COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19173, 18 February 1924, Page 10

COUNTRY NEWS

GORE. (From our Correspondent.) GORE R.S.A. The fortnightly meeting of the committee of the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association was attended by Messrs Stewart (chairman i, Quin, Columb, Aitken, Jones, Wilson and the secretary. Leave of absence was granted Mr Shelton. A letter was received from the secretary of the Recreation Committee, Montecillo Convalescent Home, Dunedin, regarding the disposal of goods manufactured by the patents and now on sale at Gore. —Left in the secretary's hands. A letter was received from the secretary of the Dunedin R.S.A. regarding subscriptions for the purpose of a bell for the Brockenhurst (England i Church.—Received. • It was decided to approach the Southland War Funds Association regarding a grant to a Gore family in very necessitous circumstances, and also to forward a telegram asking Hon G. J. Anderson to expedite payment of pension to an ex-soldier at present unable to work owing to war injuries. Accounts amounting to £3 las fid were passed for payment. MYROSS BUSH. (From our Correspondent.) Like other places residents of Myross Bush were glad to see the splendid rain that fell on the afternoon of February 12 which will do much to bring away all late turnips and check the blight that was beginning to appear amongst the earlier ones. Stock of all kinds are doing wonderfully well and larger lines of fat lambs off their mothers have found their way to the works than usual at this early stage. Notably Mr R. Baird and A. Dawson, the latter having got away as many as 556 from a mob of 750 ewes. Mr Baird got as high as 36s for some fully a month or six weeks ago, and Mr Kerr got all but 2 away, which augurs well for the season and the district. No one seems to have a failure of turnips and so far all potato crops are looking well. There is very little blight, and taking things all round farmers are having a good spin with wool at such a good price and all dairy produce so buoyant. There appears to be a shortage of grass seeds, which are bound to be very dear this next spring. Prices for sheep keep well up there being a great shortage of young ewes which are expected to command high prices »n the near future. One owner is said to have refused 36s for a straight line of one earmark which even at this figure is not out of the way of well grown. Poor piggie cannot compete with lammie being only sjd per lb whilst lamb is worth from 9d to 16d. Pigs will never pay any man at this paltry price if he is given anything of marketable value to eat because they eat such a quantity m proportion to their size. Experience shows that they appreciate 2s a week in value if given all the separator milk they require. To put it another way. each cow returns about £3 nett in profit for a season where separating is done at home but much less when whey is used alone and if augmented with pollard piggie uni! soon eat his head off with pork at the idly price of 5 id.

WYNDHAM. CHURCH BAZAAR. (From our Correspondent.) The members of St. Kevin's Catholic Church, Wyndham, have long been wanting a new church, the present one being too small and insufficiently ventilated. The committee of the church decided some time ago to run a bazaar to raise funds for a new church. Since that meeting ladies and men have been working with a will, and were thus able to present well filled and attractive stalls when the carnival was opened on Thursday night. The fair was officially opened by Mr John Millar (chairman of the Town Board) and supporting remarks were made by the Rev Father O’DonneO. The stall-holders were as follows: —Produce stall (white rose, —Mesdames D. Tiiher, P. Walsh. J. Morris, jnr. and assistants; plain and art stall (pink rose)— Mesdames J. McGlinchey, E. J. Traynor, Misses L. Foster, M. Straugman and assistants; handkerchief and d’oiley stall (red rose) —Mesdames P. McGlinchey, J. Walsh and Coleman; sweets stall (yellow rose) Mesdames Sheehan and Shepherd; tea rooms (cream rose) —Mesdames Boyle. Burke, Morris senr, Dooley and assistants. Sheep guessing—Mr J. Walsh; coin game — Jno. Meek, jnr; choloclate game—W. Sheehan ; wireless messages —H. T. Hicks; darts— Mtssrs J. Hannan and C. Richards; hoop-la —Stanley McQuire. Raffles were in full swing during the evening, winners being announced as follows:—Cake No. 1, Mrs Murphy; cake No. 2, Mrs Bogue; box chocolates. Jno. Woods; box choclates No. 6, C. Richards; cushion, G. F. O’Brien; Doulton plate. Mrs P. Walsh; cake. Miss M. Crosbie; doll (name “Ansstena”'. May Raeburn; box chocolates, Mrs • Murphy; camisole top, C. Feehly; box chocolates, Mrs Sheehan; handkerchief bag, Mrs H. O’Neill; box chocolates, Jack Crosbie. Much interest is being taken in the popular girl competition and Thursday night’s count showed the following order: — Eileen Morris (white rose) 840, Zita Traynor (pink rose) 760, Francis Milne (red rose) 620, Leila Rice (yellow rose) 500, Maggie Boyle (cream rose) 380. The voting closes on Saturday night 16th inst. An orchestra of 3 instruments played throughout the evening. The fair was continued on Friday and was concluded on Saturday. EELING COMPETITION. The eeling competition promoted by the Wyndham Anglers’ Club resulted in 351 eels being caught. Messrs Jas Hayes (255), John Mitchell (Woodville) 43 and Allan Udy 41 and James Dodd 12, won the various prizes.

