DISTRICT NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 20523, 27 June 1928, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS

PUKERAU NOTES. (From Our Correspondent.) The weather for the past week has been characteristic of mid-winter; snow fell on the shortest day followed by several days of bleak winds and rain showers. At time of writing, however, conditions have improved and appearances point to more settled weather. Ploughing and top-dressing, the chief occupations on the farms at present, after almost a week’s interruption are being resumed and will be carried on for some time yet. It is reported that a somewhat larger area than usual will be put under the plough in this district during the present winter. On Tuesday evening of last week the local branch of the P.W.M.U. held a social evening in the hall for the purpose of raising funds for foreign missions. The Rev. Hay, of Knapdale, who presided was briefly introduced by Mr R. Pullar and a programme of vocal and elocutionary items was contributed by the following: Solos, Mrs Richardson and Miss Jean McLay; Messrs G. Valentine and S. Edwards; recitations, Miss Winnie Voight; pianoforte selection, Mrs T. McPhail. Two competitions occupied the attention of all present for some time and were followed by an interesting address by the chairman on the work of the Presbyterian Church in the mission fields of China, Northern India, the New Hebrides and amongst the Maoris in the North Island. As a result of the social the sum of £7 was raised. A party of Gore players visited Pukerau last Friday evening and played a match with the pick of the local club members. Each side comprised 13 players and at the end of the 13 rounds it was found that the local team had emerged victorious by a majority of 53 games. FBESHFORD NOTES. The members of the Freshford Tennis Club held a most successful concert and dance in the Wendonside Hall on Friday. Despite the inclemency of the weather throughout the week, the evening proved fine, and a bumper house was the result. The programme was in the hands of Mr L. Thomson (Gore), while the task of accompanying the soloists was carried out by Miss Stewart, A.T.C.L. (Waikaia), and Mrs Ing (Gore). Mr Thomson’s helpers were Mrs Bunting (Wendonside), Misses Johnston and Wynne (Gore), Messrs Arch. Jones and Ralph McDonald (Mataura) and Messrs Ottrey and Ing (Gore). Every item was a pleasure to listen to, meriting and receiving sincere and hearty recalls.