MATAURA NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20669, 15 December 1928, Page 9

MATAURA NOTES

A SUDDEN CALL. (From our Correspondent.) A very sudden death occurred at Tuiurau on Tuesday, when Mr Walter Blair, a well-known and highly esteemed farmer of the district suddenly expired. The deceased had not been in good health for some time. He was standing near the stables while his son was harnessing the team when he suddenly collapsed. The sun went to his father’s assistance, but Mr Blair expired a few minutes later. Dr. Baird, of Wyndham, was summoned, but could only pronounce life extinct, heart trouble being the cause of death. The late Mr Blair was born at Waikouaiti some 47 years ago, and at an early age removed with his parents to Otara where the family resided for several years. After working in various capacities in the district deceased purchased a threshing plant which he carried on for a lengthy period, eventually disposing of the plant. He then took up a section at Tuturau which he farmed successfully. He was a director of the Tuturau dairy factory, and also served on the school committee, earning the high esteem of district farmers. He was also a member of the Wyndham Trotting Club. His sudden passing will occasion deep regret and the sympathy of a large circle of friends is extended to the bereaved family. He is survived by his widow and nine of a family, five sons and four daughters. Two are married, namely, Mrs K. McLennan, of Wyndham, and Mrs K. C. Christiansen, of Mataura. Salvation Army. The Salvation Army children's anniversary was’ celebrated at Mataura by Captain Riseley, of Balclutha. A good programme was given in the Horticultural Hall and I thoroughly enjoyed. The annual distribution of prizes also j took place. The highest marks were gained [ by Ruth Hannabus, who also annexed the "never late, never absent” badge. During the evening Ensign Blaikie took the opportunity of thanking the children, their parents and all who had helped towards the success of the function. At a suitable interval the inauguration of the Sunbeam troop took place, prior to which the private enrolment was held. The members for the first time paraded in the “grey and gold.” The Sunbeam troop officers are as follows: Sunbeam Leader. Margaret Whiteley; chaplain, Ruth Spooner; instructor, Oleah McLean ; Hag sergeant, Vic Brewster; patrol leaders, Georgina Gilder and Winnie Duncan. This Season’s Lamb. The first of this season’s lambs were slaughtered at the Mat aura freezing works yesterday, when some 240 were put through. The line included 96 lambs, which were exhibited in the 12 classes for fat lambs at the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show this week, and were taken over by the freezing company, while others were grown on the company’s own farm. They killed out particularly well and altogether were a good even line. Several of the farmers directly interested were present and expressed pleasure at the way the carcases appeared on the rails. The opening of the Southland Frozen Heat Company’s works will not be announced yet, but it is anticipated that killing will be commenced at both Mataura and Makarewa early in January. It is stated that the prospects for the season are very good. “It is generally conceeded,” said Mr A. Derby, general manager of the company, “that the season is two or three weeks later this year owing to unfavourable weather conditions in the early part- of the spring. Fanners have an open invitation at any time,” said Mr Derby, “to come along and see their stock killed at the works. The idea of this is to give the farmer, particularly those who sell at per lb., an opportunity of viewing the meat on the hooks and seeing it graded, which should give him a better idea how to finish his stock off.” Several improvements have been effected at Mataura since last season, the slaughter house, cooling room and chambers have been re-constructed in the matter of railing, and what is now known as the single rail has been introduced, which will undoubtedly tend to more efficient working and bring the works into line with other works. The work of re-construction has been going on for the past three months, and by the end of the year it is hoped to have everything in readiness for the forthcoming season. Girl Guides. Excellent progress has been with the Girl Guide movement since it was inaugurated here some few months ago, and on Wednesday there was a good muster at the Stewart Hall, when 40 guides were presented for enrolment. Miss R. I. V. Aitken, District Commissioner, was present and conducted the function. The two companies were placed into horseshoe formation, after which two captains, one lieutenant, two brownie leaders, eight patrol leaders, and about 40 girls took the guide promise. The district commissioner then pinned the tenderfoot badge to the uniform of each guide, following which she delivered an interesting address on the meaning of the various parts of the guide uniform. The ceremony was brought to a successful conclusion with company formation, the pronouncing of the guide prayer and the singing of the National Anthem, the girls standing at the full salute meanwhile. Druids Lodge. The fortnightly meeting of the Pride of Mataura Druids Lodge was held on Wednesday, A.D. Bro. N. McLeod presiding over a good attendance of members. Ordinary routine business was transacted, after which D.P. Bro. W. McLeod installed the newlyelected officers. The ceremony was conducted in an able and efficient manner, and the lodge adjourned for a social hour, when a lengthy toast-list was honoured.