THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS.

Southland Times, Issue 19184, 1 March 1924, Page 14

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS.

Rev. D. Heggie, Fortrose, proposed the toast of “The Bride and Bridegroom of Fifty Years __Ago,” and referred to the worth and work of Mr and Mrs Dunlop. Both had taken a keen interest in every good work in the district and were not 1 merely respected, but deeply loved. Mr Dunlop, in responding, said that they had merely sought to do their best in so far as they could, and they had enjoyed doing it. Other toasts were:—“The Anderson Family”—Mrs Dunloo’s people—proposed by Mr Murray, Mokoreta, and responded to by Mr George Anderson, brother of Mrs Dunlop, the only guest present who was at the ceremony fifty years before. “The Dunlop Family,” proposed by Mr W. Dawson, Fortrose, and responded to by Mr John Dunlop,, eldest son, Seaward Downs. “The Grand-children,” numbering 29, proposed by Mr A. S. Holms, Waimahaka, and responded to by Mr James Dunlop, Mataura Island. “The Agricultural and Pastoral Association,” proposed by Mr T* Carswell, Invercargill, and responded to by Messrs A S, Holms, M. Dickie, Mataura, and T. Golden, Fortrose. “Local Bodies,” etc., etc. The guests numbered about eighty, forty being near relatives. All the surviving children were present, five sons and three daughters, thoe being John (Seaward Downs), James (Mataura Island), Adam and David (Pine Bush), Andrew (New Plymouth), Miss Dunlop and Miss Bessie (Pine Bush), Mrs Balneaves(Wairio). One son, Tom, made the supreme sacrifice, during the Great War. Other " guests were—Mr and Mrs A. S. Holms (Waimahaka), Rev. D. and Mrs Heggie (Fortrose), Mr and Mrs Murray (Mokoreta), Mr and Mrs W. Dawson (Fortrose), Mr and Mrs Dickie (Mataura), Mr, Mrs and Miss Carswell (Invercargill), Mr and Mrs Golden (Fortroae), Mrs Yule (Invercargill), Mr and Mrs Wilson (Seaward Downs), Mr and Mrs H. Chisholm (Fortrose), Mrs Tom Dunlop, Gore (daugh-ter-in-law), Mr and Mrs E. Anderson (Mokoreta), Mr Geo. Somerville (Pine Bush), Mr Baine aces (Wairio), etc. Numerous presents were given to the aged happy couple—Mr Dunlop is in his 81st year and Mrs Dunlop in her 75th—the family’s gifts being a beautiful sealskin coat to the mother and a gold albert with appendage to the father. Mr Dunlop was for Jong noted as a skilled breeder of Clydesdale horses and Leicester sheep. He has frequently acted in the capacity of a judge of Clydesdales at the Shows throughout the South Island. He is a native of Kihnaurs, Ayrshire, Scotland, and came out as a young man, first to Australia, and a few years later to New Zealand. He has farmed in Pine Bush for over fifty years.

WINTON NOTES. (From our Correspondent.) Mr and Mrs Bradley and Mr and Mrs de la Perrelle, who accompanied members of Parliament on their tour through Central Otago, returned home on Tuesday evening Mrs J. McKenzie (Invercargill) was the guest of Mrs Nixon for a few days. Mrs O’Malley has returned from Dunedin. Mr L. O’Sullivan has been advised that he has passed the M.A. degree. Last Saturday afternoon a match between Invercargill and Winton B teams was played on the local tennis courts. Winton won by a narrow margin. The Winton Horticultural Society’s first annual show, which was officially opened by His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. A. it room, on Wednesday afternoon, was an unqualified success. The large number of entries —some from as far distant as Invercargill —was highly gratifying. In spite of the abnormal season there was a fine display of cut flowers. Asters and sweet peas made a splendid show. Some of the pot plants were beautiful. The exhibits in the in- i dustrial section which included needlework, I photographs % and paintings were of a high standard. The produce section attracted large entries. The ladies of the district have long been noted for .their baking and on this occasion they excelled themselves. Vegetables and fruit were also good. The four exhibits of tomatoes were a credit to the district especially those grown in the open. The judges were Dalrymple (produce), Miss Mcllwrick and Mrs McNeur (industrial), Mr Burrows (flowers, fruit and vegetables), Messrs J. A. Broom and Jas. Watson (grain), Mr and Mrs E. A. Phillips (photographs and paintings), Mrs W. Gill had a refreshment booth where afternoon tea and supper were dispensed. In the evening musical items were contributed by the Municipal Band. Mr E. Bedford, who received 58 votes, won the prize for the most popular gentleman attending the show. The ladies’ prize went to Mrs J. R. Hamilton with 22 votes.

