COUNTRY BUDGET.

Southland Times, Issue 19292, 10 July 1924, Page 11

COUNTRY BUDGET.

GORE. 3OROUGH COUNCIL The ordinary meeting of the Gore Borough Council was held on Monday night in the Council Chambers and attended by the Mayor (Mr D. L. Poppelwelli, and Councillors Baldey, Tutty, Lyttle, Bennet, Thomson, Wallis, Potts, Shelton, Sim and Brownlie. W. Shore applied for a refund of £2 on each of the drains he had completed for C. Matthews’ and H. Shore’s contracts in Broughton and Joseph streets respectively.—Granted. D. Lyttle, Kitchener street, and B. Perks, Irvine street, also applied for similar refunds.—Granted. ’The United Trading Co. applied for permission to erect a drying rack building on its section in Stratford street. —Granted. V. Burgess applied for a crossing to his •ection in Wolsley street.—Granted on the usual conditions. P. A. Thomson applied for a load of gravel at his gateways in Broughton street. —Granted. T. Galletly applied for a few loads of gravel at the entrance of his section off Halton street and at the entrance to Mrs Galletly’s residence.—Granted. Electric light applications were granted to the following, subject to compliance with the by-laws: R. C. Paterson, Mersey street; H. V. Burgess, Wolsley street; James Hoffman, Main street; A. M. Corbett, Rose street; 0. Dillon, Irvine street. P. Kelly poundkeeper, reported that 3265 sheep and 141 cattle had passed through the saleyards during June. Collections amounted to £52 3/-. Seven head of cattle were impounded during the month. —Received. W. C. Moir, abattoir manager, reported that 109 cattle. 273 sheep and one pig were killed during June. Two cattle were partially and one sheep wholly condemned and sent to the digestor.—Received. W. Scott, electrical engineer, reported that four new consumers had been connected. In connection with Messrs W T ebb and Masson’s application, an extension from Coutts Road would be necessary, requiring five poles, and the estimated cost was £27 5/-. He noticed that Webb’s installations were to be carried out by G. Styles; it would be necessary to ascertain if the latter contractor was qualified to carry out electrical work within the Borough. The latter matters were referred to the Lighting Committee to report. The Works Committee recommended that the building by-laws be carried out under the provisions of the by-laws in force and that a further fee be charged in addition to permit fees to allow of buildings being inspected during course of construction to see that they be not altered after the plans and specifications submitted are approved. —Adopted. The fee for inspection was fixed at £1 1/-, and it was decided that the by-laws be altered accordingly. GORE R.S.A. The fortnightly meeting of the Gore RS A. was held in the club rooms on Tuesday evening, and attended by Messrs Stewart (President'. Quin, Aitken, Jones, Murray, Middlemiss, Latham, Shelton, Wilson, Foulston. Bown and Gerken (secretary '. The Hospital Visiting Committee reported having visited that institution twice during the fortnight. Two returned soldiers are at present undergoing treatment. The treasurer reported that circulars had been sent to men resid tg at Gore who were behind with their subscriptions. So far the response had been excellent, and 25 renewals had already been received. The treasurer was thanked for his action, and it was decided to start with the country members as soon as t: ? town was cleared up. The President repored that grants amounting to £9 had been received from the Southland War Fund- Association towards a family in necessitous circumstances. It was decided to challenge Riversdale Sub-Association to a card match at an early date. A letter was received from the district secretary, Dunedin, stating that the district scheme was abandoned on June 30 last, and asking that all returns and capitation be forwarded so that all business can be wound up. —Received; returns to be forwarded. An inquiry was received as to whether the Southland War Funds Association was lending money on mortgage on freehold property to returned soldiers. —The secretary’ was instructed to make inquiries from the Association. A letter was received from Hon. G. J. Anderson, stating that the application of a returned man for a loan from the Advances to Settlers Department would be brought before the first sitting of the Advances Board owing to the urgency of the case. EDEN DALE. MEETING OF PROGRESS LEAGUE. The annual meeting of the Progress League was held in the Public Hall, Edendale, and