COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 18927, 28 April 1923, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS

OTAOTAU. (From Our Own Corespondent). A meeting was held in Mr Matheson’s rooms on Monday evening in connection with the formation of a harriers’ club in Otautau. Mr G. Sinclair stated that such an effort would be of benefit to the district, and would encourage athletic interests generally. The formation of the club tvas agreed upon, and the following officers were elected:—President, Mr G. Sinclair; secretary, Mr H. Bone; committee, Messrs J. Seatter, W. Allison, G. Bone, R. Bird, Camp, bell, E. Matheson, A. A. Liddell, W. Burke and S. Harrington. A nominal subscription was fixed, and a canvass in the interests of the club is to be made.

Mr H. Eade, who died last week at Riverton, was an old identity of Otautau. Born in London, he came to the Dominion sixty years ago. A baker by trade, he followed that calling for a while in Dunedin, but twenty years ago he came to Otautau and established a business. Failing health obliged him to relinquish his work, and four years ago he retired to Riverton. In his younger days he was a noted atniete, long distance walking and wrestling being his favourite sports. Two years ago his wife died, and he leaves a large family of nine sons and three daughters. The funeral took place in Otautau on Friday. A largely attended Anzac memorial service was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Fraser, chairman of the Town Board presiding. After a devotional service, Mr Dawson gave an address. He drew a vivid picture of a soldier’s experiences at home, in camp, in batle, as a prisoner of war, exchanged back again, and finally losing his life in the firing line. He hoped that the result of the sacrifice made by the boys would lead to the disarmament of the nations, and that the coming League of Nations’ conference would attain that end. In connection with the ceremony a number of choice wreaths were laid on the monument.

An An®ac memorial service was also held at Drummond, when a large gathering assembled in the hall. Mr T. Shearer, on behalf of the returned soldiers, the nurses and sisters, thanked those present for their attendance. Captain Kermode, of the Salvation Army, addressed the children. Appropriate addresses were also given by Rev. Smail, and Rev. R. Richards. At the conclusion of the sendee, wreaths were laid on the monument by the children and relatives and friends of the deceased men. A welcome home social was tendered to Mr and Mrs H. Hogg by the surrounding

settlers, in the Strathmore barn on Tuesday evening. There was a very large attend* anoe, and Mr W. Ayson, on behalf of the setlera and friends, extended a cordial wel* come to Mr and Mrs Hogg. Mr Hogg, in responding, thanked those present for their hearty good wishes to himself and wife. A good programme was given, the items being—Duet, by Misess Gould and Leyden; songs, Messrs Fisher and Matheson, Me-ssra Horner, Hogg and Gavigan; recitation, Mr P. Gavigan. The accompanists were Mesdames Hogg, Burns, and Miss Barron and Messrs Horner and Jellyman. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies, and dancing was indulged in by those present. Mr W. Ayson made an efficient M.C., and Mr Jellyman provided the music for the dance, Mrs Burns playing extras. The function concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” MANDEVILLE. Anzac Day was appropriately solemnised here, and the appearance of a handsome red poppy wreath placed on the Soldiers’ Monument at daybreak impressively reminded ua that another Anzac Day had arrived. The school children, under the guidance of their teacher, Miss Stephens, assembled at the school at 11 a.m., and marched to the monument, the older scholars carrying wreaths. After placing them on the monument, Miss Stephens explained the significance of Anzac. A number of additional wreaths were thereon placed during the day. The heavy rain which fell on Saturday, Sunday and Monday caused the streams to overflow, but luckily the rain was not so heavy in the further reaches of the Mataura, otherwise we could net have escaped a serious flood. On Tuesday evening a well-attended meeting of the Fanners’ Union was held, Mr J. H. McLeod presiding. Prior to commencing the business. Mr H. W. C. Horrell moved a motion of sympathy to the relatives of the late Mrs P. McLeod, and in doing so referred to the keen interest the deceased always took in the work of the Union. The motion was carried in silence, members standing. Mr C. H. Hargest, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Jas. Hargest, “The Glen,” has left us and taken up his abode in Gore in the mercantile line. Mr Hargest has always taken a keen interest in the progress and social life of our district. Perhaps his outstanding feature is the interest he has taken in the welfare of our boys and girls. It is entirely due to his efforts that we have a well-attended Sunday school, cf which he has been its superintendent for about four years. While regretting his departure we wish him every success in his new sphere of life. All our choicest spots for duck-shooting have been “pegged out,” and mai mais are plentifully distributed near the favourite duck resorts. Our township is showing signs of having “got round the slump,” and quite a number of improvements have been made of late, and the majority of our residences and places of business are looking quite smart.