RIVERTON. (From Our Correspondent.) Mr Bingham, the contractor for the Riverton Fallen Soldiers' Memorial is making good progress with his work and when finished it should be a fine ornament to the town. The work is likely to be completed in three weeks’ time. There is likely to be an election for the vacancy on the Borough Council, caused by the retirement of Mr Jas. Hymers. Dame Rumour has it that a well-known retired farmer, and. at one time, contractor, will be one of the aspirants for civic honours. It is also announced that a well-known resident, who also sat at the Council table at previous meetings, will come out. Our local show, which takes place on 26 and 27th promises to be a huge success. .Already entries are being received, and should the fine weather we are experiencing lately continue, the different sections should be well supported. I have seen some good potatoes recently but the ones shown me lately would be hard to beat. They were grown in South Riverton by Mr T. R. Winton, and from a space of eight yards by six yards the local gardener had the satisfaction of securing two well-filled bags from the plot. The seed was raised by Mr Jobn Winton, and for cropping they will be hard to beat. They have also proved to be of excellent cooking quality. Riverton has selected Bluff as the place for the annual picnic which will take place in a week or two weeks’ time. On Tuesday evening a first-class concert was given by a party of friends from town. In spite of the wet weather there was a fairly large audience in the Empire Theatre. The stage was beautifully decorated, and made a pretty setting for one of the most delightful concert gK’-'en in Riverton for seme time. Mrs H. A. Sharp, Misses Leete, Violet Hobbs and Doreen Jones and little Valxnai Piper contributed most enjoyable

items. Messrs Millar, Sansum and Gordon Reed were deservedly popular. During the evening many recalls were demanded and freely given. The accompaniments were played by Mr Eric Froggatt. Before returning to town, the friends were entertained to sup--1 per by the ladies of the Methodist Church. Thanks are particularly due to the friends i who motored the party to and from River - j ton. The proceeds of the concert go to the ■ Sunday School Prize Fund. VALEDICTORY AT RIVERSDALE. i (From Our Correspondent.)

