COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19345, 10 September 1924, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS

OTAUTAU. VALEDICTORY. (From our Correspondent). On Friday evening last a number of Bible Class members and friends- assembled in the Town Hall to bid goodbye to one of their number, Mr Charles Clark, who left Otautau on Wednesday to take up a position in the District Engineer’s office of the New Zealand Railways at Greymouth. Games were indulged in, and at a convenient interval Rev. A. Macdonald referred to the fact that the guest had been connected with the Sunday School and Bible Class ever since his parents came to reside here, and in presenting him with a companion and pocket wallet, wished him every success in his new sphere. Mr R. Liddell also endorsed these remarks. Mr Clark returned thanks in a suitable speech. A sumptuous supper was dispensed, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the King” terminated a very pleasant function. The same evening a dance was held in the Town Hall to enable the friends of Mr R. Wakeling to say goodbye to him prior to his departure for Waimatuku. Mr Ferguson, on behalf of those present, stated he had much pleasure in asking the guest to accept a silver cigarette case and holder as a token of the esteem in which he was held by them. Mr Wakeling, in responding, said he was sorry to leave Otautau, where he had made a large number of friends, but he had to respond to the call of duty. Dance music was provided by Miss N. Renowden and Mr Columbus, while Mr R. Liddell ably carried out the duties of M.C. PRESENTATION OF FOOTBALL BANNER. On Monday morning the pupils of the Public School were assembled for the purpose of being presented with the banner won by the school fifteen in the recent banner competition. Two representatives of the Western District Sub-Union were in attendance, namely, Dr. Stewart and Mr E. Matheson. After the singing of the National Anthem, Mr Rowe, the headmaster, introduced Dr. Stewart, and called on him to present the flag. In a short speech Dr. Stewart said that he had been called upon’ to formally hand over the banner to the boys of the school football first fifteen, and in doing so, congratulated them on their performance. They had won it before a number of times, but the winning of it had been unaccompanied by any ceremony, and he thought it was only fitting that it should be handed over in a proper manner. The boys were going to be the senior footballers of the future, and should be given every encouragement in order to foster and encourage an interest in the good old game of- Rugby. The flag which he had been asked to present, was like the Union Jack of England, somewhat tattered and torn, but it still weathered the

breezes. Steps were being taken to provide a new one by the Sub-Union, and he hoped,

when it was made, that as a result of their efforts next year the name of the Otautau school fifteen would be the first to be inscribed on it. The game of football at the school had always been fostered by the staff, and Mr Clark (who, unfortunately, was leaving them) had always taken a keen and active interest in the boys by coaching them, and their position to-day was in a large measure due to his efforts on their behalf. He trusted Mr Clark would carry away with him the best wishes of the school for his future welfare. They should always pay every attention to their coach, and do everything in their power to assist him. The Doctor referred to the message left by the Prince of Wales, a good sport and a man after their own heart: “Play up, play for your own side, and above all play the game.” In closing, he said it gave him great pleasure to present the banner, and reiterated the hope that their names would be inscribed on it next year. In heartily endorsing these remarks, Mr Matheson congratulated the boys on their win. He thought they had every reason to be proud of their coach, Mr Clark, and advised them to* “keep on playing the game.” He made reference to the team of All Blacks, which was at present in England, saying there was absolutely no reason why some of the boys should not represent New Zealand and take a trip Home in future years.

The Headmaster said he was greatly indebted to Dr. Stewart and Mr Matheson lor coming along to assist at the ceremony, and cheers, which were lustily given for them and the staff, terminated the proceedings.

