The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 31

The Country

LAKE COUNTf. May 7.—Heavy rain fell on Friday and Saturday nights, and the high country received a good coating of snow. The weather cleared on Sunday and since then there has been frost at nignts. Householders’ Meetings.—The annual meetings of householders for the election of school committees were held on Monday evening last. At Queenstown there was a fair attendance, and the following committee was elected:—Messrs W. H. Berry (chairman), T. H. Tallentire (secretary). A. tiunaon, H. Lorden, and Rev. J. H. Robertson. At Arrowtown only one householder attended, and the meeting lapsed. At Crown Terrace the following were elected a committee:—Mrs E. O’Fee, Messrs W. M'Kibbin (chairman and secretary), James Stevenson, W. H. Thomson, and M. Jenkins. Weddings.—A wedding was celebrated at St Joseph’s Church, Queenstown, on Tuesday morning, 28th ult. The contracting parties were Mr Thomas M’Auley (of Arrowtown, youngest son of the late Mr Jameß M’Auley, of Oamaru) and Miss Mercedes MlacDonald (third daughter of the late Mr J. S. MacDonald, n.M. Customs, Dunedin). The bridesmaid was Miss Madge MacDonald, sister of the bride, while Mr Charles M'Bride was best man. After the ceremony the wedding breakfast was partaken of at the Xia Ora Tearooms, after which the happy ccuple left by motor for Lake Wanaka, where the honeymoon was spent.—At St. Joseph’s Church, Queenstown, on Monday morning last, two well-known young Queenstown residents were joined in the bonds of wedlock by Rev. Father Woods. The contracting parties were Mr John Munro (youngest son of Mr and Mrs A. Munro, Adire, Morayshire, Scotland) and Miss Margaret Frances Kelly (third daughter of Mrs and the late Mr Philip Kelly, Queenstown). The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Jessie Kelly, and Mr J. J. M'Neill was best man. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at the Kia Cra Tear j. ms, after which the newly-wedded couple left by steamer, eu route for Mount Cook, where the honeymoon is being spent. Death.—The sa i ne vs was received in Arrowtown on Monday last of the death the previous day at Greymouth of Mrs Duffy, wife of Mr W. H. Duffy, of that town. Deceased was a native ot Arrowtown, being the youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Tobin. She leaves her husband and eight young children to mourn their loss. Shooting Season.—Local sportsmen were favoured with fine weather for the opening of the shooting season on Friday last. Both paradise and grey duck are reported to be plentiful, and several good bags were obtained. CROMWELL. May 9.—The Golf Club opened last Saturday with a foursome match, which was won by Mr F. Bradley and Mrs Paterson. M George Wishaxt, in a speech, outlined the various competitions which would be held during the year. He also urged the young players to take advantage of play with the older players and thus improve their game It is hoped to have a cup for interclub matches with other clubs in Central Otago —Football also had its opening. Cromwell played Lowburn at Lowburn, and won by six points to nil. Alexandra beat Clyde, 28 points to ml. Tarras beat Wanaka, 2* points to nil. The Exhibition.—Vincent County at its last meeting voted its quota (£100) towards the Otago Court at the Dunedin Exhibition.

Power Board.—A meeting of the Power Beard was held last week to consider the extension of the power to the area fci which the loan was recently authorised. If was resolved to call for tenders and material, and proceed with the work between Clyde and Cromwell. A representative from the board will be in the district next month to confer with householders as to their requirements. The town council, headed by the Mayor, Mr D. C. Jolly, continue for another term. Only one new member in the person of Dr Harrison in plffce of Mr R. Bretherton (retired) was appointed. The council has shown and proved _ itself a live body, and deserveß the appreciation of the ratepayers The assessment of £lO for the borough toward the Otago Court of the Exhibition was passed for payment. Hospital Board.—At a meeting of the Hospital Board last week Dr Harrison was appointed superintendent of the Cromwell and Clyde Hospitals. Church.—The Ladies’ Guild of the Presbyterian Church held a social on Tuesday evening, and by all voted a great success. Standing room only was the order. The local talent excelled itself. The funds of the guild should be considerably strengthened.

