The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 35

The Country

OPHIR AND OMAKAU. September 3.—Ths epidemic of eicknjAe (whooping-cough, influenza, and “colds”/ which was raging a month ago has considerably decreased, yet a few in both townehine are still indisposed—their “turn’ having come late. Several reasons are advanced for he unusual prevalence of eickncss this winter, and probably the factor of most influence is the abnormal calmness of the season. For six full months (since February 27), with the exception of several hours one night, we have had no wind higher than a breeze. Sun and wind are the great purifiers of the atmosphere—we had the sun, but not the wind. Blacks school usually closes for the winter holidays when ths snow falls in July, but this winter no snow fell after May 12, and the school ran on, in spite of low attendance. To-day it closed for a fortnight, and should re-open with the full roll present. Coming and Going.- Still another family has come to reside in the township of Ophir. No one seems to know who owns, the cottage that has been renovated for their residence. The weight of evidence indicates that it was originally a two-roomed cottage on Blacks Flat, which was brought bodily to Ophir, and to which two smaller rooms were added, to serve as the schoolmaster’s residence when the school was an iron building on a hill at the back of the town. That must be between 40 and 50 years ago. Mr and Mrs E. E. Rowe, who kept Blacks Hotel for over three years, left for Dunedin on August 14 with the good wishes of the community. To bid them farewell a social was held in the Peace Memorial Hall, and was a very successful affair. Mr John M‘Knight presided, and during an interval of the programme made presentations, on behalf rf Omakau and Ophir residents, separately, to the guests—to Mrs Rowe a cheque and an afternoon tea set, to Mr Rowe a cheque and a travelling rug. Mr M’Knight. Mr T. Reid, and Mi W. Gallagher spoke as representatives of the community whom the Rowes were always ready to assist, and Mr Gallagher emphasised Mrs Rowe’s services in the locai Roman Catholic Church. Obituary.—One has to record two losses by death at Omakau. Mrs V. C. Richardson, after having been an inmate of the Dunstan Hospital for nearly two months, died taeve on August 17, at the early age of 31 years, and was buried where the casket of her infant babe was laid just 10 weeks before. Members of the local lodge of Oddfellows acted as pall-bearers t and the Rev. A. Don conducted the burial service. Deep sympathy is felt with Mr Richardson, who is left with four young children. Just a week later an old lady of 89 years, who was known throughout the district, was buried a few yards away. Mrs Maty Leamy, mother of John Leamv, came to New Zealand with her husband Patrick Leamy 38 years ago. Her husband died on August 15, 1895, aged 78 years, and the widow on August 25, 1926. The oid lady was buried on the 27th inst., when Fathers Spillane (Omakau) and O’Connell (Alexandra) conducted the service at the grave. The long funeral procession and the many floral tributes weie evidence of the esteem in which both women were held generally. Mr John Leamy has lived witn hii mother all his life, and much sympathy is felt for him —his own wife died in their early married life nearly 40 years ago. Petrol Tins.—Motor cars have multiplied

enormously in this region during the last * three years, and it seems to have become a problem what to do with the empty petrol tins. They are turned into fences, huts, eheds, car houses, and —eyesores. These latte/ are the heaps that some car-owner or owners have begun to make at one. end of Ophir in a nice place for visitors to 6?e, with highly flattering remarks upon our tidiness They are thrown into the river, too, where, of course, they fill with sand,, and where, in course of tim?, they will help towards silting up the river bed f with disastrous results to the river banks in times of flood. Meteorological.