was attended by 40 members, Mr George Dempster being in the chair. The report and balance-sheet, showing receipts for the year to be £442 9/1 and the expenditure £193 13/6, leaving a profit of £248 15/1 on the year’s workings, was read, and on the motion of the chairman adopted. Several members spoke eulogistic ally on the success of the year. Mr Macrae’s motion for the allocation of the funds was then gone into, and, after a protracted discussion, it was decidtH to donate £lOO to the Recreation Trust to clear the debt off the grounds. By this means it was made possible for the Trust to receive £5O from the Government. The election of the office -bearers resulted thus—President, Mr G. Dempster (reelected) ; vice-Presidents —Messrs J. S. Lamont and A. H. Hiddleston; secretary, and treasurer. Mr John M’Fadden (reelected* . A vote of thanks was passed to the old executive, and a special vote with a monetary bonus was passed to the secretary (Mr John M’Fadden) for work done during the year. MATAURA. BOROUGH COUNCIL .MEETING. (From our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the Mataura Borough Council was held on Tuesday. Present: the Mayor (Mr C. D. McConnell), and Councillors J. W. Aitken, T. F. Quilter, J. Park, J. Ingram, J. H. Clark, J. Walker, P. Curtain and J. L. Mitchell CORRESPONDENCE S. McKelvie wrote with reference to the sanitary rate charged on his property, lots 3 and 4. There was no house on lot 4. for which he was charged the sanitary rate, and he asked the Council to rectify the matter. Left in the hands of the Town Clerk. C. H. McMaster wrote Asking the Council if it would consider reducing the rates on her property in Denbigh street, as she had no income and was unable to keep it up. The letter was received A. Scott, Deputy District Engineer, Post and Telegraph Department wrote stating that permission to use the telegraph poles on Waimumu road for street lighting purposes at a bad corner near the Domain Grounds was approved. The conditions in the electric light regulations regarding distance from the Department’s wires and insulation must be observed. Received. James Ingram, secretary Mataura School Committee, applied for a crossing to the entrance in Suburb street for the new ecfiooi, and also requested that the water

SEWS NOTES FROM ALL PARTS

table be cleaned out in Crawford road opposite the infant school. The crossing was granted, and the other request referred to the Works Committee. James Henry and several other ratepayers on the Waimumu road applied for a street lamp at a corner near the Recreation Grounds. Held over for Lighting Committee’s report. E. Boyes requested the Council to fill in some hollows opposite his property in Kana street. Referred to the Works Committee. A. N. Mac Gibbon drew the Council’s attention to the dirty state of the approaches to the Waikana bridge at the paper mill; also the filthy and wet state of the footpath alongside the mill from the bridge to Athol street. Received. John Mac Gibbon and Sons, Ltd., applied for a concrete crossing to the footpath in front of their premises in Bridge street, for which they would supply the plank. Referred to the Works Committee with power to act. Jas F. Falconer wrote stating that as the extent of the damage to his property caused by water race contractors was far beyond what he anticipated he considered he was entitled to some compensation. He applied for a half inch pipe connection with the main, where it crosses Cameron’s road. Referred to the Water Works Committee. W. Weatherburn drew the Council’s attention to the bad state of the crossing leading to his property in Main street, and requested the Council to put down a few loads of gravel. Referred to the Works Committee. John Anderson drew attention to the condition of the footpath in front of his property in Kana street, and requested the Council to clean out the channel and put down a few loadS of gravel on the footpath. Referred to the Works Committee. Ellen Bonney applied for crossing to her property in Kana street. Referred to the Works Committee. W. Robertson applied for a crossing to his motor garage on Section 11, Block VII. Referred to the Works Committee. R. S. Green, secretary Eastern District Rugby Football Sub-union, applied for permission to charge for admission to the Recreation Grounds for football matches on July 9 and 16. Granted. Arthur H. Cockburn requested the Council to put some gravel on the road leading to his property, and offered £2 towards the work. Referred to the Works