School.—The District High School is Siened under Mr Luke, the head master of romwcll School, and Mr Fleming, assistant. Everything points to success. We ■wish the teachers every success in this new department. Progress.—Cromwell still maintains its busy appearance. One can count at least 10 to 20 cars every morning, thns showing its prosperity. However, apart from that Cromwell still holds pride of place in Central Otago, and when we obtain electricity—which we could and should have had years ago—it will reveal not the dark corners, but the right of Cromwell as the most progressive inland town of Otago. Shooting.—The men with dogs and guns have had a very successful opening of the ■hooting season, ducks and quail boing very plentful this year. Bowling.—The Bowling Club has decided to join up with the Cromwell ’Brass Band and hold a bazaar on race nights. WAIKAIA. May B.—Bright sunny days, foggy mornings, and keen hard frosts at night, with a wnito mantle of buow on high mountains, has been our portion. Church Affairs.—On Wednesday evening at the Presbyterian Church the Rev. Hr M’llroy (Gore; moderator) acted as chairman at the induction of Rev. Mr Smaill as minister of Waikaia and Wendonside Churches, and Glenaray. The Revs. M'llroy, Hain, M’Ewan, and Evans took part in the service, and Mr Uren and the Rev. M'llroy wars presented with cheques in recognition of their ssrvioes to the congregations. Miss Orchiston and Messrs J. Milne, Wilson, and

Chamberlain made short speeches of welcome. Shooting.—The sportsmen have had large bags of ducks by the rivers, lakes, and lagoons. Some 80 ducks were shot by one company of four, and another bag of 86 was recorded. Ball.—The Masonic Hall was crowded on the evening of May 1 at the fancy dress ball. Prizes were won by Miss M'Kissock (hornpipe costume), Mr Moffitt (Chinaman), Mrs F. Lee (washerwoman), and Mr Heenan (swagger).. The music was supplied by Miss ilamer (violin) and Miss Soper (piano). Mr W. Moffitt made an efficient M.C. Obituary.—One of the very early and highly respected settlers of Waikaia passed away at Gore Hospital on Tuesday in the person of Mrs Michael Moffitt, at the age of 71 years. She was born in Invercargill, and came to Waikaia when about 16 years of age. She married Mr Michael Moffitt, and won high esteem by her kindness, and in cases of sickness rendered invaluable aid. Mr Moffitt died about 1909. The family was nine sons and two daughters; one son died m infancy. Four sons (William, Percy, Clarence, and Bertram) fought in the Great War in France, in which Clarence was killed. The other sons were Michael, George Alexander, and John. The daughters are Mrs Wylie and the late Mrs Bathgate Outram). The funeral took plate at Waikaia to-day. There were many beautiful wreaths, and a large attendance of friends. Rev. Mr Smaill officiated at the graveside. OTAUTAU. May 7. Rev. John Collie, who has been appointed Moderator of the Otautau charge, occupied the pulpit in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday last, and at the close of the evening service, a congregational meeting was held, at which a committee was set up to bring down a report regarding the appointment of a minister to the charge. Bircliwood Hunt.—The annual meeting of the Birchwood Hunt was held last week, and was attended by 30 members, over which Mr A. A. Liddell presided. The annual report showed that a successful year had been experienced,- while the balance-sheet revealed a credit balance of £139 03 9d. The sum of £287 7s was spent in building new kennels and repairs, while there was a profit of £2ll 2s 8d on the last race meeting. Officers were elected as follows: President, Mr Liddell (re-elected); Vice-President, Mr C. H. Williamson (re-elected); Master, Mr O. Williams; Deputy-master, Mr Looney, Members of committee, Messrs M. Gonley (re-elected), and Speight; Auditor, Mr W. Porteous (re-elected). School Committee Election.—There was an attendance of 16 householders at the annual meeting in the school on Monday evening. Mr Brooker presided, and submitted a report of the doings of the committee for the" past year. The balance-sheet revealed a credit balance of £l2 4s lOd. Messrs Brooker, Allison, Stevens, M’Gregor, Bone, M’Dougall, Campbell, Fisher, and Liddell were elected i committee', for the ensuing year, while at at subsequent meeting, Mr Allison was elected chairman, and Mr G. H. Stevens; oecretary. Votes of thanks were accorded Messrs Brooker and Allison for their services for tho past two years as chairman and secretary respectively. The Carriage of Mails.—While in Invercaru A cently ’ W. J. Wesney, chairman of the Otautau Progressive League interviewed Cooper, the Chief Postmaster, relative to the carriage of mails to Otautau by the Southland Times car. It is understood that as a result of the interview, this will become an accomplished fact in the near future, and will be a great boon to business men and residents.