The Presbyterian Bible Classes held an opening social in the Sunday School Hall on Friday evening. There were about fifty young people present. A thoroughly enjoyable time was spent in games and competitions. DOINGS AT RIVERTON. (From Our O’yn Correspondent.) The residents of Riverton witnessed a great Fight on Tuesday night, when the bu. : h fires spread along the hills at the back of ‘The locks”; for about a mile the bush was ablaze, hundreds of trees burning, making a beautiful picture in the dark. However, the rain stopped any danger that might have arisen. Prior to his departure Mr Colin King was presented with a gold eversharp pencil by the young people of Riverton. The Hon. John Topi Patuki, M.L.C., has been spending a few days in Riverton. He is staying at the Aparima Hotel. Mr B. Kelly, of Gore, who has been in the Riverton Hospital for some time past, is recuperating at “The Rocks.” Mr and Mrs D. W. McKay and family returned from “The Rocks” during the week. Mr and Mrs Frank Bath have also returned from the seaside. Mrs Lipscombe and family are spending a holiday at “The Rocks.” Mr and Mrs Mort Grieve are spending a holiday in their crib. Dr Trotter is leaving shortly for a twelve months’ tour of America. He will be relieved by Dr Kingston. A very enjoyable jazz evening was given Mr Colin King in the Oddfellows’ Hall last Friday on the eve of"his departure from Riverton. Mr R. W. Stevens on behalf of those present presented the guest of the evening with an Ever-Sharp gold pencil. Mr King suitably replied. Miss L. Petchell, daughter of Mr John Petchell, returned last week after spending two months holiday in Auckland. Messrs Philp and Dickson motored through to Timaru and will return home at the end of the week. Mr Eric Marshall left last Wednesday on a trip to Sydney. The Hon. John Topi, of Ruapuke Island, is spending a few days in Riverton and is staying at the Aparima Hotel.

On account of the inclement weather on Wednesday the tennis, croquet and bowling matches could not be played to the finish. Mrs J. Armstead, of Dunedin, is in Riverton on a short visit and is staying at the Railway Hotel. OTAUTAU JOTTINGS. (From our Correspondent.) After three years’ residence at Waikouro as sole teacher, the departure of Miss Carson, to enter the Training College, was the cause of regret in the neighbourhood. To bid fitting farewell to their school teacher a large gathering of residents met in the schoolroom on Wednesday last, Mrs Carson, who has resided with her daughter, also being present. Rev A. Macdonald, of Otautau, presided, and said the departing guests had made for themselves a welcome place in the neighbourhood and they would be greatly missed. On behalf of the residents, be asked Miss Careon to accept a handsome handbag and a purse containing a sum of money, while Mrs Carson was presented with a fine travelling rug. Messrs Moore and Muir also spoke, and Miss Carson, who was heartily cheered, suitably responded. .Supper was handed round, and a programme supplied. Songs and dialogues were rendered by Misses Smith (2), and Coster (3), and Master J. Coster, and Messrs Swap, Baird and Coster supplied violin music. Games were also enjoyed, and a happy evening terminated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” On Friday evening last, a farewell social was tendered in the Otautau Town Hall, to Miss Lily Hardy, who is leaving the Otautau School to enter the Dunedin Training College. Music and games were enjoyed throughout the evening with great enthusiasm. At a suitable interval, Rev A. Macdonald, on behalf of the Presbyterian Bible Class presented Miss Hardy with a handsome suit case, hand mirror and brush; and on behalf of the Sunday School, with a leather bound volume of Wordsworth’s poems. He made reference to Miss Hardy’s valuable ‘ work in the Bible Class and as a Sunday School teacher. Mrs Macdonald, the superintendent, also spoke of their guest’s efficiency in the Sunday School, and Mr R. Liddell voiced the feelings of the Bible Class. On rising to respond, Miss Hardy was greeted with cheers and musicalhonours. In a brief speech the popular lady thanked them for their kind words and gifts. Her work, whether in the school or church, had always been' a source of pleasure, and she wished them all success.

