The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3885, 28 August 1928, Page 35

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. < August 23.—Heavy rain fell on Monday ' and again to-day. j Football.—Queenstown and Arrowtown j Juniors met at Arrowtown on Saturday last, ] when Queenstown was defeated by 12 points j to nil. Mr A. Jackways was referee. The i teams are now equal, with 8 points each t for the Miller Cup. The -next match will , be played at Queenstown on Saturday next, s as a curtain-raiser to the Southern Districts ] V. Wakatipu. ] Golf.—A team of eight ladies and ten t men from the Cromwell Club met a Queens- i town team on the Frankton links on SaXur- ( day last, when an enjoyable match ended ] In a win for Queenstown by 12J tn 5’ — ] The ladies’ championship of the Wakatipu < Club has been won by Mrs W. Elliott, Mrs U. Mann being runner-up. Basket Ball.—On Wednesday, 15th inst., j two matches were played at Queenstown. ; The Queenstown Convent B team and the j Arrow B team were the first to take the i field, the former scoring a win by 3 to t 1. The three goals for the winners were < shot by Kitty Rutherford, and the goal for < Arrow by Clare Douglas. The second match ; was between the Queenstown Conven-. A - team and the Arrow B girls. Queenstown ; again won by 4 to 2. Father Ardagh and i Mr D. F. Macdonald refereed. On the same ] day Queenstown Rovers visited Arrowtown j and played the Arrow A girls, the former i winning by 6 to 2. L. Braden (3), Joyce < Gardiner (2), and Muriel Buckham scored i for the winners, and Annie Fitzgerald shot ; the two goals for Arrow. Mrs Douglas -was i referee. The Arrow A and B teams met , on Monday last, the A team winning by 8 . goals to 2. Annie Fitzgerald shot all eight ] goals for the winners, and Clare Douglas ' scored both goals for the losers. Mrs Douglas was referee. Rifle Shooting.—The Wakatipu Defence ; Rifle Club opened the season at Walter ’ Peak on Saturday last, when the members . were the guests of the president, Mr H. i Mackenzie. There was a record attendance, i 42 riflemen taking part. Owing to the large number, it was decided to limit the , shooting to two ranges, 300yds and 500yds, with seven shots at each range. The bulk ; of the prize money was donated by the Mackenzie family, every competitor receiving a cash prize. D. R. Gray was top scorer ' with 60, and the. sectional winners were Queenstown, D. R. Gray; Skippers, A. E. Smith ; Glenorchy, S. Knowles. Other prizes were lowest score without missing the target, M. Macadam, and highest score at 500yds. A E. Smith (32). Wedding.—A wedding of considerable local interest was celebrated at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Arrowtown, yesterday afternoon, the contracting parties being Miss Jane Summers, fifth daughter of Mr and I Mrs George Summers, of Arrowtown, and Donald Auld, fourth son of Mr and Mrs William Auld, of Waitahuna. The Rev. M. Jackson was the officiating clergyman, and Miss Edwards presided at the organ. The church was artistically decorated by girl friends of the bride, and the ceremony was witnessed by a large number of friends and - well-wishers, including a number from Waitahuna. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, was attended by her sister, Margaret, as bridesmaid. while Mr A. Auld, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. The wedding breakfast was partaken of at the residence of the bride’s parents, where the Rev. M. Jack Son presided over a large gathering, and the 'customary toasts were proposed and duly honoured. Later in the afternoon the happy couple left by motor for Otago Central. The future home of Mr and Mrs Auld will be at Waitahuna. MANDEVILLE. August 24.—The weather is simply glorious for the time of the year. July and August have been wonderful months. Frosts. —There have been practically no frosts to speak about. They have occurred on just a night or two, and very mild at that. There has been a slight growth right through, which has been intensified by the mild temperature of the past 10 days. From present appearances it will be difficult to make use of all the turnips. With a continuation of the growth now taking place it will be difficult to keep the sneep on turnips. Ploughing them in will have to be resorted to. Parties. —The euchre parties were brought to a conclusion last week after a fairly successful season. Mr W. Boyer obtained the greatest number of games, winning the gentlemen’s prize by a small margin, while a prize went to Mrs R. Miller, jun.— The ladies’ ball was a great success. The night was perfect, and every district was well represented for miles round. The hall was most beautifully decorated. The music was of the best. The floor was in perfect order, and the duties of M.C. were in the capable hands of Mr Robertson. Rabbits. —The rabbiting season is drawing to a close, and the local trappers say it is the poorest season they have experienced. The prices are right, but the rabbits are simply not there to catch. Church. —The local Presbyterians are working assiduously to raise the required amount to build a church in the township. It is a big effort for such a few, and they deserve to win. They have secured a section which is fenced and planted with shelter trees in the best part of the town, and no doubt before many months are past, a forward move will be made. WAIKAIA. August 23.—The weather. continues to be remarkably fine. The storms experienced elsewhere have not prevailed here. The Steeple Creek bridge Is now finished, and is a great improvement much appreciated by the travelling public. Personal. —Mr and Mrs M’Caw and family have gone to Woodlands for the term holidays.—Miss Cloughley is spending the holidays with her people at Riverton.—-Miss. H. M’Kissock, captain of B ’team, will leave on Monday next to take part, in the N.Z. Championship Hockey tournament at Timaru. -—Miss L. Ayson, of Manuka Creek, is spending her vacation • with her aunt, Mrs William Ayson.—Mr William Sproat, of Dunedin, is visiting Waikaia relatives.—Misses Hastie, of Gore, are visiting Mrs M. Moffitt. Ball.—A largely attended fancy dress and hard times ball was held last Friday evening in the Coronation Hall in aid of Waikaia Tennis Club’s funds. ” Mrs Ayson (Father Christmas) was awarded first prize for fancy dress, .and Mr J. Christie (Old lady) the gentleman’s first prize, while Miss M. O’Reilly (charwoman) and Mr C. Heenan (scarecrow) were awarded the hard times prizes. Among thoserpresent were Mesdames M’Caw (Dutch cleanser)’, Kennedy (pack, of cards), Darling (school girl), Hamer (golfer),, and Bunting .. (gentleman), Misses O. Mutch (Dutchie), L.- Mutch" (cowgirl), A. Farrington (saWor), M. M’lver ’(buttons), M. Kerr (ghost), I. Kerr (Red Riding Hood), *■£. .Stirling (Pierrette), J. Stirling (Turkish

