The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 35

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. May 10.—After a cold snap on Saturday last, fine weather set in on Monday, and since then It has been fine, with light frosts at night. Football.—-The annual meeting of the Wakaupu sun-union was heiu at Queenstown on Tuesday, Ist inst. Mr J. W. Miller (president) occupied the chair. The balance sheet showed a small debit balance the expenditure last season being considerably increased by sending representative teams to Invercargill and Alexandra. The following officers were elected: President, Mr J. W. Miller; secretary, Mr C. M. Inglis; auditor, Mr A. F. Griffin; selectors, Messrs W. A. Warring, D. Macleod, and D. F. Macdonald. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring secretary, Mr J. M. Romans. The annual meeting of the Referees’ Association was held in Queenstown on the same evening. Rev. Father Ardagh being in the chair. air A. Jackways was ejected president, and Mr C. M. Inglis secretary. The appointment of referees for the season was left in the hands of Father Ardagh and Mr D. F. Macdonald.—At a meeting held at Gienorchy recently it was decided to resuscitate the football club and to affliate with the Wakatlpu Sub-union. Mr A. Hume was elected presided, Mr O. J. Thornton secretary and treasurer, Mr J. A. Ryan assistant secretary, and Mr George Reid delegate to the sub-union.—The first round of cup fixtures will be commenced on Saturday next, when Queenstown play Gienorchy ■at Gienorchy. and Arrow play Country Pirates at Frankton. St. Paul’s Church.—The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Arrowtown, was held on Friday evening, the Rev. W. W. Powell presiding over a good attendance. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected; Vicar’s warden, Mr G. H. Romans; people's Warden, Mr Leo Lee; secretary, Mr F. C. Pizey ; auditor, Mr W. R. .Paterson ; vestry. Messrs R. M. Paterson, James O'Feo, W. Reed, and W. H. Thompson.

■Personal.—Mr W. J. Churstain, who has received an appointment under the Public "Works Department, left Lower Shotover on Tuesday last for Stewart Island, -where he will be engaged in the construction of a new wharf at Half Moon Bay.—Mr J. G. Beaton, of Gibbston, returned from a visit to Australia by the Manuka, which arrived in Dunodin on Tuesday.—Mr T. O. M'Gill. of Invercargill, has joined the firm of Booth’s, Limited, as a partner, and has taken over the management of the Arrowtown storekeeping business. Mr Booth, who has had charge of the business for the past year, has gone to Invercargill.—Prior to her departure for Invercargill last week Miss Ida Booth, who has been a prominent member of the Arrow Tennis Club during her residence in Arrowtown, was entertained at afternoon tea bv the membc-s of the Club. The function took place in the Haeramai tea room, and was largely attended. Before the gatherinn disper«el Mr T. ,T . Cumberbeach, president, referred to the many services that had been rendered the club by Miss Booth, and expressed regret that she was leaving the district. On behalf of the members he extended to her their best wishes for her future success and happiness. Miss Booth suitably responded.

