COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 18931, 3 May 1923, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS

OTAUTAU. (From our own Correspondent). A large amount of interest centred round the first of the banner football matches, which was played between Otautau and Nightcaps at the Otautau recreation ground on Saturday. Both teams were short, playing some second grade players, but the game was particularly fast for a first of the season match. The play was mostly forward, and without much combination. The Otautau forwards were scarely able to stand against the visitors’ pack, but the backs played particularly well under the circumstances. Otautau were the first to score, but tho game throughout was very even. From half-time the visitors forced the pace for a lead. A slight misunderstanding in the home team, let the visitors’ fast forwards- through to score, but the try was not converted. The local men now lacked staying power, and the Nightcaps team were awarded another unconverted try. A little later Nicholson apparently got over the line for Otautau, but the opposing players packed on top of him, making it impossible for the referee to be sure of the try. This was unfortunate, for it may have meant the winning of the match for Otautau. The win now goes to the visiting team. At the opening of the match on Saturday, Mr A. Lindsay was appointed captain of the Otautau team, .and Mr D. Irving, deputy-captain. Nicholson, for Otautau, was unfortunate in dislocating his shoulder shortly before the end of the match.

Harvest Festival services were conducted at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church on Sunday last. The church was tastefully decorated and a good display of harvest products was in evidence. Suitable hymns were sung, and the Rev. G. T. Dawson occupied the pulpit. The produce was auctioned on Monday afternoon by Mr H. R.. Williams, and realised a fair sum for church purposes.

The Band of Hope opened its sessions for the season on Monday evening, when there was a large attendance at the Town Hall. Miss M. Stroud was re-appointed secretary, and Miss N. Renowden treasurer. There was a very fine programme presented by the children, rome of the principal items being as follows: —Pianoforte solo, Miss N. Renowden; song, Miss M. Renowden; recitation, Miss Joy Jacquiery; duet by two tiny tots (Misses Collett and Eason) ; recitations, by Misses Bessie Walker, Eileen Collett and Freda Chilton; a flute solo, by Master T. Stroud. Mr J. Fisher acted as chairman and during the evening gave an interesting address on

“Courage.” The season gives promise of being a good one, and a vigorous temperance sentiment is evident.

The following additional donations towards the Winter Show have been received: Box of tea, valued at 17/6, donated by the National Mortgage and Agency Company; and 10/6, donated by Mr H. Treeseder. Advice has also been received that the Government Poultry Expert, Mr Cue. sen, and Mr Alexander, the Government Fields Instructor, will be present and will deliver addresses at the Winter Show on May 9 and 10.