THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3488, 18 January 1921, Page 23

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents aTe reminded that all for the current week’s issue must Teach Dune n NOT LATER THAN SATURDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Monday are too late, and are thus a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY. January 13. —Tho heat has been intense in the district during the past week, the thermometer registering over 90deg in the shade on some days. For two* or three days the district was enveloped in smoke, caused by grass fires up Lake Wakatipu and at Mr Bloxham's run at Gibbston. Bowling.—Four rinks of Timaru bowlers visited Queenstown last week, and played a match with the local club on Saturday. The visitors secured a good win, being 27 up at the finish. Only one Queenstown rink finished with a margin on the right side. The scores w r ere: Timaru 90, Queenstown 63. Deaths.—There passed away at Gibbston on Thursday last, Mr William Perriam, a well-known and highly-respected resident of that place. Deceased who was 37 years of age, was the eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs Charles k’erriam,' of Gibbston. He was of a quiet and unassuming disposition, and was very popular with all who knew him. He was unmarried, and he leaves two brothers and one _sister to mourn theii loss. The funeral took place at Arrowtown on Saturday, the funeral services at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and at the grave being conducted by the Rev. it. do Lambert. —Mr Peter Hodge, a well-known resident of the district, died suddenly at Bendemeer Station, Arrowtown, on Tuesday morning. He was employed as « shepherd at Bendemeer during the shearing, and oil Tuesday morning he was np at 5.30, and appeared to be in his usual health. He went into the shearing shed about 6 o’clock, and sat down in a corner. At 8 o’clock when the men were going for breakfast it was discovered that Hodge had passed quietly away. An inquest was held on Wednesday before Mr D. F. Sutherland, coroner, when a verdict of death from natural causes was returned. The late Mr Hodge was 70 years of age, and had been engaged in shepherding in this district for many years. In 1872 he was head shepherd at Earnscleugli Station, which was then owned by Sir William Fraser. He was a widower, and leaves two daughters (Mrs Kilpatrick and Mrs MTntyre, of Tussock Creek, Southland). The funeral took place at Arrowtown yesterday, the burial service being conducted by llev. J. Rattray. Wedding.—A quiet wedding took place at the Mission Hall, Glenorchy, on Monday last, the contracting parties being Mr Frank W. Lees, of Gatlins district, and Miss Lora Harris, fourth daughter of Mr and Mrs Mark Harris, of Glenorchy. The Rev. J. H. Robertson (Queenstown) was the officiating minister. Miss Alma Harris was bridesmaid, and Mr Leonard Harris best man. The future home of the newly-wedded couple will be Kohukohu, Hokianga, Auckland.

HERBERT, January 4.—At the annual break-up of the school Mr R. Wilson (chairman of the committee), who presided, stated that the report of the inspector’s examination, which had just come to hand, was a good one, despite the broken attendances which resulted from a run of epidemics. On behalf of the committee, lie congratulated tho head master and his staff. The jubilee of the school, which was to have been celebrated on November 23, 1918, had been deferred owing to the armistice rejoicings and the influenza epidemic which followed. He hoped the coming year would see the occasion fittingly observed. Tho Rev. P. C. Rennie, in a brief address to the senior puoils, referred to the fact that past pupils of the school were holding responsible positions within the Dominion, and lie hoped those of to-day would in turn become good and useful citizens. He concluded by complimenting Mr Fleming and Misses Ycrston and Watson on their good work. Picnic.—The annual district picnic, which was held on December 30, was attended by an exceptionally large gathering of residents and their friends. The weather was perfect, and the spot chosen—the Allday Bay Beach—an ideal one for the children, who spent a most enjoyable time wading on the seashore and playing games and" running races. Everything went off without a hitch, which reflects great credit on the committee who had the arrangements in hand. Sunday School. Last Sunday the annual distribution of prizes to the Presbyterian Sunday School pupils took place. Tho Rev. P. C. Rennie presided, and gave a most appropriate .address to the scholars. Death.—Since last writing another of our residents has gone to loin the great majority The deceased lady, Mrs J. W. Irvine, was highly respected by all who knew her. Though of a quiet, unassuming disposition she will be greatly missed on the various committees. Her help was most valuable and willingly given. During the war she was one of the active members of our local Red Cross and Patriotic Committees. The sympathy of the district goes out to the husband ana iamily in their sad loss. Harvest is quickly approaching, and here and there one sees crop in the stood:.