SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3215, 27 October 1915, Page 32

SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

(Fnou Oub Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, October 23. The Carnival «*uecn Coronation at Lore on Wednesday drew a fair the the aiternoon, and a crowded Lonse in the evenin"' The great etion- and orchestra S made the invercarg.il ceremony auch i. success furnished the nru«o, w people of the Eastern district had suchi a musical treat as they have never befoie enjoyed. 'f lic choir left Invemug’U by specnil train at 12.30 p.m. on and arrived home at 1.30 on 1 burst!l y morning, when tram cars and motor cars were waiting for them. Tea was provided at the Southland Club Hotel, where the musicians were served in relays, and supper in the Town Hall, where there was sitting accommodation for the whole party, only drawback was the inadequate room on the stage, members of the choir and orchestra being Ear too closely pacve . The conductor, indeed, had to decline the high honour of knighthood because of the impossibility of getting out or ° x * Owing to the smallness of the theatre neither the procession nor the tableau on the stage were so effective as at Invercargill, but it was, nevertheless, very satisfactory, the master of ceremonies being very dignified, his reading of the various addresses and speeches being magnificent. A feature of the display was tiro representation by two mites of Franco and Britain, protecting a flaxen-haired Belgium. Among the many deserving persons presented and knighted was Mr Hugh Smith, the popular chairman of directors ot the Southland Farmers’ Co-operative Association. . , , 'i’he members of the Coronation Orchestra and Choir, having expressed a wish to produce “The Messiah” about Christmas, Mr Cnas. Cray has consented to conduct, and the first practice will bo held to-morrow (Sunday) evening. The Southland Patriotic League has donated £250 to the funds of the St. John Ambulance Association, which is urgently in need of money to carry on its work of mercy in connection with the war. Ihe league has also donated £SO to the Salvation Army, to provide comforts for men in camp, and £250 towards convalescent homes for soldiers at Rotorua and Hamper. Four hundred pounds was handed to Licu-tenant-colonel J. E. Watson for Christmas gifts for Southland men at Gallipoli. It is said that Bluff raised £IBSO for the Queen Carnival competition, and they had the satisfaction of seeing their princess at the head of the poll. . There have been a great many Maoris in town during the past week in connection with a Maori claim of about 1000 acres of land in the Alton survey district. The claim was. heard by a commission consisting of judges of the Native Land Court. It was contended on behalf of the Maoris that the land claimed was set aside for the Natives in 1868, and was shown as a Native reserve on a map issued in 1899. This was in addition to a reserve at Tautuku, Gatlins. Several very old Natives gave evidence to ibis effect, find said that the Waiau reserve had been used by Natives all through for hunting, fishing, and procuring totara bark for muttonbirding. Further hearing of the case was adjourned till Friday, 29th inst., at Wellington. Another contingent of Reinforcements left for Dunedin on Tuesday morning. They were accorded a public farewell on Monday evening at the Garrison Hall, when they were addressed by Mr A. W. Rodger (president of the Southland Patriotic League), and Messrs R. C. Tennant, J. L. !M‘G. Watson, Maurice Thompson, and the Rev. R. M. Ryburn. The addresses were of a most inspiring character, and must have greatly heartened the young fellows who are going forward to venture their lives in the cause of freedom. The price of fat stock continues to rise. ■At Wallacetown sale on Tuesday, prime ox beef went to 4% per 1001 b, and primo wethers, to 425. In consequence, the Invercargill butchers have raised the price of meat, which is now getting beyond labouring people. The Otatara Land Company have served notice on the Invercargill Corporation for over £3OOO, which it alleges is the amount of damages due to it in consequence of wrongful acts of the corporation. The sum of £SOO is claimed for loss through not being able to sell or lease its land at Otatara. At last meeting of the Board of Governors of the Gore High School, the rector suggested that the annual holiday’s should bo so arranged as to leave the pupils free at harvest time, so that the country pupils would be available to assist in getting in the grain crops. The proposal was favourably received, and the opinions of parents ore to be ascertained. Dr Pottinger, who has been appointed to the hospital ship Marama, was yesterday operated on for appendicitis by Dr Ewart, and came through the ordeal very well; so that it is anticipated that he will be about again in a few weeks. _ About a fortnight ago a man named William Waugh, a grocer’s assistant in Yarrow street, was missed from his home, and notwithstanding diligent search nothing could bo ascertained regarding- his whereabouts. On Sunday last his body was found in the Estuary, near the tramway bridge.