SOUTHLAND NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 29

SOUTHLAND NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, March 6._ Great interest has been token here in Captain Euan Dickson's Avra aeroplane which arrived here on Tuesday morning. The day of his. arrival broke fine and clear, and a splendid view was obtained of the plane as it circled over the town. Dropping a mail bag at Rugby Park, the pilot gracefully planed down to his temporary aerodrome at the racecourse. At 2.30 p.m. Captain Dickson began his passenger flights and continued them till 4.30, when a large crowd had -assembled to view his "stunting," which was advertised for that hour. Taking hi 3 mechanic with him, the aviator then ascended and delighted the large crowd by a fearless exhibition of daring aerial feats, which included "flips" and tricks that held the crowd breathless. Unfortunately, Wednesday was a most unsuitable day for flying, and despite the fact that a large number of country people had come to see the exhibition, it seemed that Capain Dickson would bo unable to go aloft on account of the boisterous weather. Taking (advantage of a lull, however, about 4 o'clock, this sporting aviator determined to attempt to fulfil his engagements, and in the teeth of a strong wind he made an asoent. In spite of the difficult flying conditions, he performed many daring and interesting feats, delighting the large crowd, who accorded him an ovation when the Awo safely landed. Otautau and Winton districts were to have been included in Captain Dickson's itinerary, but, on account of inclement weather on Thursday, he was reluctanly compelled to postpone his visit to these country centres, and on Friday morning at 7 o'clock he left for the north. This novel visitor with his wonderfully clever feats delighted the. Invercargill people, and much disappointment was felt by a large number, who were unable, on account of the bad weather, to essay their first flight. ~ A number of soldiers, who recently applied to the Southland Land' Board for permission to go to the ballot for the Mount Wendon Run, were set aside by that body on account of allegedly slender finances and for other reasons, best known to the board. A meeting is called for Wednesday night by the Returned Soldiers' Association of Gore to coasider the complaints of soldiers who were disqualified, and it promises to be of more than ordinary interest. _ The Southland Board appears to uphold its reputation of Scotch canniness, and many candidates, who had been passed by northern boards for larger ventures, were here disqualified. The Returned Soldiers' Handbook points out emphatically that soldiers with experience will be assisted on to the land, and financial matters loom but small in the instructions therein contained. None, however, but comparatively wealthy soldiers are allowed by this board to participate in the ballot, and it is maintained by many disappointed soldiers that the board is noi keeping faith with the promises of the Land Department. The meeting on Wednesday night, will provoke tome straight speaking, and no doubt \vill provide some; means of elucidating the exact position of the would-be/ soldier settler. The future of the Southland Electric Power Scheme has for many months excited quite a deal of public comment, and there is no doubt that the people of Southland as a whole are deeply mterested in it, and if its success depends upon being backed up by public support, it will be a success indeed. On Saturday, March 27, the ratepayers of Southland are being asked to vote on this important matter and no doubt is entertained as to the result of that vote. Mr A. W.. Rodger, the chairman of the recently elected Power Board, has expended a tremendous amount of energy and time in explaining to the public of Southland the possibilities of this progressive scheme and these people, I am sure, who have listened to his convincing arguments will assuredly vote for the proposal on the 27th inst. In these days of modern methods, it would be a very conservative people who would hesitate to support the inauguration of the _scheme which has yielded so much wealth to 'those progressive peoples of the world who have seen and made use of the possibilities of this cheap and wonderful power. Theatre-goers locally are greatly interested in J. C. Williamson's Musical Comedy Co. which commenced a three nights' season here on Friday, March 5. They are producing . "Going Up," "Yes, Uncle," and "High Jinks," and despite the usual high prices, heavy booking has resulted, and Williamsons are assured of splendid houses for their three plays. With the early resumption of the Melbourne-Bluff mail service, which has been strongly advocated by the local bodies in Southland, it is hoped that Invercargill music lovers will have more frequent opportunities of availing themselves of the pleasure of hearing good companies. In this direction Southland has recently been sadly penalised, and it is but seldom that a good company visits this southern town, despite the fact that we possess one of the finest theatres in New Zealand, ' -

Eriday, March 5, was an important day amongst the teaching fraternity of Southland, being the occasion of their annual conference. The president (Mr R. N. Wilson, of I/umsden) was in the chair, and in his presidential address made a sound and convincing appeal for the consolidation of country schools with a view to more efficiency and a higher standard of education being maintained in this neglected branch of the service. The chief inspector (Mr A. L. Wylio), at the invitation of the institute, gave an illuminating and instructive interpretation of the new syllabus, recently issued by the Education Department. Mr Wylie's address was followed with great interest, and much helpful advice was received by the teachers. The new president is Mr J. A. Henry, first assistant of the Waihopai School, and a committee of the following ladies and. gentlemen was elected after a keen contest: —Mr R. N. Wilson (vice-president), Misses Baird, M'Leod, Carnahan, and Salmond, Messrs D. M'Ncill, 8.A., C. Lawless, H. M'Chesney, W. Blackie, M.A., B.Sc, D. M. Rae, 8.A., A. E. Featherstone. There was a very large attendance of teachers, end great interest was displayed in all the disouss-ions. In the evening a social and dance was held In Ashley's Hall and a most enjoyable time was spent. Mr W. M'Lean, who for some years has been the popular manager of Rattray and Sons's wholesale branch in Invercargill, has resigned his position, andi shortly goes to Chmstchurch, where it is his intention to enter into business with his brother as

wholesale merchants. Mr M'Lean will be greatly missed by his staff, but he will g& with the best wishes of his many friends, who predict for him highly successful future. m ' On Wednesday, March 3, the Southland Horticultural Society opened their autumn shpw in the Victoria Hall. Owing to the lack of interest displayed during the war in this important society, a distinct falling away was noticed in the entries, and much keen work will be needed before the society regains it 3 pristine popularity. The long spell of dry weather, too, militated somewhat against a good show. Messrs J. Lennie and Sons made a very fine display of floral work, wreaths, crosses, and bouquets, set off with palms. The Corporation exhibit, set up by Mr W. Smith, was perhaps the most interesting of all the exhibits. The motor trip, fr,om Tuatapere to Lake Monowai, by the Waiau. route, has been successfully accomplished, and favourable reports o;i this route as a means of transport have been made to the Power Board. The matter of transport of a great amount of material is truly one of the most puzzling matters before the engineers, and many are the "views 'held locally as to the cheapest mode of transit. In the Southland Times of March * 3 an interesting and logical letter appeared under the nom-de-plumo of "Waiau Jack," who adversely criticised the practicability of the three proposed modes of transport which have already been advanced—(a) by the Merivale railway, not yet completed; (b) by using the Waiau for navigation; and (c) by waggons along the county road. This correspondent nuts in a very sound argument for the construction of a light electric railway along the Waiau banks, and there seems much common sensewin his 'argument.