The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3673, 5 August 1924, Page 31

The Country

LAKE COUNT*. July 31.—For the past week exceptionally mild weather has been experienced. The enow which fell at the beginning of last week has disappeared from the low-lying country. Football.—Two of tile four matches in the second round of the County Cup fixtures have been played. On the 19th, Queenstown defeated Country Pirates by 11 to 6 in an evenly contested game. On Saturday last, the Glenorchy team visited Arrowtown, the match resulting in a win for Arrowtown by 17 to 6. Conditions were not favourable, as there were fully three inches of snow on the ground. Arrowtown is still leading for the cup, with 7 points, Queenstown being second with 5. Valedictory.—There was a large and representative gathering, at Wharehaunui on Monday evening last, the occasion being a valedictory social tendered to Mr and Mrs J. W. Miller, on the eve of tlieir departure from the district. Mr Miller has been manager of Coronet Peak Station for the past 11 years, while Mrs Miller is a native of the district, and both are very popular with all classes. On behalf of the residents Mr Miller was presented with a Mosgiel travelling rug, and Mrs Miller with a doulton fruit tray and a silver and oak biscuit barrel. Mr G. H. Romans, who made the presentation to Mr Miller, referred to the many good qualities of Mr and Mrs Miller, and of the interest they had always taken in the welfare of the district. The presentation to Mrs Miller was made by Mrs James McLean. Mr Romans’s remarks were endorsed by several present, all expressing regret at the departure from the district of the guests of the evening, and wishing them every success in the future. Supper was provided by the ladies, and a number of musical items were given. Property Sale.—Mr D. R. Barron has disposed of his “Craigroy” property near Arrowtown to Mr Eustace Saunders, of Fairlie, who will take possession on September 1. Death. —The death took place at Arrowtown, on the 22nd inst. of Mr Charles Williamson, an old resident of the district. Deceased, who was 80 years of age, was a native of Cornwall and with his wife, came to New Zealand about 50 years ago. He resided at Anderson's Bay for a few years, and came to this district in 1883. For a time he worked in the mines at Head of Lake and Skippers, but for several years past he had resided in Arrowtown. His wife died two years ago, and there was no family. The interment took place at Arrowtown on Thursday last, the burial service being conducted by the Rev. W. Mcllhatton. Wedding.—A marriage of district interest was celebrated at Otautau on the 22nd inst., the contracting parties being Mr Edward Robinson, youngest son of Mr and Mrs John Robinson, Queenstown, and Miss Noreen Lee, eldest daughter of Mr George Lee, Otautau. Personal.—Mr D. R. Barron, who recently disposed of his “Craigroy” property, has been appointed inspector to the Manawatu Rabbit. Board, with headquarters at Sanson. The Rev. J. N. Goodman, vicar of the Anglican parish of Arrowtown, has been appointed to the cure of the parochial district of Balclutha. During the 18 months Mr Goodman has resided in Arrowtown, he has made himself very' popular with all classes of the community, and his departure will be regretted by a large circle of friends. Mr Goodman will not take up his new charge until November next. LUMSDHN, July 31.—The weather for the past fortnight’ has been variable, typical winter days alternating with warm spring day's, but on the whole the winter has been a very mild one. At the time of writing heavy min has fallen. Amusements.—Of late Lumsden has been having a surfeit of gaiety, and during this week every night is being oocupied with some form of entertainment. On Tuesday nights’ of the past four or five weeks the Catholics have been having a Cinderella dance, with cards, ping-pong, etc., for nondancers, supper being provided, and the proceeds being m aid of funds for rebuilding the Presbytery recently burnt down at Riversdale. On Wednesday and Saturday nights of this week Mr J. Kirkpatrick produced two very good picture programmes. On Friday night Mr J W. Bid gave a first class picture programme, also presenting for the first time in Lumsden the Rev. F. Gorman, the singing parson. On Thursday night, the hockey club held the second of a series of weekly card tournaments and dancing which it is running in order to raise funds for the forthcoming Queen Carnival, to be held during the middle of October, for the object of improving the sports grounds. Scholastic. —On Wednesday last Inspectors Straehan and Service paid their yearly visit to the local school and expressed themselves well satisfied with the progress of the school. It is understood that Mr C. Romans has been appointed organising teacher for Southland, with headquarters in Lumsden. OTAUTAU. July 31. —On Thursday, July 24, Rev. G. A. Dawson, who has been officiating as Assistant Curate, in the Winton-Otautau parish for the past two years, was, on the creation of a separate parish, including Otautau and Nightcaps, inducted as Curate by Canon Lush, of St. John’s, Invercargill. Rev. C. Webb, Vicar of Riverton, and Rev. F. Vivian Fisher, Vicar of Winton, assisted at the ceremony, which took place in St. Andrew’s Church. A social evening was afterwards held in the Town Hall, at which visitora were present from Nightcaps, Otai and Dunearn. Songs were acceptably rendered by Misses Renowden (2), Fisher, Leydon, and Mclntyre, Rev. G. A. Dawson and Mr E. Ottrey. A dance was also held. The accompaniments and dance music were played by Mrs Grieve, Miss Stewart and Mr A. Rowe. Hockey.