The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 32

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. October 3.—During the week the weather has been changeable, and there have been several cold showers. So far there has been very little growth and in consequence feed is scarce. Football.—The semi-final game for the Jopp Cup was played at Queenstown on Saturday, when a combined team from the Arrow schools met and defeated Queenstown Public School by 16 points to nil. The final game for the season will be played at Arrowtown to-morrow, when Arrow Public and Convent combined play Queenstown Convent and Arthur’s Point combined.

Rifle Shooting.—On the Queenstown range on Saturday the Wakatipu Rifle Club held the first competition for the season for President Mackenzie’s trophy. The conditions were seven shots at 300 and 600 yards, and the following were the six highest scores:—A. H. Buckham 62, A. Simson 57, G. Thompson 55, D. R. Gray 55, W. D. Warren 48, Dr Anderson 44. A Cup shoot at 500 yards resulted as follows: —D. R. Gray 31, A. Simson 31, A. H. Buckham 27, W. D. Warren 27, W. H. Nelson 26, G. Thompson 26, H. C. Buckham 25, Dr Anderson 22. Gun Club. —The Queenstown Gun Club held the final match for the Firestone Cups on the 24th ult. The match resulted in J. Munro winning the big cup, and Dr Anderson the small cup. Golf. —The final of the men’s championship of the Wakatipu Golf Club was played last week and was won by A. H. Cook (last year’s champion), who defeated A. F. Griffin by 2 up and 1 to play. Cricket, —The annual meeting of the gueenstown Cricket Club was held on aturday evening last, Mr H. C. Buckham presiding over a good attendance. The balance sheet showed a debit balance of £5 ss. The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mr H. J. Lewis; secretary, Mr J. Miller; captain, Mr H. F. Gardiner; deputy-captain, Mr W. H. Nelson; general committee. Messrs H. F. Gardiner, J. Miller, W. H. Nelson, A. H. Buckham, and L. G. Lynch. Bowling.—The annual meeting of the Wakatipu Bowling Club was held on the evening of the 25th ult, Mr Thomas Davidson (vice-president) presiding over a large attendance. The balance sheet showed a credit of £4 3s lOd. The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mr W. J. Rogers (re-elected) ; vicepresidents, Messrs T. Davidson, W. D. Warren, and L. G. Lynch; secretary and treasurer, Mr W. Scandrett (re-elected); auditor, Mr A. H. Cooke; general committee, Messrs W. H. Nelson, A. Scheib, A. H. Cooke, and president and vice-presi-dents; match committee, Messrs R. Munro, S. J. Lynch, W. H. Nelson, and the secretary. Reference was made to the able manner in which Mr Scandrett had carried out the secretarial duties, and he was voted the sum of £3 3s for his services. Mr Scandrett thanked members for their practical appreciation, but said that he did not wish to accept any honorarium. He had much pleasure in making it a donation to the club. Mr W. D. Warren was appointed the club’s delegate to the Otago Centre. It was resolved to make it a strong recommendation to the committee that the Bowling Association’s rule making it incumbent upon players to stand on the bank after delivering their bowls, be enforced as far as possible during the ensuing season. The date of opening day was left in the hands of the committee. Lake County Co-operative Dairy Company.—The annual meeting of shareholders was held in the factory office, Lake Hayes, Arrpwtown, on Tuesday last, Mr William Reid (chairman of directors) presiding. The balance sheet showed a small loss on last season’s operations. This was accounted for by the high price paid at the commencement of the season for butterfat, and the low price ruling for cheese. The retiring directors,- Messrs William Reid and Robert Jenkins, were re-elected, and Mr C. M. Inglis was re-appointed' auditor. It was decided to pay Is per lb for butter-fat during October.

LUMSDEN. October 3.—After a few days’ rain, a thange set in, and we are now experiencing the usual spring winds and cold and boisterous weather.