GORE CHAT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Miss Blue, Crombie street, has returned from an extended holiday spent in the North Island, Mr and Mrs H. C. Mac Gibbon have returned to Gore after en enjoyable holiday spent in Christchurch and North Canterbury. Mrs James Boyne, jr., has returned home

after an extended holiday. Mr S. B. Dunn, of the Gore High School staff, has received cable advice that he has passed the M.A. degree, in which he has gained a first-class pass. The Rev. Father O’Donnell left on Tuesday morning for an extended tour abroad, and during his absence Rev. Father Kavaney acts in his stead. The Gore School Committee at their meeting on Tuesday evening minuted its high appreciation of the long and faithful service of Miss E. Wilson, who at the end of last year tendered her resignation from the staff of the school. The secretary was instructed to convey to Miss Wilson a letter indicating the committee’s realisation of the worth of her work among the children. | On Monday evening a ferewell social and presentation was tendered the Rev. Father O’Donnell, who for 30 years has had charge of the Gore parish. The Gore Town Hall was well filled, and Mr D. L. Poppelwell presided. Of late Father O’Donnell’s health has not been of the best, and on medical advice he decided to take an extended holiday abroad. The chairman expressed the assurance that everyone was sorry Father O’Donnell was leaving, but there was a degree of gladness in the fact that it would be for a short period only. After ' an able and interesting speech Mr Poppel- | well then presented Father O’Donnell with 1 the sum of 200 guineas subscribed by the parishioners and people of Gore. On behalf of the Hibernian Society Mr J. B. Kerr presented the departing priest with a handsome travelling rug, and on behalf of the Children of Mary, Mr A. H. Smith presented him with a handbag. Dean Burke (Invercargill), and Rev. Father Kaveney (Curate at. Gore) also spoke, both gentlemen expressing appreciation of the guest. On. rising to respond, Father O’Donnell was greeted with tremendous applause, and in a neat speech thanked them all for their handsome gifts and their kindness to him during his thirty years’ residence amongst them. During the evening an enjoyable programme was rendered those contributing being Misses Inder and Carmody, piano duet; Mrs Pettigrew, song; Misres Ryan, vocal duet; Miss Mary Poppclwell, recitation; Miss Thorn, dances; and Mrs Cooper, songs. Supper was served and later a short dance was held.

A number of local swimmers representing the Gore Swimming Club, journeyed to Lumsden I art Saturday to compete in the local tournament, tod succeeded in winning eight trophies as follows: —soyds breaststroke, A. L. Dolamore; 3Oyds youths’, H. Aitken 1, J. Palairet 2; J. Bishop second in 75yds handicap, and also in high dive. The relay race was won by the Gore High School represented-by J. Bishop, H. Aitken, and J. Palairet. The visitors speak in high terms of the hospitality extended to them, and also of the swimming pool in which the races were held.

A meeting of the golfing enthusiasts was held on Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance, and Mr R. Fisher was voted to the phair. Mr Fisher stated thaV so far the sUm of £ll4 has been guaranteed in membership fees, and with that amount the club could start on a fairly sound financial footing. Office-bearers 'were elected as follows:—President, Mr R. Fisher; vice-president, Mr B. L. Grant; secretary, Mr L. R. McDonald; committee —Messrs J. J. Perry, A. J. Hawke, A. L. Dolamore, R. L. Barrett, and Dr Gresham; captain, Mr F. Young. The opening day was left in the hands of the committee.