Messrs W. J. Wesney, J. Fortune and L. J. Parmenter returned from a week’s pighunting in the Lilburn district on Monday. A few porkers were bagged, and the party had some exciting experiences. Rev. Ford and Mr W. Allison also joined them for a couple of days during the week, RIVERTON. • THE BRASS BAND. (From our Correspondent.) A meeting of the Ladies’ Committee of the Riverton Brass Band was held in the Band room on Monday evening. In the absence of the President (Mrs Trotter), Mrs C. E. Johnstone was voted to the chair. The bal-ance-sheet of the Paddy’s Market, which was held on Saturday, was read. From this it was gathered that the management had a successful sale of goods of all descriptions, which realised £65 12/-. This state of affairs was considered eminently satisfactory, and hearty votes of thanks were passed to the donors who had given so to the ladles who had assisted at the' market, and to the public for their attendance and financial assistance. After a short discussion, it was definitely decided to hold a bazaar on race night. The following Committee was appointed: Mesdames Trotter, McCaw, J. Cassels, J. Green, Dennis, Hannan, Curtin, Mooney, Trail, Johnstone, W. Baxter, Misses Brown, and W. McNaughton. A- hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr x Jas. Rodgers, who had given the use of the hall, free of charge. VALEDICTORY. Mr R. Mclntyre, who for some time had been on the staff of the Riverton District High School, but, for health reasons, was reluctantly compelled to tender his resignation in order to recuperate, was met by a large number of friends and acquaintances at the residence of Mr and Mrs Jno. Crawford, prior to- his departure for Tussick Creek, where he proceeds to take charge of the school there. Mr C. Cassels, secretary of the Riverton Football Club, asked Mr Jno, Crawford to take the chair. Mr Crawford, in the course of an excellent speech, said he was sure all would agree with him when he said that the departure of Mr Mclntyre was a serious loss to the town. Mr Mclntyre had proved himself a most useful member of the community. Not only had he taken a keen interest in all outdoor pastimes, but he also had assisted in every way in the social life of the town. He hoped the guest and his wife would have good health and prosperity in their new place of abode. On behalf of the sports clubs, he had much pleasure in asking Mr Mclntyre’s acceptance of a handsome set of stainless carvers. - Mr Mclntyre, in reply, thanked those present for their kind words and handsome present. He would never forget the days he had spent in Riverton, and he need hardly say that he regretted leaving .where everyone had proved so good. However, if any Rivertonians were visiting the district to-which be was going, he and Mrs Mclntyre would be only too happy to meet them and “hae a crack” over old times. After several others had spoken in glowing terms of the guest, the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought proceedings to a close. DEBATING SOCIETY. On Monday evening one of the most delightful meetings held by the local Debating Society was in the capable hands of Mr Thos. - Borland, who took as his subject “The Bronte Sisters.” He carried his listeners from the early days of the father, an obscure curate in a small country parish, to the time when the different members of the family were grown-up—five daugh-

ters and one son. Charlotte, the best-known ! through the wonderful success of her book “Jane Eyre,” now a recognised classic, brought her sisters Emily and Anne into prominence, the former writing “Wuthering Heights,” and the latter “Agnes Grey,” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall,” though they lived but a short time to enjoy the fruits of their labours. Charlotte’s best known prose works were “Shirley,” “The Professor,” “Villette,” and “Jane Eyre,” Mr Borland was assisted by Mrs Borland, who re'ad some letters by Charlotte Bronte to her teacher, Prof. Heger, of Brussels. Mr Price read the preface to “Wuthering Heights,” by “Currer Bell,” Charlotte’s nom de plume. The only regret felt was that such a fine literary effort had not been listened to by a much larger audience. The subject for the debate next week is “Which could be conceived as the happier existence, Barbaric Man’s, or Civilised Man’s?” TUTURAU. MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. The wind-up social of Tuturau Mutual Improvement Society was held in the school on Friday evening, sth inst. Mr James Christie occupied the chair. The meeting was a most pleasant one. Songs were contributed by Misses Olive Brighton and Jean Muir, Messrs Menzies, Mitchell and Todd, and recitations by Messrs William Muir, John Muir and Gordon McLachlan; all these items were much appreciated. Mr David Muir’s Scottish reading, in humorous vein, was greatly enjoyed. For the dance, good music was supplied by Messrs Collie, Smith, Wards (accordeons), and Brown (violin). The duty of M.C. was in the capable hands of Mr Gordon McLachlan. A very enjoyable evening concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” NIGHTCAPS. TOWN BOARD MEETING. The Nightcaps Town Board held its monthly meeting on Monday evening, there being present Messrs J. B. Purdue (Chairman), R. J. Irwin, T. Cosgriff, J. Dempster, J. 0. Clapp junr, J. C. Wilson, and W. Excell. The Chairman reported that he, with the Clerk, had inspected Mr T. Dixon’s outlet for a drain, and had instructed the surfaceman to carry out the required work. —The action was approved. The Works Committee reported on the application from the surfaceman for an additional tank to his residence, and they considered it would be a better proposition to sink a well. —It was decided that to relieve matters in the meantime a tank at present being unused at the sanitary depot was to be shifted to the residence.

