The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3772, 29 June 1926, Page 55

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. Jane 26. —Beautiful weather is at present being experienced. There haa been very little frost, and it haa been more like apring than mid-winter. Football.—The second match in the second round of the cup competition was played at Queenstown on Saturday, when teams from Queenstown and Country Pirates met. The match was evenly contested, and resulted in a win for Country Pirates by 8 points (two tries, one converted) to 3 (a penalty goal). Mr Leslie Smith was the referee.- — At Arrowtown on Saturday Arrow Juniors defeated Queenstown Juniors by 26 points to nil. , , , Ladies’ Hockey.—The first match of the season was played at Arrowtown on Saturday, when Queenstown defeated Arrowtown by 2 goals to nil. The first match for the Paterson cup will be played at Queenstown to-moirow. Basketball.—Two matches in the Tait cup competition were played at Arrowtown on Saturday. In the first match Queenstown Convent v. Arrowtown Convent, the" former were successful by 26 points to 3, and in the second, Queenstown Public School v. Arrow Public School, the Queenstown girls defeated Arrow by 12 points to 1. Mr D. F. Macdonald controlled both games. Death.—The death occurred in the Lake County Hospital on Wednesday last of Mr Thomas P. Kelly, of Gorge road, Queenstown. He had been in bad health for the past six months. Deceased, was was 38 years of age, was a native of the district, boing the eldest son of Mrs and the late Mr Philip Kelly, of Queenstown. Of a quiet and retiring nature, he was held in the highest esteem and respect by all who knew him. He leaves a widow, but no family. The funeral will take place in Queenstown to-day. Personal.—Prior to his departure for Winton, Mr George Thurlow, who has occupied the position of chief clerk in the Queenstown Shipping Office for the past two years, was entertained at a social by the residents of Queenstown, and was presented with a cheque. The staff also presented him with a travelling bag. Mr Thurlow has been eucceeded by Mr A. Hansen. Mr L. AkhuTst, who has been on the staff of the Queenstown branch of the Bajik of New Zealand for the past twelve months, has been transferred to Dunedin. He will be succeeded by Mr Douglas, of Port Chalmers. ——Miss Edith Smith is at present acting as relieving teacher at the Crown Terrace School. ALEXANDRA. June 25.—A public meeting to consider the formation of a lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, New Zealand, in Alexandra, was held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday evening. The Mayor (Mr W. Black) presided over a large attendance, including officers of the Kawarau Lodge (Cromwell). The chairman referred to the value of the work of all Friendly Societies, economically, socially, and educationally, and expressed the hope that an Oddfellow’s Lodge in Alexandra would serve as a further stimulus to the lodge already established there Mir W. F. Crooke (Dominion Supervisor, Auckland) traced the origin of the 1.0.0. F. It was formed by five Englishmen, who had been members of the Manchester Unity in the city of Baltimore, over a century ago, and at a later date had taken its clearance, and formed a separate organisation, with world-wide ramifications, extending to four Continents, with a membership of 2,671,000, and capital exceeding £20,000,000. The Order in New Zealand had been controlled by New Zealanders in Dunedin for over 60 years, find not* one penny of the Benefit Funds, which now exceeded £200,000, had ever left the Dominion. The society had earned a reputation in the Dominion for the only Friendly soundness in finance, and a pattern system of Government. The Two-Thirds’ Medical Scheme, which the Order had established, enabled members and dependents to consult any specialist, or surgeon, as a private patient, and receive a rebate from the fund. This also covered hospital and chemist’s fees. The 1.0.0. F. had, during the last five years, adopted the missionary spirit, opening over 50 lodges, and extending the Older to towns like Alexandra, where members were isolated from their lodges, and from the Order. On the motion of Mr J. Lunn, seconded by Mr M. Davis, it was unanimously resolved “to open a lodge in Alexandra.” Fifteen members were enrolled, and the initiation ceremony was impressively carried out by the officers of the Kawarau Lodge. The final initiation meeting will bo held on July, and the new lodge will be instituted by the Grand Lodge officers next month, with 30 members. A large gathering of visiting brethren, members, and ladies 19 expected to attend the installation social on the opening date. LUMSDEN. Jure 24. —Mild weather, with slight frosts, is being experienced, and for the time of the year vegetation is more prolific than in previous years. Football—Last Saturday marked the first match in the second round of the Northern district teams competing for the banner. In this match Lumsden First Grade met Country Pirates on the local ground, which was in good order. A sternly contested game, watched by a good attendance of the public, resulted in a win for Lumsden, the scores being 14 points to 3. Several players received injuries, which necessitated medical attention. The local team are losing the services of G. Alley, who has been chosen as a Southland representative in the All Black team to travel to Australia. The local second grade team journeyed to Riveredale, but were defeated by 6 points to nil. The Riveredale team are now well in the lead for the shield. Hockey.