At the Riversdale Presbyterian Church a large company of friends gathered on Wednesday. February 6, „ to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Wm. Reid. The function took the form of a social, Mr P. Keene occupying the chair. A good programme was submitted, many local friends taking part by rendering solos, duets, recitations, etc. The chairman in his remarks, mentioned that Mr Reid had been connected with the Church from the time the congregation was first formed, and he had been an active worker up till the present time. Mr Reid well remembers the first service which was held in what is now the station-master’s house. The service was conducted by Rev. Morrison, who was then stationed at Waikaia. Later, as the congregation increased in numbers, .the services were held in Gee’s billiard-room, and when the school was built .the congregation removed thence to more spacious quarters. Shortly after this, the members set about building a church, which was duly opened on July 13. 1884. Mr Reid served on the church committee from the time of its inception, and took an active parit in the building of the church, and later in the building of the manse. Later in the evening Messrs D. Maclntyre and Mr A. Mackay spoke of the good work done by Mr Reid, both as an elder of the church and as a member of the congregation. The chairman then called upon Mr M. Me Lay, as senior elder, to make a presentation on behalf of the people conneced with the Riversdale charge (which includes Wendon and Waipounamu). The presentation took the form af a pair of beautifully upholstered Morris chairs. In presenting them, Mr McLay said they (Mr and Mrs Reid* were entitled to a well-earned rest, and he hoped that they would long live to enjoy that rest.

Replying, Mr Reid thanked the people for their generous token of esteem, but said that neither he nor Mrs Reid *e!t worthy of such appreciation. He had only done his duty, he said, and any little service that he and Mrs Reid had rendered to the church had been a pleasure. They would take with them, to their new home, many pleasant memories of past days, and he hoped that the work would still grow and prosper. The congregation then sang the old hymn "Blest be the tie that Binds." This was followed by ample refreshments, which the ladies had provided. The gathering broke up at 10.45 p.m.. and all agreed that it had been one of the most pleasant functions held in the Riversdale Church for some time. Mr and Mrs Reid leave Pyramid for Gore some time this month.

EDENDALE. (From Our Correspondent.' MEETING OF TOWN BOARD. The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, February 12. Present: Councillors 0. Baird (chair'. W. Chaplin. I. Macrae and James McFadden. The Lumsden Town Board wrote asking particulars re street lighting.—lnformation to be supplied. The Health Officer notified f ha£ he would be absent till February 18th.—Received. The Edendale Progressive League wrote asking for the use of the Recreation Ground for a sports meeting to be held on March 12th.—Granted subject to the usual terms. In connection with the contract for cleaning the gravel pit it was resolved to pay the full amount claimed. It was resolved that the Sugar of Milk ' Company be written to regarding rubbish being left on the road near the rubbish tip. Accounts amounting to £39 11/- were passed for payment. OTAUTAU. (From Our Correspondent.) TOWN BOARD The monthly meeting of the Otautau Town Board was held on Monday night, and the following members were present:— Messrs W. Fraser (chairman. 1 . R. Scatter, J. T. Brooker, R. Bird, A. Chisholm and W. Allison. Correspondence was read: — From the Works Committee, intimating that they had inspected the east end of Chester street, and had found that the owners on each side had allowed the gorse to encroach on to the road line. It was therefore resolved to notify the said owners to clear the gorse. From J. D. Ross, intimating that he had transferred his lease of Pound Sections to F. J. Stephens, who also applied for an extension of the lease. The transfer of the present lease was approved, but the consideration of its renewal was held over for one month. From the Power Board, asking for a list of the ratepayers, for they desired to send to each a pamphlet, setting out the prices and conditions under which power and light would be supplied from Monowai. It was resolved to forward a list as requested. From the Works Committee, who reported that they had inspected the Recreation Ground, and recommended the Beard to accept the offer of the Otautau Timber Co. to fill up with sawdust a depression at the : south-east corner, between Kendal street and the Pavilion. It was resolved that the Works Committee arrange with the manager of the Timber Co. as to the area to be covered and the levels to be maintained in filling up th space with sawdust. Also that the Board put in a six-inch pipe drain.

