley and W. Scott. The Southland Progress League wrote expressing alarm at the drift of population (especially from the country) to the north, and strongly advised the establishment. of more industrial concerns and concerns and organisations with a view to building up the population again. It was decided to secure old oil from a Southland firm for oiling the main streets to the camping ground. The Lake County Council advised that the chairman proposed calling a meeting of local bodies in the district to act in collaboration with his council in deciding what action shall be taken in connection with the observance of the centennial of Otago. The cricket club advised its willingness to contribute towards the upkeep of the recreation ground, and suggested that the camping fees taken from campers using the ground should be devoted to the work of upkeep.—No action was taken. The council decided to avail itself of the opportunity of purchasing a suitable hut for use on the camping ground. It was decided to inspect the immigration barracks, just recently vacated, with a view to making improvements and reletting the building. A committee consisting of the Mayor, Crs Aburn and Wheatley was empowered to deal with applications for the placement of army huts in the town. YOUTH CONFERENCE The Presbyterian Youth Conference was opened on Wednesday night last. There are about 100 registered delegates. A brief welcome meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church after the arrival of the Earnslaw. The Mayor. Dr W. A. Anderson, expressed the pleasure of the citizens at again having the conference in the town. The Rev. Peter Anderson extended a welcome on behalf of the local Presbyterian Church, and Dr J. W. Salmond and the Rev. R. S. and Mrs Watson responded on behalf of the delegates. On Thursday morning the work of the conference began with the usual devotional meetings, lectures and study groups in the mornings, and open meetings in the evening. On Thursday and Friday evenings the speaker was Mr Watson, of St. Andrew’s Church, Dunedin. Tire delegates are camped in the local public schools and the Manual School is being used as a kitchen and dining hall. On Saturday evening the speaker was the Rev. C. K. Crump, senior Presbyterian missionary in the New Hebrides. On Sunday the morning and evening services were held in the Garrison Hall, and were very well attended. The Rev. P. Anderson was in charge of the morning service, and Mr Watson the evening service. An open-air service was held on the waterfront, the hymns being accompanied by the local band under the conductorshi'p of Mr E. Hophood. MANY VISITORS The town is being visited by the largest number of holiday-makers since pre-war days. The hotels and boarding-houses are full to capacity, and the camping ground has overflowed into the precincts of the recreation reserve. It is estimated that over 600 people are camped on the ground. CITIZENS’ CARNIVAL The Queenstown Citizens’ Carnival has proceeded merfily since the opening on Boxing Day. Over 600 people patronised the lake excursion that night, and close on 450 went on the moonlight cruise on Saturday night. The dances in the Garrison Hali have also been very popular. The weather has been unsettled. Light rain showers, accompanied by' cold winds, have been experienced, but there have been periods of bright sunshine. ROTARY CLUB A “ get together ” night was held by the Rotary Club on Friday, and was attended by a large number of visiting Rotarians. Short addresses were given by the visitors, and Rotarian F. Barby gave an interesting historical review of the district. The programme consisted of community singing and appropriate Christmas music. Over £ls was subscribed towards the projected rest room.