THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3618, 17 July 1923, Page 27

THE COUNTRY.

OarropondeaU an reminded that aH lelUv f— the current wrck’l Issue xduM reach Danisll* HOT LATER THAW SATURDAY NIGHT. Le*t«*» gaming to hand on Monday an too late, ud aN gfrca a week old when they appear. LAKE COUNT*. July 12. —The heavy fall of snow experienced in the district recently was followed by a succession of severe frosts. Old residents say that the frosts have been the most severe since the frosts after the UC3 iall of snow. As high as 31deg of frost have been registered. A welcome change came this morning, when there was a break. So far the snow has not disappeared to any extent. Up to the present sheep-owners have not been able to get out to the high country; but if a good thaw does not come soon there is bound to be a big loss of stock. Uhe frosts have been responsible for a good deal of damage. Many water pipes have burst, and in many residences the hot water system has been damaged. Football arid Hockey.—Owing to the various grounds being still under snow, football jnd hockey matches have been postponed indefinitely. Presentation. —At Queenstown on Saturday evening last Mr William Wilson, of the Stock Department, who has been transfc.y-d to Wellington, was farewelled by a numtr-.r of friends and presented with a Xxiewe pipe and smoker’s outfit. The presentation was made by Captain Kennedy, who referred to « Nt Wilson’s many good qualities as a citizen, and to the capable manner in which he had carried out his official duties, Messrs J. J. M'Bride, W. D. Warren, F. M’Dowall, ind H. Lorden also bore testimony to Mr Wilacm's many services to the town and district. Mr Wilson suitably responded. Wedding.—A quiet wedding was celebrated at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Arrowtown, this morning. The contracting parties were Miss B. M’Crae, a recent arrival from Scotland, and Mr Archibald Baker, fifth son of Mrs Baker end the late Mt J. W. Baker, Arrowtown. The Rev. W. MTihatton was the officiating clergyman. The bride was tended by Miss G. Baker, sister of the bridegroom, and Mr J. B. Fletcher was best man. After the ceremony the wedding breakfast was partaken of at the residence of the bridegroom’s mother. The Kev. MTihatton presided, and the toasts usual to such an occasion were proposed and honoured. Afterwards the newly-wedded ccuple_jgft by motor for Cromwell, en route for Dunedin, where the honeymoon is to be spent. . Death.—News was received in Arrowtown yesterday of the death at Dunedin of Mrs Penglase, wife of Mr W. Penglaee, of the Ballarat Hotel, Arrowtown. Deceased had been apparently in good health until two months ago, when she took suddenly ill, and was removed to Dunedin, where she died on Tuesday. She was the daughter of Mrs Sinnamon, of Ida Talley, and she leaves her husband and family' of two daughters and one son. SILVERSIDE (Tateri). July 12.—There has been a pronounced improvement in the weather conditions during the past week. There has been very little rain, but some particularly severe frosts Were experienced. There has, however, been very little drying weather, and the ground is still very wet; but we must feel grateful for the cessation of the almost continuous mins which have been our portion, for several weeks. With the shortest day behind us and with the sun gaining strength daily, we may look forward to better things in the future. A visit to Momona on Tuesday last revealed a state of affairs which is infinitely worse than our own. Wet as the paddocks are in this locality, they are still wetter about Momona, and the roads there are in a truly deplorable condition. Dairying.—Separating commenced at the local factory at the beginning of this month, and the factory is running on two days a week only. Debating Society.—A meeting of the Silverside Debating Society was held in the Silverside Sunday School Hall on Tuesday evening, July 3. In the absence of Mr William Blackie (through illness), the chair was occupied by Mr H. Swallow, and there was a large attendance. The subject set down for debate was “Single v. Married Life,” and the speakers for the single side were Mr Ken. Walmsley (leader), Misses Anderson and Currie, Messrs A. Douglas, W. Craig, and H. Sprott, and for the married side Mr T. Crozier (leader). Messrs Miller and Thompson. A vole taken at the conclusion of the debate showed that the speakers for the single side had made out the be3t case. For next Tuesday evening's debate the subject is “Should Women Enjoy Equal Rights with Men?” and the appointed leaders are Mr Hugh Sprott (affirmative) and Mr A. Miller (negative). OTAUTAU. July 12.—Recently a special committee of members of the Town Board was set up to report on a comprehensive scheme for concrete or asphalt footpaths. The following recommendations were made at Monday’s meeting:—(l) That all footpaths at present having concrete kerbings be built in concrete or asphalt for half the width of the path, this concrete to be built, from the inner edge of the kerbing. (2) That all footpaths at present gravelled but without kerbing be built in concrete or asphalt 4ft wide in the middle of the path. For the purpose of carrying out these improvements it is pro~ posed to raise a loan of £3OOO, and a special meeting of the board is to be held on Monday, 23rd July, to further the proposal. Hockey.—A team from the Otautau Ladies’ Hockey Club journeyed to Tuatapere on Wednesday to play a friendly game with the Tuatapere Club, and after a very enjoyable game the visitors were victorious by 2 goals to nil, both being scored by Miss mitty Muir. After the match the members of the Otautau team were regaled with refreshments in the hall, a pleasant hour being spent bongs were rendered by Mr M‘Guinness! while .selections the piano were played by Misses Brocket!, M’Dougall, and Gray On behalf of Otautau Miss M’KecJwie rei turned thanks for the right royal manner in which they had been entertained, Miss Brighton responding on behalf ‘of the home team. Mr M’Guinness also gave some advice on the points of the game, especially stressing the fact that a friendly spirit should prevail between members of tlie opposing teams.

