BALCLUTHA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3338, 6 March 1918, Page 23

BALCLUTHA.

March 4. —Rain is the crying need ©f the farmer. Last year at this*timo the farmers wore deluged with rain ; but the very opposite has so far been the case this season. For the month of February 98 points of rain fell, and in February, 1917, the figures were 349 points. War Service. —The annual Territorial camps of the Fourteenth (S. O.) Regiment will bo held this month and next, and in this direction it is interesting to note the number of men from the regiment who have gone abroad on act'ive service. Since the outbreak of hostilities 1833 officers and soldiers have joined the colours from this area, the total being made up as follows: Officers 20, Territorials 767, civilians 1046. Of those two' have had the coveted D.S.O. conferred on thorn, three soldiers have* won the Military Medal, and one officer the Military Cross. Of the Twelfth Mounted

Rifles 283 members havo gono to the war, this number including 10 officers. _ The present strength of the regiment is 183 n.0.0.'s and men and 13 officers. Red Triangle Appeal.—Mr A. S. Wilson (genemi seoretary Y.M.C.A., from Perth) gavo a stirring appeal to local farmers and citizens on Friday, when he addressed two meetings locally, Strong support was promised the Y.M.C.A. in its campaign, and the local branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association haa postponed holding* its Paddy's market, to allow the Y.M.O.A, a clear field. Looal soldiers, in writing to their parents, invariably make mention of the good work dona by this institution, and their desire that it should receive all support possible; hence the call is one that will strik,e right home to the hearts of people. The campaign to raise this money will do a great deal more than obtain £IOO,OOO for the use of our Expeditionary Force. It will open the eyes of the community to what the Y.M.O.A. is doing in tho war, and bring home to them_ lacts well known in official and military circles: that the Y.M.C.A. is one of the biggest and most vital factors in this struggle; that it would be impossible to win without the aid of this or some similar institution, and that it has greater potentialities for victory than any other element or factor in the war. Local Band.—The local brass band gave a programme of sacred music in the rotunda on the Borough Recreation Reserve on Sunday afternoon, and its effort was much appreciated by the large number that assembled to hear the mueic. Ralclutha Trucking Yards.—Alterations that will be of great benefit to the stockmen who have occasion to use the local railway yards for trucking and unloading sheep are at present in course ..of being made. The yards have been extended and renovated on an up-to-date system that allows of the most efficient handling of stock. The railways engineer, Mr Jones, visited the town last week, and satisfactorily arranged several minor details that a deputation of stockmen brought under his notice. Picnic.—The local Import Stores held their annual picnic at Kaka Point last week, about 40 people being present. A eomewha't clouded day did not in any way mar the success of the day's outing. A programme of sports events W£S the principle feature of the day. . Personal.—Mr J. R. M'Noo, of "Stewarts," was presented by the staff of "Stewarts " with a copper kettle and stand on the occasion of his recent marriage. Mr M'Noe was wedded to Miss Annie Shutt, of Milton, week, 'the ceremony being performed at tfio Milton Methodist Church. —Mr J. Tosh was made the recipient of a handsome travelling rug prior to severing his connection with the Import Stores.—ln the death of Mr John M'Millan, which occurred last week, the district haa lost one of its oldest' residents. He was born in Scotland 77 years ago. The deceased was very well known locally, and highly respected.