The Health Department notified ibe Board that the improvements required at the Railway Hotel had been carried out, or were at present being attended to. The Electric Power Board replied to the l ' request from the Board regarding reticulation and erection of street lights that the Board would have to depart from the ordinary procedure in connection with such matters, and to do so would not mean satisfaction, to the Board. The Cferk was instructed to write and make clear to the Power Board that all they wished was that the Board take over and control, after erection.

The Postmaster-General wrote intimating that the Department regretted it could not see its way clear to grant the Board’s request for erection of a clock. The Inspector of Health forwarded a copy of notification served on a resident in reference to the unsanitary condition of a cottage recently vacated by him. He was ordered to return and clean it. A billiard saloon keeper was also served with a notice from the same Inspector to the effect that a rubbish removal service was in existence, and to comply with by-laws in relation I to same. | The Wallace County Council forwarded an account for £l5 9/-, half costs of mendI ing a culvert on the Wreys Bush Road. —The Clerk to write and inform them ihat ' the said bulvert was outside the Town dis- ■ trict. ■ The Building Inspector reported on the ’ temporary construction being erected by I the Miners’ Medical Association, in John- ! stone’s Road, and he would recommend, that there was no access to the door only !by a narrow bridge from the street, owing to the narrowness of the road, ' and he would recommend that the Board level up the path, and in the mean- | time notify the Medical Association that | the Board would not be responsible for any | accidents that may occur prior to the footI path being widened. This action was taken, i as the Association had not forwarded to the Board a plan of the building for approval before erection. The recommendation was to be put into effect, and the necessary material procured for filling in the gap.

The Chairman, whose term of office ended with the meeting, said that during his period of office, two years, the general rates that had been collected amounted to £676 8/-; licenses: dog registration permits, material, etc., £292 18/-, making a total from the above sources amounting to £969 6/-, the amount not including hall rents, sanitary and refuse rates amounting to £539. He was pleased also to be able to state that although there had been a’ great amount spent on drainage, gravelling, etc., the Board’s assets exceeded their liabilities by £1752. In closing his term as Chairman, he thanked the members for the assistance they had given him, as each member had devoted his time, and also given his valuable opinion on all matters that would be a benefit to the ratepayers. He trusted that the members would see their way to allow themselves to stand for a further term, as with their past experience he was confident that it would Ke to the benefit of the ratepayers. Messrs Excell and Dempster intimated that they were not seeking re-election for a further term, owing to pressure of business. The Clerk, in expressing regret at their decision, stated that from now on the Board was going to be faced with difficulties, sewerage, electric lighting, etc., and he thought they should stand again as they were men of experience in Board matters, and that was what was needed. Speaking as a ratepayer, he considered it was necessary that the Board should be composed of level headed men. Mr Clapp moved, and Mr Irwin seconded that votes of thanks and appreciation be recorded in the minutes to the Chairman for the way in which he had carried out his duties for the term, to Mr Excell for his six years’ service, and to Mr Dempster for his four years. Mr Excell, in returning thanks, said the years spent on the Board had been an education to him, and he regretted he could not see his way clear to seek re-election. Mr Dempster also returned thanks.

A vote of thanks was also recorded to the Clerk, for his interest and helpful advice at all times, and also to the representatives of the Press for their fair reports. The Clerk, in replying, said’his desire had been to make Nightcaps a premier inland town. It had progressed, and he hoped it would continue to progress. QUEENSTOWN. THE WEATHER. (From our Correspondent). Although we are having delightfulsprifig weather, we are still having keen frosts night and morning,. The deciduous trees are all coming out in leaf and early spring flowers are in evidence everywhere. HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME. It is hoped to inaugurate the local hydroelectric scheme on September 17. There is a good deal to be done to complete the scheme yet, but good progress is being made. The generator will be automatically controlled and comprises the very latest devices in hydro-electricity and experts are most favourably impressed with the scheme. WEEK-END EXCURSIONS. The Queenstown Borough Council is once more making a move to have the week-end excursions recommenced, in November. The new Traffic Manager at Invercargill is very

sympathetic in the direction indicated, and in order to give the matter prominence the Council have circularised the Southland and Otago Leagues, the Traffic Manager and the General Manager New Zealand Railways. There is every hope that the Department will give the excursio'ns another trial.

* The London County Council ambulance service received 7847 calks in the quarter ended June 30.