BALCLUTHA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3349, 22 May 1918, Page 27

BALCLUTHA.

May 20.—This district has now experienced more than a touch of winter, and can be considered as settled down to the inevitable two or three months of the "dark season." If it is not a frost in the morning, then it is sure to be a mist or fog—in the town, at any rate. Second Divisionists.—The first batch of married men to leave for the training camps is due to go north" this evening. The quota is not a large one, and the men are taking matters in an optimistic way, and seem resolved to do their duty in the same fearless manner as their comrades in arms, the single men. A farewell concert was tendered on Friday evening under the auspices of the Balclutha Patriotic As&ociation, and largely attended by the general public. JRev, Greenwood was the principal speaker, and addressed the audience upon various aspects of the war.

Returned Soldiers' Association. The Clutha branch of this body is pushing ahead its interests, and bids fair to become one of the live-wire institutions of the community. A concert by Dunedin artists was given last week before a full hottse in the interests of the soldiers. The clubrooms recently purchased are to be officially opened shortly by the Mayor and member for the district, Mr A. G.- Malcolm. Sports.—The annual meeting of the Balclutha Hockey Club was held the other evening, end was well attended by members. Returned Soldiers.—Riflemen Stevenson and! Harvie have returned to Balclutha after going to England with the Expeditionary Forces, where, they were "turned down." Sergeant Jas. Henderson, who lost one of his legs through wounds received in France, has also come back from the front lately. All the soldiers are looking fairly well, having benefitted by the sea voyage.