The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3714, 19 May 1925, Page 31

The Country

OPHIR AND OMAKAU. 15.—1 t is over three months since own” sent you some local notes, which may be taken to mean that we are • quiet community, and have had a quiet autumn in this very centre of Central Otago. We were a bit amused at the geographical knowledge, or rather the want of geographical knowledge, displayed by the writer of ft paragraph in your issue of the 12th inst., in which paragraph four men from Rox burgh, Miller's Flat, and lieriot (?) are riesc is "a pa tv of visitors from Central Otago.” No doubt the visitors were as much amused as ourselves. Yet there is undeniably in Dunedin some haziness regarding the boundaries of the region known as Central Otago, so perhaps here is the place to state what those boundaries strictly are. Cent ral Otago is roughly diamondshaped, much the same extent from norther; and southern points as from eastern to western. _ It is bounded by the mountains—or the N.E. sine by the Hawkdun Range, Mt. Ida, Mt. Kyeburn. and Mt. Alexander; on the S.E. by the Rock and Pillar Range, on the S.W. by the Obelisk and Carrick Ranges; on the N.W. by the Pisa Range. The main gateways to the region are il) from Dunedin, the Capburn tunnel on the Otago Central line; (2) from Palmerston, Pigroot; (3) from Oamaru, Kyeburn Pass; (4)- from Queenstown, Gibbston; (5) from Roxburgh, Gorge Creek. Therefore Roxburgh and Miller’s Flat are not in the Cen tral, and as for Heriot, it i 9 in Southland almost. Likewise Middlemarch, Sutton, and Hyde, though on the Otago Central line, are not in Central Otago—they are on the wrong side of the Rock and Pillar Range. Queenstown and Pembroke are, of course, in the Lakes district. Meteorological.—Following a rather dry summer—only 371 points for December, January, and February—we have had a fairly moist autumn, within a few points of 4 inches of rain having fallen since March 1. This month, thus far, has given us only 54 points, but there are signs of a fall before long. The 15 days have been marked by an entire absence of wind. As for the temperature records, I am glad to be able to say that, for the first time in history, it is now possible to have accurate scientific records from the Central. I am well aware that, from the beginning of this year, records have been taken at the Waipiata sanatorium, but it is just on the inner border, and its height—well toward 1700 feet', —is not typically Central Otagan. In Ophir, however, a Stevenson thermometer screen, made by Mr 0. C. Austing, from plan ana specification supplied by the Dominion meteorological director has been established, and by the kindness of the same director four thermometers—wet and dry bulbs, maximum and minimum—have been installedThe screen is probably one of the very best -n *l'" dominion, and very creditable indeed to Mr Austiug’s hands and tools. \* e mid a c-id snap this month from the 2nd till yesterday, the minimum dry bulb ii.Flrument showing under freezing on nine mornings. The coldest was this Tuesday morning Q2th), when 20 degrees (12 degrees of frost) was recorded. When heavy showers a month ago left a good deal of snow on the Dunstan Range, there were gloomy prophets of an early hard winter, but the snow is now off the range except at the St. Bathans end, and it is quito likely th.at this winter will be quite as open and as Bhort as that of 1924. When I add that until a few days ago tomatoes were growing and ripening on the sunny side of a stone dyke in Ophir, it can be easily inferred that the days were sunny although the night? were cool. Obituary.—Ophir and Omakau, and indeed the whole Manuherikia Valley got a severe shock on the morning of the Bth inst., when news spread of the death at Omakau of alt Henry Drake, proprietor of the Jockey Club Hotel there for some 20 years. Mr Drake looked so well right up to the day before his death that most people■'"coi-Id not credit the first reports heard. The deceased took ill on the -7th with what was to be gastritis, but it was heart 1 rouble that carried him off next morning. He was 60 years of age, but looked much younger, owing to his active habits ar.d cheery disposition. Mr and Mrs Drake had a married life of over 3° years, and a family of nine who fire all. a? far as I know, still alive. The great reaped in which Mr Drake was held, and the deep sympathy with the widow and family were shown on Sunday afternoon, when the iuneral took place. The procession on foot and in cars was one of the largest seen ir this vallev for some years. The Rev. H. Bloomfield held services in the house am a t the errave, where several \erses of ‘Sun of my Soul” were sung-a hymn which was one of the favourites of the deceased. New Church.—The Roman Catholics of the district nre looking forward to the erection before long of a new church to be situated on the terrace overlooking Omakau. Father O’tJea tells me that it is estimated that some £SOOO will be required to erect the building, so money is being gathered. Yesterday a bazaar was opened at Omakau at 3 p.m. It was originally planned to be opened at noon by Mr James Horn, M.P., but the death of the Premier prevented Mr Horn from coming, and the holiday of mourning caused it to be three h° ur * J 8 j 1 when Mr Scoular, of Matakanui. officiated The bazaar continued to-dav. and I * lO P e get some information regarding the results to-morrow morning. The Late Prime Minister.