—On Saturday the _ local ladies’ team journeyed to Wendonside, where a well contested game was played before a number of interested spectators. The game was fast, and the local players’ defence was good, but the Wendon team proved superior, winning by 6 goals to 2. The local schoolgirls’ hockey ‘earn met the Waikaia girls on the home ground, and after an exciting fame the result was Lumsden 4 goals, Waiaia 1. Mrs T. Menzies. and Miss Lee entertained the winning team at Kirkpatrick's Pictures. The ladies have arrangements well in hand for a ssven-a-side tournament to bo held on Saturday, when it is expected that there will b« six ladies’ and six girls' teams

competing. Given a fine day this event should prove quite succcessful. Social.—The fortnightly euchre tournament and dance, run in connection with the Anglican Ladies’ Committee, was held on the 23rd inst., when there was a very good at tendance, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The winners of the tournament were Miss M. Jack and Mr W. Adair. The music for the dance was supplied gratis by the usual local talent. Improvements.—At a meeting on the evening of the 22nd inst., those interested in the movement to improve the local school grounds decided to hold a gift afternoon, with the idea of obtaining funds to purchase •material for a bazaar at a future date. The promoters are to be commended for their interest in suoh a worthy object, and should be given every support. ROXBURGH. June 25.—Winter is slipping away, the shortest day having passed. It will not be long before spring will be here. The season so far has been very mild, with an occasional cold wind and very little frost. Work, such as pruning, spraying, and ploughing, is in full swing, and will continue so for the next three months. Apples are now all garnered, hut not sold. The crops this season have been good. Notwithstanding that 55 t UP cases of them have been exported from the district this season, there still remains in hand a very large stock of good solid fruit. Roads.—Our main thoroughfare through the town is now in splendid order, the county plant having been fixing it up, through arrangement, and the county roads are now put in thorough order. Our district member is to be congratulated in his efforts to this end, also Mr Fisher, county engineer, who unquestionably is a progressive. Borough.—Things are progressing. The stock department has erected a substantial residence, with useful attachments in the way of stables, etc. The Presbyterian Sunday school iB nearly ready for business. It is built of cemept within the same grounds as the church, the two buildings harmonising in appearance. It is a gift from Gideon Smith, once a resident of this district. The Power Board’s residence for its manager is also finished, or nearly so. This building is situated near the switches on the east side of the Teviot, in close contact with the caretaker’s work. It was much needed, and will be appreciated.— — The old Albion Hotel is now no more. This old hostelry was shifted from the east side of the river, where the original township of Teviot once stood. The Albion Hotel was the first hotel built. Mining operations obliteiated all traces of the town, which was once a lively place. On coming into Roxburgh from either end, one is struck by the peculiar sight of two towering shafts of work, the highest being 80 feet high, towering above the Commercial Hotel. These shafts are the poles in connection with the wireless broadcasting station at Dunedin. They are equipped with a five-valve De Forest receiver, and two speakers, one for the downstairs parlour, and one for the second floor. The conversation and concerts which they reproduce are excellent, aqd bring the listeners in touch with most of the outside world. Californian conversation has been picked up with clear effect. We are quite chummy with Victoria, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Mr and Mrs Stoper have the community’s thanks for providing the town with such an up-to-date equipment. Railway.—Railway matters are progressing apace. The line being constructed through rock is quite in evidence by the tremendous blasting continually going on The line is now being vigorously prosecuted from end to end, the rails having been laid for some miles. Road Widening.—A big job confronts our County Council in the widening of the road from the Railhead to th 6 Roxburgh Bridge. A big bluff of rock, nearly as formidable as the Dunbarton Bluff, will have to be overcome. WAIKAIA. June 26.—0 f late the weather conditions have been mild, the days being bright and sunny, quite like spring. Weddings.