. Town Board.—The first monthly meeting of the newly elected Town Board was held on Tuesday evening, September 23, when there were present Messrs Keith, Campbell, Gerkin, Little, Timlin, and Reidy. Apology for absence was received from Mr A. Heath on account of ill health. Mr r. Keith was re-elected chairman, and Mr James Campbell, deputy chairman. The chairman formally wel.comed the new members to the board— Messrs Gerkin, Little, and Reidy. Girl Guides.—The annual meeting of the Lumsden Girl Guides Committee was held on Wednesday afternoon, September 24, when Mrs Brown presided over a gathering of 30 ladies. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mrs R. Seddon; vicepresidents, Mesdames E. Brown and H. Graham; secretary. Mrs J. Clouston; social secretary, Mrs F. Shuttleworth; committee—Mesdames M'Fetridge. Little, Lawrence, Ogilvy Hunter, G. H. Johnson, Keith, and Allison; delegate to executive, Mirs Clouston. Concert. —The Lumsden branch of the Plunket Society held a very successful concert on Friday night, September 26, in the Radio Hall. There was a large and appreciative audience. The performers were Mr Aitchison’s party from Invercargill, who gave their services free. On behalf of the society Mrs Marshall, president, thanked these performers for their assistance and for the pleasure they had given in their performance. After the concert the hall was cleared for a couple of hours’ dancing for the young people. The net proceeds of this function are approximately £lO, which goes to the fnnds of Um Lumsden Band.

Euchre.—The weekly euchre evening conducted by the committee of the Lumsden Tennis Club was held in Johnson’s Hall on Thursday night, October 2. There was the usual good attendance, and an enjoyable time was spent. The prizes donated by Miss Brotnerston were won by Miss Brady and Mr G. Aitchison. and the consolation prizes by Mrs Wm. Wellman and Mr W. Patterson. NEWS TOPICS. Professor Hunter, of Knox College, Dunedin, has accepted an invitation from the Tokomairiro Presbyterian Church Session to conduct the church anniversary services on Sunday, November 2. The sale of the business premises of the late Mr Robert M’Lintock to a Balclutha resident is reported. The building, it is understood, may be used for the purpose of a motor garage. The vacant pastorate of the WaiholaMilburn Presbyterian Church combined charge is at present being filled by Mr D. W. Morgan as home missionary. Mr Morgan was formerly stationed in the Papatowai (Gatlins) and Beaumont districts. Mr H. Parsonage, who for some time past has been on the Tapanui staff of the State forest service, left on Wednesday on re-transfer to Wellington. His place has been taken by Mr S. Trask, who arrived last week from Palmerston North. The rainfall taken at Riverton for September, 1930, by Mr James Ritchie, observer, is as follows: —Total, 3.76 in; maximum fall, ,48in on the 6th; number of rain days, 20; total for nine months. 33.24 in.

Mr Robert M'Donald, who was gassed and injured in his heroic attempts to rescue the victims of the Waronui mine fatality, has been discharged from the Milton Hospital, and has almost completely recovered normal health. Mr J. Toomey, a power linesman, had a narrow escape from serious accident recently, when the glass tube of a fuse which he was fitting broke, throwing his bare arm against a live wire. Mr Toomey was fortunate in escaping with a badly scorched arm.

The Clyde School Committee has received an intimation that a special committee of the Education Board proposes making a tour of Central Otago soon, and will, with the architect, meet the committee in conference concerning sanitary and other matters.

The registrations at the Milton Post Office for Tokomairiro district during September were:—Births 4, marriages 2, deaths 2. The figures for the quarter ended September 30 were (corresponding quarter last year in parentheses):— io n '(io) 15 marriages 4 deaths

Mr A. P. Roydhouse, physical instructor for the Otago schools, has been in the Balclutha district for the past fortnight instructing teachers in preparation for th® grand physical drill display at the South Otago championship school eports, to be held at Balclutha next Saturday. It is expected that some 600 children will participate in this dieplay.

Mr Cameron, provincial secretary of the Farmers’ Union, and Miss Finlayson, organising secretary of the Women’s Division, visited Alexandra in the course of their tour through Central Otago to visit the newly formed branches of the Women’s Division. Mies Finlavson is a graduate in Home Science of the Otago University.

The funeral took place on Thureday afternoon at Fairfax Cemetery of Mr John Teer Patterson, a well-known Milton resident. The deceased had been ailing only for a brief period. He was formerly engaged as a traction-engine driver, and afterwards in the engineering department at Bruce Woollen Mills, but latterly on sundry duties for the Milton Borough Council. He leaves a widow and family of two sons and two daughters. The annual sale of work organised by the Toko Presbyterian Church, P.W M U and Young Women’s Club on behalf of the church missionary enterprises was held, and although marred by bitterly cold and wet weather, the gross takings (£237) showed only a slight reduction on the previous year (£250). This result is considered highly gratifying, with the present financial depression and general unemployment.