Committee. Gavin Cullen drew the Council’s attention to the bad state of the road in front of his house in Kana street, and requested some gravel to be put down. Referred to the Works Committee. The Southland League wrote acknowledging the Council’s contribution to the League’s funds of £2O, and expressed thanks and appreciation for the Council’s continued support. Received. J. McNair, District Engineer, New Zealand Railways, advised that the Council may remove gravel from the Department’s reserve at Mat aura at a royalty of 6d per cubic yard, the permit to be available up to June 30, 1925. The Clerk was instructed to write pointing out the injustice of the charge. The secretary Mat aura Public Saleyards Co. Ltd., requested a few’ loads of gravel to be put down on the footpath leading to the saleyards. Referred to the Worxe Committee. D. Barkley applied for permission to erect a car shed on his property in Denbigh street. Granted. New Zealand Paper Mills Ltd. applied for permission to erect a building at an ap proximate cost of £3OOO. The building to be erected would adjoin the present works on the south side. A plan of the building was forwarded. Approved. W. Robertson was granted permission to erect a motor garage on Section 11, Block VII. W. F. de Roo, Inspector of Health, wrote regarding premises in River street. The Medical Officer of Health was of the opinion that the best procedure in all such cases would be to prosecute under the local by-laws, as the issue of a closing order would be straining the Act. Under the circumstances he w r as notifying the owner that proceedings would be taken unless matters are attended to within 14 days. Received. W. F. de Roo, Health Inspector, forwarded report of sanitary inspections made within the Borough from June 1 to 30. Received. GENERAL. The Clerk submitted a list of outstandrates and was given instructions to take action to recover the amounts. The Sanitary Committee reported that until such time as suitable pipes are available the question of the Dacre street drain be held over. The Finance and Lighting Committee recommended that accounts amounting to £522 3s Id out of General account and £312 2s out of Loan account be passed for payment. That the account of the Dominion Electric Company for £5 7s 6d be passed for payment. Adopted. The Water Works Engineer, Mr E. G. Wilson, attended the meeting and tenders for the supply of pipes and reticulation of the town were opened. Five tenders were received and the combined tender of E. Chester and Co. of £6038 was accepted. Two tenders for gravelling and team work were* received and that of Messrs Barkley and Wilson was accepted, the Council reserving the right to call tenders for any special work of over 100 yards of gravel. Councillor Mitchell referred to a briar fence that was overhanging the footpath in Kana street, and it was resolved that the owner of the property be requested to trim the fence back. It was stated that complaints had been made regarding a stone building in Kana street, and the Council decided that in its opinion the building w’as unsafe, and the owners be requested to have the building made safe. The condition of an old house on the Foundry property was also referred to and it was resolved that steps be taken to have the building removed. RIVERTON. From our Correspondent). DEBATING SOCIETY. The Riverton Literary and Debating Society held its weekly meeting in More’s Committee Room on Monday night. Though there were counter-attractions, a large number of members attended and were well rewarded by an excellent evening’s entertainment. Mr Lute (President) was in the chair. The evening was devoted to impromptu speeches. Mrs Webb opened with a speech on •‘Weather,’’ in which she dealt humorously with the vagaries of Southland weather. Mr R. N. Wilson then spoke on “Should Women Smoke?” and this opened a discussion in which the whole meeting humorously and enthusiastically joined in. Other subjects were: “Should we Golf on Sundays?”; “Should we Become Vegetarians?”; “Washing Day” and “How to Live on Nothing a Year.” A very interesting evening was brought to a close with a humorous reading by Dr. Gordon. A hearty vote of thanks to the speakers and chair closed the meeting. W.C.TU. On Monday evening the District Convention of the W.C.T.U. was held in More’s Hall, Riverton. About 30 friends motored from Invercargill and there was a good gathering of local members and friends. Miss C- A. Gray, President of the Riverton

