CROMWELL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 27

CROMWELL.

March 6. —Meetings in connection with the hydro-electric scheme have been held throughout the goldflelds, and on Saturday last quite a number of Cromwell residents attended a meeting in the. Church Hall to hear the views of various speakers from Duncdin, among whom were Messrs Birks, Todd, S-add, Inglis Wright,, and M. Cohen. At the close of the meeting strong committees were formed to canvass the district for signatures for a petition praying for power to elect a board for the control of the proposed hydro-electric works. The party of visitors then journeyed to Pembroke by motor, where another large and enthusiastic meeting was held. Here also a strong committee was formed. Perfect weather favoured the visitors, and consequently they spent a most enjoyable time. Oiie section left for Dunedin by way of over the Crown Range to QueenstoWn,. then through the Kawarau Gorge and Otago Central, while another section spend a part of their spare time in visiting some of the famous beauty spots in-the vicinity of Pembroke. A word of praise is due- to Messrs R. Poulson and Steele, who acted as advance agents, and who wens indefatigable in their efforts to make all necessary arrangements for calling together those interested in hydro-electricity in the various districts of the Central. Fruit Industry.—Orchardists are still busy getting their fast-ripening crops away to market. Though fruit has been late this year, yet, taken all round, there appears to pe a great abundance of most excellent fruit. Tennis.—Cromwell tennis players journeyed a few days ago to Pembroke to try conclusions with the Wanaka tennis players, and after a most enjoyable game came off as victors, winning by a very comfortable margin. After the match a picnio was arranged for tho visitors at Pigeon Island, on Lake Wanaka. But the wind blew strong, and the journey was long, and the boat tossed and pitched and rose and fell, till some of the enthusiastic tennis players leaned sorrowfully over the side of the boat ruminating evidently on hydro-electricity. It is rumoured tnat some suggested to the defeated team that the return match should take place immediately after the return journey from the trip on the lake. Influenza.—The trouble seems to bo dying out fast and surely in the Urmer Olutha, and Cromwell itself is practically free of it. One of the sufferers from influenza was th 6- Rev. W. P. Rankin, Presbyterian minister, Cromwell. Church Affairs.—During the time that the Rev. Rankin was indisposed, Mr Tweedie divinity student, ably carried on the duties of the churoh. At the close of Mr Tweedie's farewell service last Sunday he was presented with a substantial cheque bv Mr R. Ritchie, session, clerk, who, on behalf of the congregation thanked him for the very efficient manner he had carried out his duties. Mr Tweedie, who is returning to Knox College to resume his studies for the' ministry, thanked the congregation for their kindness and help to him.—The Rev. John Kiely was inducted into the Wanaka Presbyterian Church oharge- last Tuesday by t-? €V " Mr Rank:l ' n '» wn ° is now rapidly on his- way to recovery. After the induction a social was held, which was attended by many visitors from near and far. The Rev Riley was the recipient of numerous congratulations from a wide circle cf friends and well-wishers. The Revs. Chandler, Bloomfield. and Standring' also took part in the induction service.