—August was 2ideg. warmer in the shade than July, and in the sun sdeg. (strictly 4.9d?g). The coldest reading in the screen (4ft above the ground) was 19.8 deg., which is 12.4<1eg. of frost; the coldest on the ground, B.sdeg., or 23J of frost. August, however, was not so sunny as July, the respective percentages of sunshine at 9 a.rn. being 65 per cent, and 73 per cent. In the sun the temperature rose above 80deg on 19 days \two of these over 90deg.), and of the remaining 12 days only four were marked by temperatures below 70deg. There were some remarkable ranges of temperature within given periods of 24 hours—from 12 midnight. The greatest range was on the 25th, when the early’ morning minimum was 11.3 deg., and the afternoon maximum 82.2 deg., the variation 70.9 deg. Ophir has certainly not an equable climate. But health does not depend upon equability of climate. The conclusion I have come to is that, generally speaking, it does not matter how high or how low (within bearable limits) the temperature is, so long as the air is dry Ii is moist air—cold or hot—that kills. Snow fell thrice upon the surrounding ranges—on the sth, 21st, and 28th—but not a flake in Ophir or Omakau. Rain fell upon eight days, totalling 120 points for th? month. For the eight months of this year the total fall is 9.32 inches. Rugby Football.—lnfluenza stooped all August fixturek. To-morrow, the crack Maniototo club is to meet Matakanui at Omakau. WAIKAIA. September 4.—The mountains Dome, Steeple, Titans, Whitcombe, and Umbrellas are covered with a blanket of snowy whiteness, which has caused hard frosts. A few sunny days, alternating with showery days, have been experienced. School. —Miss Cloughley has been appointed schoolmistress at Waikaia. Miss Ross, of Invercargill, was teaching here for a few weeks, and was very highly esteemed. The school has been closed for holidays, and will reopen next week. Farewell.—On Friday night. August 27, the Masonic Hall was crowded for a farewell to Mr and Mrs James Allen, who, after having resided at Waikaia for many years, and taken a great interest in sport, were going to reside at Lumsden. The chairman was Mr W. Christie. The evening took the form of a euchre tournament. The chairman gave an excellent speech, referring to the good qualities of the guests. Other speakers were: Messrs D. Wilson, J. Baldwin (Gore), W. Collins (Wendonside). and T. Mitchell. Songs were sung by Mr Clarke, formerly teacher at Waikaia; a recitation was given by Mr Heenani and Miss Ilamer played a violin solo. Mr Christie

made the presentation of a handsome suitcase and cheque to Mr Allen, while Mrs Allen received a beautiful travelling rug and a set of stainless cutlery. Mr Allen thanked his many friends for their heartiness and kindness. Masonic Gathering.—On Wednesday, September 1, the annual gathering of Masons met in the Masonic Hall, Waikaia. There were 120 Masons present, and 42 cars. In the evening a banquet was held in the schoolroom. Speeches were given, and a joyous time passed. Later a email dance was held in the hall. WAITAHUNA. September 4. —Spring is here in real earnest now, some days being just beautiful. The frost is still with us, but that is not so bad, for the days are nice and sunny after. The cold winds are cruel, and we hate a lot of them. Influenza —There has been much sickncj-i in and about Waitahuna during the last month. The “flu” has b?en very severe here, and it is lasting a very long time. Obituary.—There have been three deaths of Waitahuna people lately. Mrs Falconer, aged 82 years, died in Lawrence, and was buried in Waitahuna. Mrs M’Kenzie, aged 92 years, died in Dunedin, and was also brought back to Waitahuna to be buried. Mr William Noble died at his residence in Waitahuna after a long and painful illAess; aged 56 years. He leaves a wife and three children, all grown un. to mourn their loss. School Holidays.—The school opens again on Tuesday, after a fortnight’s holiday, it. is to be hoped that the sickness will al! be gone then, for it is very annoying for the teachers to have the children absent, and we have two splendid teachers in Waitahuna. Roads.—The tractor and grader are at work on the roads in Waitahuna just now, so we may look for nice clean roads this year. Stock.—All looking well after the winter. There has been plenty of feed this winter, and besides, the winter was very mild. There are very few lambs about yet. OUTRAM. September I.