—ln common with the rest of New Zealand, ano Omakau mourns the decease of Mr Massey. Yesterdav was observed as a close holiday, and all flags were flown lialf-mast. Football.—The Matakanui Club played Poolburn on the Omakau ground on ihe 2nd inst., and won. bv 13 points lo seven. Last Saturday’s match against Strath * Taiori also was to have been played at Omakau, but Mr Drake's death caused it to be played ot Becks. The redoubtable Middlemarch team came off victors by five lo nil after a good game. Matakanui missed some chances to score, and hope to give a better account of such chancos when the return match takes place. Magistrate's Court.—Mr Dixon, after an interval of three months, was on the bench to-day for over four hours. The main cases were several charges against run-holders for not dealing sufficiently deadly with the rabbit; also, the landlord of Becka Hotel, for having his bar open and dispensing liquor considerably after the legal closing hour. Ha was fined, also several men whom he

wa9 obliging at the time Constable Wrobienski came upon the scene. Saturday Morning, 16th.—The stall-holders at the Catholic bazaar were:—Fancy, Mrs Wroblenski and Miss Ellie Flannery; Produce, Mesdames Bradley and Perkins; Sweets, Mrs Purcell; Tea rooms, Mesdames F. Donnelly and E. Moran; “SpinningJenny,” Messrs Martin Flannery and V. Kelleher. The sum of £125 was taken on Thursday evening, and it is anticipated that about £7OO will be made altogether, which will send Father O Dea with a light heart on his holiday to Australia and Ireland. I should mention that much of the success of lie affair is due to the fine efforts of Miss Annie Flannery, the secretary. FERNDALE. May 15.—Though the weather at Easter was very bad, it has not been unseasonable for autumn." Of late we have had one or wo very sharp frosts. Last night, however, we had a heavy, warm, summer-like The Farm.—Most of the threshing lor the season has been done. The oat crops this year have been fair, a great improvement on last year’s crops. There are plenty of turnips in the district. At the time of sowing, the weather was so dry that not much was expected in the way of turnip crops, but growers in the majority of cases have been agreeably surprised. School.—After the long vacation school is in full swing again, with a new teacher, i Miss Cameron at tne helm. It is to be hoped she will enjoy her sojourn in the district, and that teacher and pupils will appreciate each others efforts to make pleasant the path of learning. At the school committee election, the following were appointed Messrs Hammel, Meikle, Mason, Soott, and Wernher. Mr Hammel was elected chairman, and Mr Wernher, secretary. A proposal to close the school and have all the children conveyed to Mataura school uy motor lorry was mooted. There are arguments in favour of the proposal, and arguments against it. For one thing it seems a pity that there is such a tendency to crowd into towns, all that makes life a little brighter. Rather would I see more interest taken in the school where it is. Social.—A social to bid farewell to Messrs T. and J. Wassell, who have left the district, was held tn the school last month. A good number rolled up to the gathering, and Messrs Wassell were presented with several useful and valuable presents. Messrs Wassell are now residing in Gore. MANDEVILLE. May 14.—Rather severe frosts for bo early in the winter have been our lot for several nights, with beautiful sunshine during the day. Those who wish to push on with ploughing, especially old pasture, will have no objections to a few hours’ rain, as the surface has become very hard. For stock on feed the present conditions could not be beaten, and the longer a soaking rain is delayed the better. The season has been most suitable for fattening, and very few lamb 3 intended for the freezer remain on the farms. The fall in wool values i 3 not pleasant reading for those who held on to their last year's clip, and a return to the extreme prices of last November and December, grows less hopeful day by day. Electric Power.—Our main street has shown no little amount of activity during the last 10 days, with the Power Board staff added to the local and through traffic. The wires are now in position beyond the township, and as the houses have been wired up for months, there only remains the work of connecting, and the “juice” could be turned on. Mr Massey.—Nothing save the war has caused such wide-spread concern as the illness followed by the death of our Prime Minister, Mr Massey. From the day that new? came through that he had undergone an operation to the day of his death, all classes, even those living in remote places, endeavoured to get in touch with the latest horn Wellington, as to his state of health. He has been a great man for the Dominion, through a difficult period, and it does our heart good to read how the people from end to end of this country, as well as leaders in distant lands, realise his greatness. TAPANUI. May 14.