OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20488, 16 May 1928, Page 8

OTAUTAU NOTES

RIVER BOARD,

(From Our Correspondent.)

The monthly meeting was attended by Messrs John Smith (chairman), J. G. Paterson, P. G. Dahlenburg, J. G. Flett, John Muir, J. D. Clouston, J. H. Smith, R. Scatter and D. McGregor.

The chairman reported that sub-division No. 2 Committee had authorized the services of a man for three days to assist Mr. A. Baird in erecting some protective work on the Aparima river, Mr. H. Clothier to supplement the work, as it was of advantage to his property. H. McStay advised that he could commence work with the dredge immediately.— The clerk was directed to arrange with him to start on June 1.

The balance-sheet was submitted by the clerk, and it was resolved that members be supplied with copies. It was decided that the engineer’s costs of proposed river improvement work on Otautau and Opio streams be allocated to No. 3 sub-division,, and that in the meantime the upper sub-division pay the interest on their proportion. The board passed the necessary resolution to authorize borrowing the legal limit from the bankers during the current financial year. Accounts amounting to £3 13/- were passed for payment. HOCKEY CLUB. The dance, held under the auspices of the Otautau Hockey Club in the supper room on Saturday evening, was fairly well attended, some 50 being present. Music was supplied by Mrs Cupplcs, while Mr. Collett capably carried out the duties of M.C. The funds from these entertainments are to be ulitized in assisting to pay the travelling expenses of the team. SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The monthly meeting on Monday evening was attended by Messrs Sinclair (chairman), Rowan, Buchanan, Liddell, Seatter, Bone and Chandler.

Miss Gonley wrote stating it was proposed to form a basketball club in Otaufad, and asked permission to use the school grounds for practice.—Permission granted, providing the ground was not wanted by the children.

The headmaster reported that the roll number was 212, and the average attendance for April was 193.4. Sickness had been responsible for the decrease in the average attendance. Since his last report the board’s carpenters had left and the painters were now on the job. One of the class rooms would be available in two weeks’ time. The grounds had been cleaned up. He asked that 2 cwt. of paper be procured.—lt was resolved that the paper be purchased. The chairman reported that the school grounds had been inspected and it was left to this meeting to decide where the school garden was to be. The agricultural instructor had recommended that this be in the school grounds, and after discussion it was decided that the energies be confined to the school grounds, and that the other section be surrendered to the Town Board. It was decided to make application to the River Board for permission to procure soil from the river for the purpose of filling up the school ground. Messrs Seatter and Lang were appointed the visiting committee for the month. Acounts amounting to £4 8/7 were passed for payment. DENTAL CLINIC. The first annual meeting of subscribers and those interested in the dental clinic on Monday evening was attended by Messrs Liddell (chairman), Buchanan. Sinclair, Seatter, Laing, Rowan, Chandler, Bone, Walker, Stevens, Baker and Muir (Waikouroi. Apologies were received from Messrs Fisher and Saunders (Scotts’ Gap). The chairman stated that it was now a year since- the clinic was established. The results had been somewhat disappointing, as the country schools had not supported the project as he would have liked. It was unfortunate that Nightcaps had established a temporary dental clinic, and this had put quite a different aspect on the question. They had, however, strugled on, and the people of Otautau had assisted them loyally. The ladies had also come to their assistance, and had enabled them to purchase the furniture. The committee respqnsible for the establishment of the clinic did not feel that they should hand over the control until they were free of debt. He thanked all who had assisted by public subscription, the ladies for their help in connection with the bring and buy fair, the guarantors who had come to their help and all who had assisted in any way. He had much pleasure in formally handing over control to the school committee with all confidence, and he trusted the members would endeavour to persuade all the country schools to support such a worthy

The report of Nurse Winton was read showing that 199 children had been treated, and 3223 operations performed, representing patients from Aparima, Waikouro, Gladfield, Clifden, Pukemaori, Fairfax, Otahu, Feldwick, Drummond, Scotts’ Gap, Ferdunlaw, Orawia, Nightcaps, Eastern Bush and Wairio schools. Quite a number of children had left the district, and only 28 more children were on the registers" this year than last. This would make the work very scarce, and she anticipated she would only be employed until the end of June, when the clinic would most likely be closed until the end of the year.

The balance-sheet was presented, showing receipts amounting to £124 19/5, the principal items being: £56 16/6 raised by public subscription, £2B 15/8 from a bring and buy fair, and £27 2/- from the various schools. The expenditure totalled £ll7 9/6, leaving a credit balance of £7 Os lOd in the Invercargill Savings Bank. The ladies also ran card evenings to pay for the furnishing of the room, and there was a balance of 15/- after this was done, which was placed in the public subscription account. The balance-sheet was adopted. Mr. Muir stated that parents at Waikouro were well pleased with the work done by the nurse.

Mr. Rowan remarked that the dental clinic committee deserved their best thanks for the action taken. He also stated that the nurse had done splendid work and was also to be thanked.—lt was resolved that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to Nurse Winton.

Mr. Baker expressed appreciation of the lucid manner in which Mr. Liddell had explained the position. He moved that the business of the dental clinic be formally handed over to the school committee with a recommendation that members of committees of outside schools be represented.—Seconded by Mr. Muir and carried. Before handing the books over Mr. Liddell explained that patients from 24 veara upwards would be treated by the nurse. In handing them to the chairman Mr. Sinclair he wished the clinic every success. He endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers with reference to the nurse stating she was the right one in the right place. Mr. Sinclair thanked Messrs Liddell, Stevens and other members of committee ■for handing the books over in such a healthy state. They had put in good work, and it was gratifying to known the clime had been such a success. The members of the Otautau committee would be onty too pleased to welcome members from outside committees to help to keep this? institution going. He hoped in 12 months’ time to be able to present another good report. It was decided that Mr. Muir’e name be added to the committee. It was resolved that the first half hour of each committee meeting be devoted to clinic matters, this meeting to be held on the second Monday of each month at 7.30 p.m. A suggestion was put forward that the chairman and the visiting committee visit the clinic to show that interest was being taken in the work.