DISTRICT NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19899, 18 June 1926, Page 10

DISTRICT NEWS

MANDEVILLE NOTES. Although the elements were anything but encouraging for anyone venturing far from a fireside last Tuesday evening, a very large number gathered at our local hall, the occasion being a complimentary social to a very highly esteemed and popular exresident, Mrs James Stevenson, who recently married and now resides at Riversdale. Ample testimony to the popularity of the guest was emphasised by the very representative nature of the number assembled. Dancing formed the principal portion of the evening’s amusement. At a suitable interval the chairman, Mr 11. W. Korrell, addressed the gathering and expressed the feelings of the district when he said he regretted the departure of the guest of the evening from the township. Mrs Stevenson had grown up with the place, and was loved and esteemed by all. Not a home in the district could Say that it was not indebted to Mrs Steevnson for many acts of help and practical kindness. In humorous vein the speaker chided several local bachelors for allowing a “foreigner” to creep in and capture such a prize. Mrs J. H. McLeod, in a neat speech, spoke highly of the good qualities of Mrs Stevenson. She reminded her hearers of the influenza epidemic and the excellent work the guest of the evening had done not only then, but at any time or place where assistance was required. Mrs Stevenson was always the “handy woman.” It was impossible to find anything she could not do to perfection in the home or on the farm. The best way to describe Mrs Stevenson would be, “jack of all trades and master of many.” In endorsing what the previous speakers had said, Mrs J. Knowles spoke of Mrs Stevenson’s support of ■ all sporting and social bodies. Apart from being above the average as a tennis player, all other games always had a staunch supporter in her. Social committees, which always depended on good workers, would feel her loss severely as Mrs Stevenson was always prepared to take the lion’s share. Others who spoke eulogistically of the guest were Mrs J. H. McLeod. N. J. Matthews, D. Bruce (Otama), R. Crombie and M. Roche. The chairman then called on Mrs J. N. Matthews to make a presentation. In doing so, Mrs Matthews regretted she had to say farewell to one who had been such a hely to the township, but she was sure Mrs Stevenson would not neglect them altogether. On behalf of her many friends she asked Mrs Stevenson to accept a reversible wool rug and a toilet set as a slight token of the esteem in which she was held. The audience then sang, “For She's a Jolly Good Fellow.” In a brief speech, Mr James Stevenson thanked them all on behalf of his wife for the many kind expressions of goodwill, and also for the beautiful presents. An enjoyable supper, provided by the ladies, was then handed round, after which dancing was continued till well after midnight. Music of the best quality was supplied by G. Bain (piano), H. Holland (cornet) and T. Green (violin). Extras were supplied by Miss Cross and Mr and Mrs R. Crombie. The controlling of the dance was in the capable hands of Mr R. Crombie, who infused the necessary vim to make it the undoubted success it was. BALFOUR NOTES. On Friday evening last a novel entertainment took place in Mr Harry Cromie’s barn, Ardlussa, when Carlson” delighted a large audience of district residents with conjuring and sleight-of-hand tricks. The performance was organised by the headmaster of the Ardlussa School (Mr W. McKay I with a view to bringing into being a children’s circulating library. The door takings amounted to quite a large amount, which, with the £1 for £1 subsidy from the Education Department, will make the library an established fact. After the entertainment was over the floor was cleared for dancing, splendid music for same being supplied by Messrs R. Grant, junr., and John Curry. At suitable intervals songs were pleasingly rendered by Mrs R. Staples and W. McKay. More than the Mat aura river moves out Ardlussa way. A movement is afoot to have fortnightly euchre tournaments held in the schoolroom, the object being to raise funds for establishing an adults’ circulating library. A monthly extended evening, terminating with a dance, will be an additional attraction. The many friends of Mr Stanley Keown will be pleased to learn that he has now been discharged from the Gore Public Hospital, to which institution he was committed as the result of complications following a kick sustained while playing football. Quite an addition to the beauties of our township is the substantial bungalow residence now nearing completion for Mr A. P. Scobie. The old ideas must give way to the new. The old bar at the Langridge Hotel has been demolished and a large circular bar, embodying all that is up-to-date, has been erected by the proprietor, Mr George Grant. The alteration is a vast improvement compared with the old conditions, and sightseers, if they remain at the counter long enough discussing the change-over, are liable to find themselves “in the best of spirits.” There is now no doubt that football was correctly named when it was classed a game. To have seen the 168 competitors floundering in the mud and slush at the tournament held here on Saturday was a sight long to be remembered. Notwithstanding a torrential downpour, and continual slides in the duckpond, every player came up smiling. It was a sample of the correct football spirit, for which this district is noted. Winter has arrived in real earnest. Bitterly cold days and nights accompanied by very liberal rainfall and a heavy coating of snow on th.e hills, make one and all long for the 21st. “If winter comes, springtime must soon be here.”