—The annual social of the West Taieri Presbyterian Church was held on Tuesday. The Rev. D. Campbell presided, and associated with him was the Rev. Mr Albert, of Kaikorai, who, during the evening, gave a humorous and instructive address. The choir, under the baton of Mr • Harrison, gave several anthems, and solos were rendered by Misses Southgate and A. Blair, and Messrs Walker and Walmsley; duets by Mrs and Mr Marshall (Woodside), Miss Wyllie and Mr Walmsley ; violin solos by Mr W. Robertson; a quartet by Mrs M’Bryde, Miss Southgate, and Messrs Walker and Hamilton; and a male quartet by Messrs Stephens, Hamilton, and Walker (2). Miss Campbell recited, and Master Frew, of Mosgiel, contributed several humorous recitations, which were much appreciated. Mr James M'Bryde presided at the organ, and supper was provided by the ladies. Anniversary.—On Sunday anniversary services were held in the West Taieri Church. In the morning the Rev. Dr Merrington preached, and at the evening service, in addition to the anthems by the choir, solos were rendered by Misses W'yllie, Southgate, and Mr Walmsley, large congregations being present at both services. Concert.—The annual Scotch concert under the auspices of the Taieri Agricultural Society was held on Friday evening, drawing one of the largest audiences ever seen in Outram. The function proved most enjoyable. The following artists (of Dunedin) contributed Mrs Stanley Foote, Miss Wilson, Messrs Walter Mitchell, Swan, and Pattersou (comedian), vocal solos; Miss Judd, violin solos ; and Miss Beulah King, dances. The accompanists were Misses Caddie and M’Bryde. A dance was held after the concert, and as a result it is expected that the funds of the society will benefit to the extent of £4O. Pictures. —Mr Wardell. of Dunedin, has opened a picture theatre in Outram, a weekly performance being held each Saturday evening. Farming.—Favoured with fine spring weather farmers are well ah-ad with their work, and in the gardens potato planting is almost completed. OTAUTAU. September I.—Over 80 members and friend* assembled on the stage of the Town Hall on Friday evening last, the occasion being the annual social of tne Otautau Bowling Club. Included in those present was a fair number of ladies, besides visitors from the Aparima Club. Mr R. Buchanan (president) carried out the duties of chairman, and a most enjoyable time was epent by all. The following contributed items, which met with much acceptance: Pianoforte solo, Miss Gladys Moore; song, Mr E. Ottrey; song. Miss Morgan; recitation, Mr Spain; song, Mr G. H. Hodges; song, Mr M’Connell; song, Mr Spencer; song, Mr Moore; song, Mi G. Sinclair; humorous stories, Rev. Snell. Miss N. Renowden officiated as accompanists for the singers. At a convenient interval Mr R. Buchanan proceeded with tho presentation of trophies won rt the competitions last year in connection with the club, the recipients being Messrs Jamea Rail, Lumsden, and Renowden. The recipients suitably responded. The singing of “God Save the King” and “Auld Lang Syne” terminated the proceedings. Obituarv.—The residents of Otautau and district received a shock on Sunday morning when it became known that Mrs W. Burnett had passed away suddenlyDeceased, who was the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. W. Hardy, was born in Invercargill, and received her education at the Heddon Bush school. She grew «o womanhood in the Southland province, and wa& a general favourite in the various districts in which she and her parents resided, During the last seven years she has lived in the township, and has done much useful work, more particularly in connection with the various activities of ths Otautau Presbyterian Church, being a valued teachersin the Sunday school, a msmber of the Bible class, and secretary of the Women's Evangelistio Union. Deceased was also prominently connected with the local branch of St. Andrew's Scottish Society, and was a member of Takiara Rebekah Lodge—Six weeks ago she was married to Mr Walter Burnett, and wss comfortably settled in her new home when death intervened. To the sorrowing husband and Mr and Mrs Hardy and family the sympathy of the whole district goes out in the great loss they have sustained. The funeral, which took place on

