OTAUTAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 3415, 29 August 1919, Page 27

OTAUTAU.

August 21.—A meeting of directors of the Wallace A. and P. Association was held on Friday, 15th insfc., when it was decided not to hold the horse parade this year, but to heartily support the Bull Fair of the Southland A. and P. Association at Invercargill. With a few exceptions the catalogue of last year was approved, and the appointment of judges was held over till next meeting. A tribute of appreciation, of the services of the late Miss Grace Fisher was paid, Mr Jas. Eyan speaking on behalf of the directors, and a vote of sympathy with the secretary, Mr John Fisher, was passed in silence, all members standing. Valedictory.—Prior to their removal to Invercargill Mrs J. B. Kirk and family were the recipients of presents from a few friends. Mrs Kirk presented with a handsome silver fruit-dish, while the Misses Kirk received a beautiful book of poema each. On Tuesday evening, 19th inst., they were also the guests of Mr and Mrs George Stearne, a large number of. friends assembling to bid them good-bye. An excellent programme of songs, etc., rendered, and games helped to pass away a pleasant hour. Bazaar.—As a result of the efforts of the members of St. Andrew's Church the church will benefit to the extent of £llO, this being the net proceeds of the recent bazaar. Show Successes. —Showing that the stock bred in the Western district can compare very favourably with any part of Southland, it may be mentioned that Mr W. Kennedy, the successful breeder of Bayswater, annexed enps for the following- •at the - last Winter Show: —Most points in roadsters, champion Border Leicester ram, champion Romney ram, and most points in show. - Etxtraordinary Vacancy.—At the meeting of the Wallace County Council, held on Friday, 15th inst., Mr S. Fowle, the newlyelected councillor for Waiau Riding, was chosen to fill the position on the Wallace H. and C.A. Board rendered vacant by the death of Mr John Findlay. Soiree.—Owing to the fact that the health of Mrs Macdonald, wife of Rev. A. Macdonald, is causing- her friends some anxiety at the present time, it has been decided to postpone the annual soiree of the Presbyterian Church to Friday, 3rd October, Mrs Macdonald was to have taken a prominent part in the getting up of the programme for this yearly function, but owing to her illness she has been unable to do so, hence the postponement. Birchwood Hunt. —The programme for the steeplechase raoe meeting of the Birchwood Hunt, to be held at Winton on September 22, has been drawn uo. and comprises eight events, as follows:—Hunters' Hurdles, of 35sovs: Wallace Hack Handicap, of 40sovs; 'Turi Hack Steeplechase, of 50sovs; Gardner Memorial Stakes, of SOsovs: Birchwood Hunt Cnp Steeplorvha.se, of 75»ovs and a trophy value 20cr9; Otantau Hack Handicap, of 35sovs; Dominion Handicap, of 50sovs; and Ladies' Bracelet, of 40sovs and a bracelet, value lOgs. _ Butter Shortage.—lt seems strange that, right in the middle of a large dairying district, a shortage of this very necessary commodity exists; but such is the case here at the present time, and it is reported that one of our large hotels has been without it for several davs. This is a subject on which a good deal might be written, as before the Government should permit, tho export of butter they should see that the wants of the Dominion are supplied first and foremost. Otautau Hack Pacing- Club.—Since the trranting of a totalisater permit for this club the energetic president (Mr M. O'Brien) and members of committee have not let the grass grow under their feet, and have been casting their eyes round_ the district with a view to securing a suitable property on which to hold their race meeting. It is their intention to purchase a course on which all race meetings could be held, instead of having to depend on the generosity of Winton and Rivcrfcon. and it is stated that their efforts are meeting with much success towards the carrying out of this obiect. Should such a course be secured it will be of incalculable benefit to the town and district.