OTAUTAU

Otago Witness, Issue 3512, 5 July 1921, Page 37

OTAUTAU

July I.—On Saturday, June 25, Otautau First Fifteen journeyed to Orawia to ploy a friendly football match, and succeeded in scoring a victory by 9 points to 5. The visitors were entertained at a. smoke concert in the evening, a very enjoyable time being spent. Oil Wednesday 7 ', 25th ult., Otautau Third Grade team played Riverton on the Recreation Ground, and had a walk-over by 29 points to nil. Great interest is centred in the deciding match between Otautau and Nightcaps for the Senior banner competition, both sides being confident of victory. Valedictory.—Miss MTnman, who has severed her connection with the Southland Education Board, and taken up a position at Hunter, South Canterbury, under the Canterbury Education Board, tendered a social to her ex-pupils, parents, and friends in the Otautau Town Hall on Tuesday evening, 21st June, at which there was a large attendancs, and a very enjoyable time- was spent. On Wednesday evening, 22nd ult.. Miss M‘ln man was entertained by the members and friends of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church choir at the residence of Mr and Mrs Soulsbv, Mr Lawless presenting her with a Doulton bowl and a silver hot-water kettle on behalf of the choir and friends. On Friday evening, in the Waikouro. School, where Miss MTnman has been teaching, the lesidents presented her with a gold broocn get with precious stones, and a silver jewel casket, and the 'School Com-mitee handed her a testimonial expressing their appreciation o£ the good work she had done in the district. Burning Fatality.—A fire occurred m the residence of Mr S. Cooper, dentist, Otautau, last Tuesday, which resulted in the tra-gre end of the occupant. Deceased had attempted to escape, as his remains were found near the front door. The late Mr Cooper was born at Yorkshire,. England, in 1850, and came to the colonies in 1863, landing at Lyttelton. He stayed in Christchurch for three or four months, when lie went to- Hokitika, and after twomonths went to Auckland. He worked at Shell Back Gully for the Hon. Mr Cadman,

after which he joined the Armed Constabulary, of which he was a member for 18 months. At the outbreak of the second Maori war he went to Wanganui, and took part in the attack on the pah at Westmere. He spent 16 months with the forces, and in 1870 left for England, but scon returned to Christchurch, where lie practised a-s a dentist. From the North Island he shipped to Queensland, and for about 18 months worked at geld mining, wool-washing, shearing, fencing, etc. His adventurous spirit drove him to wander back to New Zealand again, and eventually he settled in. Invercarill as a dentist. Before settling in Otautau. he had spent a good part of his time in various parts of New Zealand lie was a man of splendid character, well read, quiet, and unobtrusive. The funeral took place on Thursday, the service being conducted by Rev. D.L Freer, vicar of the parish. Welcome Social.—A social was tendered in tire Strathvale barn on Thursday evening to Messrs D. Mitchell and L. Pulley ana their brides. There was a large attendance, the function being organised by the soldier settlers. Songs were acceptably rendered by Messrs Mathieson and Corkhill, Messrs Hogg and Burton, Miss Rita Holmes, and Mr Jelly-man playing the accompaniments. Mr and Mrs Pulley placed their residence at the disposal of the guests. During the evenin'-' Mr Fulfill- welcomed the new-comers on beTialf of the Strathvale Settlement and on behalf of the townspeople and visitors Mr A N Holmes assured them that feouth-l-inde>-= had warm hearts, and trusted they would "feci -it home- amongst them. He complimented the settlers on tlio excellent manner in which the arrangements had been carried out, and thanked them for the splendid way in which the outsiders had been treated.* The music for the dance was provide by Mr E. Jellyman, assisted by Miss Holmes, who played a few extras.