—Winter is with us once again, and following sharp frosts for the past week, rain set in this afternoon, and is falling steadily. With the middle of May, however, and roads in summer order, the terrors of winter are not menacing. Our winters appear to be growing milder each year, and ive shall soon forget what it means to wade through snow a couple of feet deep, and ! owl at the sea of slush that follows a heavy snowfall, especially after it had been subjected to a period of frost. No doubt the snow is of great benefit to the laud, despite its unpleasantness. The Late Prime Minister.—This part of the Dominion, in common with all other centres, has been stirred by the death of Mr Massey, aud one hoars nothing but expressions of regret at the "passing of so eminent a statesman. On Thursday afternoon there was a representative assemblage in the Town Hall, when a memorial Bervice was conducted by the Revs, S. E. Hill (Presbyterian), and H. C. L. Gaut (Anglican). No addresses were given, and the service was confined to scripture reading, prayers, aud appropriate hymns. At the conclusion of the service the brass band played the Dead March. Obituary.—The death of Mr Alex. M'Kinnon, which occurred at Dunedin, after undergoing an operation, cast quite a gloom over, this district. The late Mr M'Kinnon, who had represented the firm of-Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Company in this district for sometliing like 80 years paßt, was hold in the highest esteem, and regarded as an exceptionally capable business man. But outside business matters, he was a valued member of the community, always ready to do his bit in anything that was for the benefit of the district. His genial manner made his acquaintance a pleasure, and his somewhat sudden call was one of tlioso calamities that we are not given to understand. The funeral procession of motor cars—upwards of a mile in length—was an imposing one, and testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was held by all classes. He will be missed in our distriot, and his plaoa will bs hard to fill.

Outdoor Sports.—Footballers and golf players have supplanted bowlers, cricketers, and tennis devotees. Golf is apparently increasing in popularity, and football promises to flourish again this winter, although most of the district clubs have lost some of their best players. This is the drawback to country football, as players are ever on the move, and the loss of a few good men seriously affects a club. In the opening matches on Saturday, in beautiful weather, lieriot defeated Tapanui, aud Waikoikoi beat Waikaka, the Keho and Crookston match was postponed on account of the death oi Mr M'Kinnon, who took a keen interest in all outdoor games. Car Smash.—Mr S. Robertson, son of Dr Robertson, whilst on his way to Waipahi on Wednesday evening to meet a relieving doctor, had an upset at the corner nearing Waipahi. The driver was pinned under the car until assistance arrived, but fortunately was uninjured. The car was pretty badly damaged, and required a couple of new wheels before it could be driven to the garage for overhaul. Railways.—We are back to the old and inconvenient winter timetable, with the midday train cut out on Tusedays and Thursdays. This means that mails are not given out until between 5 and 6 p.m. on those days. It is not easy to become accustomed to these curtailments, and the “speeding up” policy evidently does not apply to this part. Electricity.—The Southland Power Board employees are still busy 'in our district. During the past week houses have been connected up with the main line wires, and the time should not be far distant when tho current will be switched on. WAIKAIA. May 15.—0 n Sunday night 12 degrees of frost were recorded. Last night very heavy rain fell, followed by an afternoon fog and rain. Concert.—On Wednesday night, the Lviasonic Hall was crowded to enjoy an excellent concert given on behalf of the pavilion funds. Mr W. Christie (chairman), gave a shoit address, and expressed hi 3 pleasure with the large gathering present. A long programme of songs, dancing, music and recitations was given. Engagement.—The engagement is announced of Miss K. Pinckney, fourth daughter of Mr and Mrs Pinckney, Glenaray, Waikaia, to Mr H. W. Pinckney, only son of Mr and Mrs Pinckney, of Boldre, Lymington, England. The Late Prime Minister.—When the sad news was received that the Prime Minister had passed to the heavenly home a feeling of sadness passed over the residents. He was a man of sterling character, and is much mourned in this district. Flags were halfmasted. His nobility and dignity in placing men in the Legislative Council, who were opposed to him in politics, which no other Premier ever did, showed great wisdom. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Massey and family in their deep sorrow. BALCLUTHA. May 16.