SOUTHLAND NEWS

Otago Witness, Issue 3611, 29 May 1923, Page 27

SOUTHLAND NEWS

(From Our Own Correspondsnt.: IN VERCARGILL, May 25. The annual meeting oi tne Southland Power Board provided tne lirst crossing of swords between the two factions wiiicli now- torni the board. When nominations for chairman were called, the Iron. A. F. Hawke proposed Mr A. \Y. Rodger, and this was seconded by Mr A. Hamilton. The opposition nominated Mr R. A. Rodger, Mr Niven making tlie proposal and Mr E. Bowmar seconding. A division resulted in Mr A. VV. Rodger being elected by six votes to four. The division was as follows:—For Mr A. W. Rodger: The Hon A. F. Hawke, Messrs Macaiister, H. J. Middleton, A. le TI. Hoyles, A. Hamilton, arid T. Fraser; for Mr R. A. Rodger: Messrs H. E. Niven, E. Bowmar, T. Buckingham, and D. J. Ileenan. The two Farmers’ Union representatives,- Messrs Bowmar and Heenan, were in the minority. Mr Evan I’arry, who was one of the first electrical engineers to endorse the Monowai scheme, has just revisited the works, going over the head works with Mr A. W. Rodger and the engineer (Mr Thomas) yesterday. This afternoon he was entertained at afternoon tea by the board, when several matters concerning the scheme were discussed. fir Joseph Ward, who arrived in Invercargill by the afternoon express, was also presefit. The Wyndham A. and P. Association held its annual reunion on Thursday evening, the entertainment taking the form of a smoke concert. The various trophies won by competitors at the annual show in December were formally presented by the president (Mr D’Arcv Raymond), who occupied the chair. Since its reorganisation about 10 years ago, the show has made steady progress, and it now possesses trnnhies for competition valued at over £IGO. At the annual meeting of the Southland County Council. Mr E. Bowmar was elected chairman for the ensuing 12 months, while Mr F. J. Linscoll was elected to a similar position on the Wallace County Council. The allegations made by 7 Mr A. White against the county clerk (Mr A. J. Service) were again referred to at the last meeting of the council, the chairman (Mr T. Fraser) stating that he had given Mr White the option of withdrawing his remarks and publishing an apology if his allegations were proved to be false. Mr White did not reply to the letter, and the council gave him three days to do so before proceeding with a special inquiry. The annual meeting of the Southland Motor Association was held during the week, the president (Mr F. J. Lillicrap) occupying the chair. There was only a fair attendance, but the meeting was an enthusiastic one. The association has accomplished good work during the year, and sign-posts are now erected throughout the province. In one instance the association took upon itself to prepare a road, and two big working bees were held on the Riverton Beach road making it fit for motor traffic. Mr Lillicrap was again elected p-esident. Two Southland bodies, the Motor Association and the Southland League, lost their secretaries. Mr J. E. Winsloe filled both positions and did a great amount of work for both bodies. Neither was in a strong position when he assumed charge, and he leaves both in a healthy condition, due largely to his activities. At the annual meeting of the Motor Association Mr Winsloe was elected the first life member in recognition of his services, and at the annual meeting of the Southland League many eulogistic references were made, to his work for the league. Andrew M’Donnell. who was charged with attempting to obtain money hy threat, appeared at the recent sitting of the Supreme Court, The person from whom he was alleged to have attempted to obtain the money was Thomas Gwyime, who figured in another case. The jury returned a verdict in favour of the accused, who was discharged. Reference was made at tho annual meeting cf the Power Board to the good work accomplished by Mr IV. ILncbey during his term ef office, and a minute recording tne Board’s- appreciation of the work done by the late chairman was passed. All members spoke well of Mr Hinchey’s work. There is every prospect that the meetings of the Power Board will provide some lively discussions; The Board is now divided into two factions, and this has already manifested itself. Some sharp interchanges occurred at the annual meeting when the policy of tne Board was under consideration. T hese were only dropped when the chairman recommended that the Board withhold discussing the future policy until more particulars were available to members The chairman’s salary wa s not fixed, Mr A. W. Rodger asking members to leave the amount of salary in abeyance for six months. Educational work has been carried out on the Gore Experimental Farm Plot for over three years; and during the week Mr ti. B. lennant took a large party of farmers over the plot explaining the workmg of the different plots and the results obtained from (he experiments. There was nothing in the way of a set lecture Mr Tennant encouraging the fanners to ask questions and debate the results obtained. By this method many interesting P° lr ’ ts ,, of i t"® experimental work were bi ought to light m a manner in which those who were present will have no difficulty in remembering. Tlie advocates of the dairy pool have commenced their activities early \ meet mg was held m Winton last Saturday evening, when Mr Adam Hamilton addressed a representative gathering of those "interested Mr Hamilton explained the” workmg of the meat pool, upon which it was Proposed to found the dairy pool A brief discussion took place after Mr Hamilton’s address, and it was decided to ask For (he establishment of a pool for the coming season and that the necessary steps he taken to have legislation passed to make the pool effective.