—A trial match was played on the Recreation Ground on Wednesday, between the Western District and a town team, resulting in a victory for the latter by five goala to nil. The visitors had the best of the game all through. Messrs Hodges and Lumsden controlled the game. In the evening both teams were entertained by the Western District sub-association in the Town Hall, at the conclusion of which Mr H. Ashley thanked the Association for their hospitality and the game. Mr Lumsden, in responding, said that b* wu disappointed

in the showing put up by the town team, but stated that it would tend to stimulate interest in the game in the Western District. Dancing was indulged in to capital music supplied by Messrs Jellyman and Smythe. Radium. —A meeting was held on Tuesday evening to report progress in connection with the canvass of the township to raise the district’s quota towards the purchase of radium. Mr Fraser, chairman of the Town Board, presided. Dr Stewart said he had communicated with the members of the Orphan’s Club in Invercargill, with the object of giving a concert. They had promised to do so, and he suggested August 20 as the date, on account of other attractions coming off in the near future._ This was agreed to, and it was left in Dr Stewart’s hands to finalise arrangements. Dr Stewart also stated that the following collectors were canvassing in the outlying districts:—Aparima, Miss Robson; Bayswater, Mesdames W. Kennedy and F. J. Collie; Orawia, Rev. Taylor; Scott’s Gap, Mr J. G. Pater-son; and Fairfax, Mr G. Meek. The collectors for the township reported having met with a very gratifying response, the following amounts being collected; —Mrs Macdonald, 120 17s Gd; Mrs G. H. Stevens, £9 9s 6d; Mr F. J. Best, £2l; and Mr Fraser, £5 2s. The tentative offer of the Territorials to run a dance, and hand over the whole profit to the Radium Fund was accepted. Canvassers were appointed for Merrivale Road and Pukemaori, after which the meeting adjourned. It was left in the hands of Dr Stewart and Mr Fraser to convene the next meeting. EDENDALE. August I.—lt is again my privilege to report weather as the very best, though just after writing my last letter, this district had a really wintry snap, with snow on the surrounding hills. Farmers for two. months have had a respite from the long hours inseparable from the dairying industry, but in a few weeks they must be “up and till’t again.” The pity is that at present the price of butter fat is not commensurate with the long hours of daily labour entailed in this avocation, and thoes who have taken land at the boom prices, find it hard to make a “do” of it. Motor Tractor Trial. —A Motor tractor trial took place on the farm of Mr A. M. Weir on Thursday, July 24, and attracted a fair number of interested who see in this up-to-date method of haulage, a more economical method of working their land. Many years ago, the company that owned Edendale Estate used stationary steam engines with long cables attached to the ploughs, but this method was judged to be no improvement on horse traction, so it was discontinued. Entertainment.—An entertainment in aid of the Edendale Public Hall was held recently, when a good musical programme was staged by local performers, as follows; Songs, Mesdames W. Irvine and T. Torbett, Misses M. Dunlop and I Tither, Messrs P. Hansen and R. Rae. Duet, Mrs Torbett and Miss V. Pringle Recitations, Messrs W. Andrew's and G. W. Braxton. Piano solo, Miss Y. Pringle, Mrs FI. E. Niven and P. C. Brennan were acconpanists. Mr Oscar Baird thanked the performers for their willing and acceptable services. WAIKAIA. August 1. —The weather has been very changeable—severe frosts, sunny days changing to heavy showers. There is deep snow' on the high levels, though the lower portions are now free of snow. Competition Cup.—Mr William Christie, Chairman of the School Committee, has given a beautiful silver cup, mounted on ornamental oak base, on which provision is made for mounting a number of miniature shields to bear the name of the successful teams. The cup is engraved with the inscription “Northern District School RugbyFootball Competition,” and a silver plate carries the donor’s name and date of presentation. Accident, —A serious accident occurred at Mr Caldwell’s, Edendale, on Thursday, July--24. Mr Mcrvyn Roe, 18 years of age, elderson of Mr Roe, Waikaia, was helping to unload a lo'ad of coal. Some coal accidently fell on his head. He was taken to Gore hospital, and a slight improvement in his condition was reported yesterday-. Sickness.