The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 31

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. August 28. —At the beginning of the week the weather was showery, but for the last couple of days conditions have been all that could be desired. There is etill a lot of snow on the high country. Football.—After a trial game, played at Queenstown on Saturday last, the following team was selected to represent Wakatipu against a Northern Sub-union team at Lumsden to-morrow: G. Murchison (Queenstown), A. Farrant, A. Tripp (Queenstown), W. Warring (Arrowtown), G. Lynch (Queenstown), B. Fletcher (Arrowtown), W. Robins (Queenstown), J. Murdoch, K. Brown, A. M‘Donald (Country), T. Muir, G. Thompson (Queenstown), W. Churstain, j W. Shaw, A. Reid, captain (Arrowtown). Emergencies, C. Feehly and J. E. Jenkins (Arrowtown) . Basket Ball. —Queenstown Rovers A and B teams met in a Gardiner Cup Snatch on the 19th inst», the A team winning by 19 goals to 9 after an interesting game. Golf.—The two qualifying rounds for the men’s championship of the Wakatipu Club have been completed, and the following are the scores of those who qualified: A. H. Cook 168, A. Farrant 188, J. M’Neill 188, A. F. Griffin 196, G. V. , Wilkinson 201, J. Ogilvy 201. Dr Anderson 204, J. C. Hannan 207. For the ladies’ championship the following qualified: Mrs Hannan 200, Mrs Wilkinson 208, Mrs Mann 212, Miss Southberg 226, Miss Henderson 246, Miss Geisow 247, Mrs O’Connell 255, Mrs Anderson 275. Presentations. —A pleasant social gathering took place at the Queenstown Fire Brigade station on Wednesday evening, 19th inst., in honour of Firemen T. M. Davidson and M. B. Moffatt, who had both recently joined the ranks of the benedicts. Mr H. J. Robins, superintendent, who occupied the chair, congratulated the two members On the step they had taken. On behalf of members of the Fire Brigade he asked their acceptance of an electric toaster each, at the same time wishing them long life and prosperity. Both firemen briefly replied. During the evening songs and recitations were given, and the gathering was • brought to a close with the singing of Are Jolly Good Fellows” and the National Anthem. Farmers’ Union. —A largely attended meeting of the Wakatipu branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held in Arrowtown on Monday evening last. A number of ladies were also present. Mr John Cockburn (president) presided. Addresses were given by Mrs Drake (Otago president W.D.F.U.), Miss Finlayson (secretary), Mr A. C. Leary (member of the Otago Provincial Council), and Mr A. C. Cameron (provincial secretary Farmers’ Union). Atthe conclusion of the meeting it was decided to form a branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union for Arrowtown and district. Mrs W. P. Saunders was elected president, and Mrs John Reid (Arrowtown) secretary, and the following were elected a provisional committee: Mesdames Lee, Douglas, Urquhart, A. Brown, J. G. Allan, and Miss A. Brown. Canvassere were appointed, and it is anticipated that the branch will have a large membership. Death. —The death occurred at her residence, Gala street, Invercargill, on Friday last of a former well-known resident of Arrowtown, in the person of Mrs Catherine Jopp, widow of Mr John Lumsden Jopp, who was for many years proprietor of the Royal Oak Hotel, Arrowtown. Deceased, who was 79 years of age, was born in New England, Australia. She came to New Zealand in 1864 with her parents (Mr and Mrs John Henderson), who settled at Pine Hill, Dunedin. She was married in Dunedin to Mr Jopp. .who predeceased her in 1907. From 1875 to 1917 Mrs Jopp lived in Arrowtown. In the latter year she removed to Gore, where she resided until 1929. when she went to Invercargill. Of a family of three daughters and seven eons only three are living—Mr William Jopp. of Pyramid, Southland, Mrs Robert Martin, of Otama, and Miss Margaret fjopp, Invercargill. The late Mrs Jopp is survived by two sisters, Mrs Cattanach and Miss M. Henderson, of Dunedin. The body was brought to Arrowtown for interment, the funeral taking place on Sunday afternoon. A large number of Arrowtown and district friends were present to pay the last tribute of respect. The Rev. M. Jackson conducted the service at the graveside. RIVERSDALE. August 28. —The weather has been verychangeable, with cold showers of rain. This has been a very wet winter. Farmers have been much hindered in their work, and ploughing is making slow progress owing to the continual hard frosts. Social.—Recently the Wendon and Wai-

pounamu bachelors held their annual ball ■ in the local hall, when a very large crowd j hored to enjoy the evening’s enjoy-ment. Excellent music was supplied by Bain’s Orchestra. During the evening a delicious supper was provided, and dancing t continued till the early- hours of the morn. --The Riversdale Young People held their ball in the Riversdale Hall, and the hall was overcrowded. Dancing space was overtaxed, but nevertheless the dancers had a very enjoyable evening. Smart’s Orchestra contributed towards the success by the very- enjoyable music. A bountiful supper was provided, and all agreed it was a great dance.—-—On the occasion of her approaching marriage. Miss May Jones, of Gore, was tendered a gift afternoon at the home of her sister. Mrs W. Anderson, Wendon. Amusing competitions were held, and won by Mrs I. ■Cooper and Mrs T. Bradford. Musical items were rendered by Mrs A. Dickson, Miss Anderson, and Miss Mewall. Miss Jones was then asked to accept the gifts

