MOSSBURN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 27

MOSSBURN.

August 29. —The Weather for this month has been very changeable for the first few days, and we have had three slight falls of snow. At Manapouri Lake 3in of rain fell on Sunday. 12th inst., causing Ihe "Whitestone and Mararoa Rivers to flood, thereby stopping the mail service on Ihe Monday.

The Farm. —Ploughing is well forward as the result of the open winter; but owing to the ground being so wet now farmers are hindered from spring-sowing. Socials. —On the evening of the Ist a farewell social was hold in the hall, when Trooper Leonard Gallagher, who was home on final leave from camp, was presenled with a set of razors and strop by Ml- Smith, chairman of the War Association. Mr <T. Browning also spoke, and said that, like his elder brother, Leonard Gallagher had volunteered and enlisted when they came of age, and the parents should be proud of boys with such a splendid spirit. Messrs Hoy mid T. Smith also spoke. Master Ken and Miss Doris Gallagher each gave a recitation. Music was supplied by Miss Snodgrass and Messrs H. Beer and A. Patterson, and the ladies supplied supper.—On the 10th a farewell social was given for Miss Dawson,

who is leaving tho district. Miss Dawson has been away on sick leave for three months from tho Red Cross Society, of which she was secretary. Supper was provided by the ladies of the district. During the evening Miss Dawson was presented with a travelling case, the presentation being made by Mr Chewings. Music was supplied by Mr and Ml-s H. Beer. On the Sunday following (he Rev. Mr Fisher, on behalf of the Sunday school children, presented Miss Dawson with a Bible.-—On Monday. August 13, a presentation of a eel of razors and strop was made by Mr J. Browning to Private Moncrieff, who was on final leave. As Private Moncrietl had only two days in the district, the presentation was made in Mr Crosbie's Hotel just before the train left.—On Thursdny, ifith in;-:t., another farewell soc ; al was held in the- hall, when a presentation was made to Privates Jack and Graham Murrell, of Lake Manapcuri. down on their final leave fiom camp. Mr J. B. C. Dore made the presentation on behalf of Mossburn residents. .He stated that three brothers were already at the front, and that these two would do their part and fight for King, country, and flag He Thought they woi-e salting every other family an example. Private Jack Murrell responded on behalf of his brother and himself. He said that three brothers had volunteered, and his brother and himself were drawn in the ballot. One of them co-aid have appealed, but they preferred to go and join the others, and go quietly like their three brothers. Mis F. Crosoie and Miss Rose M'Gregor sang a duet, and Mrs Crosbi-» also sang "The old flaar' splendidly. Mr G. Chewin<?.-J sang " Soldiers of King, ' and Mr J. Murrell gave a solendid rendering of

Mother M'Crce " and " Com-* t ome, Thora." Mr J. Rc-id and Mr Alex. Reid also sang. Supper on "this occasion was provided bv the gentlemen. Mr E. C. Beer acted as M.C.. and music was supplied by Mr H. Beer (violin), Miss Burke and Mrs EL Beer (piano), and Mr E. C. Beer accordion.

Correction.—l regret that in my report of the last Red Cross entertainment I omitted to mention that Miss Mona Roy sang "' Please give me a 'penny, sir," and the result was a liberal response by the audience. War Association.—A f - a meeting- of the War Association on the 241 h inst. Sir H. Smith's resignation .as chairman was accepted, and Mi - Healev was elected to tho vacancy, with Mr E. C. Beer as vice-chair-man and Mr J. Browning as secretary.