—Mrs Northcoat is at present in Gore hospital, and many persons have severe colds. A few suffering from influenza. OPHIR AMD OMAKAU. August 1. —The weather during July was very seasonable, for that is the month when the “bars’’ of the Central Otago “gridiron” are most heavily coated with snow. The Pars,” in order from east to -west, are; Rock and Pillar range, Rough Ridge, Raggedy Ranges, Dunatan Mountains, PisaCriffel range. Speaking generally, the areas of the tops of the ranges are much the same as the areas of the valleys between, so that when the ranges are under snow the temperature in the valley-s drop 3 low. On nine nights in July the thermometer recorded from 20 degrees (12 degrees of frost) downward. On the Bth and 9th the record was 18 degrees, and the coldest snap was from the 23rd to the 26th, with the mercury a-t 17, 23, 16, and 16 degrees. Only 99 points of rain fell, and this inch of rain was spread over ten days, the heaviest fall being on the 17tli with 34 points. On the morning of the 19th we had our first fall of snow for this winter—only 21 inches in Ophir, and 3 inches in Omakau. The promise is for an early spring this year—the buds of the balsam poplar are swelling rapidly, and the leaves of snowdrops, crocuses, and early narcissi are coming through. Blacks School.- —The school here retains the old name of Blacks, after the name of the holder of the run w'hen gold -was discovered in April, 1864—just over 60 years ago. The winter holidays usually begin with the first snowfall, which was so late this winter that tho holidays began on July 7, for a month. During the holiday's the school football team (which claims the famous title of “All Blacks”) has played two matches with other schools, on the 12tli, against Otureliua (Rough Ridge), when they got a real drubbing, 8 points to 42 points. But the “weight limit” should be enforced in the country as well as in the town, for seven of the 16 Rough Ridge lads were half a head toller than the tallest of the Ophir boys. On the 19th, the day of the snowfall, the

Moa Creek boys bravely came over Raggedy Ridge to play the return match here (on the snow-covered Omakau ground), when Black’s won by 17 points (five tries and a try-goal) to 3 (a penalty goal). Ladies’ Missionary Society.-—The first meeting of the Ophir branch of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union of New Zealand was held on July- 17, when office-bearers were elected for t o year 1924-25. These are as follows. —President, Mrs S. Leask; vicepresident, Mrs O. C. Austing; secretary and treasurer, Mrs L. Taylor-Gannon.. The branch decided to meet monthly', and already a programme of work for the year is being drawn up. Ladies’ Hockey.—The Matakanui Club met the Alexandra Girls' High School "A” team on the Omakau ground last Saturday for their return match. The result was a tie—the score, three goals all. The match was a very' fast one, and was marked by very good dribbling and reliable defence on til© part of the High School girls, whose greateramount of practise made up for their youth against their heavier opponents. Rugby Football. —“Probables” and "Possibles,” selected from all the clubs in the Maniototo Sub-union, with the exception of Strath-Taieri Club, met on the Omakau ground on July 26. Owing to the club named not sending its chosen members, thegame was late in starting, and the spells were reduced to 30 minutes. The ground was frozen almost stone-hard under about lialf-an-incli of thawed surface, and in some places there were considerable patches of frozen snow from the fall on the 19tli. In spite of the apparently dangerous nature oi’ the ground, there were no casualties, though it would not have been wise to play an inter-club match on such a ground. The “Probables,” playing in red jerseys, -scored 22 poi rits to the "Possibles,” playing in any colour, score of 9. For tile former, the sprinter Forrester otbained three tries, Milne, J. Mawhinney and J. Donnelly, one each. Two of the ties were converted. For _t-he losers, Kippenberg and Townsend (ex-Uni-versity) scored tries, and Strode kicked a penalty goal. The state of the ground caused an unusual number of falls, because the least touch of au opponent brought down both men, and attempts to swerve or sidestep ended on the slippery -surface almost as if the game were played on ice. Under the circumstances the game was a very' good one and some good passing , at full speed was shown by' the Probables. Mr R. Mee controlled the game, the object of which was to pick a representative team to play the Vincent Sub-union on August 9, and in view of the match against the Eastern District later on. BALCLUTHA. August 