Football. —The Second Grade match Otautau v. Orewia was played on the Recreation Ground on Wednesday afternoon, and was won by the latter by 17 points to 6. The visitors had the advantage in weight, while Otautau was unable to field its full team, commencing with 12 men and finishing up with 14. St. Andrew’s Scottish Society.—The sickness prevailing in the township was responsible for the meagre attendance at the St. Andrew’s Scottish Society’s concert ami dance in the Town Hall on Friday evening, 6th inst., consequently the stage had to be

requisitioned for the function. The presentation of the National Flag of Scotland had also to be postponed owing to the illness of the chief or the Invercargill Society, Mr J. L. M‘G. Watson. Mr Ronald, chieftain of the same society, tendered an apology for Mr Watson, ifnd after a short Scottish community sing had been indulged in, items were rendered by Mrs Porter, Messrs Aitchison, Ronald, and Master Mayhew, Invercargill; Mr H. Hogg, Otautau; and Mr J. Millar, Isla Bank. Mrs Hogg officiated as accompaniste. At a short dance held afterwards Grieve’s Orchestra supplied the music, while Messrs Hope and Burnett officiated as masters of ceremonies. A splendid supper was dispensed by the lady members of the society. Personal.—Miss Rita and Mr P. Boggs, who are at present on a tour of two months in the North Island, were passengers by the ill-fated Main Trunk express which ran into a slip at Ongarua last week. Both fortunately escaped unhurt. WAITAHUNA. July 13. —The weather just now is cold and damp. The frost has been pretty severe, but it does not last long. The wind is very cold, and it seems to be freezing all the time. There is a lot of sickness about —very severe colds and influenza. Obituary.—Two old identities in the persons of Mr Ross Crozier and Mrs Charles Thomson passed peacefully to rest in Waitahuna, during June. Mr Ross Crozier was 95 year 3 of age, and leaves three daughters and a number of grand children. Mrs Thomson was a widow, her husband having died some j'ears ago. She was 78 years of age, and had no children.—l have also to record the very sad death in Invercargill of Mrs Samuel M’Stay. She was the second daughter of Mrs Barton and the late Mr Robert Barton, cf Waitahuna. Mr M’Stay, her husband, and their 3'oung family will have the sympathy of the whole district in the sad trouble. MOMONA. July 13.—The Momona branch of the Otago Expansion League held its annual meeting on July 3. The fact that a public meeting on the Electric Power Board question was to follow was no doubt responsible for the large attendance. The report and balance sheet were read and adopted, and the outgoing committee was re-elected—viz., Messrs A. W. Amos (chairman), A. Moore, J. Strack, A. M’Hattie, J. Sliennan, W. Reid, J- J. Walker, W. Stevens, and R. L. Blair (secretary'). During the year the committee ■worked energetically for the formation of a Power Board for South Otago, Messrs Strack and Moore in particular giving their time and services freely in attending meetings held in Dunedin, Milton, and Balclutha. The petition is now before the ratepayers in the area to be included under the Power Board.

Wedding.—On July 10 Mr 1 P. Ford, only eon of Mr D. and Mrs Ford, Momona, was married to Miss A. Bruce, second daughter of Mrs J. Bruce, Momona. The wedding ceremony was celebrated at the residence of the bride’s mother, the Rev. D. W. M’Cosh officiating. During the afternoon the happy couple departed south for their “honeymoon. Health. —Influenza and influenza colds are much in evidence throughout the district. Most of the patients are young folk, and the school has been closed till Monday, 16th.