with the donors’ best wishes. A delicious afternoon tea was then served, and the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne " brought a very enjoyable afternoon to a close. Football.—A seven-a-side tournament was held in Riversdale during the week. Adverse weather prevailed, aud affected both the attendance and the play. Messrs Guyton, Wallis, Clearwater, Shallard, Alexander, and Hannah controlled the games. The folowing is the result of tbe day’s play:—-First'round: Country Pirates 2. Lumsden 0: Riversdale £, Balfour 0; Albion 4, Pirates (Invercargill) 0. Second round: Riversdale 0. Albion 15. Final: Albion 5, Country Pirates 0. Second Grade. —First round: Waimumu A 7, Balfour 0; Riversdale B 0, Country Pirates 12; Lumsden 0, Blues 5. Second round: ,Waimumu A 0, Blues 5; Riversdale A 2, Country Pirates 0. Finil: Blues 6, Riversdale A 0. Schoolboy-s.—Balfour B 0. Riversdale 4; Balfour A 9, Balfour B 0;' Balfour A 11, Riversdale 0. The place kicking competition was won by IP. Tither and the drop kicking by MacNamee. ~ W.D.F.U.—A branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union has been formed in Wendon, and shall prove a boon foi the housewives. Farewell.-—The sports pavillion at RivI ersdale was crowded one night last week when the returned soldiers of the district £athered to bid farewell to the Rev. Mr awrence, of Lumsden, who bas accepted an appointment in Auckland. Mr Foulston, president of the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association, presided. Several toasts were honoured, after which Mr Wilton asked the padre’s acceptance of a handsome travelling rug. The Rev. Mr Lawrence on rising to reply was greeted with prolonged applause. During the evening musical items were rendered by Messis M’Phee, O’Bryne, Freed, and Rusbridge. MANDEVILLE. August 27.—The increasing heat of the last few days indicates that spring is approaching,- but the slush and mud after a wet winter does not give the countryside much of a spring appearance. The soil is so sodden that all cultivating is at a standstill. From appearances at present very little spring wheat will be sown in Southland this year. The Unrest.—The depression affecting most countries is causing Governments much concern, for we are living in an iui teresting time.' No one knows what changes the next 24 hours may bring, consequently the daily papers are perused with an eagerness eclipsed only during the war period. Unrest in Germany, Spain. Cuba, and Ireland: floods in China; and our own and Australia's difficulties make the news of the world of exceptional concern. Then there are the financial troubles at Home that for the moment seem to cloud all others, making our own quite insignificant. Silver Wedding.—Last Saturday our little township bore signs of more life than has been apparent for a long time. Ji bl’ e s, l ver wedding of Mr and Mrs K. W. C. Horrell, who live just on the hill behind the township, to which some 70 people were invited, and the cars coming in from all directions caused quite a stir. The day was beautiful!}- fine and a pleasant afternoon, was spent. Added interest was the christening of their "randchild. HERBERT. August 28. —A welcome rain has fallen off and on for the last week, and has freshened up the pastures, and tbe early sown, crops are making great progress. On odd farms lambs are making their appearance. The district generally is looking well for this time of year. On Monday evening the Salvation Army held a very successful concert in the public hall, when there was a good attendance. Commander Calcott presided, and in a few well chosen remarks, opened the proceedings. The following took part in the programme:—Marches and selections by the Oamaru Band, songs by Captain Boon and Mr Girling and the compan}-, instrumental-- -items, Bandmaster Burgess, Captain Boon, Messrs Mackenzie, Dobson, and Mrs Tonkin; humorous readniS, Envoy. Austin; accompanists, Mesdames Tonkin and Thomson. All the items were well received and loudly applauded. A comprehensive vote of thanks was passed to the performers and all who had assisted to make the concert such a success. Supper, which was much appreciated, was handed round by the ladies. FERNDALE. August 27.—The snow seems to have left us since the beginning of the month, but the weather has still been wet on the whole. . That, however, is to be expected at this time of the year. However, some are predicting an early spring, and it is to be hoped they are right. There is not much to be said about farm work just now. Ploughing operations and tbe shifting of breaks for sheep and cattle on turnips are the order of the dav. Sale of Pedigree Cattle.—Mr W. Y. Dickie, of “ Glenstuqrt ’’ farm, in the Ferndale district, held his second annual sale of purebred Friesian cattle. Buyers were there from far and near, one bull finding a purchaser as far away as Hawke’s Bay. The cattle brought good prices, considering the very bad times that we are passing through. Mr Dickie is to be commended for his courage and enterprise in getting such a herd together. One of his cows held tbe ’championship of New Zealand for butter-fat test. The man who goes in for stud stock does more good to the farming community in general than he really does himself, for there is a great amount of expense and labour attached to tbe business.