3. —The Clutha Football Club's -social and dance, held last Tuesday evening, proved a most enjoyable function, about sixty couples being present. The floor was in excellent order for dancing, and a most delightful supper was supplied by la-dy supporters of the club. Balclutha Borough Council. —At the Council meeting on Thursday night, Mr E. G. Wilson, of Gore, presented the plans and estimates for the Balclutha drainage system. The scheme is thought to be an excellent one, the estimated cost being somewhere in the vicinity of £14,000. School Concert. —A concert in aid of school funds was given on Wednesday' evening, when there was a good attendance of the public. The most attractive items on the programme were the waltz and march rendered by the Boys’ Band. This band has just recently been formed, and Mr A. Wood, who undertook the training of the boys, is to be congratulated on the successful performance. It- is hoped that the public- generally will liberally' assist the movement to train the school boys, numbering 24, as the Boys’ Band will be of great value to the community. Bowling Club. —The annual report of the above club, presented at a meeting on Wednesday evening, showed a. very successful season. The finances of the club are in a very sound position. The ladies’ club, which apparently- has come to stay, showed an increase in membership. The local ladies won their first match, played against Roxburgh, and they are to be congratulated on their victory. The assets are stated to be £l7l 3s 9d, with no liabilities. wfAiROA (Hawke’s Bay}. July' 29.—The past week presented an imexpectecl scene of light frost, while snowfell inland, showing a white mantle on the hills. Obituary,—An old Maori resident of W-airoa, Mr A tali ere Hungahunga, passed away' a few days ago at the age of 73 y'ears. Deceased took a prominent- part in the Maori War, and went through several engagements against Te Kooti. He often relates, how, on one occasion this notorious rebel gained entrance to the Te Huki Pa, and killed all he could lav hands on. Mr Hungahunga, who was one of the imprisoned ones escaped through a secret underground passage. Rise of Lake 'Waikaremoana, —There is a considerable rise in the waters of Lake Waikaremoana, greater than any increase for the- past four or five years. The result in the over-flow is so great that the measuring- weir installed by the Public Works Department is unable to register, it being quite covered. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, —The annual congregational meeting of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was held, there being a. good attendance of members and adherents present. The Rev. W. Raeburn presided. The reports and balance sheets were read and showed that the various activities in connection with the church were in a sound condition. Addresses bearing on church work wore delivered by Sister Jessie (Deaconess), and the Rev. Mr Murray. A musical programme consisting of solos, duets, and quartets was rendered during the evening. The pastor voiced the general regret of all at the retirement of Dr Somerville from the board of managers, with which he had been connected for 25 years. The last five years he was treasurer. Dr Somerville had during his term on the managers’ board always worthily upheld the interests of the church, and the hope was expressed that his severance would be only a temporary one. The congregational meeting further placed on record a sincere vote of thanks to Mrs J. Haughton, who had now completed her tenth year as organist to the church. A new committee was elected and a hand round supper closed the proceedings. Fire at W-airoa, —Wairoa's immunity from fires for the past year or two received a. rude shock the other morning, when at a few minutes to one, a destructive fire broke out in a block of buildings at the corner of Marine Parade and Loche Street. The firo was first discovered burning strongly in the window of the premises of Simon Kaffoll, a Syrian dealer, in Eastern draperies and fancy goode. Fanned by a strong wind, it soon gained the mastery, and in a veryshort space of time, the whole block of four shops, -all in wood, was completely burned; the fire being eventaully stopped by a- large two-storey concrete building. Considerable damage was done to tho tele-

phone and telegraph lines close by, and communication in this way was cut off from the outside world for the rest of the day. There wa-s a large crowd present, but as there is no water supply for the town, nothing could be done, but let the fire burn out. Insurance on Raffoll’s shop were £2OO and the stock £IOOO. The only other insurance_ was £6OO on one of the shops owned by Mr J. Mayo, Wairoa. Recovery of Injured Person, —Mr Frank Frost, who received such frightful gashes to both thighs in the recent quarry accident, that grave fears for his recovery were entertained, is now making wonderful progress. Holies of saving both his legs are certain.