SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3251, 5 July 1916, Page 31

SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

(Feom Oub Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, July 1. Southland's quota for tho ' Eighteenth Rtiniot cements, which left on liiursday morning, was a full one—in fact, several in excess of the number required. The Municipal Theatre on Wednesday evening was tho scene of the town's farewell to the men, the theatre being packed to the doors. Tho Mayor; (Mr D. M'Farlane) presided over tho gathering, and in a short speech wished tho men good luck and hoped lie would see them ail safely back again. The other speakers were tho Rev. Dean Burke and lather O'Neill. Several local performers contributed to the success of the function by rendering musical and other items, all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by tho audience. The Eighth Regimental Rand was also :n attendance, and rendered a number of selections. The departure of the reinforcements by tho first express north on Thursday morning saw a larger gathering than usual at the railway station, and the men received a hearty send-off. The Regimental Band played appropriate music, and lunches were handed to the men by the Mayoress and a number of assistants. As the date of departure of the Eighteenth hus_ been approaching tho presentations to various members by their welhvishers and fellow-employees have been many. Mr YV. R, Mabson, of the local branch of Dalgety and <.'o., was presented by the stall with a wristlet watch, and by a number of friends witli a set of military brushes Major Crowther, on behalf of the Regimental Band, presented Sergeant Taylor with a safety razor, and Bandsman S. Mitchell with a wristlet watch. Warder T. G. Crozier was made the recipient of a safety razor and money-belt by his fellow-warders and offievra of the Invereargill Gaol. The employees of the Corporation Tramways asked Mr H. S. Hodgkins to accept a wristlet watch. Mr L. A. Gray, of the Bank of New Zealand, was the recipient of a similar present from the staff of the. bank. Mr A. G. Storrie at an evening given in his honour by several citizens of South Invereargill, received an amber cigarette holder as a token of esteem; and the employees of Messrs Storrie, Ltd., also made him a presentation of a wristlet watch and safety razor, while the firm handed him a substantial cheque. Mr J. Ha.rtstor.ge, of the local Valuation Office, was presented by his fellow-officers with a wristlet watch, wallet, and pocket book. Messrs F. W. Bartlett and W. R. Mayhew, of the Southland News, was each made tho recipient of a wristlet watch by the staff _ and a cheque by tho company. Presentations (o country recruits have also Leon numerous. During shunting operations at Bluff on Wedensday afternoon, Louis M'Coruia'ck, a railway employee had tho misfortune- to bo run over, and sustained a badly-crushed foot. The sufferer was conveyed to tho Invereargill Hospital, when the amputation of the injured foot was found necessary. The patient is now making satisfactory progress towards recovery. The district manager of the Public Trust Office, Mir Somerset Smith, has received advice of his appointment to a similar position in Hawke's Bay, where he will also act as deputy official assignee. The appointment is 6ne which carries an increase in status and salary, and his many friends in Southland will congratulate him on his wellmerited promotion, Mr Somerset Smith has been the district agent of the Public Trustee in Invereargill for the past five years, and he will leave for hi? new home in two or thrco weeks' time. Messrs J. J. Boyd, E. Harrington, and J. Lindsay, of Otautau, have been sworn in as Justices of the Peace by Mr G. Cr-uick-fihank, S.M. Mi_*s M. F. Dilo, MA has been appointed first assistant in the secondary department of the Westport District High School. The annual conference of tho Southland Education Institute opened on Friday in Stobo Hall. Mr W. Sproat, president, occupying the chair. There was a largo attendance of members, and the treasurer reported that only 14 members of the teaching profession were non members of the institute. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—President. W. G. Blackie, M.A., R.Sc. : vice-president. H. M'Chesney; secretary, J. A Henry j treasurer, A. G. Fratherstono: auditor, G. Robertson ; executive —Missc-3 Gray, Carnaban, and M'Lcod, Messrs Gray. Young, Wilson, Sproat, Hewitt, and M'Neil. In connection with the Ohai railway, Mr John Fisher has been appointed to proparo the rolls of the railway districts and acfc as returning ofFcer for tho election of tho first Railway Board. Mr D. E. Geld Smith, who for fomc years has occupied the position of cashier in tho Lands and Survey Department, left with the Eighteenth Reinforcements on Thursday. Prior to hi--, departure Mr Gold Smith was met by the officers of his department and made the- recipient of a wristlet watch, safety razor, pocket-knife, military hair-brush, and mcnov-bolt. the commissioner. Mr H. D. M. Haszard, making the presentation.