SOUTHLAND TOPICS

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

SOUTHLAND TOPICS

(From Our Own Correspondent.) THE REGIMENT STILL LIVES. INVERCARGILL, August 29. Although fears were expressed in certain quarters' lest the “ change-over ” in the defence system might tend to lead to the extinction of the Southland Regiment, it would appear that there is no cause at afi for concern. Already many recruits have joined the regiment, and during the week the first parade since it has been reorganised on a volunteer basis was held. The parade, under Colonel Money, V.D., left the Drill Hall headed by the Regimental Band and the Caledonian Pipe Band, and the route followed was along the main streets of the city. The fine, soldierly bearing of the men was favourably commented upon by a fair crowd of interested citizens lining the march, and, as the regimental colours with the battle colours inscribed upon them were borne past, men doffed their hats in token of respect. On the return of the regiment to the Drill Hall a ceremonial parade was held, and 50 of the new recruits were sworn in in front of the colours. AN UNBEATEN RECORD. On Wednesday last when the Southland Rugby representative team met Australia or. Rugby Park the Maroons excelled themselves and won the day by 14 points to 8. Playing for the most part from the defensive, the Southlanders demonstrated that a solid all-round side making few mistakes can beat a brilliant combination which falls dow-n more often than it stands up. Strangely enough, Southland has an unbeaten record extending over some 35 years so far as tussles with Australian teams arc concerned, and this record was maintained on Wednesday. The game was fast and exciting throughout, but the Wallabies created a false impression in Invercargill, for their true form was certainly not displayed. As a whole, however, the Southland fifteen deserves every congratulation. for its victory. The Maroons played as a team and supported each other in every movement, and there was a total absence of that indecision which characterised previous game's. The team is certain to be unaltered against Otago at Dunedin. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. Under the auspices of the local branch of the League of Nations Union, an address on “ The World Situation and Disarmament ” was given on Thursday evening to a very large audience by Mr C.M.G., rector of the Waitaki Boys’ High School. The danger of the utter destruction of modern civilisation, the inevitable consequence of another war, which any one of a number of factors may precipitate, and the important part the British Empire can play in the dispersal of the menace by speaking vigorously, emphatically, and unequivocally for world peace were emphatically emphasised by Mr Milner in the course of his address, which was followed with the closest attention from start to fiuish on the part of all present. Spellbound, the audience listened to Mr Milner’s elucidation of the various problems besetting the path of world peace, and was brought to realise more fully how disarmament on the part of all nations would be _ a most important factor in saving civilisation, banishing for ever the horrible shambles of war. At the close of his address, Mr Milner was accorded a very enthusiastic reception by an audience desirous of showing in no unmistakable manner its sincere appreciation of the intellectual feast he had provided. LECTURES AT BORSTAL INSTITUTION. During the winter months several popular addresses concerning the aims and ideals of the League of Nations have been given to the inmates of the Borstal Institution by prominent members of the Southland Branch of the union. Over 35 candidates sat for the annual examination and the annual presentation of prizes won by the successful lads took place at the institution last Monday night. After Mr W. Macalister (president of the branch) had delivered an inspiring lecture on, the aspirations and achievements of the league, Mr E. A. Featherstone told the inmates that although both Mr Dcaker and he had addressed many gatherings in various parts of the province they had never found a more interested audience than the lads had shown themselves to be. Mr Macalister then presented certificates to the prize winners, each of whom was warmly applauded by his fellows as he stepped forward. Through the generosity of the Rotary Club handsome book prizes were also donated to the successful candidates. In expressing thanks to the visitors for the interest they were manifesting in the lads, the superintendent (Mr C. "G. L. Pollock) said the inmates were all appreciative of the instructive lectures given during the winter months, and were also very grateful to the Rotary Club for donating book prizes again this year. ON THE SEA BOTTOM. A unique event took nlace in Foveaux Strait a few days ago, when, with a view to determining the nature of the sea floor and the depth and quality of oysters on the beds. Mr William Year, diver for the Bluff Harbour Board, went “ down under ” to visit the bivalve family. Although oyster dredging has been carried on in the Strait for the last 60 years, this was the first occasion on which such an inspection had been made. Mr Year has had a long experience of under-sea work, both in Australian and New’ Zealand waters, his first big undertaking in the Dominion being in connection with the s.s. Wiltshire, which was wrecked on May 31, 1922, on the south-east extremity of ; the Great Barrier in the Hauraki Gulf. Afterwards he successfully salvaged everything removable from the wreck of the s.s, Wairarapa, while still another of his ' undertakings was the diving work entailed by the loss of the ili-fated Manuka. Consequently, when it was being considered who would best carry out the jo!) of investigating the oyster beds, the choice somewhat naturally fell on Mr Year by

reason of his wide experience in-hi* calling and his expert knowledge of work under the ocean surface. The inspection was made about half a mile to the northwest of Bird Island, and the diver reported that the sea floor was like a billiard table in smoothness. Visibility was excellent, despite the fact that the sky was overcast, and in Mr Year’s opinion it would be possible to see objects about 100yds distant on a sunny day, a condition largely due to a white coating of pulverised shell covering. the sea bed. This coating is proof that oysters have inhabited the beds for a great number of years, probably for centuries. The diver, equippgd with a fork, delved in several places on the bed, and his investigations showed that a mass of oysters lav beneath the surface. The “ belt ” of biValves extended to a depth of six or eight inches and probably more, and, when one considers the enormous area covered by the oysters in Foveaux Strait, some idea of the great wealth lying at Southland’s southern door can be gained.