At the usual monthly meeting of the Mataura Farmers’ Union, and at the invitation of the executive, a fairly comprehensive survey of the aims and objects and the work accomplished by junior agricultural clubs in Southland was given by Mr J. MIC. Miller (Gore) on Saturday evening. Mr .A. Christie (president) occupied the chair, and introduced the speaker, who was accompanied by Mr A. R. Johnston, to" a fair attendance of members.

The weather in Milton during September was of a very broken nature throughout, and has been the despair of gardeners who were anxious to push ahead with the sowing of their main crops. The official ram gauge record shows that 3.72 inches fell during the month, beating all previous months for the current year by about one-third. Rain fell on 13 days, the heaviest recordings being on the 6th (.58in) and the 7th (.85in). There were only three spells of three days on which no rainfall was recorded.

The Bishop of Dunedin (Dr Richards) concluded a vieit to the Dunstan parish last . week. During his stay the bishop administered confirmation to 11 candidates, and dedicated a beautifully designed memorial teredos stained-glass window and sanctuary fittings in memory of the late Mr and Mrs Harry Hotop, in St. Andrew’s Church, Cromwell. Last Sunday Dr Richards was the special

preacher at the patronal festival service of St. Michael and All Angel’s Church, of this town. The attendances were excellent, and the services appropriate to the occasion.

At a meeting of the Cromwell branch of the Wakatipu Defence Rifle Club a reply was received from the Defence Department stating that the range would have to be inspected before used, and no difficulty was anticipated in respect to the formation of the club. A committee was appointed to deal with the matter of targets as soon as particulars regarding same were received from the department. The report on an inspection of the butts showed that a great deal of work was not necessary. The chief requirement was the facing of the butte with concrete on an iron plate as a safeguard against the penetration of bullets. A working bee was arranged to carry Out the initial work in readiness for the targets. A large number of residents of the district assembled at the Victoria Hall, Cambrian, to bid fare-well to Mr and Mrs G. C. Sim, who have resided at Cambrian for the past four years. Mr Sim has been in charge of the local school during that period, and is now being transferred to Hawea Flat. The chairman (Mr D. Jones) spoke of the high esteem in which Mr and Mrs Sim were held by the residents of the district, and presented Mr Sim with a Jacobean barometer, suitably inscribed. and Mrs Sim with a morocco bandbag. Mr Sim was also presented with a smoker's companion by the pupils of the school.

A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT.

At a recent clearing sale a farmer in the Waikouaiti district bought an in-pig sow for £lO. A family of 14 lusty young pigs was born. All are now drawing sustenance from this prolific mother, and as weaners should return a cash profit of 100 ;er cent. In addition to this the purchaser will have cleared the cost of the sow. "

LAWN TENNIS.

The third annual meeting of the Eastern Districts Lawn Tennis Sub-association was held in Palmerston on September 30. Mr A. S. Gillanders was in the chair, and delegates were present from Palmerston, Dunback, Waikouaiti, and Shag Point. The fiollowing office-bearers were appointed for the coming season:—President. Mr R. Templeton; secretary (pro »?!?<)’ -R" Smith; executive—Messsrs M Dougall and Brownlie; Selection Committee—Messrs Sawyer, Templeton, and Gillanders. After much discussion on the matter of the size of teams, it was decided that teams should be eight a side, as last year, in both A and B Grades. It was decided that matches should be played every Saturday this season provided there were sufficient entries.

THE PUNJAB MISSION.

A most interesting lantern lecture was given in the Sunday School Hall, when the Rev. T. E. Riddle, since 1911 a missionary of the Punjab Mission, India, paid a visit to Winton. There was a large attendance, there being people present from all the surrounding districts, as well as a parade of the local company of the Boy’s Brigade. Mr S. M. Allott, president of the . Central Southland Bible Class Union, introduced the speaker and spoke of the great work the missionaries were 01 1 the forei K n fields. The Rev. Mr Riddle had a very good set of slides on mission life and work in North India. He also gave a sketch of the life of Sadhu bjmdar Singh, the world-famed Indian myetie, and gave an illustrated descript!.oa to the wild borderland of forbidden Tibet taken in search of him.