Branch of the W.C.T.U., opened the meeting with a Bible reading and prayer, after which she welcomed the visitors to Riverton. Mrs McKenzie, President of the Invercargill Union, replied and briefly introduced each member. After various matters of routine business had been put through, Miss Birss read the quarterly report and called the roll. Mrs Young, Superintendent of Invercargill “Y’s” gave an interesting report of the business dealt with at the Alliance Convention in Wellington. The main item of the evening’s programme was an address by Miss Kennedy, of Tuatapere, on the ‘Greatest Woman.” Few are likely to forget Miss Kennedy’s oratory and personality. A solo was then sung by Mrs Eceisal, of Gore. • Mrs Hanan, of Invercargill, on behalf of the Radium Fund, appealed to the ladies present for their active and sympathetic help when the appeal was launched by the Mayor. Radium rays and emanations had proved a positive cure for many cases of cancer and it was hoped that Southland might be able to raise the £2500 for the supply of this very costly remedy. Before returning to Invercargill the visitors were entertained to supper by the officers of the Riverton Union. BOROUGH COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Riverton Borough Council was held in the Town Hall, Riverton, on Monday evening, the following Councillors being present: Miss Hunt, and Councilors G. Kerse, H. Johnstone, A. E. Willett and J. A. Martin. In the absence of the Deputy-Mayor, Mr Patrick, Miss Hunt occupied the chair. Miss Hunt welcomed Councillor Martin to the table and stated that he would be an acquisition to the Council. Mr Martin thanked Miss Hunt and councillors for their hearty welcome to him. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was dealt with:— Application from Mr A. E. Willett for a permit to build an addition in iron and concrete to his store in Napier street.—Permit granted. Application from Mr H. J. Walden for permission to gravel and fill in the road m front of his residence in Havelock street and, if the road was gravelled, offering to pay his share of it.—lt was decided that Mr Walden’s request be granted, subject to the work being done to the satisfaction of the Council. An application was received from Mr W. S. Hunter for permission to use the old petrol store as a store for wood and coal.— Held over till next meeting. A letter was received from More and Sons, asking that the Council put in a road culvert and fix up the street crossing into nis property in Napier street.—Referred to the Works Committee with power to act. An application was received from Mr R. W. McNie asking permission to make certain alterations to his property in Palmerston street, such alterations to be new plate glass windows and a verandah. —Permit granted. An application from Mr T. King, South Riverton, for permission to erect a lean-to sued on a section in South Riverton.— Permit granted. An application was received from Mr Jules Shaw, Vogel street, Sydney, asking the Council to resene 25 feet space for a sideshow at the forthcoming regatta.—Held over. A letter was received from Mr E. Dennis, Riverton, applying for an auctioneer’s license.—Application granted. A letter was received from Mr T. R. Winton, South Riverton, drawing attention to a light which was to have been placed at the top of Milton street, but which has not yet been erected, and also drawing attention to the macrocarpa trees on Mr Gavm Dickson’s property which overbang the street and were not only keeping street damp, but were also a menace 60 the public at night time, and asking that these trees be cut back under the Council’s supervision.—Referred to the Lighting and Works Committee with power uO act. A letter was received from the hon. secretary of the Ambulance Class asking the Council for the use of the Town Hall for a series of six or seven lectures, such lectures to be held on Tuesday night, and stating that if any particular Tuesday was engaged, chat other arrangements could be made for that night.