The 'School Holidays.—The local school is having its second term holidays at present. Some think teachers have ’ too

many holidays. It may possibly be so, as they are luckier in this respect than the rest of civil servants, but their work is of a trying nature, and the children who have a long way to go to school in bad weather need a spell occasionally. Nevertheless, there are many holidays fixed by the weather (snow or wet) besides these fixed by the Government. Some of our public men are talking of putting the pruning knife into the educational vote. It may do no harm if applied in the right direction, and so as not to cripple the service. The ordinary inspector used to inspect everything in the school. Now we have specialists. For instance, there is a drill inspector who comes round and shows the bairns how to play “Hide the Rubber,” a game played by children in the nursery.

NEWS TOPICS. Miss Noel O’Kane, whilst playing-on the Alexandra links last week, had the distinction of doing No. 5 hole on the ladies' course in one. An adjourned meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of O. W. Magnus, formerly of the Lake Wanaka Ferry Service, was held at Cromwell on Tuesday. Mr E. Jolly presided over a number of creditors, but again bankrupt did not appear, nor did he tender any reason for his absence. A motion was passed recommending that bankrupt should be brought before the magistrate for examination at the next sitting of the court in Cromwell on September 9. A second motion was passed expressing extreme dissatisfaction with the conduct of the bankrupt. WINTER SPORTS. Although a number of city people go further away than their own province foi their winter sports, it is understood that ar. ideal playground awaits development on the Old Man. Range, a few miles from Alexandra. Whilst a few- enthusiasts each winter sample the delights of these exhilarating sports on the ground, it has as yet not had the publicity it deserves, but it is hoped that within a few seasons the ground will be more fully exploited. TAIERI AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The ball ;to celebrate the opening of the new agricultural buildings on the Outram Domain proved a very successful affair. Over 200 couples assembled to do honour to the' occasion, and dancin" was maintained till well past midnight to the strains of Dagg’s Orchestra. Many-old-time dances were interspersed amongst the more modern ones, and a very en joyable time was spent. The grand march was led by Piper James Dow. Tie was followed by the president (Mr R. I’. Kirk) and Mrs Kirk, the vice-president, secretary (Mr Williamson), and several past presidents of the society with their partners. A welcome speech was made by Mr Kirk, .and he formally declared the hall open. Mr A. Y. Hending was ir charge of the supper, and he catered f«-r the large assemblage in a praiseworthy manner. Solos were sting by Miss Southgate and Mr James B. Hamilton. The M.C.’s were Messrs M. Bathgate, F M'Hattie. A. Miller, and J. S. Blackie. LABOUR’S REMEDY. Some local comment has been caused by the answer of one of the Labour delegates from Dunedin (Mr F. Jones) at the meeting at Milton to an inquirer, w-ho wished to know what the Labour Party would do to deal with unemployment if given the power? —Mr Jones’s answer was that the country had been organised in war time, when there was no unemployment, and the country could be organised again for peaceful efforts. Local critics are asking if this means military camps and compulsory labour? COMBINED SOCIAL.

The wisdom of the authorities of the Waikouaiti A. and P. Society and the Farmers’ Union in combining for the purpose of holding their annual social was amply demonstrated by the large attendance at the function, which included members of both bodies and victors from Warrington in the south to Palmerston in the north. The programme began with progressive euchre, this being followed by addresses of welcome by the president of the A. and P. Society (Mr J Nichol) and the vice-president of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union (Mr W. Lee). Songs were rendered by Mrs M'Curdy (Karitane) and Mrs A. R. Townsend. The cups and trophies won at the A. and P. Summer Show were presented by the president. The president of the Otago Provincial Council of the Farmers' Union (Mr Sheat, of Milton), on being introduced to the audience by Mr W. Lee, expressed his pleasure at meeting such a large gathering of people in terested. in farming matters on this his first visit to Waikouaiti. The presentston of the show trophies, said the speakc r , had greatly interested him, and served to remind them all of the value of an A. aud P. show, not only as an opportunity of exhibiting and reviewing stock, but as one of the great social events of the d’strict. Mr Sheat spoke of the value of the Farmers’ Union badge, and went on tc speak of the services, both practical and social, of the women’s branch of the Farmers’ Union. Mr Sheat closed a most interesting address with an appeal to; farmers to stand close together and do their utmost to help in bringing New Zealand back to prosperity. Other speakers were: Mrs C. W. Hallum (president of the Waikouaiti Branch of the Women’s Division), Mrs Wedge (president of the Palmerston branch), Mr Briscos (Blueskin A. and P. Society), Mr Ball ingall (president of the Palmerston Branch of the Farmers’ Union), .and Mr Wedge (president of the Palmerston A. and P. Society). Following the addresses dancing took place interspersed with songs and elocutionary items. The singers were.; bins Wedge, Mesdames Sutherland and Wedge, Misses Bennett and Browri (quartet party). Miss Moodie gave a recitation; Mr Lee presented prizes to sue-' cessful card players. Mrs Wedge won the ladies’ prize and Mr Arthur Heckler the men’s prize. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne” brought to an end a most successful function.