OTAUTAU. May 10.—The opening meting of the 1928 session of the Band of Hope was held on Monday evening, when Mr John Fisher presided over a good attendance. Miss Myrtle Stroud was elected secretary and Miss Joy Jaquiery treasurer for the ensuing year. Five new members were elected. A very enjoyable programme was provided, and the chairman gave a short address on “ Keeping the Pledge." Golf.—The Grounds Committee of the Golf Club has laid out a nine-hole course on Mr Harwell's property, tho full course being about 2300 yards. Prospects for the season are very bright. Tennis Ball.—The mdmbers of the Bayswater Tennis Club held their first annual ball in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, when there was a large attendance from all parts of the district. The building was beautifully decorated with greenery and the club’s colours (red and gold), and presented a pleasing appearance. Euchre Tournament.—The weekly tournament on Tuesday evening, run under the auspices of St. Andrew's Social Club, was well attended. Tho first prize was won by Miss R. Campbell, who received a powder bowl, while Mr Dooley was awarded the gentleman’s prize (afternoon teaspoons). Presentation.—On Wednesday evening a number of members of the Presbyterian Senior Bible Class journeyed by car to the residence of Mr and Mrs John Ryan at Bayswater. Gramophone music and competitions were enjoyed. After supper the Rev. J. B. Bickerstaff referred to the fact that prior to her marriage Mrs Ryan had been a valued member of the class, and had been secretary for two years. She had done everything possible to help It along, and on behalf of the members he asked her to accept a bronze vase as a token of appreciation and esteem. Mr J. Ryan responded on behalf of the recipient, thanking one and all for the pleasant evening and the handsome present. The singing of “ For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow ” and “Auld Lang Sync ” terminated the proceedings. WAIKAIA. May 10.—Great interest was displayed when the Lumsden football team came over on Saturday, May 5, to play Waikaia. The game resulted in a draw; each side scoring 8 points. Mr James Allen was referee.— The Waikaia ladies’ hockey team went to "Wendon on May 5, and defeated the home team by 8 to nil. Church Social.—A gift evening was held in the Presbyterian Church schoolroom on Tuesday, May 8, and was largely attended. A pleasant evening was spent with competitions, games, etc. The ladies provided an excellent supper, and before dispersing all joined in singing " Auld Lang Syne." The proceeds are to go to the P.W.M.U. stall at the forthcoming annual harvest sale. KAIWERA. May 12.—Considering the time of the year, we are experiencing fair weather, and although at times it has been somewhat boisterous, we have nothing to complain about. So far, we have had no frost, and, in consequence, the fields are still comparatively green. At present potato digging Is occupying the time of many farmers, and all are taking advantage of the mild weather to get their tubers safely in the bag before the hard frosts set in. However, the potato crop is not regarded as a very Important one in the district, and few grow more than what is essential for their own household requirements. Generally speaking, the

School.—At the annual meeting of housecrops of potatoes are below the average this season. holders to elect a new school committee, only one put in an appearance, and although the night was somewhat" stormy, there did not seem any reason to hinder more from attending this all-important meeting. Whether the stormy night was responsible, or whether the retiring committee had found their duties too arduous during their term of office it is hard to say, but it is to be regretted that householders do not take more interest in the welfare and government of their local school. Rifle Club.—At the present time a movement in which most of the young men of the district should be interested is on foot to estabiish a rifle club at I’ukerau. A meeting is to be held in Pukerau on Wednesday night, and it Is anticipated that at this meeting will be decided as to whether enough support will be forthcoming to warrant the establishment of a club. Farms.—On a number of farms the useful plough has commenced its work, and it is only a matter of another week or two until ploughing will have become general. WAI ROA (Hawke’s Bay). May 10.—The Wairoa County Council revenue for the month of April totalled £616 10s 2d, made up as followsßates, £434 4s sa; vehicle licenses, £lOl 16s 2d ; motor drivers’ licenses, £75 12s; miscellaneous, £l4 17s 7d. The same county’s share of an abortive attempt to have certain borough lands taken and added to the county area is £6 12s 2d. Strong exception was taken by the council at this amount being forced upon them. A further. length of the Mangaone-Mangopoehe road has been completed and handed over to the county council, also two road deviations at Waihua Hill. Inquest.—An inquest touching on tho circumstances attending the drowning of Henry Tapper in Lake Walkaremoaua on April 22 was held in the Wairoa Courthouse before the coroner, Mr B? G. Levvey, S.M. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased was filling the toehzine tank of a motor launch while it was in motion, and the vessel gave a lurch, causing him to lose his balance and fall into the lake. Deceased had about 20 rounds of .303 cartridges around him, and was wearing heavy clothing and boots, which must have pulled him under. The'coroner's verdict was that deceased was accidentally drowned by falling off a launch. Hockey.—The Wairoa hockey season opened on Saturday, when Ruakiturl and Tapane drew with 2 goals each. H.M.S. Diomede.—Considerable disappointwas felt in Wairoa and district when the H.M.S. Diomede steamed past the port Waikokopu without stopping as previously arranged. Accident.—Details of a shooting accident which took place at Tuai Waikaremoana hydro-electric works on the sth inst., show that ihe victim was Mr F. J. Simpson, an employee in the P. W. D. Office. In one of the drawers of a table was a loaded revolver belonging to the staff, and in the same drawer another clerk, named Gillstron, placed, his own unloaded revolver. Later in the day Gillstron took from the drawer what he thought was his own unloaded revolver, but in reality was the other loaded one, and threw it on the table. The weapon, to his consternation, suddenly discharged, the bullet striking Simpson in the region of the abdomen, and inflicting a serious wound. The Injured man was speedily conveyed to the Wairoa Hospital, whero he now lies in a critical condition.