—The request was granted. A letter was received from the hon. secretary Western District Sub-Union stating chat as there was a likelihood of the representative match between Central and Wes.tern Sub-Unions being played here on July 26, and as there would be no meeting of che Council between the date of the SubUnions meeting to decide the match, and the proposed date of the match, asking if che Council would, in the case of the match oeing played at Riverton, grant the SubUnion the right to charge admission on that date, and also give the Sub-Union charge of the ground for that date. A motion was passed granting the SubUnion’s application, subject to 10 per cent, of the takings going to the Council. A letter was received from Mr G. R. Cooper, Chief Postmaster, Invercargill, stating that as the street clock in Riverton was put there for the use of the public, it was considered that its upkeep is the duty of the Council and that he would be glad if the Council would cause the clock to be put in proper working order, and also to receive from the Council an undertaking that in future the Council will accept liability regarding any expenditure for its maintenance. A motion was passed that the Council could • not see its way clear to accept the liability. A letter was received from the secretary, Marine Department, asking for plans of the harbour, showing theron those portions of the foreshore and tidal waters which have been vested in the Harbour Board.—Received. The District Engineer, New Zealand Railways, Invercargill, wrote advising the Council that the bridge over the railway at’ the Hospital was not fit to carry greater axle loads than six tons, and stating that- he was having notices posted in reierence to same.—Received. A letter was received from Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, in which he stated that he had to acknowledge the receipt of the Council’s letter of the 23r Inst. He appreciated very much the message of thanks conveyed therein on behalf of the Riverton Borough Council and he desired to assure the Council that he was only too glad to be of assistance to them in regard to the matter referred to. —Received. A letter was received from J. C. Thomson regarding the letter received by him in regard to the damage done to decking of the bridge during the railway strike, and stated that he had forwarded the communication, together with his representations, to the Minister of Public Works, whose reply he would forward in due course. —Received. A letter was received from Mr Dick, secretary Citizens’ Committee, Invercargill, thanking the Council for their assistance in the entertainment of the Naval men from the H.M.S. Dauntless.—Received. An application was received from Mr R. K. Parsons stating that as the price of feed for his horses had gone up since he made the contract with the Council could they see their way clear to raise his salary. The secretary was instructed to write and inform Mr Parsons that the Council had no power to grant the application. REPORTS. Councillor Willett reported on the street lighting and stated that the cost for the year was £3O 16/9. He also reported on the meeting of the Lighting Committee and the Power Board re the street lights and stated that the Council had agreed to accept the Board’s offer and buy the street lighting plant, to be paid in six instalments. The Council had now to maintain the plant. He also reported concerning the repairing of the footpath and stated that he had made arrangements for the man to start at once. He reported re the main street in regard to co-operating with other local bodies and asking for a subsidy, where the street is a main highway, for maintenance, etc., and that the Council should <u>-Qperate

with these and approach the Highways Board.—Councillor Willett was asked to interview the Invercargill and Otautau Councils and report on the matter. The Committee reported re the gate at Howell’s point and advised that Mr Henderson should fix the same. Mr Horsham was present and asked the permission of the Council to remove a tree in Havelock street, which was overhanging his property and kept the sun off his garden. A motion was passed granting permission, subject to the work being done to the satisfaction of the "Works Committee. Mr W. S. Hunter wrote, in reference to the claim of £25 made by Mj- Dennis for a gelding injured on the bridge, and stating that the Council was not responsible for any liability.—Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Dennis and state the case. The Inspector of Health, Mr Kerr, furnished a report on the nightsoil and fefuse removal service, and also gave some recommendations for the consideration of the Council.