SOUTHLAND TOPICS

Otago Witness, Issue 4014, 17 February 1931, Page 31

SOUTHLAND TOPICS

(Fbom Our Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, February 14. A READY RESPONSE. The earthquake continues to be the all-absorbing topic of conversation. A number of Southlanders have returned from the devastated area, and have been able to give graphic accounts of their experiences. Both in Invercargill and in the provincial centres every effort is being made to raise money to help the sufferers. When all funds are totalled fully £10,060 must have been contributed in Southland. On Friday morning quite a severe earthquake shock was experienced m Invercargill and throughout the province, but no material damage was done, though a feeling of uneasiness was created. THE RURAL OUTLOOK. There is very little fresh news to report in the rural -world. Farmers are still a bit handicapped by unseasonable weather but are pushing on with outdoor activities as rapidly as possible. Stock sales throughout the province are proving very unsatisfactory. The entries are very small, and the prices in keening. Freezing works are operating at lull pressure. What is claimed to be a record for Southland in fat lamb producing was established by Mr William Ford, Otahuti. From a flock of 1000 ewes 1017 fat lambs were drafted and killed at Ocean Beach. Mr Ford attributes his success to topdressing. ITEMS OF INTEREST. The jubilee celebrations of the Southland Boys’ High School, which take place at the end of next week, promise to be most successful. Many of the very first students enrolled at the school will be in attendance, and one of the Earliest masters, Mr C. M‘Lean, will come all the way from Melbourne to take part in the celebrations.

First Church, Invercargill, has been without a pastor since the departure of the Rev. J. Lawson Robinson. The vacancy has, however, at Iqst been filled by the appointment of the Rev. A. G. Mackintosh-Carter, of Melbourne. Mr H. J. Farrant, who has been secretary of the War Funds Association, since it was formed, has tendered his resignation, which was accepted with sincere regret. Mr Farrant stated that the press criticism to which he had been subjected was partly responsible for his resignation. Port Craig, the site of one of the biggest sawmills in New Zealand, now presents a deserted appearance, the mill having closed down, and practically all families having evacuated the township. The price of fish in Invercargill has often been the subject of unfavourable comment from housewives, but a substantial reduction has been made this week, and in future fish should more often find a place on the menu. At the gymkhana held at Tahuna Park. Dunedin, at the end of last week Southland’s axemen and sawyers did very well, in spite of giving away big handicaps. Southland’s cricket representatives went to Dunedin during the week to try conclusions with Otago. The visitors would in all probability have been well beaten had not rain caused play to be abandoned after a little over a day’s play. On Saturday next the Southland tennie team plays Otago at Invercargill. The southerners are stronger this year than for many seasons past, and should give a good account of themselves. .At the Otago provincial athletic championships held in Dunedin last Saturday several championships fell to Southland competitors, who were later selected to represent Otago centre in the New Zealand championship on February 28. Gore has suffered during the week from the unwelcome attention of burglars. Iwo shops were entered, but the intruders got away with very little.