SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 27

SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

(Fbom Oub Own Cobbespondent.) INVERCARUILL. January 19. The various Southland seaside resorts are still crowded. At Stewart Island the board-ing-houses are severely taxed, Bluff has a great number of visitors, and Fortrose is more largely patronised than in former seasons. The settlement at The Rocks, Riverton, looks as thronged as ever, a new feature this year being a camp under the control of the iSalvation Army officials. A row of tents underneath the big fir trees was occupied for a fortnight by a considerable body of Salvation Army Boy Scouts, followed during the past fortnight by an equal number of girls. The outing was brought to a olose on Friday evening by a sports meeting on the beach. On Sunday last the crowd at The Rocks was unusually big. Besides scores of private motor cars from various parts of Southland, a number of motor vans for here brought numbers of people from Invercargill, and the enjoyment of the outing was greatly enhanced by the presence of the Winton Band, which played at intorvals during the afternoon. It is a matter of surprise that there are no motor accidents at this point, and on the dips and twists in front of Waldeck, which seem to the general public to., be exceedingly dangerous places for motor traffic. A bicycle accident which occurred last Sunday shows how easily a .fatality may happen. Mr George Gorton, a well-known resident of Riverton, was riding down Beer's Hill, when his biycle got beyond his control, and, running out on to the level, went over the bank on to tho floor of the little bay, a drop of only a few feet, but, unfortunately, he fall on a rock on his head, and was killed. Most motorists don't seem to be aware that there is a much safer back road to the beach, which goes off near the Bowling Green, and all use tho front road, which is generally expected to be the scene of an accident some day. Mr T. W. Foster, of Wyndham, chairman of the South Island Dairy Association, has been appointed by the Government to a seat on the Southland Land Board, vice Mr Colin Robertson, of Waikaia, who recently resigned after many years' valuable service. At the Wairio races on Wednesday over £IO,OOO was put through the totalisator. Mr R. C. Tennant, who has been manager of the Bank of New South Wales here since the retirement of Mr Christophers about three years ago, is about to relinquish the position after nearly 53 years spent in the service of the bank. It is probable that Mr Tennant will settle at Nelson, where he began his banking career, and spent many years of his early life. The Wyndham Domain Lagoon, which contains large numbers of perch, and has been closed for some years, 'has now been reopened for fishing. There are several other lagoons along the course of tho Mataura River which contain perch, and also several small ponds near the Mimihau River. Dr Morrison, at one time of Melbourne, but for many years a power in the political life of China, paid a short visit to Invercargill on Fr'day, and was officially welcomed by the Mayor. Mr Wm. Bryce. hotelkeeper, Benmore, has filed his schedule in bankruptcy. Unsecured creditors, £470; free assets, £290; assumed surplus on securities, £468. Bankrupt at a meeting of his creditors stated that one boarder deceased ran up a bill of £BS. which bankrupt was unable to recover. The anti-shouting law had hurt his business, and, being unable to read or writo, he was not able to watch, his position. An association has boon formed to push the proposed soldiers' memorial project, and Mr A. F. Hnwke (National Mortgage and Agency Company) has been elected president, and Mr T. W. Walker (town clerk) treasurer. An effort is being made to secure tho services of Mr Chas. Campbell, of the Southland League, ns secretary. It is intended that the memorial shall take the form of an additional wing to the Southland Hospital. On Monday a draft of CI men. about 60 in number, left by tho express for camp.

A big crowd collected to see them off, and the Mayor (Mr John Stead) delivered an appropriate speech. Mr W. H. Clark, who has been head master of the Lumsden School for many years, died on Thursday, aged 57. Mr Clark was one of the originators of the Southland brunch of the Teachers' Institute, and was for many years a secretary. He was an enthusiast in matters educational, and ,a most painstaking teacher.. The Southland District Labour Council is bestirring itself with regard to a candidate for the next parliamentary election. Mr H. J. Farrant was its first choice, but Mr Farrant suggested tho Rev. J. K. Archer, and if Mr Avoher accepts nomination Mr Farrant will be put up for Awarua, from which constituency he has received promises of support. In the university entrance national scholarship examinations throe Southland High School pupils have come out well, F. 11. M'Donald being fifth, Gladys Macalister sixth, and G. R-. Kingston twelfth. The Southland A. and P. Association is uncertain whether to hold a Winter Show this year, as last year's Winter Show resulted in a loss qf £2OO. The iSummer Show made a profit of £lll 7s 6d. It is reported that Lieutenant Tom Brown, well known in Invorcargill musical circles, has been awarded the Military Cross. The Rev. A. M'Neur, of Knapdale, has received a call from tho Winton Presbyterian congregation.