WAITAHUNA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3339, 13 March 1918, Page 23

WAITAHUNA.

March 9. —We have experienced a very good harvest season as far as the weather is concerned—very hot, sunny days and very little rain. The crops are nearly all in now, and are likely to be on an average with those, of other years. Uiiless > we have rain very soon the turnip crops will suffer; also the mining industry. Many of the householders ore reduced to carting water for household use. Health.—The fever outbreak seems to be quite abated. . It was confined to two houses only. Obituary.—Quite a gloom was cast over the district last week on hearing of the almost sudden death of Mrs Robert Craig. Although Mrs Craig had a bad illness, and underwent a serious operation some six months ago, she enjoyed fairly good health until the morning of February 26, -when she took suddenly ill, and died in the evening. She was a native of Waitahuna Gully, and is well remembered by the old folks for her protecting, motherly disposition even as a child; She was married at an early age to the late Mr Robert Crai?, and together they made their home on the Pound Hill, where she spent the greater part of her life in caring for and bringing up her large family of eix sons and five daughters, some of whom are married and settled in life. The two youngest daughters were living with her in Waitahuna in her retired home at the time of her death, and three sons have been serving their King and country at the front. One returned invalided three weeks before her death. The late Mrs Craig had a large circle of friends, and her cheerful, kindly disposition made her beloved by overone who knr»w her. She will be much missed in the district. She was 59 years of age: Her husband pre-deceased her by 15 years. The dsepest sympathy is felt by all for her family in their very 'sad bereavement. ■School.—At the last meeting of the School Committee the resignation of Miss Miller, second assistant, was received with regret. Miss Miller has received an appointment in the Mosgiel School. Miss Miller always took an active interest in the Red Cross work since she haa Uen here. The chairman (Mi F. Whelan) moved a vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late.Mr Rot>ert Barton, who has been a member of the School Committee for many years, and who always took an active interest in the welfare of the school children. The chairman also moved —"That the committee express their sympathy with the relatives of ■ the following ex-pupils of the school:—Eric Reid (son of the Rev. J. S. '-"■'d. Dtmsandel), John T. M'Caw (son of Robert M'Caw), Malcolm M'Corkindale, and Henry T. Bateman, who had lately laid down their lives in defence of justice and right against might." It was decided to send a copy of this minute to the parents of these men. The minute was carried in silence by the members of the committee standing. Red Triangle.—Mr Wilson, the Perth organising secretary of the Y.M.C.A., and Mr Fulton passed through here last Thursday and called on the chairman (Mr F. Whelan) of the Patriotic Committee. The chairman called a meeting for Friday evening, and it was decided to co-operate and to make an earnest appeal to all in a position to assist in this very deserving work. Although the committee is making another call on the people this month for comforts for our men —parcels, Red Cross, and Y.M.C.A., etc., — there seems to be a very good response to the Red Triangle appeal. It was considered by the committee that those who were not called upon to make any sacrifices, but who, on the other hand, have benefited by the increased prices for their wool, should, to day the very least, give a big rvercentage of their mcreasad profits to hcl>» ?he men who are fighting to defend the liberty of this beautiful country.