delight), Hutton (night), G. M’Kinnel (Weldon’s fashions), V. M’Kinnel (night), M. Thomson (Spanish lady), V. Denis (buy British goods), H. M’Leod (red devil), U. Heenan (golfer), M. Cloughley (folly), C. Lawrence (gipsy), Gaudion (fuchsia), M. M’Kee (page), R. Wilson (sundowner), G. Wilson (old timer), H. M’Kissock (hard times), B. Ayson (sailor boy), Petrie (Pierrette), M. Lowe (pixie), Moffat (cigarettes), and Finlayson (Pierrette), Messrs F. R. Darling (military), I. Milne (cowboy), J. M’n.ee (Santa Claus), C. MTver (Turkish astronomer), L. Heenan (pirate), F. Kerr (western sheriff), Wooley (pirate), S. Ayson (pierrot), Soper (pirate), Sanson (jack tar), B. Hurley (pierrot), Isemonger (gentleman), R. Matheson (rajah), Bunting (lady), Sinclair (cook), M’Bain (swagger), Sinclair (chef), and many others in evening dress. School. —A very interesting ceremony took place last Friday afternoon. Mr M’Caw, head teacher, in his opening remarks, explained the object of the gathering to the large number present. The late Mr Archibald Kennedy, for many years generously donated the prizes for the boy and girl dux of the school and In his will bequeathed a sum of money, the interest from which would provide the two dux prizes as long as there was a school in Waikaia. To commemorate this generosity the children collected enough money to obtain an enlarged photograph of the late Mr Kennedy, which now adorns the school. Mr Colin Robertson unveiled the portrait, and in a most interesting speech mentioned that he personally knew the late Mr' Kennedy when he first arrived in Waikaia from Victoria gold diggings over 60 years ago, and that it was no idle compliment to say that Mr Kennedy was “ one of Nature’s gentlemen.” The late Mr Kennedy was of a very retiring disposition, and was never married. Mr Robertson apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr E. C. Smith (trustee) and Mr T. Taylor (Gore). After Mr C. Heenan, chairman of the school committee had thanked Mr Robertson fcr his interesting speech, the children contributed some items. Afternoon tea, handed round by tho children, and the singing of the National Anthem brought a most interesting afternoon to a close.

