OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20618, 17 October 1928, Page 7

OTAUTAU NOTES

METHODIST CHURCH. (From Our Correspondent.) There was a good attendance at the meeting of the Otautau and Aparima quarterly board, which was held at the residence of Mrs R. B. Collett. An apology was received from Mrs E. Harrington. Rev. S. Bailey, Invercargill, presided. This being regarded as the annual meeting, a good deal of routine business had to be dealt with. The financial statement showed the church to be in a sound position, with a small credit. The roll number for the year evidenced a good membership for a country circuit. When the question of the minister for. the ensuing year was being dealt with the Rev. Thomas was unanimously invited to remain, members making complimentary reference to the work of the pastor. The Rev. Thomas returned thanks for the appreciation of his services, and in accepting the invitation, trusted his further stay would be productive of much fruitful effort. At the conclusion of the business, supper was supplied by Mrs Collett. Votes of thanks to Mrs Collett for her hospitality and to the chair terminated a successful meeting. Wallace A. and P. Association. Mr J. G. Johnston (president) presided over an attendance of 14 directors at the monthly meeting on Friday. Mr Sadlier stated that Mr A. S. Evans, Longbush, had decided to officiate as judge for the Rylands and Downs sheep classes, while Mr F. Moore, Winton, stated he would judge the light horse sections. Messrs H. and J. Smith, Ltd., Invercargill, forwarded a cheque for £4O 13/4 as a donation, this being the result of the five per cent. week. —The secretary was instructed to write a letter of thanks. A donation of £4 4/- was also received from Mr W. J. A. McGregor, which had been allotted to the draught horse section.— To be thanked. The following entries have been received for the schools’ relay race:—Drummond, Aparima, Scotts Gap, Heddon Bush, Pukemaori (2) and Otautau (2). It was left in the hands of Mr Cox to draw up condi- , tions governing the event.

A letter was received from Mrs Porteous, advising that the ladies would undertake the catering at the show. —Accepted. A committee, comprising Messrs T. Norman, J. M. Lindsay and G. H. Stevens, was set up to arrange for assistants at the show grounds. The offer of Mr F. J. Collie to give the use of his lorry for running between the grounds and the railway station on the day of the show was accepted with thanks. It was resolved to hold a motor-driving competition in the ring, and Messrs Williams, Stevens and Sadlier were delegated to control this event. It was resolved that the following clause be deleted from the schedule in the dairy produce section—“ Points in hams, bacon, eggs and cut flowers do not count for dairy produce cup.” River Board. The adjourned monthly meeting was attended by Messrs John Smith (chairman), D. McGregor, J. D. Clouston, J. H. Smith, J. G. Paterson and J. Muir. A letter was received from the Minister of Public Works stating that plans and specifications of proposed works should be forwarded to the district engineer, Public Works Department, for perusal, and if these were approved he did not see any difficulty in part of the grant already authorized being made available to the board without delay.—The clerk was instructed to comply with the request. The Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, forwarded copy of the Comsioner’s report of the inquiry held on July 31 regarding the inclusion of the Bayswater area within the River District. The Commission recommended the inclusion of all lands set out in the Gazette of November 10, 1927, and that other lands on the right bank should also pay towards protective works. The report set. out that the costs of the Comniission should, be paid for by the objectors.—lt was resolved ... that the board’s solicitors be instructed, .to request the Commission to define the responsibility of landowners on the right bank of the river, and also to define the boundary between the Bayswater and middle subdivisions. It was decided to hold over acceptance of Mr R. Seatter’s resignation and grant him leave of absence until December 31, this course allowing of final directions being received as to the necessity for an election to

determine the representation of the Bayswater area. Athletics. Arrangements are well in hand for the sixth annual sports meeting of the Otautau Athletic Society, which is to be held on the recreation ground on Labour Day. The track has been receiving attention, and ia now in good order. Nominations for the various events (with the exception of dancing) close with the secretary (Mr D. Melrose! on Monday evening. Train arrangements are satisfactory, and trains will be delayed to suit the convenience of those coming from a distance. A feature ot this year's sports will be a baby show and Dr. Dodds (Tuatapere! and Nurse Saun ders are to officiate as judges. The young people will also be catered for with races during the afternoon. Given a fine day the president (Mr G. Sinclair) and officials anticipate a record meeting.