SOUTHLAND TOPICS.

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

SOUTHLAND TOPICS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, August 25. Now that the excitement caused by the raids on the illicit stills, the mail bag robbery, the soup kitchen, and the doings of the City Fathers has died down, a comparatively quiet time so far as sensational happenings are concerned is being experienced in Southland at the present time. Music lovers are being catered for extensively in the annual competitions, which are living up to the high standard set by previous festivals. Entries in practically all sections are very heavy, there being an increase in the total number as compared with last year’s figures, and in all departments the work is of such a quality as to provide a veritable feast of music and song for the people of this fair city. . In preparation for the coming summer months —already the sunny days have arrived, bringing with them prospects of tennis and other summer sports—lnvercargill is undergoing a spring clean, or, rather, this staid little city is being rejuvenated. While a large number of smaller business premises are being remodelled and renovated there are four big works being carried On in the city. First of all is the construction of the new National Bank, which is going ahead rapidly, so that shortly that well-known business block, the Crescent, will be considerably enhanced when the new building is completed. Further down the street, at the corner of Dee and Esk streets, to be precise, the work of demolishing the well-known old building which until several months ago was occupied by the old-established drapery firm of Lewis’s Ltd., is going ahead, and the streets are resounding to the crash of falling masonry and timber at the present time. In place of this old landmark a block of up-to-date offices and shops will rise up which should certainly be an asset to the town from the point of view of architecture and utility. Still further down the street is the old Grand Theatre, which is being extensively rebuilt. The present entrance from Dee street will be the same as before, but the full width of the vestibule will be carried- through to the auditorium. The ground floor will be raised another 18in to give a better view of the stage, the building of which will necessitate an addition of 51ft at the back of the theatre. The proscenium opening will be 34ft wide and 25ft high, and the stage itself will be 67ft by 36ft and 57ft high. The scenery or drop curtains will all be worked on the counterweight principle, from one side only of the stage. The orchestra well below the stage will be lined with timber and have a double timber floor to give resonance. The present circle is being entirely removed, and a large new one is being constructed, entrance to which will be gained by a stair way leading from the vestibule. The circle will commence much nearer the stage than the previous one. and will carry round to splayed angle pieces alongside the proscenium opening. So large will the circle be as to necessitate the raising of the roof of the theatre, which is being carried out at present. The whole circle will De supported by a large steel girder spanning 64ft. and thus posts—ever an annoyance to patrons—will be eliminated. Those are the main particulars of the new building, which -will be one of the most up to date ir the Dominion, being heated and ventilated extremely well. When it is completed it will hold some 1450 people. Finally, further down the street from the new theatre work is going ahead steadily on the construction of offices for the Southland Electric Power Board, so beloved by country consumers, and present indications are that when the building is completed. Dee street will be considerably enhanced architecturally as a result. Notwithstanding that there are a few pessimists who declare that everything is all wrong with New Zealand farmers generally are bright and optimistic and can always be depended upon to enjoy themselves whenever the occasion arises. Nowhere was this more illustrated than in.. Southland during this past week, when the local executive of the Farmers’ Union organised a big canvass for new members. A rally ’dinner arranged by the Invercargill branch was held in the Federal Tea Rooms last Saturday evening, when there was a good attendance of tillers of the soil, and a happy evening was spent by all. Later during the week lecturers visited the country centres and assisted materially in making the union stronger than ever before in the province. Fifty years is a long time, and on Friday last the jubilee celebrations of the North Forest Hill School were held, this institution having been established in 1878. Over 300 old pupils and residents of the district attended, and a very enjoyable time was spent by all present. Mr Thomas Horan, the first headmaster of the school, was present, and Mr J. R. Hamilton, M.P.. unveiled the roll of honour presented to th(j school by the chairman of the Jubilee Committee. Mr D. Watson. To commemorate the jubilee a number of old pupils planted trees, the shade of which will be a comfort to school children 50 years hence, and a number of photographs were taken of those present. Afterwards the assemblyjourneyed to Winton to partake of luncheon. when a ‘happy time was spent in feasting and reminiscences. An enjoyable concert and dance at night brought the celebrations. successfully to a close. -. Followers of sport have been well catered for by two big matches—the Southland v. Manawhenua representative Rugby game, and the New Zealand v. England Rugby League exhibition match. Southland has been doing well in the football world, for they have won two of the three games so far played, successes hqving been registered against Wairarapa and Manawhenua,- while a loss was sustained against Auckland. Last Saturday’s game was hard and well contested, a friendly spirit prevailing throughout, and football enthusiasts at Rugby Park were treated to a good, clean exhibition. The Rueb” League game was also well received there being an attendance of some 5000 spectators. at the show ground last ’Wednesday. The game was productive.of some thrilling •movements, and was quite a success. Now the sporting public willhave to wait till Wednesday next for, the next big encounter in the Rugby world, when Canterbury, will meet Southland Everything is working well in'eonr.cction with- Gore’s forthcoming .gamtv ppla.'which commences' next week; Optiy y.inism.-prevails everywhere, and everybody

is entering into the spirit of carnival, so that it is confidently anticipated that this* year’s festival will eclipse even last year’s proud performance. The gala committee has been advised that merry old King Roly-Poly of Suet Island, with all his gilded retinue will be present, so the success of the festival is assured. Of late mild epidemics of influenza have been going the rounds of Invercargill, where quite a large number of people have been affected, finding it necessarj’ to remain in bed in many cases to shake off the distressing complaint. The week’s visit to Invercargill of the party of Stewart Island school children closed last Wednesday, when they returned home after a wonderful holiday. During their stay in Invercargill they were shown much of interest, and were treated very kindly. As the result of swimming instruction received at the Municipal Baths six boys have made great progress and at least one promises to be a good diver. The children at- the close of the trip were loth to return home, to such an extent did they enjoy themselves, and there is no doubt that the past week will remain green in the memories of those who participated in the tour.