COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19099, 17 November 1923, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS

GORE. (From our own Correspondent). CYCLING. An eleven mile cycle road race was held on Wednesday afternoon on the Croydon road, eight riders starting. The result w r as as followsThos. Hoffman (3min.) 1; John Hoffman (3mins. 50secs.) 2; N. Stuckey (smins. 30secs.) 3. Time, 34 minutes. Won by a wheel, after a good fight. GORE STARR-BOWKETT SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Gore StarrBowkett Society was held on Wednesday evening, Mr T. Taylor, chairman of directors, presiding over a small attendance. The twenty-first annual report stated that the profit and loss account showed a credit balance of £2983 4s, equal to £lO 16s 2d per share, which becomes available for distribution at the termination of the society. Since last meeting a dividend of £2 per share had been paid, and the directors have now authorised an additional dividend of £2 per share. The directors are prepared to offer a cash settlement to any shareholders who may be desirous of withdrawing. It is expected that the society will be fully liquidated in about two years time. The balance-sheet showed:—Liabilities: Subscriptions £15,705 0s 6d; mortgagors’ trust account £1496 11s 2d; balance £2983 4s. Assets: Advances to members (less repayments £36,011 17s 6d) £18,117 5s 6d; fixed deposit, Bank of New Zealand £1668; sundry debtors £39 4s Id; cash in Bank N.Z. £360 6s Id. The profit and loss account showed: Balance £3968 19s 6d; levies £1 12s; interest £3O 15s; insurance £5 19s 6d; adjustment 9s 8d; total £4016 14s. Dividend £916; secretary £75; expenses £2 15s; directors’ fees £2l 10s; auditors’ fees £6 6s; bank charges and cheque book, £1 10s; advertising, print/ng, etc., £lO 9s; balance £2983 4s; total £4016 14s. The report and accounts were adopted. Messrs A. Martin and T. J. Sherborne, the retiring directors, were re-elected, as were the auditors, Messrs F. Young and J. B. Paterson. The directors’ and auditors’ fees were fixed at the same rate as last year. OTAUTAU. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Some interest was occasioned on Saturday when Sergeant-Major Sutton and Mr Hazledine invited a few people to a “listen-ing-in” performance. The event took place in the Council Chambers, and Mr Hazledine was in charge of the apparatus. The promoters thought it would be unwise to invite the general public at this stage, which was more of an experimental nature, but it is understood that Sergeant-Major Sutton intends shortly to invite the general public to a similar performance. The effort on Saturday night was not very successful, owing to the aerial being too short, electrical disturbance in the atmosphere, and the “listening-in” machine not properly connected with the aerial. But another attempt will shortly be made. Mr Cecil A. Bone, son of Mr G. Bone, of Otautau, has been winning some local fame in athletic circles, At Orepuki he was very successful recently, and he followed this up, by later winning the Caledonian Handicap, decided over three distances, winning both the quarter and the half. The quarter, run in 53 l-ssecs, was his best distance, and this would make him under 7 seconds for the full distance, this being quite a good performance. OTAUTAU LAND BOARD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Otautau Town Board held its monthly meeting on Monday night when there was practically a full attendance of Board members. Mr H. W. Davey, engineer of Dunedin, wrote suggesting what steps should be taken to get the information desired by the board as to the cost of a high pressure water service. On the motion of Messrs Allison and Brooker. Mr Davey’s offer was accepted, and he is to be asked to furnish a report. Mr J. Phelan, who wrote asking on what terms the Town Hall could be secured for a skating rink, was advised that the Hall is not available. The Health Inspector wrote, stating that under the regulations of the Department for the removal of rubbish, including ashes, it was an offence for a householder to retain these on his premises except in properly approved receptacles, and that a householder is liable to a penalty of £5 for putting rubbish, including ashes, on a property within the defined area for a rubbish removal service. Authority was given to the chairman to make arrangements for supply of crockery. A letter from the Otautau Progressive league requested that the grass around trees on the Recreation Reserve be cut, and it was resolved that the surfaceman be directed to cut the grass at the proper season, and also that he clear the watertables in the main street after heavy rains. The Progressive League also reported that the rabbits had been exterminated from the Recreation Ground. On the motion of Messrs Brooker and Bird it was agreed to make inquiry from the Inyewjßrgill Corporation, regarding a tar-boiling plant, and also to ascertain whether a supply of tar is available. The clerk was instructed to call tenders for lease of the Domain for grazing, the Works Committee being responsible for the drawing up of conditions. The clerk was further instructed to pay the Government’s proportion of dangerous goods licenses. Accounts amounting to £132 1/2 were passed for payment. WYNDHAM. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Residents of Wyndham and surrounding district were treated to a fine musical programme on Wednesday night when Mr W. Quinn’s Male Voice Choir, and the Orphans’ Club Orchestra played to a full house. The audience waa enthusiastic and showed

appreciation, all numbers being heartily encored. At the close of the entertainment, Mr Jno. Millar, chairman of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee, who were instrumental in engaging the choir and orchestra, moved a hearty vote of thanks to the performers. Mr R. J. Camm (president of the choir) suitably replied. Afterwards the members were entertained at supper.

Fishing on the Mat aura River, Mr R. Robertson of Edendale, landed 10 very fine trout at an average weight of 211*. The Mataura River is becoming very popular with local fisherman and some heavy fish have been taken out of this splendid river this year.