A large number of Gore residents journeyed to Invercargill this week to witness the performances of the Gertrude Elliott Company, which was greatly enjoyed by all. Amongst those who made the trip I noticed Mesdames F. Wallis senr., H. Wallis, Piller, Hammond, McAra, Misses Jopp and C. Bowler.

On Tuesday evening the Gore District Highland Society held their first social for the year, and being Year, the ladies took charge. Tne Town Hall was well filled, the stage was nicely decorated with flowers, and on the wall was the inscription “Look before yeu L«ap.” The programme

consisted of choruses and part songs by t the ladies, and the following items:—Solo, Miss Dorothy McLeod; Dutch dance, Miss EUa Burns; solo, Mrs J. C. Winning; solo, Miss May Piercey (Mataura), and comic songs by Mr A. Cochrane. Dancing was indulged in, the duties of M.C. being carried out by Misses D. McLeod and E. C. Duncan." At midnight Mr C. Matthews took charge. A bounteous supper was supplied by the ladies, and at 1 o’clock the clansfolk sang “Auld Lang Syne,” and a verse of the National Anthem. A DUNEDIN LETTER. (From Our Correspondent). DUNEDIN, February 29. Staying in Dunedin during the week ■ were the following Southlanders:— At the City Hotel:—Mr and Mrs J Dykes (Heddon. Bush), Mr E. Nicholson, Mr and Mrs Smith (Waiwera). At the Excelsior Hotel:—Mr P. de la Perrelle, M.P., and Mrs (Awarua), Mr and Mrs P. Bradley (Winton), Mr J. McDonald (Balclutha), Mr and Mrs Staverley, Mr W. Moore (Gore), Miss E. Dick, Miss M. J. Cauldwell, Mr and Mrs A Black, Miss G. McGinness, Mr G. Hickford, Mr and Mrs A. Felton (Gore). Miss Edmond gave a small luncheon on Tuesday for Miss Mary Johnston, whose wedding takes place next Tuesday. Miss Coreen Ogston arrived in town last Saturday, leaving again during the week to walk to Milford Track.

The Misses Rattray gave a delightful tea on Monday for Miss Neill, who is shortly leaving for Africa, and to welcome Miss Coreen Oggthn.

Mrs S. Solomon gave a small bridge party on Tuesday afternoon for her guest, Mrs F. C. Raphael (Christchurch). Mrs Collins (Brisbane) is visiting Dunedin at present.

Miss Edith Haggitt gave an enjoyable ping-pong party on Tuesday evening for the Misses Mclntosh, who leave shortly for their future home in Wellington. Miss Haggitt received her guests wearing a pretty frock of grey and silver lace. Among those present were Mr and Mrs N. Haggitt, the Misses Mclntosh (3), Gallaway, Ramsay, Macandrew, E. Roberts, Ulrich, D. Fleming, Stock, Hart, McPherson, Edmond, Messrs Edmond, Denniston, Solomon, Maunsell, Haggitt (2), Whitcombe, Whitson, Irvine, Sinclair (2), Campbell, McPherson. Mrs Edgar Hazlett was hostess at an enjoyable bridge party on Tuesday night, given as a farewefl to Mrs Leslie Wilson and Miss Neill, who leave early next month for a trip abroad, Mrs Hazlett received her guests wearing a smart gown of black chiffon velvet with gold flowers. Among the players were noticed Mesdames Wilson, W. A. Moore, Oldham, Cheeseman, Matheson, Stock, Cantrell, A. F. A. Fisher, G. McLean, Scott, Cogan, Misses Neill, Duncan, Reynolds (2), Moodie, etc. Miss Eva Wilkinson left this week for England. Miss McPherson gave a small girls’ tea on Tuesday afternoon for Miss Mary Johnston, whose marriage to Mr Munro takes place next Tuesday. On Saturday evening Mrs Acton-Adams gave a small fox-trot party at her home in Melrose, Roslyn. The hostess wore a beautiful gown of black morocain trimmed with white beads. Among those present were Lady Forbes-Robertson, Misses ForbesRobertson, Cheeseman, Burt, Emerson, Harris (2), Stock, Messrs Lynton, Millard, Gibbs, Haggitt, D. Reid, Tapley, etc. Mrs Edward Smith (Auckland) is the guest of her parents, Mr and Mrs Alfred James, Union street. The engagement is announced of Miss Lorna Sidey, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. M. Sidey, Carroll street, to Mr Harry Lewin, also of this city. On Monday evening Mrs Stock gave an enjoyable bridge party for Mrs Ellis (Australia). Mrs Stock was gowned in black-and-whjte morocain, Miss Stock wearing a pretty frock of red crepe-de-chine. The players included Mesdames Ellis, J. A. Cook, Cheeseman, McKibbin, Hilton, Black, Misses Denniston, Ulrich, Williams (2), etc.