From the Otautau Athletic Society, asking permission to charge for admission to their sports on 27th inst. The request was granted. the admission being fixed at 1/6 for adults, and 6d for children under 14 years. -The Board’s inspector is also to prevent the parking of cars in Hulme street, from the King street railway crossing on the day of the sports. The chairman reported that the sub-com-mittee set up by the Board had waited on the Power Board with a view to having Otautau linked up with electric current from Invercargill. But they had not been successful. as the Power Board engineer reported that a number of difficulties stood in the way of any local connection until the Monowai power was available. The Health Officer, Dr. McKibbin. requested a report on the efficiency of the refuse removal service, and the general attitude of the ratepayers towards it. The l clerk was instructed to reply that the Board had not had sufficient experience of the service, which had been in vogue for only a short time, and were not prepared to express an official opinion. J. Hensley wrote offering to co-operate with the Board in the erection of houses, and the letter was received. Messrs Thomson and Lumsden were given permission to erect a dwelling in Sorn street. Mr Scatter was instructed to have the broken windows in the Town Hall repaired. It was also decided to impose a 10 per cent, penalty on all rates that were not paid by March 22nd. Accounts for £9B 11/11 for Town Board, and £1 4./- for cemetery trustees, were passed for payment. VALEDICTORY. A very pleasant farewell social evening was spent on Monday evening last on the stage of the Town Hall, when quite a number of her friends and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to Miss L. Hume, on the eve of her departure for Nelson. The popularity of the departing guest was apparent. During the evening Miss J. Morgan

rendered a song, while a community sing, games and dances, made the time pass pleasantly through the whole evenfng. At a convenient interval, .Mr lan McLeod made reference to Miss Hume’s social activities. She had been a prominent member of the St. Andrew's Society, besides other bodies, and had always shown her readiness to do what she could for the social life of the community. On behalf of her many friends he asked her to accept a handsome xylonite set of brush, comb and hand mirror. Miss Hume was greeted enthusiastically with, ‘For She’s A Jolly Good Fellow.” In a few chosen words she thanked those present for the handsome gifts and the kind things they had said. It had been a great pleasure to her to assist at any functions she could, and she would not forget the happy days she had spent at Otautau. A good supper was enjoyed by those present. The music for tl? gam-s and dances was supplied by Misses Bone and Macdonald, and Mesdames Macdonald and Clark, while Mr G. Hope made an excellent M.C. The gathering concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne.” A PAR IMA. The Aparima School picnic was held on Saturday of last week. The picnic was held in Mr R. S. James’s paddock and there was a large attendance of residents, both old and young. The weather was fine, and a very happy outing was spent. Games and races were provided for the children, and the event proved to be one of the most enjoyable experiences for the year. On Friday evening last, at the Aparima School, a large number of the surrounding settlers gathered to bid farewell to their popular school teacher, Miss M. Barron, who is taking up a fresh appointment. There were over sixty people assembled in the schoolroom, and songs were rendered, besides which ga.aes and dancing were indulged in. At a suitable interval Mr Muirhead, chairman of the School Committee, made reference to Miss Barron’s excellent work as a teacher, and her very evident popularity, not only with the children, but the district generally. They were sorry to lose so good a teacher, and on behalf of the residents he asked Mtiss Barron to accept a handsome travelling rug. Miss Barron briefly responded, thanking them for their kind appreciation I '. She had enjoyed her stay in Aparima, and would remember the kindness of the people. A splendid supper was dispensed, and music and dancing brought a very happy gathering to a close. ST. ANDREW’S. On Tuesday evening last a members' reunion of the local St. Andrew’s Scottish Society was held in the Town Hall, and was largely attended. The chief. Mr F. Malcolm, presided, and a very pleasant evening was spent. A splendid programme was provided, including the following items: —Bagpipe selections, by Pliers Sutherland and Hawthorne; songs, by Mesdame? Brooker. Liddell and Ireland. Miss Mclntosh, and Messrs Andrew, J. McDougall and A. McKenzie; recitations, by Miss Hume and Mr H. Laing, and a hornpipegkqpgkqqjjjjgkq H. Laing; Highland Fling, by Miss I. Brown, and a Hornpipe, by Mr J. Millar (Isla Bank). Mrs T. H. Cuppies tastefully accompanied the singers, and also provided the music for the danne. Mr G. Hope officiated as M.C., and a very tasty supper was provided and enjoyed by those present.