Wednesday, was very largely attended, tho services at the house and graveside being conducted by Rev. J. B. Bickerstaff. Tennis.—The anuual meeting of the Otautau Tennis Club, held on Wednesday evening, was attended by 14 members, ov?r which Mr G. B. Burns presided. The annual repoit and balance shset were read and adopted. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, Mr G. B. Burns (re-elected); vice-presidents, Miss Donnan and Mr L. Harrington; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. A. Booth (re-elected); general committee—Misses C. Seatter, M. M’Dougall, and Mr S. Harrington, with office-bearers- social committee—Misses Ryan (convener), P. M'Dougall, and Finnegan; grounds committee— Messrs MTvor, Naismitli, Papps, and R. R. Walker; selectors, Miss Donnan and Burns. The president and secratary were appointed delegates to the associa tion. The eubscription was fixed the same as last year, and it was resolved that secondary school pupils who wished to play on the courts at any time be charged a fee of 10s, and that the privilege of using the courts when disengaged still remain open to all children who do not wish to become members. The following new members were proposed and elected: Rev. and Mrs Snell, Mrs North, Messrs R. Cameron, C. Kerv, L. Laing, and Cox. It was decided to recommend to delegates ths advisability of running a Western District tournament at Otautau, but still to remain affiliated with the Southland Association. It was resolved to intali an electric heater. The opening day wag fixed for Wednesday, September 15, with a Yankee tournament, the club <o supply a pair of balls to the winner. It was decided that a doubles tournament and handicap be held, the entry fee to be 2s, and to be the best of 17 games, to be played by December 21. Votes of thanks to the retiring officers and the chair terminated the meeting. WAIROA (Hawke’s Bay). September 2.—Mrs Kiel, one of the oldest Maoris in the Wairoa district, died here on Wednesday, the 25th ult., at the advanced age of 81 years. The deceased was a member of the illustrious “Upatu” family, Te Pata, in tiie early days, being one of the fine paramount chiefs of old Wairoa. Mrs Kiel’s death snaps another link between “old” and “new” Wairoa, but she leaves behind her numerous descendants. Deceased we at through the early days here, and had seen many stirring ireidents of the Maori wa r , oftentimes being in clos? quarters to the linrs of fire. A shock was felt by the connnun lty of Wairoa and district when the sad news became known of the sudden death v f Mr L. 11. Fox at an early hour on Wednesday morning. Deceased had for some years been secretary of the Wairoa Hospital Board, and was for many years secretary to the Wellington Hospital. He was a man of a retiring nature, but was a valued and' trustworthy servant, having brought the finance of the Wairoa Hospital to a satisfactory position. He was a devoted adherent to the local Anglican Church, and his sound advice on many financial matters in connection with local causes will be much missed. He leaves a widow and three daughters, to whom the entire sympathy of the district is extended. Presentation.—A surprise was sprung on Mrs -J. F. Haughton, organist of St. Andrew's Church, Wairoa, at the annual congregational meeting recently. The Rev. W. R. Milne, who presided, in returning thanks to the choir for its services during the year, said he felt it would be a fitting occasion to mark the lone service of Mrs Haughton at the organ. That lady had, for the last 12 years, shown great fidelity in attending to her duty week in and week out, never once failing. The circumstances were not of the easiest, as the organ was very hard to play. The minister then presented the organist with a very* hand some and valuable cabinet of silverware as a small token of appreciation of her services Messrs Smith and Moore spoke in a similar strain, and Mr T. Lambert responded briefly for his daughter. Song Recital.—A most enjoyable song recital was tendered by the members of the Wairoa Methodist choir on Thursday evening at the Masonic Hall before an appreciative audience. Mr Miller, the conductor. is to be heartily congratulated upon the excellent singing and musical appreciation displayed by a choir of practically young Preparing for Hydro-Power. —The district adjacent to ami surrounding Tuai, Wairoa, is being invaded with workmen concerned with the task of erecting the power plant and subsidiary works for the major hydroelectric scheme. Numerous huts are being put up, and various stores have been coni meneed in order to supply the wants of the new village when it finally materialises Good progress is being made with the installation of the supplementary plant, and the main scheme pipe line is being adSteamer.