BALCLUTHA MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

The following are the returns of the business transacted at the Balclutha Magistrate s Court for the quarter ending September 30 (the figures in parenthesis are those for the corresponding quarter last year) :— Sittings presided over by magistrate.— Civil o (5); criminal 3 (4): presided over by J.P.’s—Criminal 1 (2). Plaints entered 85 (57); judgment summonses 14 (19); summons cards 31 (25); warrants of committal 1 (0); summonses served 73 (91); warrants executed 4 (10); criminal cases 31 (25). _ Amount sued for, £l2Bl 7s lOd (£776 7s); amount claimed in cases tried, £791 18s 9d (£675 14s 9d); amount recovered, £572 16s Id (£366 15s 9d). Civil fees paid in stamps, £54 15s (£56); criminal fees paid in stamps, £l4 14s (£5 3s); fines paid in stamps, £2B 10s (£10).

CLUTHA BOROUGH JUBILEE.

At a meeting of the Borough Jubilee Association last week the Mayor presided over a small attendance. The manager, 4YA, Dunedin, wrote that he was falling in with the arrangements made for broadcasting the concert. It was decided to include in the invitations to the banquet Mr Samuel Green, of Green Island (a Balclutha ratepayer of 1871, probably the only one surviving), also representatives of the Otanomomo River Board, South Otago Freezing Company, and the A. and P. Society. It was left to the Rev. Leslie Groves (who was present) to arrange for a combined church service on the Sunday afternoon, to be followed by the laying of a wreath on the soldiers’ memorial.

Only two tenders were received for the printing of the jubilee booklet.—Mr Watt moved .that the Dunedin tender (the lowest) be accepted.—Mr Walter seconded.—Mr Kean moved as an amendment that the local tender be accepted.— The amendment was seconded by Mr Gormack and carried.

TOWN TRUST.

The monthly meeting of the Clyde Town Trust was presided over by Mr S. A. Stevens. Amongst the reports was one dealing with wandering stock and the efforts being made to overcome the difficulty. The members decided, after a report, to advise the Girl Guides of the willingness of the trust to co-operate if a working bee were organised to prepare the section for the proposed garden. Two members reported on an interview with a repre-

sentative of an oil firm, who desired a conference with the trust. The secretary intimated having written a letter to the principals of the firm concerned. The correspondence was mostly of a routine nature, such as applications for the use of the Town Hall. That from Mr W. A Bodkin, M.P., dealt with the Town Belt proposal under the Domain Board system. After considerable discussion and references to former minutes it was de c.ded to write to Mr Bodkin stating that the trust was willing that the area known as the Town Belt should be incorporated with the lands already held and administered by the Clyde Domain Board. The financial statement revealed an income for the month amounting to £l6 6s and a dr balance of £ll9 12s sd. Accounts totalling £ll 4s were passed for payment.

CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

There was a good attendance of delegates at the annual meeting of the South Otago Cricket Association held at Balclutha on Tuesday night. In the absence of the president, Mr H. Allan (Milburn) was in the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted, the balance sheet showing a credit of £6 3s lOd Ihe following office-bearers were elected: President, Mr P. M Nicolson (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs D. Finlayson and H. Allan; secretary and treasurer, Mr J- .ff- Stevenson; auditor, Mr J. T. Walter; Grade Committee — Messrs Stevenson, Allan, and Nicolson; selectors — North side: Messrs W. Hewitson and Allan; south side: Messrs Edwards and Lennox; South Otago selectors—Messrs Lennox, Edwards, and Hewitson. After discussions as to the advisability of playing the competition in two divisions or one, it was resolved to leave the decision to the Grade Committee, two divisions to be played if eight teams entered. Opening day for the shield matches was fixed for Saturday, November 1. In regard to the Christmas holidays it was decided that the final matches this year be played on December 20, to recommence on January 10. It was decided, for the convenience of country players, that representative matches be played during .the Christmas vacation and at the end of the club fixtures.

