BLUFF NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21218, 20 October 1930, Page 9

BLUFF NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.)

Mr W. Barnsdale, “Head of the Bay Farm," Green Point, was a passenger by the Tamatea on Saturday. Mr 'Barnsdale is combining business with pleasure in a brief stay at Stewart Island where he has many friends. After a series of delays the long-expected talkies will be heard in Bluff shortly. For some time experts have been engaged in fitting the Town Hall with the necessary appliances, and already talkie music has been heard from the plant. An official announcement has now been made that all arrangements have been finalized and the first .screening of a complete talkie will take place on Wednesday, the 29th of this month. The Maheno Social Club has engaged the Town Hall for a euchre social and dance which will be held on Monday night while the vessel is in port. Novelty and Monte Carlo dances will be features of the evening. The ship’s orchestra, known as the Tasman Five, a talented combination, will supply the music. The last dance given here by the Maheno ,Chib was a very enjoyable and well-conducted affair, and it is probable the present function will be well patronized by local dancers.. Although a cold wind made work in the open unpleasant, a band of cricketers, under the direction of Messrs W. McDonald and D. Parry, spent Saturday afternoon in improving the playing area. Afterwards a practice was indulged in. Such enthusiasm is deserving of commendation; and it is to be hoped the coming season sees a fair measure of success attending the efforts of the port club. Saturday afternoon saw the opening of the Bluff Bowling Club's 1930-31 season. There was a large attendance of members and visitors. For some time willing workers have paid attention to' the green and it looks in perfect trim for play. Unfortunately heavy ruin on Friday night precluded all chance of a game, and members hail to console themselves with the green ranger's assurance that, given reasonable weather, the long idle bowls could be given an airing on Monday evening. In performing the opening ceremony, the president, Captain D. F. Smith, said that, despite the weather people’s assurance that, this was spring, we seemed still in the , grip of winter, and in consequence the green which looked so tempting was too soft, for play. He thanked’ the ladies for ,theit interest in the chib’s welfare and their invaluable assistance on the social ,side. The greehranger, Mr R. McDougall, was also deserving of the chib’s warmest thanks. Throughout the winter Mr McDougall had worked to keep the green in good condition and it was largely through his efforts that it presented such an attractive appearance now. Other members, too, had given great help. Captain Smith thanked the visitors for their attendance and assured them they

would be welcome at any future time. He then declared the season open and called on Mrs Smith to send down the first bowl. In spite of the long “head” to which the “kittv” was rolled, a brilliant “toucher” resulted. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies and a pleasant time passed in an inspection of the cosy club rooms and fittings, which include photos of prominent past members, the presidents’ board, and lists of club champions for many years back. All members look keenly forward to the beginning of competition games and are confident the green will be in capital order for play. The euchre tournaments run weekly by the Fire Brigade continue to. be popular. On Saturday night a satisfactory attendance was again recorded, close on fifty players being present. Mr. W. Gilson (secretary), assisted by Mr T. Pasco, controlled the tables and play proceeded smoothly. Winners for the night were: Ladies: Mrs J. Dawson first, Mrs Applegarth second; men, Mr M. McTigue first, Mr A. Silvester second. Deep regret was felt by local citizens at news .of the passing away of Mrs G. Griffith, of Winton. During her husband’s term as headmaster of the Bluff Public School the deceased- lady gained the esteem of all by her courteous, kindly nature. Mr and Mrs R. Rose, of Greymouth, left for the West Coast last week after a holiday in the south. Mr Rose, who is in the Railway Department, is an old Bluff boy. During part of their stay Mr and Mrs Rose were the guests of Mr and Mrs N. McGorlick, Ocean Beach, and later stayed with Mr and Mrs J. Coughlin, of Invercargill. Mr Thompson, of the Bank of New Zealand, Dunedin, with Mrs. Thompson and their daughter are at present visiting Bluff. They are guests at the Club Hotel. Mr and Mrs Thompson are the parents of Mr C. A. Thompson, who is on the staff of the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand. Mrs James Hamilton, Foyle street, has returned to her home after an enjoyable tour of the principal port towns of the Dominion. Mrs Hamilton, accompanied by Mrs J. Smith, of Invercargill, left by the Rangitiki for the trip on the big vessel’s last-departure from this port. The Bluff Marine Band is practising diligently for the quickstep competition to be held in Invercargill early in November in connection with the Monte Carlo fair in aid of the Civic Band funds. At various times in the past much success has been attained by the local players in competitions. Under the conductorship of Mr M. : Gillooly the band is displaying marked progress and keenness and local supporters are confident of a good showing in the forthcoming quickstep. As a preparation for the open shoot to be fired on Labour Day the Bluff Gun Club held a practice on Thursday afternoon on its grounds at Green Point. A fair muster of members assembled. Strong, changing winds made conditions tricky for shooting, the clay “birds” taking very erratic course at times. In spite of this some good performances were recorded, and it seems certain members will be in capital form on Labour Day. The chief sweepstake of the afternoon was won by Mr J. Potts.