ALEXANDRA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26215, 27 July 1946, Page 4

ALEXANDRA

A DRY SEASON This year has been the driest ex P®,N' enced in Alexandra for some time. The total rainfall was 6.47in—3.20in fell in January, and since then only 3.27 has fallen. The yearly average is 13in. The position throughout Central Otago will be very serious unless heavy falls of snow are experienced. So far tnis winter there has been practically no snow. A serious effect of the dry weather is that the Central Otago Power Board is experiencing difficulty in maintaining a full supply of power, and has found it necessary to introduce a form of rationing. WAR EXPERIENCES IN CHINA An interesting address on his experiences in China during the war was given recently by the Rev. J. D. Johnston, a missionary of the Presbyterian Church, who went out to China in 1940 and spent nearly four years in the Stanley internment camp, Hongkong. The years had not been wasted, said Mr Johnston. He felt that he had come to know the land and the people more intimately than he could have done through many years of peace. He had been able to help in hospital and relief work, and he had seen many wonderful examples of sacrifice made for the sake of children and those in dire need. Mr Johnston, on behalf of those present, for gave a vivid picture of Chinese life and indicated the advances made under the new regime. The Rev. G. E. Dallard thanked Mr Johnston, on behalf of those present, for his interesting address. GOLF The following were the best cards handed in for this week’s ladies’ golf matches:—Mrs T. E. Sunderland 67 net, Mrs J. H. McKellar 72 net, Mrs V. H. Galt 72 net, Mrs E. Russell 76 net. PRESENTATION There was a large attendance of representatives of the various women’s organisations of the Presbyterian Church when Mrs' W. Curphey, who will shortly leave for England, was entertained at a farewell gathering. Mrs, R. S. Kinnaird presided, and expressed deep regret at losing a church worker of Mrs Curphey’s calibre, but wished her every success in her new homeffi England. On behalf of the church organisations she asked their guest to accept a small presentation as a token of goodwill. Mrs Curphey replied. BIBLE CLASS COMMITTEE At a meeting of the district committee' of the Central Otago Bible Classes, the president, the Rev. Mr Doidge, of Cromwell, occupied the chair, and a discussion was held on the Labour Day rally. Members were present from Queenstown, Wanaka, Hawea, Cromwell, Clyde, and Alexandra. WINTER SPORTS The Alexandra Winter Sports Club will hold a carnival on the ice to-morrow afternoon, when fancy dress competitions and novelty items will be held. The New Zealand Film Unit will take pictures of the various events. PERSONAL Mr and Mrs C. R. Mazengarb have left to spend a holiday in the north of the South Island. Mr W. Bringans is at present visiting Dunedin. The American Minister to New Zealand, Mr Avra M. Warren, and his son, together with Mr W. Appleton (Mayor of Wellington), and Major Toole, arrived in Alexandra by air on Friday to spend a few days chukor shooting in the district. On Monday evening the American Minister will address the Alexandra Rotary Club. MASONIC JUBILEE • Lodge Manuherikia was formed in Alexandra in 1896, and this year will celebrate its jubilee. A jubilee ball will be held on August 29, when the members will entertain lady friends, and in. November other celebrations will be held. The lodge has grown from very small beginnings to be one' of the strongest country lodges in New Zealand.