TAPANUI LAWN TENNIS CLUB. The annual meeting of the Tapanui Lawn Tennis Club was held in the pavilion on Tuesday evening. Mr T. L. Floyd occupied the chair in the absence of the president (Dr W. Robertson). The secretary submitted the report and balance sheet, which showed the club to be in a sound financial position. In moving their adoption, which was unanimously confirmed, the chairman commented on the success of the past season. The A team had been successful in winning the district competition, after having played off with Waikoikoi Under the newly formed West Otago Sub-association, several representative matches had been played, in which the club had been well represented. The following were elected office-bearers for the ensuing year:—President, Dr W. Robertson; vice-presidents—Messrs J. B. Quaile, F. H. Cockerill, and J. Keir; secretary, Mr T. L. Floyd; club captain, Mr J. B. Quaile; committee—Misses Lischner, Macrae, M'Coll, Buchanan, and Grant, Messrs Crawford, Herbert, and Gunn. It was decided to open the season on Saturday. October 4. Four new members were elected. It was decided to enter one team only for the banner competition. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the meeting.

GOLF AT PEMBROKE.

The final competition rounds of the Wanaka Golf Club have been played. The ladies’ match "was a Canadian foursome for trophies presented by Mr A. M'Laren, and was won by Mrs Walker and Miss MTarlane in the play off over an extra five holes after they had tied with Mrs M'Kegg and Miss Brooks. The following are the scores:— Mrs Walker and Miss M c Farlane 60 (21) 39, Mrs M‘Kegg and Miss Brooks 54 (15) 39, Miss Gillespie and Mrs Perrow 54 (13) 41, Mrs Jackson and Miss M. Perrow 58 (16) 42, Miss Matheson and Mrs Studholme 69 (25) 44, Mrs Collings and Miss Collings 42 (14) 48, Miss Bovett and Miss Anderson 81 (24) 57. The men’s match was the final medal round, and was won by W. Trevathan. The following are the scores:—W. Trevathan 83 (19) 64, T. Gillespie 88 (23) 65, C. Ironside 87 (22) 65, B. Ballantyne 99 (34), 65, F. Collings S 4 (17) 67, D. Dickson 103 (35) 68, J. Brooks 81 (11) 70, A. M'Laren 105 (34) 71, W. Bovett 103 (31) 72, D. Matheson 95 (23) 72, F. Jackson 99 (17) 82, J. Perrow 94 (10) 84, A. Wilson 104 (18) 86, J. Faulks 106 (17) 89. The finals of the championships were played during the week. The ladies’ match was won by Miss Gillespie, who beat Mrs Jackson 4 and 3. In the men’s event J. Brooks beat J. Perrow 7 and 5.

TUAPEKA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

At a meeting of the committee of the Tuapeka Horticultural Society the president, Mr T. H. Clark, presided. Several letters were received from firms who were willing to contribute to the society’s prize fund. The date of the spring show was left in the hands of the president to arrange after consultation with the leading growers.

It was decided to ask Mr A. W. Newman, of Gore, to act as judge of narcissi and cut flower sections.

The appointing of a judge for the industrial section was left in the hands of the Ladies’ Committee. It was decided to ask Mr J. J. Woods and Miss Woods to supply the musical programme on night of show.

Messrs McKenzie and Mong were appointed stewards for the narcissi section. Messrs Clark and Carruthers will act likewise foi' the cut flower section. Mr F. Martin and Mrs Taborn will be the stewards for the fruit and vegetable sections; Mesdames F. Martin and Misses Hopkins, Cameron, and P. M'Kinlay. industrial section; and Mesdames Barton Cox, and Moyle for the children’s

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING. The third and final shoot for the Fire* stone Cups took place on Wednesday last (says the Lake Wakatip Mail). Thera were ten competitors, and the best break a r i e day was ? registered by Dr W. A, Anderson 16 birds. The ten best aggre* gates out of three in the competition snowed that Dr Anderson and L. Curtis were equal—33 birds each. It was there, tore necessary for them to shoot off. Another five shots were fired, and each c three birds. Then they went on till tne first miss out. Curtis mssed his third, which gave the win and small cup to Dr Anderson. It was a very exciting finish, and the winner and runner-up were congratulated on their performance. Ihe winner of the big cup is Mr J, Munro, whose tally over two seasons was 66, viz., 34 in 1929 and 32 in 1930. The runners-up were Messrs L. Curtis and L, Mann, with scores of 61 each. Mr Munro Won small cup last season. Ihe president (Mr L. Mann) presented the trophies m a few complimentary remarks, and Dr Anderson and Mr J. Munro replied.

LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL.

r< recent meeting of the Lake County Council some discussion took re the subsidy on keas. Councillor Wil* liam Reid considered the council was paving too much The sum of £99 18s had been paid out by the council for the years 1929-30. In reply to a question, the clerk said that up to the present £3O had been paid out on keas’ beaks; last year the sum paid was £99 18s.—Councillor W. 8. Kmill o Sa Vn tally this year was much n^ than - year’s.—The discussion was not carried further. discussion took place on ?nd n paying for srnall birds’ eggs ? ad + ds ’ the , A su m paid by the council for the year 1929-30 being £5l 18s 8d Jo°uTci l l Uo w r , Gc T? id asked whether the svstem Z. adopting the most effective Wnnia n <■ purcl ? as mg heads and eggs, n ould not a systematic poisoning by the d w be bat , ter ? Councillor Cockburn n ot con9lder the present system of purchase was coping with the pest, which was now worse than ever it was. He considered poisoning would be better In answer to a question, the clerk said that only one bag of poison had been sold since ‘X'rf 1?“ ed i't Councillor Bovett Joilonim won?i e K opin,on tbat systematic wa^ton g lni Id more effe ctive, but it it - in SeaSOn "OW to adopt blackbfrHsj VS, i Juliets, yellow-hammers, eluded In Hm n i d + th J ushe l should be inmvn bo Z OU i? hs °, f Queenstown and « 6 aSked t 0 contrib »te towards

WYNDHAM SCOTTISH SOCIETY Members of the Wyndham and District dist S ricV e CeIHc OU SoILtyI° S ChiS 6 D Pleasure p^ eslde - d ’ and expressed his of clansfolk S^ 8 i SUch a g ° odl y muster friend? - their Wyndham e - lr mitial visit to Browns Some time this month, members of his visit f to et dOWn^ t n pay a return visit to Wyndham, and he appealed for vn? ter °? such occasions. Finally dal ael^ ed Chieftain John Halft day (Wyndham) to take the chair. In H?lPid ylng ch i re(p ’est, Chieftain Halliday voiced the pleasure his society bad in assisting with the evening’s pro«Sd me i, and f h ° ped that their efforts ?™J d a . na .ture to win their a PF roval - He apologised for the unavoidable absence of .Chief Hugh M'Kerrow. A capital programme, arranged by the society s musical director (Mr D. A. Macpherson) was then presented and thoroughly enjoyed. On the call of Chief M Rae, Chieftain Smith moved a vote of thanks to the performers, adding that the members of his society had been set a standard that evening which they would find hard to emulate when visiting Wyndham on October 24. In reply, Chieftain htalliday said it was a pleasure to know their efforts as entertainers had been appreciated, and assured their hosts of a like cordial reception on their visit to Wyndham A bountiful supper was dispensed, followed by an hour or two’s dancing.

- TAPANUI GIRL GUIDES. The annual meeting of the Girl Guides’ Association was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Tuesday. The district commis* sioner (Mrs W\ R. Quin) presided over a good attendance. The secretary submitted the report and balance sheet, and also read interesting reports from the Ranger, Guide, and Brownie Companies. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, Mrs Quin commented on the success of the past year. Financially, she said, the companies had been all in a good position, and, as the reports disclosed, they were making satisfactory progress. She urged all to take a keen interest in the guide movement, and so help to make the girls good citizens. She paid a tribute to the work of the captain of the Ranger- Company (Miss Parry) and of the captain of the Guide Companies (Miss Edgar), two officers who had been with the companies since the commencement of the movement in the district, and who had resigned during the year. She also congratulated the officers on the good work they were doing for the girls. - In conclusion, she said she had much pleasure in formally moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, which was seconded by Mrs J. H. White, and carried unanimously. The election of officers for the year resulted as follows:— President, Mrs W. K. Gill; vice-presi-dents—Mesdames C. Craigie and H. M. Stevens; secretary and treasurer, Mrs J. C. Cameron; committee—Mesdames Wilson, White, Duff, Howat, Moore, Rodger, Williams, and Miss Wylie. The secretary was instructed to write to the retiring president (Mrs R. Duff) expressing sympathy with her in her illness, and wishing her a speedy recovery. Other matters of interest were discussed, and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.

