COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19394, 7 November 1924, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS

MATAURA. SCHOOL COMMITTEE. (From our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the Mataura School Committee was attended by Messrs J. W. Aitken (Chairman), J. Ingram (secretary), J. Wilson, T. Gaudion, W. Clearwater, L. Me Vic ar, and W. Leitch. The Visiting Committee reported that the average roll last month was 314.1, average attendance 290.6, and the percentage of attendance 92.5. The Committee also reported that the head teacher had received a Maori adze from Mrs McLaggan, and a bittern from Mr A. Cockburn for the school museum. The vote of parents taken to decide on the place for the next annual school excursion resulted:— Riverton 57, Bluff 43, Queenstown 8, Colac Bay 3, St. Clair 2, Waitane, Ocean Beach and Orepuki 1. It was decided to apply for a train for January 28 next. The head teacher was authorised to procure books for the school library to the value of £lO, subject to the Board’s authority. The offer of the Palace Pictures proprietary of a picture entertainment in aid of the annual “Break-up” funds was accepted. Owing to so many calls on the public of Mataura recently, it was resolved that the matter of giving prizes be abandoned for this year. Messrs W. Leitch and T. Gaudion were appointed as a Visiting Committee for the month. Accounts amounting to £66 5/9 were passed for payment. TOWN BAND. The monthly meeting of the Committee of the Mataura Town Band was presided over by Mr D. Daly, the President. A letter was received from the Soldiers’ Memorial Committee, Wyndham, inviting the members of the Band to be present and participate in the unveiling ceremony on the 11th inst. This matter had been placed before the members of the Band, and the bandmaster had instructed the secretary to reply stating that owing to Armistice Day not being a public holiday, it would be impossible to get a muster for the occasion, much, to the regret of the members. A rough statement of the accounts in connection with the recent concert and dance was submitted, showing a credit balance of £l5. The financial position of the band was discussed, the secretary pointing out that accounts amounting to £32 odd remained unpaid from last year. It w T as decided to wipe off this deficiency as soon as possible, and the secretary was instructed to write to the Bowling Club, Returned Soldiers, and several firms soliciting a donation to the funds. Mr Daly stated that he was prepared to give a donation of £1 1/-, also a table to the band, and was accorded a vote of thanks. Mr N. Farmer was also thanked for his donation of 10/-, and Mr Tait for a similar donation to the concert. A deputation consisting of Messrs Daly, McGhie, and Reid was appointed to wait on the Borough Council, asking for a remission of rates on the section leased from the Borough. RIVERTON. GENERAL NOTES. (From our Correspondent). There is a considerable amount of sickness at present, and the medicos and nurses are kept busy. There have been several serious cases, but medical aid has been successful in pulling the patients through. Whitebait are still running in large shoals, and the seagulls and amateur fishermen are getting good hauls. Mr Kibblewhite, the contractor for the shelter sheds, which are being erected under the direction of the Progressive League, is making good progress. When completed these shelters should be much appreciated by visitors and the travelling public.

Mr H. Rattley is pushing on with the work of alterations and additions at the hospital. At the last meeting of the Council, Mr Willett suggested forwarding pictures of the Pourakino to the Southland Court of the Dunedin Exhibition. The Progressive League should take the matter up, and see that photos of all places of interest to the tourists are secured. Riverton is becoming more popular as a seaside resort every year, and northern visitors are loud in their praise of what the town possesses in this respect.

The final concert of the Chautauqua took place in More’s Hall on Wednesday evening, when, notwithstanding the fine antf varied programme submitted, the attendance was not up to expectation. Those present thoroughly enjoyed the concert, and applause was frequent. The guarantors will be called upon to pay up, for, instead of paying, the concerts have been a failure financially. Messrs Philp and Dickson have purchased the section adjoining their present premises, and intend shortly erecting a shop, which, according to the plans, will be thoroughly up-to-date.

The juvenile fraternity had a field day on Wednesday, when numbers of them were to be seen dressed in all colours and conditions of clothes. The evening, being a calm and delightful one, the hills in South Riverton were lit up with numerous bon fires, Guy Fawkes receiving his annual burning. Late into the night the cry, “Guy, Guy, Guy,” could be heard interspersed with laughter. Old customs die hard.

Motorists to “The Rocks” on Sunday would do well to bear in mind that excessive speed is not permitted over the bridge. The Borough Council have decided to prosecute all offenders in the hope that the practice will cease. There is a considerable amount of traffic every day, and on Sundays it is exceptionally large, and it is to be hoped that those who continually take risks will take timely warning. It is Mr E. B. Gee’s intention of shortly removing to Invercargill. The firm have recently acquired an extensive area of bush in the Tokanui district, and, as manager, he finds Invercargill wiH be more central for carrying out their extensive sawmilling business. Mr Gee will be much missed from the town, for he has been a live and active member of all organisations, having for their object 1 the advancement of the town and district. He has erected several bungalows at “The Rocks,” and at his own expense has had erected bathing sheds, swings, etc., which are much appreciated by all. Both Mr and Mrs Gee will be greatly missed, and their many kind acts of hospitality will not soon be forgotten.