—The recommendations were referred to the Sanitary Committee to report. Mr Kerr was present and answered several inquiries. He also spoke about the proposed water supply and gave details concerning the scheme he had been testing and there was an ample supply for the Borough, in fact, a supply per head above the average town supply. Mr Willett said that he was not in favour of the scheme. He did not think the water was too good, as it came from the bush and he thought it would be better from a well or spring. Mr Kerr said that Dr. McKibbin had seen and tasted the water and considered it very good, in fact, better than the water supplied to Dunedin. Amounts amounting to £B6 11/10 were passed for payment. OTAUTAU. (From our Correspondent.) SCHOOL COMMITTEE. Messrs J. T. Brooker (Chairman), G. H. Stevens, G. Bone, W. Bell, R. Soulsby, A. A. Liddell, J. McDougall and W. Allison (secretary) attended the monthly meeting of the above, held in the school on Monday evening The headmaster’s report read as follows: The roll number at present is 235, 124 boys and 111 girls. The average attendance for the month was 208.9, the percentage being 89.5. We have been unfortunate with out staff, as on June 3 Mr Wakeling was injured, which necessitated a month’s leave. Mr J. H. Tunnicliffe has had to leave on account of trouble with his leg, and will be off work for two or three weeks. We have had visits during the month from Mr Matthews, agricultural instructor, and Mr Cree, physical instructor. During the month a football competition between Nightcaps, Orepuki, Riverton and Otautau was commenced, and the Otautau boys have been successful in three matches. At basketball the girls have also been undefeated.—The report was received. In accordance with the recommendation of the headmaster, it was left in the hands of the Chairman and secretary to have a cowl affixed to the chimney. A letter was received from the secretary Southland Education Board stating that the architect had been instructed to report on the Committee’s application for payment for two windows broken by the Board’s workmen during the carrying out of repairs to the school, and stating that the matter would receive consideration when the report was received. —The Chairman said that the Board’s workmen had promised to replace the windows, and it was resolved to write to that effect to the Board, and also refer the Board for further particulars regarding same to Mr Wilson, the late head-teacher. A letter was also received from the Board granting leave to Mr R. Wakeling on account of ill-health. A cheque for £176 17s Id in payment of account submitted in connection with school library and improvements to the grounds was forwarded from the Education Board, and pointing out that as regards the school library the amount available for expenditure was only £l2 13s 6d. With the amount previously paid for books (£8 14s) and the amount now spent on cupboard (£4 17s 6d) there would be a deficit of 18s. With respect to the concrete work at the school, the architect had measured up the work, and he had approved of 505 A square yards instead of 515. The contractor’s account had therefore been reduced to £153 2s sd. The balance of the Committee’s subsidy account for work coming under the scope of improvements was £3 7s 3d. —It was resolved that as the architect had omitted to measure a three-cornered piece which had been concreted, and good measure had been given by the contractor, that the account be paid in full. The resolution granting £5 to the Board for repairs to the fence on Alderly street was rescinded, the Committee undertaking to repair the fence, provided the Education Board’s offer of £5 towards cost of same still held good. The caretaker was given notice of the termination of his engagement, and it was left in the hands of the Chairman and secretary to appoint someone to fill the position. The duties of the caretaker were also submitted by the Chairman, and approved by the members. The Visiting Committee presented their, report, which was approved, and Messrs Bell and McDougall were appointed for the month. A comprehensive list of further improvements which had been prepared by Mr Matthews was also presented by the headmaster, these included the laying down of a lawn, planting of trees, and the erection of a rustic fence.—Mr Rowe said that the boys could carry a number of these suggestions into operation with comparatively little cost to the Committee, and were keen on beautifying the grounds.—Members considered the suggestions were good, but they were prevented by lack of funds from carrying them out. —After discussion it was decided to call a public meeting of parents and others interested in the movement to consider ways and means of raising the necessary money, this meeting to be held in the school on Monday, July 21. The meeting then adjourned. PRESENTATIONS.

