LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3414, 20 August 1919, Page 27

LAKE COUNTY.

August 14.—The weather has been mild during the week, and winter is apparently over Old residents consider the past winter has been the mildest they have experienced. Deaths—Mr John Chalmers, a very old resident of the district, passed* away at -the Lake County Hospital on Sunday,.3rd- inst. Deceased had reached the age of 80- years, and "had been in failing health for soma time. He was a" native of the primey. Islands, and came to New Zealand in lbco. Six years later he came to Wakatipu, settling at Millar's Flat, where he engaged in farming. Later he lived at Waitiri, and for the last 10 years he has lived in retirement in Arrowtown. He was _a typical representative of the old pioneers, and was held in general esteem. His wife died in January last, and he is survived by a family of three sons—James JCromwell), William (Arrowtown), and Peter Chalmers), and two daughters Mrs .O. Wilcox (Arrowtown) and Mrs Alex, breer (Makarora). The interment took place au Arrowtown on Wednesday, 6th mat., _ tho burial service being conducted by Kev o. Rattray .-On Sunday last Mr Charles Eckhardt, an old resident of Arrowtown, died somewhat suddenly, as, although his health had been indifferent for some time, he took to his bed only on the Thursday previous. He was a native of Berlin, and had been in New Zealand for about 50 years, 40 oi which were spent in the Arrow district. He was first engaged in mining, but lor the last 20 years had ..been in business in Arrowtown as a hairdresser and tobacconist. He -was 72 years of age and unmarried, and had no relatives m the Dominion. He was'a kind-hearted man,, and ever ready to assist those in need. • Lno funeral took place in Arrowtown on Tuesday, the Rev.- J. Rattray conducted the burial service. _, _ Soldiers' Return— Corporal Thomas Powley, Privates David Jones, John Powley, and Stewart Stevenson, who recently returned from the front, wore given a wel-come-home social at Arrowtown 'on Inursday evening last. There was a large attendance, and the customary medals were presented by Mr G. H. Romans, chairman of the Reception Committee. .The Mayor (Mr John Reid) and the Rev. R. G-. Coates also stroke. An apology for absence was received from, the Rev J. Rattray, who was unable to attend owing to illness.. A suitable response was made by Corporal Powley on behalf of his comrades and himHorticulfcural Society.—The annual meeting of members of the Wakatipu Horticultural Society was held in Queenstown on Wednesday evening, 6th inst. Mr M. J. Gavin (president) presided over a good attendance. < The balance' sheet showed a credit balance of £lB 8s Bd. The. following office-bsarers were elected:—Patrons, Mr H. Mackenzie, sen., and Dr Stewart; president, Mr M. J. Gavin; vice-presi-dents—Father Corcoran, Messrs C. F. Sutherland, A. Simson, L. J. Lynch, J. Miller, A. Boyne, and A. J. Campbell; seoretary and treasurer, Mr A. E. Reynolds ; auditor, Mr Adam; General Committee—Messrs Cujtis, F. Gavin, J. M'Neill, Adam, Brown, Kelly, and Lorden, Mesdames Simson, Adam, Mayne, Gavin, and Sutherland, Misses Lyle, Hamilton, Warren, Culling, Geisow, and Wilson. It was decided thaftwo shows be held this season. Otago Hydro Electric Scheme. —At the monthly meeting of the Queenstown Borough Council on Thursday evening a letter was received from the Otago Hydroelectric Power Committee asking for the sum of £25 towards the initial expenses. After discussion, it was decided that in the absence of data the council could not accede, to the request in the meantime. The matter came before the Lake County Council at its meeting on the 6th inst. The amount 'asked was £IOO. Councillors were of the opinion that, with the amount of power to be obtained in different parts of this district, it would be a waste of money to bring the power from Cromwell, the cost of transmission alone from there being estimated at £BOOO. It was, however, decided .that further* information bo obtained from the Otago Committee. Personal. —Mr Hugh Hunter (a returned soldier), Wharehuanui, left last week for Invercargill to report himself for service m the Police Force. —Sergeant Norman Bell, formerly on the staff of the Bank of New Zealand, Queenstown, is at present in the district on .holiday, having recently returned from the front. —Messrs J. Munthe and J. Robins, two members of the Queen&town Post Office staff, have been transferred to Methven and Invercargill respectively. Both were popular * officials, received ' presentations before leaving Queenstown.