OMAKAU

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26352, 6 January 1947, Page 3

OMAKAU

THE HOLIDAYS Although conditions were somewhat cold and unseasonable for the Christmas holidays, only isolated showers were experienced. In welcome contrast, the New Year week has been fine and sunny, and holidaymakers were able to take full advantage of the change. TENNIS TOURNAMENT The annual tournament of the Matakanui Lawn Tennis Club was held, on the club’s courts at Matakanui on New Year's Day in fine weather conditions, but a fresh wind at times made conditions tricky. There were large entries in the various sections, and some .good play was witnessed. Winners in the finals were as follows:—Ladies’ Doubles: Misses C. Harvey and J. Rhodes. Men’s Doubles: E. Donnelly and A. Phillips. Mixed Doubles: Miss E. Armitage and A. Grainger. The club held a successful dance in the Matakanui, Hall at night, when the trophies were presented to the winners.— BOWLING ’ In the bowling Championship Singles first round, J. Stevenson defeated H. Oaten 23—16. A rink skipped by D. Maclean, present holders of the silver tikis, withstood a challenge from a rink skipped by C. Drake. An interesting game was played between a visiting rink from Anderson's Bay, skipped by A. Tilleyshort, and a rink from the OmakauClub, skipped by E. J. Naylor, honours being even. The one-day rinks tournament is to be held at Omakau on January 18. VITAL STATISTICS Vital statistics for 1948 in the Blacks district are as follows, the previous year’s figures being given in parentheses:— Births 16 (31); deaths 4 (1): marriages 7 (4). . FAREWELL SOCIAL A well-attended social and dance was held in the Ophir Hall on Friday, when residents gathered to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs J. M. Mackay, who are leaving the district soon. Mr H. Alpine presided, and in making a presentation of a cheque to Mr Mackay, referred to his many activities with local organisations. Among the posts he had occupied were those of chairman of the Ophir School Committee, member of the Ophir Water Committee, and member of soldiers’ committees, while he had also been actively interested in the formation of the Omakau Bowling Club and the . building of the baths at Ophir. During his long term in business Mr Mackay had made many friends, and universal regret was expressed at his departure from the distict. Mention was also made of Mr Mackay’s earlier association with the White Star motor service, which played a large part in opening up the Upper Clutha area. Mr H. W. Oaten spoke on behalf of the Justice Department and justices of the peace psid a tribute to Mr Mackay’s services as a justice of the peace. As an old resident of the town, Mr W. C. Pitches also spoke and referred to the many kindnesses shown by Mr and Mrs Mackay during their term of residence. In response, Mr Mackay thanked his many friends and expressed his faith in the future progress of Central Otago. An ejoyable dance was held to the music of Hughson’s band, Mr R. Craig acting as M.C.