On Friday night a jolly little “surprise” dance took place at the residence of Mrs Mclntosh, Queen street, a party of young folk arriving to farewell the Misses McIntosh. Those present included Misses Ulrich, Gallaway, McPherson, Edmond, Cheeseman, E. Roberts, Stock, Todd, Haggitt, McPherson, Messrs Campbell, Evans, Whitcombe, Sinclair (2), Edmond, Gibbs, Holland, Maunsell, E. Wilson and Nisbet. Miss Alice Evans (Timaru), who was the guest of Mrs John MacPherson, left for Timaru last Tuesday. Miss Mollie Burt appeared for three nights with the Gertrude Elliot Company, playing one of the bridesmaids in “Smilin’ Through.” Mrs Ar Matheson gave a large bridge party in the Otago Women’s - Club Rooms last Thursday afternoon for Mrs Leslie Wilson. The guests included Mesdames Ewart (Invercargill), Cotterill, Wilson, Oldham, Gallaway, McLean, Macassey, O’Neill, McKibbin, Fenwick, Scherek, Hazlett, Rowe, Fisher, Solomon, Hislop, Marshall, Macdonald, Misses Waldegrave, Chaytor (Wellington), Matheson, Harris (2), Halsted, Macassey, Moodie, Duncan, Neill, Morrah (Invercargill). Miss Theomin has returned from Mount Cook. Mrs H. J. Guthrie (Anderson’s Bay) gave a farewell tea for Mrs Leslie Wilson. The Misses Ulrich gave a most enjoyable I tea on Wednesday afternoon for the Misses ' Mclntosh and Miss Mary Johnston. The guests were received in the drawing room. Miss Ulrich wearing black morocain and Miss Kathleen Ulrich blue crepe-de-chine. A recherce tea was served in.tbe diningroom, coloured asters in crystal vases being used as table decoration. Among those present were Misses Mclntosh (3), Johnston, Gallaway, Edmond, Stock, Todd, Ramsay, Hartmann, Theomin, Harris (2), Allan, Blomfield, Reeves, Williams, Rattray, Graham, E. Roberts, B. Roberts (Scotland), E. Haggitt, Morris, Watson, Scott, De Beer, O’Neill, Woodhouse, Finch, McPherson, Matheson, Hart, Mill, etc.

THE CITI OF THE PLAINS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 28. Mrs John McArthur, the Misses McArthur, of Invercargill, and Mr John McArthur, were staying at Coker’s early in the week. Mrs McArthur and the Misses McArthur leave during the week for Australia. Mr and Mrs C. R. Golding, who have been to Stewart Island, returned to Rangiora on Monday. Mrs J. Jackman, Innes road, St. Albans, was hostess at an enjoyable “variety afternoon” on Saturday, given in honour of Miss Ellie Jenkins, who was the recipient of many beautiful gifts. During the afternoon tennis and croquet were played, and the guest of honour received the good wishes of all. Those present were Mrs-Jackman, Miss M. Jackman, Miss E. Jackman, Miss Poppy Clemens, Miss Olwen Jenkins, Miss L. Harris. Miss Elsie Miller, Mrs John Smith, Miss Joyce Burr, Miss B. Tompkins, and Miss L. Sooper. Mrs A. W. Wright and Miss Wright are visiting Christchurch and are the guests of Mrs J. C. Tempter. Mrs and Miss Nolan, who have been spending a week in Christchurch, have left for thair home in Gisborne. Mrs and Miss Macdonald, Invercargill, and Miss Macdonald, Napier, who were at Cadogan, left for Christchurch on Monday. IN THE CAPITAL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, February 27. Mr and Mrs F. Eller, Wellington,, have returned home after a tour of the South Island. Mrs Nellie Miller and Mrs B. Iveson, Masterton, are in town to meet Mr and Mrs H. G. Milter on their return from England.

