OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20648, 21 November 1928, Page 7

OTAUTAU NOTES

OBITUARY. (From Our Correspondent.) Another of the older generation of pioneers in the Otautau district, in the person of Mr Stanley Butler, “Chantry Downs,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 65 years. Deceased had been in ill-health for some time, and was confined to his home for several months. Deceased was interred in the new cemetery on Tuesday, the Rev. Snell performing the last rites. Transfer. Mr P. Murphy, who has been porter at the local railway station for some time, has been transferred to Invercargill, and has taken up his new duties. His place has been taken by Mr Wilson. School Committee. The monthly meeting of the Otautau School Committee held in the school on Monday evening attended by Messrs Sinclair (chairman), Buchanan (secretary). Rowan, Scatter, Liddell, Laing and the Rev. Snell. The acting-secretary, Southland Education Board, wrote in reference to the following matters: (1) Acknowleding receipt of the committee’s communication with reference to the appointment of a male teacher to the position of third assistant, and stating that the position had been advertised before the letter was received; (2) advising that Miss Jane Thomson had been appointed to the position of third assistant, and would commence duties on November 12; advising that an incidental grant of £5 had been made to the committee. The secretary was directed to forward a letter of thanks. Mr Alan Fisher, manager of the Otautau Standard, wrote thanking the chairman, members of committee and the headmaster for the loan of the blackboards for the purpose of displaying the election results. The chairman stated that Mr Fisher was to be congratulated on the manner in which the results had been displayed, which was far ahead of previous times. The headmaster reported that the roll number now stood at 230, and the average attendance was 216.4. The proficiency examinations this year would be held on December 4. Miss James, relieving assistant, finished up on November 9. During the period she was at the school she proved herself a most painstaking and conscientious assistant. Miss Thomson, the newlyappointed teacher, took up her duties as third assistant on November 12. The annual school concert was held on October 26, the total takings being £lB 11/-. After deducting expenses a balance of £l6 2/remained. The asphalt round the school required attention. The report was adopted. The chairman stated that the result of the concert was very satisfactory, and he had much pleasure in moving a hearty vote of thanks to the teaching staff for the excellent programme provided, and for putling on such a successful concert. This was seconded by Mr Rowan and carried. The question of top-dressing the asphalt was held in abeyance ajjd Mr Scatter was authorized to ascertain cost of laying it with colfix and report to next meeting. It was decided that a whole holiday be granted the children on the day of the Otautau Show, but that the school assemble as usual on Invercargill Show Day. The chairman stated that he had received several inquiries as to when the dental clinic was to re-open, and the secretary was instructed to write to the director of dental hygiene stating that several children required attention, and asking that the nurse be directed to visit the district. In response to the request of the Girl Guides for the use of the school, it was decided to refer them to the Education Board, and the committee was agreeable provided the consent of the board was obtained. 1 The Visiting Commitee’s report was received, and Messrs Rowan and Laing were appointed for the ensuing month. Otautau Court. At a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court on Monday the following cases were heard before Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M.: D. L. H. Rankin v. John Kirkpatrick, claim for wages.—Judgment was given for plaintiff for £3l 0/4, costs £5 9/6. Judgment for plaintiff by default was given in the following cases: Nightcaps Town Board v. W. T. Lloyd, for £2 4/2, costs £1 3/-; Nightcaps Town Board v. W. Welsh, for £1 8/9, costs £2 14/-; W. J. Wesney v. S. James (Alexandra), for £lB 14/2, costs £1 3/-. Judgment Summons. W. E. Butcher v. T. B. Scott.—Defendant was ordered to pay £8 9/6 on December 19, in default 14 days in gaol. Set Fire to Scrub. Thomas Ferguson was charged with setting fire to scrub near Ohai, which was not on his own property.—Accused conducted his own case and stated that he had set fire to scrub near his own property to protect it from fire from the trains. There was a road between and there was no danger. The Magistrate considered accused had no right to set fire to scrub without first obtaining permission and he was convicted and discharged.