Obituary.—The death occurred at his residence last evening of Mr Douglas Sproat after a long illness bravely and patiently borne. The late Mr Sproat was born in Waikaia 41 years ago, and was the third son of Mr Hugh and the late Mrs Snroat. Deceased spent all his life'here, and’ took an active part in the affairs of the district, He was a keen sportsman, and ever ready to help—financially and otherwise—anything for the good of the district. He was a staunch member of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years was a member of the choir. About eight years ago Mr Sproat married Mary, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Hartley, of Oamaru, and deep sympathy is felt for his widow in her untimely loss. Besides his widow and father, deceased leaves three brothers and two sisters to mourn their loss. The interment will take place to-morrow in Gore cemetery. OTAUTAU. August 22.—The annual meeting of the tennis club was well attended. Mr G. B. Burns (president) occupied the chair. The report showed that a successful year had been experienced, and the balance sheet showed a credit of £37 13s 3d. The election of officers resulted as follows President, Mr G. B. Burns (re-elected) ; vice-presidents. Misses Duncan and Mr *L. Harrison ; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. A. Booth (reelected) ; general committee, Misses T. Seatier and M’Dougall (re-elected) ; social committee, Misses Finnegan (convener), Ryan, Lock, and Cox; grounds committee, Messrs R. Cameron, E. M’lvor, P. R. Hunter, and D. Matheson; selectors, Miss Donnan and Mr Burns ; delegates to Western District Subassociation, Messrs Burns and Booth. The subscriptions were fixed the same as last year, and the opening day was left in the hands of the grounds committee. Surprise Party.—Members of the Ladies’ Croquet Club paid a surprise visit to the residence of Mrs W. Pcrteous on Thursday evening. Competitions, etc., were enjoyed, and at a suitable interval Mrs Blaikie, on behalf of the club, presented Mrs Porteous with a tea wagon in acknowledgment of her kindness in allowing the members the use of her home on various occasions for social events. Mrs Buchanan also spoke, pointing out many ways in which the recipient had assisted the club. Mrs Porteous replied, thanking the members for the gift. The winners of the competitions were “ spotting,” Mrs Roberts ; “ geographical," Miss Gouid ; and “ ring,” Miss Campbell. Croquet Club.—The annual meeting of members was held in the pavilion last week, there being a fair attendance. The report was read, and the balance sheet showed a credit balance of £l6 17s 6d. The following officials were appointed for the current term : —President, Mrs Blaikie; vice-presidents, Mesdames Duncan and Buchanan; secretary, Mrs Porteous; captain, Mrs Lumsden; committee, Mesdames Keith, Roberts, Wesney, and Saxelby, Misses Reay, Campbell, O’Brien, and Hay; auditor. Miss Shaw; and green committee. Mesdames Duncan and Porteous. A special vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Hall and Porteous for supervising the caretaking of the green. MOMONA. August 27.—1 n common with other parts we are experiencing exceptionally fine weather, so good in fact that in some cases rain would be welcome to fill the tanks, which have by now become almost empty. Factory—The Momona Co-Operative Dairy Factory, which has been closed for a short time to allow the annual overhaul to be carried out, commenced operations for the new season on the 22nd inst. As more suppliers are installing milking machines, and others are adding to their herds, a record season should be experienced. The -output up to December has been sold at 9Jd, a good price, which is already reflected in the increased value that dairy cows are realising. Personal.—Our congratulations ’ are extended to Mr J. G. Wilson (manager Dyer’s factory, formerly on the staff of the local dairy factory), who has joined the ranks of the benedicts. FERNDALE. August 23. —The other day I met an old resident of Ferndale, who asked me if Ferndale had changed its name, as he never saw any Ferndale notes in the Otago Witness nowadays. “No,” said ~1, “ Ferndale has not changed its name, nor has it become a suburb of Mataura. It’s I that has been asleep all the winter, like Rip Van Winkle. j Parties.—Euchre parties have . been heldevery ; fortnight,, and have been- very ■ well attended, serving to: bring the'■ people together for social intercourse.

Piano.- -Ae the Southland Education Board is purchasing pianos for those schools which can. raise halt the money locally, the people of Ferndale- set to and - by a subscription list raised nearly all the money wanted. A grand fancy and plain dress ball, held in Junor Brothers' barn, brought in the rest of the money and some to spare. This function was a great success, people coming from all around to enjoy dancing on a perfect floor to excellent music. A very amusing feature of the evening was a buck set, performed by eight gentlemen near the conclusion, when all was going merrier than a marriage bell. There are still to be one or two euchre parties held before the cows come in and the lambing starts. The Weather.—This winter was not nearly so cold as last winter, which, of couisc, was an exceptionally severe one. There have been two falls of snow in the higher parts. Last week, though very dry. was very cold, the east wind cutting like a knife. Early spring often does seem to be colder than mid-winter. The Farm.—Turnips are not too plentiful this year, the reason, no doubt, being the very dry weather experienced in the early part of the year. Dry weather in the early stages often causes blight. Blight rots the turnips, and it may not be out of place to mention here a preventive from rotting after blight. A neighbour told me of it, and I tried it with success. Cut the tops off at once. The turnips send out fresh tops, and do not rot.

Changes.—The farm lately occupied by Mr Ship has passed Into the possession of Mr Jackson.