SOUTHLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3996, 14 October 1930, Page 33

SOUTHLAND TOPICS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

THE SEASON.

INVERCARGILL, October 11. A wet week is the only way to describe the seven days that have just passed. Whereas last October only .66 of an inch of rain fell throughout the whole month, well over two inches have already fallen. Farmers would welcome a spell of sunshine, and those who indulge in summer sports are chafing to get into action. The larger rivers have been running high, but no serious floods are reported. The lack of growth owing to the unfavourable weather is causing farmers some perturbation, as feed is anything but plentiful. Seasonal operations have also been considerably hampered. Whereas a couple of months ago prospects for a record production, both on sheep and cattle farms, were bright, the extremely backward spring has caused farmers to modify their expectations considerably.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

The Southland electric power scheme is one of the few such undertakings in New Zealand which has not been assisted by contributions from the Government. This, no doubt, is a tribute to the independent spirit of the people of Southland, but it is now questionable if some Government assistance will not be necessary. If another unit is installed at Monowai the capacity will be increased by 5000 kilowatts at an expenditure of under £lOO,OOO. This would greatly strengthen the position of the board, whose revenue is at present below what could normally be expected from its capital expenditure. Once, however, the new unit was installed, the position would be soon reversed. With the object of securing the support of the Government in installing the additional unit, a deputation from the board went to Wellington this week and put the position before the Minister of Public Works. Mr Taverner received the deputation very favourably, and it is not unlikely that authority will be given the board to raise a loan of £lOO,OOO, or that the Government will itself lend the money for the installation of the new unit.

AVIATION.

A big stimulus to aviation in Southland was provided this week by the visit of Wing-commander Grant-Dalton, director of Air Services, and Sir Francis Boys, president of the New Zealand Aero Club and the Canterbury Aero Club. The director gave a most informative address at a recention given to him on Friday evening. He stated that he was quite prepared to approve of the temporary aerodrome site chosen by the club, and spoke in high terms of the permanent site it is intended to acquire with the co-operation of the City Council and the Prisons Department. The club has already acquired a plane and an instructor, and before the end of the year the first of the two planes loaned by the Government will be delivered. By the beginning of next year the sight of aeroplanes over the city should" be a common one, for there should be no lack of pupils judging from the enthusiasm now being displayed. In the country the interest is just as keen.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

Those who relied on securing fruit, vegetables, clean collars, and boiled shirts from Chinese shops on Friday were doomed to disappointment. Friday was the anniversary of the inauguration of the Chinese Republic, and all the “ Nationalists ” in Invercargill celebrated the day in a fitting manner. A picnic was held at Riverton, and weird and _ wonderful games were indulged in. At night a banquet was held, at which savoury dishes unknown to mere Europeans followed each other in quick succession. During the last week of November a motor olympiad will be held in Invercargill in conjunction with the visit of the Late Sir Henry Segrave’s famous racing car the Golden Arrow. Flower shows are general in the province just now. This week there were excellent displays of spring blooms at shows organised by the Invercargill Garden Club, and the Wyndham. Tuatapere, and Otatara Horticultural Societies. Southland’s effort towards the British Empire Cancer Research, campaign has begun. So far the subscriptions have been confined to the town, but an organised canvass of the country will shortly be undertaken. The sum of £650 has been contributed to date, which is a long way short of the total aimed at. . The restrictions that have been made in the branch ' railway lines as far as passenger traffic is concerned are having a very disadvantageous effect on country school pupils who have to use the trains. The matter is being taken up by the board and by school committees. Fishing at Lake Waituna last weekend a couple of local anglers met with great success, two splendid trout weighing 191 b and 1411 b respectively being landed. Many other good bags were reported. but there will probably be very little doing this week-end. It is probable that tenders for the new general hospital at Kew will be called about February, and that work will commence before the winter. This should help to relieve the unemployment situation. as a lot of local labour will be absorbed.

A Progressive League has been formed at Otautair, and promises to do valuable work for the varied interests of the district.

Here is a story which may not please prohibitionists, but which is nevertheless perfectly true. Not more than 10 miles from Invercargill a horse got into a bog. Its plight was not discovered until it had spent 24 hours more or less submerged. When it was pulled out it lay on the bank in a state of collapse. A traveller passing in a car saw a knot of men and horses at the spot, and got out to see what was wrong. It was explained to him that the horse had been in the bog and was practically paralysed. “Have you tried what a whisky will do to it,” inquired the traveller. Thereupon he returned to his car, brought back a bottle, and gave the horse a stiff nip. The animal coughed and shook itself. Then to the surprise of the owner it got up as if it was in perfect health.