A series of presentations have been made to Mr G. J. Hope during the last few days, prior to his leaving Otautau to take up a position with the Southland Times in Invercargill. On Sunday, in the Presbyterian Church, he was the recipient of a handsome Morocco-bound index Bible, inscribed as follows: “Presented to Mr G. Hope on the occasion of leaving Otautau.” Mrs Macdonald, superintendent of the Sunday School, referred in complimentary terms to his punctuality and interest in the work, and was sure she was voicing the feelings of the teachers when she wished him success in his new sphere. On Monday evening, in Mr Matheson’s rooms twenty members of the Otautau Football Club, of which Mr Hope had been a keen supporter and player, assembled to show their appreciation of his services to the Club. Dr Stewart, President, in asking him to accept a safety razor, brush and mirror as a slight token of the esteem in which he was held, referred in eulogistic terms to the part he had nobly played in the affairs of the club. As a spectator he had been a keen admirer of the pluck and ginger the guest had displayed in the various matches, while as secretary he had carried out his duties efficiently and well. He trusted this little gift from the members would, serve to remind him of his many friends in the club, and also wished him all success and prosperity. Mr Finnegan, in supplementing the President’s remarks, expressed regret that they were losing such a keen and enthustistic member and player as Mr Hope, but trusted that he would still follow up the good old game of Rugby, and identify himself with one of the Invercargill clubs. Messrs L. J. Brown, D. Baliam and Burns also added their eulogy of the guest’s good qualities, and after “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” had been heartily sung, and cheers given, Mr

Hope suitably acknowledged the gift, stating that he had always endeavoured to do his best for the club and the game, and he had always found it a pleasure to work with the members. He would carry away pleasant recqllections of his connection with the club, and the gift would serve to remind him of the happy days he had spent amongst the members. Although he was removing from the district he would watch the doings of the club with interest. On Tuesday the staff of the Standard office took occasion to present Mr Hope with a small token of esteem and regard in the shape of a handsome grey suede wallet, Mr Fisher, in asking him to accept it, conveying to him the best wishes of the staff for his success and happiness in his new sphere. The gift was suitably acknowledged by Mr Hope. QUEENSTOWN. A BUDGET OF NEWS NOTES. (From our Correspondent). In contrast to last winter, Queejistown is still experiencing really mild weather Rain fell on several days of last week, but it cleared up and the last few days have been fine and bracing, with bright sunshine. There is a remarkable amount of spring growth. Mr and Mrs T. Rutherford and family, of Invercargill, arrived in Queenstown on Friday. Mr Rutherford took over the lease of Hotel Eichardt from Mr D. F. Murchison to-day. Mr Rutherford cornea to Queenstown with splendid credentials in respect of Club and Grand Hotel management and this may be taken as a guarantee that Hotel Eichardt is in most capable hands. Mr and Mrs Rutherford, like their predecessors, will., no doubt, make a big bid for the support of local people as well as of visitors. Mr and Mrs Murchison will shortly leave for Invercargill. Their departure is generally regretted in the town, for they associated themselves with all movements in the progress of the place. Mr Geo. Cruickshank, S.M., who presided at the monthly Courts here last Thursday, goes on his annual leave at the end of the month. He will probably be absent for the August and September Courts. Mr H. J Dixon, S. M., will do relieving duty. A very enthusiastic meeting of farmers and others was held at Arrowtown last week, when Mr J. R. Marks, Engineer Public Works Department, gave instructive addresses on the possibilities of irrigation in the Wakatipu. The first-named outlined a scheme to take in some 6000 acres of irrigable land at a cost of a little over £93,000. It was proposed to bring the water in from the Arrow River at a point above the falls and pipe it to somewhere near to the Arrow cemetery, where it would be distributed as required. It was stated that the scheme would probably cost up to £1 per acre for irrigation, commencing at £1 for the first year. Mr Tennent’s address was illustrated with an interesting set of lantern slides showing the benefits of irrigation and methods of carrying it out. The scheme takes in all the country in the vicinity of Arrowtown, Arrow Junction, right up to Kawara Faile, Frankton, Lower Shotover, Speargrass and Miller’s Flats. As showing how keen the farmers are for irrigation a petition has already been signed by a large majority of them, which will warrant the Government going on with the scheme. It is almost certain that dairying will become a great industry in this district in the years to come.