—Miss Edna Thomas and party played to a crowded house last Monday evening. All patrons expressed themselves as highly pleased with the night’s entertainment. The liarpißt, Miss Lawrence, played with feeling and style, and was a delight to listen to. Miss Edna Thomas has a fine stage appearance and deportment, and her rendition of the various negro spirituals held the audience from the first moment to the end. and even then the people seemed loathe to leave the hall. While in Dalclutha, Miss Thomas and party were the guests of the Mayoress, Mrs S. V. White, at a reception in the Dalton Hall. The Late Mr Massey.—Quite a gloom was cast over BalclutKa when it became known that Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, had passed to his final rest. Although there is a diversity of opinion in the matter of politics, all such prejudices were put aside, and one and all genuinely mourned the loss of a great man. Thursday was observed as a whole holiday by the various offices, and the shops were closed from noon, out of respect to his memory. Unfortunately, it was not possible to arrange for a memorial service to be held. South Otago Hospital Board.—The progress of the work of the Hospital is very satisfactory, all the brickwork, with the exception of building in the boilers, etc., is completed. Tbe slating of the roof is being proceeded with, about half of the roofs have been covered. The electricians are wiring the administration block, the wiring for the wards being now completed. Post Office Clock.--The Post Office clock has been sent away for repairs. It is a loss in one sense of the word, for when going to and from the Ppst Office it was a customary thing for pedestrians to glance at the clock to see the time. On the other hand, it perhaps is not a loss in that, as a timepiece, is was not to be relied upon. Strange that two clocks, each in the most prominent positions in the town, could never agree. Loyal Dalton Lodge.—Members of the Loyal Dalton Lodge held one of their popular “pound” evenings on Tuesday. A euchre tournament was held. Members provided supper, and altogether the function was most enjoyable. SILVERSIDE (Talorl). May 14.—Very severe frosts have been experienced during the past week, but the days have been bright and sunny. The frosts j have now broken up, and to-night rain fell i steadily for some hours, j Dairying.—The local factory is now running on alternate days only, but cheese '8 still being manufactured. The milk supply has fallen off rapidly during the recent frosty weather. Social Evening.—The first of the usual series of social evenings held under the auspices of the Mosgiel Co-operative Dairy Factory Company took place in Walker’s tea rooms, Mosgiel, on Tuesday evening last. Mr William Blackie presided, and there was a very large attendance. The social took the form of a progressiva euchre tournament, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The first prize-winners were found in Miss Grace Findlay and Mr William Turnbull, while the " booby ” prize-winners were Mrs William Blackie and Mr Donald M’Kay. a dainty supper waa served, and a very pleasant evening terminated with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.” This first social evening was so enjoyable that on all hands hopes were expressed that the meetings should bo held fortnightly during the coming- winter instead of monthly as in the past. Departure.—Mr Robert Kingan, who has resided in this neighbourhood for some years, has leased his farm here, and is returning to his original home at Hawea At the social evening described above Mr William Blackie took occasion to refer to the fine neighbourly qualities of Mr and Mrs Kingan and family and revetted their departure from the district. Mr Charles Findlay and Mr Ken Walmsloy also spoke in similar strain. Your correepondent would like to extress his personal appreciation of those who ave been the best and kindliest of neigh-

bours during their all too brief sojourn in this neighbourhood. Obituary.—This district has lost by death one of its oldest and most respected residents, in the person of Mr Thomas Craig, who passed away in Dunedin l»6t week. 'lhe late Mr Craig was one of the fast diminishing band of early pioneers, who did so much in moulding the destinies of our country. Upright and honourable in all his dealings, Mr Craig, despite his retiring disposition, commanded the respect of a very wide circle of friends, by wLftm he will be sadly missed. His wife predeceated him by a few months only, and very general sympathy will be felt for the members of the family in their double bereavement. The Death of the Prime Minister.—lt is Srobable that few people realised fully the epth and strength of the affection which the people of New Zealand held for the late Mr Massey. It is only now, when the hand o' death has removed him from our midst, that we realise the greatness of the man, and how closely he had entered .nto our lives. His courage as a fighter, his strength in the face of adversity, his absolute integrity and unswerving loyalty, have appealed to us all, and have stamped him as a great statesman—probably the greatest our country has known. It will be long ere we look on his like again.