—The new wharf at Waikokonu. Wairoa, has now given berthage to the largest steamer that has yet essaved to dis charge at that structure. The Union Company’s Kaliika lias brought nearlv ICO tons of electric machinery for the Waikaremoana supplementary unit of 1000 kilowatts. This is not for the major scheme, but is required to increase the bulk, supply of the powei board. The Mako has landed 200 tons of coal, railway sleepers, and general goods. Her outward loading was 60 tons of manure. Butter-fat.—The local dairy factory has just paid out a deferred payment on buttsr-fal, which, together with the 6 per cent, dividend recently dec’ared, makes the total payment close on £3OOO. Obituary.—Mr Tohara Kaihot?, another link connecting old Wairoa with the present, died suddenly on Wednesday evening last. The deceased was a native of Wairoa, and had reached 70 years of ag?. _ He went through considerable active service in the Maori wars, and could relate manv stirring scenes during the early period of the war in the Wairoa district. Up to ths time of his death he was in receipt of a military pension. Several notable Maori families in Waiioa are closely related to him, and there was a large following to the gravsside on Friday afternoon, the day of the funeral Social.—On Monday. Aueust 30, a pleasant social was held at the bandroom, Wairoa, Mr H. S. Stanton (president) bsing in the chair. He presented tronhies in ths form of gold medals to Mr J. Webster (conductor, formerly a well-known bandsman of Dun edin), Mr F. Pert (secretary) and Bandsman F. Pakutohe for greatest improvement. The chairman, as well as Bandsman J. F. Raugh ton, spoke a few congratulatory words.

PERSONAL ITEMS. Ministerial. The Prime Minister (tho Itt. lion. J. G. Coates) arrived at Auckland on Saturday morning, and will proceed to-diy to his own constituency. He will be tendered a public farewell at Dargaville prior to his departure for London. Mr Coates will return to Auckland on Wednesday, and will leave the same evening for Wellington. At the Wellington competitions Miss Anita Winkel, Dunedin, was placed first in the New Zealand best recital with 180 points. During the festival Miss Winkel has secured live firsts, three seconds, and two thirds. Mis 3 Winkel has won the society’s .-cholarship for elocution, jpe i to ladies or gentlemen. Master L. Moller (Dunedin) was placed second in the recitation for boys, the first prize for which was the society's scholarship, and third place in the recitation for boys, third in humorous recitation for boys, and first in recitation in character for boys 12 years and under 16. Miss Sumner (Dunedin) secured first place in the vocal solo, reading at sight. Mr A. Lungley (Dunedin) was placed first in the gentlemen’s vocal solo, winning the society’s scholarship, and he also secured first place in the English song competition, and first in the Irish song for gentlemen. Mr James W. Mair, manager of the Milton United Friendly Societies’ Dispensary. has resigned his position, which lie has occupied during the past two and a-half years. Mr Mair purposes entering into business on his own account. Mr W. E. Carrington has been transferred from the Dunedin Post Office Sav ing Bank to the Greymouth Post Office. Archbishop Redwood, who is greatly benefited in health, returned to Wellington by the Maunganui. A message from London announces the death of Dr J. G. Adams, vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool. Mr George W. Callander left Auckland by the Niagara on Tuesday en route to Philadelphia, where he has enrolled for a -special course in architecture at the Urn verMtv of Pennsylvania. Mr Callander served his apprenticeship with Messrs Coombs and White, of this city, and for the last two years has been in the employ of Mr Owen Macfie. also of Dunedin The following judges have been appointed for the Dunedin Competitions Society’s festival:—Elocution, Mr Claude Hall (Melbourne) ; pianoforte, Mr Bernard Page (Wellington); vocal music, Mr Sydney Williamson (Christchurch); fancy dancing, Miss D. Dean (Christchurch); national dancing. Mr M’Kechnie. Mr R. Conn returned from a trip to Australia last week. Mr George Black, of Messrs Dalgetv and Co. (Ltd.), has accepted an appointment as a director of the Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company cf New Zea.and (Ltd.). * . , . A cablegram has been