SOUTHLAND TOPICS

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 33

SOUTHLAND TOPICS

(From Oub Own Correspondent.)

DULL DAYS.

INVERCARGILL, October 4. It does not look as if October,-1930, is going to be the pleasant month October, 1929, was. Last October one sunny day* followed another, the total rainfall for the month being only a little over half an inch. This week, however, has been a succession of cold and windy days. Not a, great deal of rain has fallen, but there has been a disappointing absence of sunshine. ANGLING. There is probably no district in New Zealand more favourable geographically to anglers than Southland. Within a radius of 50 miles of Invercargill there are 400 miles of fishable water, and although it has to be admitted that there has been a slight deterioration in the fishing in recent years, anglers can still count on excellent sport. On Wednesday the 1930-31 season opened, and hundreds of town and country anglers were early on the rivers. Last year’s opening proved most disappointing, but the streams were in very good order this year, and very few fishermen went unrewarded. There were sgyeraj limit bags, and plenty ranging from 15 to 20. The smaller streams proved particularly fruitful, and were more favoured by anglers than the main rivers, which are carrying a fair amount of snow water. There should be many more anglers out this coming week-end anxious to emulate the deeds—and the stories—of their brother followers of Ananias and Izaak Walton.

THE BUILDING TRADE. Although Invercargill, like most towns in New Zealand, is feeling the effect of the world-wide economic depression, there is still plenty of activity in the building trade. This also applies to the province as a whole. A number of new business premises are in course of erection in Invercargill, and extensive alterations are being carried out to others. An outstanding residence which is now nearing completion is the First Church manse, in Tay street. The old manse alongside the church, was demolished, the new building being erected on a half-acre section in a block further east. Several additions to educational institutions are under way. The Southland Technical College is having a domestic wing added to it. A Catholic school is being built in North Invercargill, and a free kindergarten for the needs of South Invercargill is going up in Bowmont street.

COAL PRODUCTION. There must be a great many Southlanders who are anxious to know if there really is a go-slow policy at the other coal mines. The mine-owners allege that there is, while the miners’ representatives indignantly - deny that any such policy is being practised. Each side has issued statements to the press, but as they are diametrically opposed, it is hard to get to the truth of the matter. The Linton mine seems to be the most affected. If reports from Dunedin are to be believed, customers have had to be asked to accept Otago coal instead of Southland coal. From the way matters are drifting it looks as if there might be serious trouble at the mines shortly. ITEMS OF INTEREST. _ The tennis clubs which chose last Saturday for their opening had no luck with the weather. A number of tennis and cricket clubs open to-day, but the prospects of sunshine are not bright. The Winton Horticultural Society held a highly successful spring show on Wednesday, the cut .flowers being of exceptional quality despite a backward season.

Those who impose rates and taxes and those who expend the money raised in Southland will have to mind their steps. A Southland Taxpayers’ Association has been formed to discuss all matters relating to ratepayers and taxpayers. Riversdale is the headquarters of the association at present. The Pebblj- Hills afforestation scheme is being pushed rapidly ahead. Already 400.000 fir and piiie trees have been planted over an area of 600 acres. There are still 1000 acres to be covered this season. Fifty-five men are employed on the work, and are well satisfied with their treatment, judging from all accounts.

According to a telegram received this week from Air Vincent Ward, 30 more men will shortly be taken on at the Te Anau-Alilford road works. This should assist to relieve the ranks of the unemployed, which are fairly thick in Invercargill at present. The sum of £39,700 appears on the Estimates for the Te Anau-Alilford road, which is evidently going to be pushed ahead. If the recommendations of the Railway Commission are adopted, a good many of the Southland branch lines are going to be seriously affected, particularly as regards the conveyance of passengers. However, as most people travel now in their. own cars or by the buses the curtailments will not prove a great hardship.

The dispute between station 4ZP and the Southland Radio Club has not yet been settled, but there is reason to believe that within a few daysman amicable arrangement will be arrived at whereby the station will have the support of the club executive, but in more of 'an advisory and less of an active capacity than formerly. Port Craig, which not so long ago was little short of a deserted village, is flourishing again, the reconstituted company keeping a large number of men in regular employment.