—A very pretty wedding took place in the Gore Presbyterian Church on June 16. when Miss Ivy Grace White, fourth daughter of Mr and Mrs Frank White, Waikaia, was married to Mr I. V. Reid, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Reid, Timaru. The church was decorated with roses and chrysanthemums by girl friends of the bride. The Rev. Mr Beattie officiated, and Miss Mac Gibbon played the wedding music. The bride wore a charming frock o£. white georgette with white over-lace, a white tulle veil embroidered in silver, and carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses and chrysanthemums. The bridegroom brought the bride’s and bridesmaids* bouquets from Timaru. Misses Vera and Florence White, sisters of the bride, were bridesmaids, and wore pink crepe de chine dresses. Mr Thomas White was groomsman and Mr S. Reid (brother of the bridegroom)was best man. The wedding breakfast was served at Miss Milne's tea rooms, and about 50 guests took part. The Rev. Mr Beattie acted as chairman, and the usual toasts were honoured. Mr T. White (brother of the bride) gave her the wedding cake. The bridegroom gave the bride a beautiful fur and the bridesmaids gold armlets. The bride gave the bridegroom a handsome travelling rug. Many cheques and handsome presents were received. The bride travelled in a brown costume, with silk stockings and shoes to match. Tho honeymoon will be Bpent In the North Island, and their future home will be in Timaru.— Another wedding took place in the Gore Presbyterian Church on June 23, the bride being Miss M'Leod, daughter of Mr and Mrs M'Leod, Gore, and the bridegroom Mr Joseph M'Kee, eldest son of Mr M'Kee, Waikaia. The church was decorated with green and white. The Rev. Mr Beattie officiated, and Miss Mac Gibbon acted as organist. The bride looked chnrmlng in white georgette, bended, with a white veil, and she carried a bouquet of orange blossoms. Miss M'Leod (bridesmaid) wore green georgette with green beads. Mr William M‘Kee (brother of tho bridegroom) was best man. At the wedding breakfast in Miss Milne’s tea rooms tho Rev. Mr Beattie acted as chairman. The usual toasts were honoured, and about 50 guests were present. The bridegroom gavo the bride and bridesmaid toilet sets, and the bride gave the bridegroom* a beautiful travelling rug and the best man a set of military brushes. Many cheques and beautiful presents were received. The

bride’s travelling dress was a fawn frock trimmed with brown, and a brown coat with fur to match. Mr and Mrs M'Kees home will be at Waikaia. OTOKIA. June 26.—Beautiful winter weather has prevailed during the past fortnight, with frosty nights and bright, sunny days. This morning, however, a change occurred, and rain set in, with every indication of more to follow. The atmosphere is cold, but not abnormally so, considering that we are in the midst of winter. We have passed the shortest day without experiencing anything particularly severe in the way of weather conditions, and, indeed, it might be said that we have had practically no rough weather. According to the daily papers, northern visitors to Otago have been impressed by the mildness of our climate. Though there may be some truth in the old saying that as the day lengthens the cold strengthens, etilJ there is always a measure of comfort in the reflection that the shortest day is behind us. The amateur meteorologist is abroad in the land, and is already informing us that the spring is going to be an early one, and is advancing theories to prove his contentions. While we may not agree with all he says, we admire his faith as an optimist, and hope that he may prove a good prophet. Taieri River Embankment.—Steady progress is being made by the dragline in the work of erecting the new river embankment, and it is hoped that in a few months’ time the embankment will be practically completed to Otokia. This is the most difficult section of the work. Two shifts are being worked—one from 4 a.m. until noon, and one from noon until 8 p.m. Every effort is being made to push on with the work as speedily as possible, though the engineers and staff are not given much credit for honest endeavour by a certain section of the community. Fortunately the hostile criticism which Iras been appearing in the daily papers recently emanates from a few only, and the vast majority of ratepayers realise that every reasonable effort is being made to have the work accomplished as quickly as possible. As an example of the zeal of the overseer, Mr Fleming, your correspondent only this morning saw him at work at the dragline before 4 o'clock. And this is not an isolated instance, as the same thing has occurred on previous occasions. Scholastic. —The Otokia School, which at certain periods of its existence has languished for want of pupils, is at present in a very flourishing condition in this respect, there being practically 40 pupils in daily attendance. This involves a great deal of hard work upon Miss Smith, the sole teacher in charge. One afternoon recently a pleasant little function took place in the school, when at the invitation of Miss Smith, the mothers of the pupils and some members of the School Committee assembled to witness a programme of items supplied by the school children. The little ones acquitted themselves in a manner which reflected the greatest credit upon their teacher, and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was spent. It is intended to have similar functions at intervals in the future.