received from tne Rev Ernest S. Tuckwell. who was to have left Melbourne on Wedensday to take over the pastorate of the Hanover Street Baptist Churc.ii, stating that, as the result oi a motor accident, he has to undergo an operation to his foot. . His departure has. therefore, been indefinitely delayed A cable message from Sydney announces the death of the Rev. Brother Augustine, a pioneer of the MarLt Brothers order in Australia. Mr R. T. Stewart, who has been ap pointed bv the Invercargill Council to report upon the town water supply, left bv the south express on Friday The staff of Messrs John Mill and Co. met on Tuesday evening to bid farewell to Captain J. S. Corbett, superintendent stevedore, who is severing his connection with the firm after 13 years’ service A presentation was made as a token of goodwill and esteem. Mr W. J. Wakelin, who has been officer-in-charge of the Invercargill branch of the Labour' Department for several years, left Invercargill bv the express on Thursday for Christchurch to take charge of the Canterbury district. „ , , . Mr C. D Marsall Day, 8.D.5., late of Otaco University and Pahiatua. left bv the Niagara from Auckland for the United States. Mr Day will take up post-graduate study at the university of Pennsylvania. Subject to his acceptance of the position. Mr Thomas Vernon Griffiths, a member of the staff of St. Edmund’s School. Canterbury. England, ha* been selected by the Canterbury Education Board as lecturer in music al the Christchurch Training College. In the event of his acceptance Mr Griffith’s duties will include the organising of musical instruction in the primary schools under the Canterbury Education Board. He will work in conjunction with Mr Douglas Tavlor. Supervisor of music in Schools for the Dominion. . , , . Mr W. Cron arrived by Thursday evening's express from the north to take up t,is n «w duties as organising secretary for the Otago Bible Society. Mr Cron has recently retired from the position of head master at Bulls, having completed his term of service with the Education Department. He is well known in Otn*n. and particularly in the Oamaru district, where, as secretary, he successful’ • earned through tiie first Bible class summer school held under the auspices of the rresbvterian Church. T-»e following motion was carried at the meeting of the Otago Harbour Board on Thursday afternoon: —“That the board places on record its !o"h appreciation of the nractical and unstinted service rendered bv the late Mr John Mill as a member of the hoard and to the public generally. and desires to express its sincere svm'pathy with his widow and members of bis family in their sad and irreparable At the meeting of the Clutha County Council on Tuesday Cr Wilson moved a heartv vote of thanks to Mr F. Waite, M.P. for Clutha. for his work in securing Government grants for the county. His riding (Maclennnn) was particularly fortunate in the number of free grants it had secured. He had 10 of these grants in his riding, due to the efforts of Mr Waite. The motion was carried. On the motion of Cr MTCenzic. a similar vote of thanks was accorded the Hon. O. J. Anderson. A cablegram from Sydney announces the death of Mr Algernon Lindo, pianist and music examiner; aged 64 yearß. On Friday afternoon Mr F. Penlington, Chief Postmaster, on behalf of the staff, presented Mr L. F. Smith with a dinner service on the occasion of his approaching marriage. A message from Invercargill reports that Mr T. M. Timpany, at the request of a large number of co-operative dairy factories, has consented to contest the

Southland ward of the Dairy Control Board. Mr Tiinjiany’a nomination was sent forward on Friday. Mr W. Newton, Conciliation Commissioner at Wellington, will shortly resume duty at the head office of the Labour Department, after nearly nine years* service in connection with industrial disputes. Jn future Air P. Hally, at present Commisisoner of the Northern Industrial District, will take the Wellington cases. Mr L. G. Algie, a member of the office staff of the South Otago Freezing Co., lialclutha, has received an appointment in the Commercial Bank of Australia, Dunedin, and will in a few weeks take up his new duties. Mr Algie has been prominent iu local sporting circles, particularly football, and was a member of the Clutha first fifteen. He was also connected with cricket and lawn tennis.