Her Excellency the Viscountess Jellicoe is expected to visit the Hermitage on March 5. Mrs King O’Malley, wife of the Minister of Home Affairs in the first Hughes Administration, and member of the first Federal Parliament, is visiting Wellington. Mrs O'Malley is a native of Nelson. A large gathering of friends assembled at the invitation of Mr and Mrs Percy Dement at their residence, in Moxham avenue, Kilbirnie, last Saturday evening, to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs P. McWhannell and family, who are on the eve of their departure for the Homeland, on a nine months’ holiday tour. The order of entertainment was a card tournament of “500,” dancing, and games, followed by a supper. Mr Percy Dement, in proposing the toast of the McWhannell family, wished them an enjoyable trip, good health, and a safe return. Mr P. McWhannell suitably responded to the toast in a happy little speech. Mrs and Miss Seaton, of Wadestown, have returned from a visit to Taranaki.

The wedding took place at the Holy Trinity Church, Gisborne, on Wednesday last, of Miss Molly Wyilie, daughter of Mr and Mrs G. R. Wylie, Te Harpara, to Mr Harry Chote, son of Mr and Mrs W. A. Chote, of Wellington. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Canon Packe. The bride, who was given away by her father, was accompanied by her sister, Miss Ruby Wyilie, and Mr Roy Muir attended the bridegroom as best man. The bride wore white satin marocain, with panels, lined with shell pink. The veil, which had been worn by her mother, was fastened with orange blossoms, and she carried a beautiful white bouquet. The bridesmaid wore saxe blue taffetas, with tulle hat. She carried a bouquet of pink flowers. The bride’s mother wore black taffetas, and a black hat with floral trimming. Mrs Qiote, mother of the bridegroom, was in oyster grey silk, with powder blue trimmings, and hat to match. Mrs S. R. Williams (sister of the bride I, wore brown taffetas, and fawn hat, with touches of pink. A reception was held at the residence of the bride’s parents, a large number of guests attending. The many presents included a grand piano, and a handsome clock, the latter being a gift from the combined sports clubs of Motu, where the bridegroom was recently stationed. Later, the bride and bridegroom left by boat for Napier, where their future home will be. The bride travelled in a silver grey costume, and a silver and blue hat. THE BIRTHSTONES. The birthstone and talismanic gem for March is the Bloodstone. Records of this stone being used as a lucky stone extend back into ancient history. It was the March stone of the Ancient Romans and .Arabians. Many interesting virtues are attributed to it. The Bloodstone preserves the mental faculties and bodily health of the wearer. It brings to such respect and esteem. Red stones were looked upon as having a special effect on the blood. Green stones had a health giving power. The Bloodstone combining a deep strong green with the red exercises' both these qualities. In olden days it cured bleeding from the nose and face —in this respect it can be recommended to the local Boxing Association. It was a stone given to the Knights of Old when going forth to battle, giving courage and clearness of vision. The red spots on it also suggested to early Italians the blood of sacrifice and was therefore held in deep reverence by them, even in quite recent years. The stone to be effective must be worn on the left hand; this accounts for its great popularity as a stone for signet rings. “Who wears a Bloodstone be life short or long Will meet all dangers, brave and strong. The Apostolic guardians of those born in March are James and John; their gem is the emerald. This gem, being green, can be used as a substitute for the Bloodstone.