GORE HIGHLAND SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of the Gore District Highland Society was held in the Gaiety Hall on Tuesday evening, Chief M'Leod presiding.

The Rev. F. Al. Beattie, who was played ou to the platform by. the society’s pipers, was welcomed by Chief M'Leod. On behalf of the society the chief said that members appreciated very much the addresses previously given by Mr Beattie, and he was sure they again would listen to an address of similarly high standard. Mr Beattie, _ who was greeted with applause on rising to speak, thanked the chief for his kind welcome, saying that it ?i. as /J £ rea t. pleasure to meet members of fae Gore Highland Society again, and he would do his best to give them something which possibly they had not previously l’r ar ,, °^~;the life history of Hugh Miller. Mr Beattie dealt very closely with the life of Hugh Miller from boyhood. The first point stressed was that one could not judge the character of a person by his showing as-a scholar, especially a dull or backward child. Hugh Miller, as a boy -.at school, was not at all brilliant. Starting life as a stonemason, he afterv’ards proved himself one of Scotland’s greatest scientists, also playing a very important part in connection with the history of the Church of Scotland. This was possibly one of the best addresses given by the clansman, and was very much appreciated by members. At the conclusion of the address, on the motion of ex-Chief Jenkins, Mr Beattie was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks.

A short musical programme was given, the following members providing items: Miss Burns (songs), Air Cruickshanks (musical items), Mr C. M'Leod (short stories), and Pipe Band (pipe selections). The remainder of the evening was devoted to dancing and cards. Miss Al'Leod and Mr Cullen provided music for the dances.

PLUNKET SOCIETY. The members of the Tapanui subbranch of the West Otago branch of the Plunket Society met to discuss matters of interest to the Society. The president, Mrs J. H. White, presided over an attendance of 14 members. The correspondence was dealt with and other routine Business transacted. The permanent secretary, Mr E. Arnold, advised that the Loyal Tapanui Lodge had voted the sum of £2 to the society, and the Town Clerk, Mr W. Sinclair, also intimated that the Borough Council had donated £2 2s to the funds of the society. The secretary, Mrs Stevens, reported that the street stall held recently had added £l4 to the funds. The donations of a sheep from Mr W. Bale, a large cake from Air C. W. Keeley, and £1 from “Young Hopeful” helped to swell the amount. Mrs Stevens also gave an interesting resume of the conference, which she and Mr Naylor, as delegates, attended at Gore on September 15. This conference was largely attended and was held for the purpose of solidifying the position of the West Otago branch.—-. After fully explaining the position she said that as Gore had _ decided to have two residential nurses, this would mean a loss of £6O to the West Otago branch, and the local nurse would have two days to spare. The question of the re-distribution of district boundaries was fully discussed at the conference. It is therefore imperative that a car be purchased for the use of the district Plunket nurse and the territory of the West Otago branch be extended. This matter was fully discussed by the members, and _it was decided to co-operate with Heriot branch in an effort to raise funds to procure a car. Mrs White read a report of the meeting attended by her and the secretary at Heriot during the month. The fourth annual report and balance sheet of the West Otago branch was before the meeting and disclosed a satisfactory position. Two new members, Mesdames Bowman and Gunn, were elected to the committee.

SOUTHLAND FARMERS’ INSTITUTE

A scheme for the establishment of a Southland farmers’ institute for the collecting and spreading of agricultural knowledge has been, evolved by Mr A. Napper, of Woodlands, and, provided sufficient support is forthcoming from the farming community, steps will be taken almost immediately to bring the new organisation into existence. Mr Napper has already received indications of approval from many farmers in Southland, and agricultural and scientific experts in various parte of the Dominion have expressed their willingness to assist. Mr Napper states that the function of the institute will be to gather, all information available concerning animal, plant, soil nutrition, and to direct local experiments and prepare data and advice for the benefit of farmers to suit local conditions.