OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21089, 22 May 1930, Page 11

OTAUTAU NOTES

( (From Our Correspondent.) Mr. J. Arthur, of the local Post and Telegraph office, has received notice of bis transfer to Thames, and leaves in a few weeks to take up his new duties. Joining up as a cadet, he has proved himself a courteous and obliging official. He has also identified himself with football, and as a player his place will be hard to fill. His many friends will join in wishing hint cverysuccess in his new sphere. Prior to his transfer to Thornbury Mr. Hale, of the Telegraph Department, was met by members 0,l the staff and presented with a tobacco pouch. In making the presentation Mr. Rowan (post mast er i, said that Mr. Hale hud been a conscientious worker during his two years’ residence, and the staff hoped be would gain further promotion in the service. The recipient suitably replied. Band of Hope. There was a large attendance of members nt the initial meeting of the Band of Hope for the 1930 session, which was held on Monday evening. Miss M. Stroud was appointed secretary and Miss Joy Jaquiery was elected treasurer. Mr. G. A. 'Burnett officiated as chairman and gave an address on Temperance. The following programme Was greatly enjoyed: Pianoforte .solos, Misses Edith Hill and Mary Rowan'; recitations, Misses Margaret Sinclair, Hazel Williams, Dulice Rowan anil Ray McFadgen; dance, Misses Lilian and Nancy Maxwell; trio, Misses Nancy, Dulcie and Mary Rowan. Euchre Social. Over 60 players attended the euchre Social held under the auspices of the Catholic Church on Monday evening. The prizewinners were Miss Powell and Mr. A. AV. Anderson. The, consolation prizes went to Miss Mary and Master John O Brien. Returned Soldiers' Reunion. One of the most enjoyable functions yet held in Otautau took place on Friday evening, when over 60 returned soldiers met for a reunion. Mr. G. B. Saxelby efficiently carried out the duties of chairman, and after the loyal toast had been honoured, expressed his pleasure at the honour conferred upon him. He stressed the value of these functions as an aid to the cementing of good fellowship and unity. In proposing the toast of “Fallen Comrades,” the chairman said they should reverently honour the memory of those who died fighting for their country. The toast was honoured in silence. Mr. D. C. MeCrostie proposed the toast of “The Army and Navy,’’ making reference to the important part each had played, and Of the hardships endured. They were all proud to belong to the British Army, of which the New Zealanders had proved themselves a unit of the whole. The toast was responded to by Messrs H. L. Chandler (Navy), G. D. Low (Army) and F. L. Smith (Air Force). The toast, “The Anzacs,”'was proposed by Mr. Sadlier, who said they should endeavour to perpetuate the memory of those who now lay in heroes’ graves on the shores of Gallipoli. In responding Messrs M. Coulter (New Zealand) and H. Rankin (Australia), both Anzacs, gave particulars of the landing and thfe evacuation, these being of great interest to those present. Some interesting reminiscences were also given by Mr. R. Henderson. The toast of “The South African Veterans” was entrusted to Mr. Henderson, who stated that these colonial rough-riders were • second to none, and the leavening of these men throughout the troops in 1914 had given encouragement, advice and influence valuable beyond measure. Messrs R. Aitken, J. C. Simpson and John Muir responded, the chairman mentioning that Mr. Simpson had also been a soldier in the Great War, while Messrs J. Taylor, T. Gill and T. McKenzie had also represented the district. Mr. A. Fisher proposed the toast of “The U.S.A, and Kindred Associations,” which was responded to by Messrs J. Johnstone and S. McDougall (Invercargill), the latter mentioning that 30 out of the 3S associations were making progress, while the'sum of £450 had been raised as the result of Poppy Day, and 12 unemployed s'oldiers had already been given work. He thought that.if the local authority in Otautau would subsidize a small amount the Invercargill Association would pay out for work done by unemployed soldiers in the township. The toast of “Women War Workers’’ was proposed by Mr. G. Williams, who referred to the valuable work done by women in various ways. Mr. T. Muir responded. In proposing the toast of “Patriotic Societies,” Mr. A. H. Lindsay said the War Funds Association still held £33,000 for the use of disabled men. Mr. W. Fraser, deputychairman of the Town Board, in response, claimed that Otautau had raised £l6OO in one effort at a total cost of £46. The toast of “Our Guests” was proposed by Mr. Ballam, who extended a welcome to the visitors, and was responded to by Messrs R. Wilson and J. Johnstone. The proposing of the toasts of “The Press” by Mr. Henderson and “The Chairman” by Mri J. D. Coulston concluded the list. Songs were given during intervals by Messrs AV. G. Coulter, H. Hogg, S. McCrostie, AV. Fraser and A. Coulter, while Mr. Henderson gave a recitation, and a cornet duct was contributed by Messrs W. and M. Coulter, all of the items being accorded hearty applause. Mr. E. Jellyman officiated as accompanist. —