Bluff Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 14, Issue 29, 15 September 1906, Page 9

Bluff Notes.

JAPANESE FAIR. The Fair was brought to a conclusion last Saturday night with the drawing of the art union. The committee wish to tender their heartfelt thanks to the Bluff Naval Band and also to the orchestra and congregation and those outside the lold who helped to make the Fair the success it was, either by their attendance or by the donation of goods, sweets, flowers, etc., and the committee can congratulate themselves on having so many willing- hands who all did their utmost towards making the Pair a success, and thus, after paying all expenses, reducing the debt on the Convent by £IOO. The undermentioned are the ladies and gentlemen whp took part in the Fair. CommitteeJ: —Mesdames C. A. Tipping (president), C. Tulloch (vicepresident, McGrath, Lynch, Dickson, Rose, Lister, Moss, and Misses Gilroy and Mclntyre : Messrs A. J. Lister (sec. and treas.). Back, Tipping, Rose (3), Newman, Dickson, and Fimrerty. Orchestra : —Messrs C. E. Hansen (conductor), J. Hinchey, E. Bigwood (violins), P. Wilson, W. Dixon (cornets'), W. Newman (bass), Misses Stokes, Stone, Gifford, and Gilroy (violins). BREVITIES. The N.Z. Shipping Co’s, line steamer Rimutaka sailed on Monday evening taking a large cargo for Home ports. The s.s. Wimmera was expected to berth on Monday evening, but for some unknown reason did not berth till Tuesday morning. In the meantime the Railway Department had run two special trains, and some of our northern contemporaries like to hold our port up to ridicule through the mads being delayed, when it is no fault of anyone at the port. Though the Wimmera had to wait until the Rimutaka was clear, yet as far as the eye could see on Monday night there was plenty of light left and a suitable tide for the Wim era to berth, and so let our Northern friends get their mails a few hours earlier. Wednesday was a day of excitement especially for the old identities. At mid-day the report went forth that a large whale had been seen almost on the rocks at Ward’s Parade. In a very short time boats of any description were at a premium, and likewise harpoons, guns, and weapons of every kind. No greater excitement could have been caused had there been a hostile fleet attacking our shores. No better sight could have been seen than the large number of boats of all descriptions making for the open sea. The flagship of the fleet was the open boat, manned by Messrs E. Nichol, C. Bradshaw, C. Goomes, A. Tall, V. Metzger, and Pomeroy. Many eager spectators lined the shores where the whale could bo seen, and just as the whaleboat was getting close someone on shore fired a pea rifle, which gave his majesty a fright, and sent him further to sea. However, in a short time the whale was overtaken, and two bombs fired, one of which took effect. Immediately after two harpoons were secured to the whale and the excitement became intense. At this stage of the proceedings' Mr C. Goomes was thrown overboard, but the crew managed to get him aboard without losing their hold of the whale. After much give and take play between the whale and the whale boat, darkness began to come on, and the pick-up boats being about three miles distant it was thought advisable not to take too much risk, so his majesty was cut

adrift. It-is believed that had the

pick-up boats' been at hand the whale would have been secured.

At time of writing search is still being made for the whale, and over “the cup that cheers” (when darkness falls) that whale and many other whales are caught and killed, and as the night grows later the same whale seems to be caught and killed many times over. So one can easily imagine how full of excitement must have been the old whaling days. While the s.s. Loyalty was on her way to the fishing grounds the other day Mr W. Anglem had the misfortune to lose two of his fingers, necessitating the boat putting back to the wharf. Latest advice reports the patient mating good progress. Our enterprising townsman Mr Jas. Walker has lately been engaged building a new workshop, and is at present busy moving, into it. The building is a two-storey one, and moasl--40 ft. by 24ft. Mr Val. Vousden, the world-re-nowned entertainer, makes his second appearance in the Drill Hall next Monday evening—a treat that should not. be missed by local residents.

The wharf employees have decided to renovate their shelter shed, and intend putting in a stock of books, and laying - down linoleum. They have also appointed a caretaker and have made Captain Martin secretary and treasurer.

The Bluff Naval Band are hard at work practising for the Riverton contest, and great difficulty is experienced in giving - outdoor music. Xo doubt the public will sympathise, and not expect too much till after the contest-.- -