OTAUTAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 3413, 13 August 1919, Page 27

OTAUTAU.

August 7.—The Department of Agriculture gome time ago rearranged the classification, of some of ita ' employees, and our local j representative, after being stationed here for about a year, has rccsivedl notice that he has been transferred 16 the Owaka district. He leaves for his new billet in about a month's time.—Prior to his departure for Invercargill Mr D. Macdonald was presented with a handsome inkstand by the pupils of the Public School—Mr W. Duff, who has been on the staff of the local post office for a year, hag been transferred to Kaikoura. In presenting him with a fountain pen on behalf of the staff Mr Hodge referred in terms of appreciation to his work, and regretted his departure. Mr Duff suitably replied.—Mr Ewcn Matheson, the general secretary of the Clifden, Otautau, and Birchwood Hunt Clubs, has been seriously 31, but is now on the mend, and no doubt will be well enough in- time to look after the interest of the Hunt meeting to be held in Winton on September 22. Changes in Business.—Owing to continued ill-health Mr P. Y. Milnes has been compelled to seek a more congenial climate, and has sold his Otautau grocery business to Mr Holmes. His Fairfax store is to be taken over by Mr B. Angelo. . Dance.—For the purpose of augmenting the Junds of "Paddy's Market," an institution which was run in conjunction with the Ked Cross under the managership of Mrs T. H. Cupples, and which has been the means of raising huge sums of money for the benefit of our soldiers, it is proposed to hold a dance in the near future. Pillar Box.—Owing to the representations of the Progressive League, ably supported by the Otautau Town Board, residents in the north part of the township will greatly benefit by the erection of a pillar box by the Postal Department at the corner of Marn and Harbison streets. Birchwood Hunt.—The final run for # the season was held on "Wednesday, 6th inst. The trail was laid over the properties .of Messrs John Macdonald and J. A. Thornton, Strathvale. The master (Mr J. T. Ryan), On Royal Guard, Huntsman C. Church, on Reno, and Whip E. Ellis, on Walrus, kept the interest going from start to finish. The jumping competition was won by C. Church on Reno, W. F. North coming second with, Sultana, third place being secured by A. Saunders on Ringway. The Consolation Jump finished as follows:—Royal Guard, 1; Miss Trixie, 2;''and Emerald, 3. The twofurlong sprint resulted in Royal Guard being proclaimed the winner, Miss Trixie second, and Dunmore third. At the conclusion of a very enjoyable day's sport Mr A. A. Liiddell (president) moved hearty votes of thanks to all property-owners who had placed their land at the disposal of the Hunt. Three cheers were also given for the master (Mr J. T. Ryan) and the huntsman (Mr C. Church), who had helped materiallyby their enthusiasm to maintain the interest in the sport. ".The hounds have now been kennelled for the season. Quadrilles. —These popular weekly dances are now drawing to a close, and it is proposed to hold an extended night for the wind-up in about a- fortnight's time, at which a waltzing competition will take place, good prizes for which are to be given. Concrete Footpaths.—A deputation is interviewing property-owners in the main block of the township with a view to getting the footpaths concreted the full width, and is reported to be meeting with a good deal of success in this direction. Recreation Ground.—Some much-needed improvements are contemplated in connection with the Recreation Ground. Mr Bates, manager of the Southland Timber Co., has donated a quantity of timber for the purpose of providing seats, the i Town Board is providing a quantity of trees, shrubs, and flowers, a Beautifying Committee has been formed to arrange for the planting of these, and on Wednesday, 13th inst., a working beo v. ill complete the necessary improvements and help to make the ground one of the ■ beauty spots of the town.