COLAC BAY NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21263, 9 December 1930, Page 7

COLAC BAY NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.)

The month of November was a cold, wet and unseasonable one here. According to local records the total rainfall was 6.2 in. Several days of strong south-west winds made conditions wholly unfit for fishing in the Straits.

During the few fine days those interested in the preparation of native farm lands did some useful work in felling and clearing their respective areas. Over 80 head of cattle have arrived and have been distributed to various farmers. The monthly meeting of the School Committee was held on Monday, December 1. The following members were present: Messrs 11. Elderton (chairman), 11. Whittle (secretary), G. Burgess and T. Egerton. A discussion concerning the annual distribution of prizes and awards took place and it was decided to follow the usual custom and hold a concert and dance on December IS in order to raise funds. Il was resolved to hold the usual competitions during the evening also.

On Tuesday, December 2, an enthusiastic meeting was held in the Drill Hall in connection with the proposed erection of a breakwater and wharf at Colac Bay. A strong working committee was formed with the express object of furthering this necessary work, which will be a benefit to fishermen, mutton-birders and pleasure-seekers. If. w understood that providing a sufficient number of fishermen will guarantee to make use of the shelter that the day is not far distant when the breakwater will be an accomplished work of undoubted benefit to the district in general.

A highly esteemed resident who passed away recently in the person of Mr Christopher Marsh had a long career in the coal mining industry on the West Coast, and in Southland. Mr Marsh was horn in Kaitangata in 1877. He received h'w early education at the Union Street School, Dunedin. He then worked in the Kaitangata mine, and -after that in the West. Coast collieries, and then at Mt. Linton. Altogether he was engaged in mining for over 37 years. At different times he was fishing at the West Coast Sounds and later was a commercial traveller. The deceased was well-known in the realm of sport, being a Rugby and Soccer player as well as a sprinter and walker of note.

Mr Charles Goodwillie, who passed away at his residence, Longwood, on Tuesday, was widely known in the district. He was born at Stewart Island some. 90 years azo. For many years he was engaged in shearing in various" parts of Southland. Only last season at the age of 89 he did some shearing in the district. Mr Goodwillie, up to within a few seasons ago. was a regular visitor to the mutton-bird islands, where he held certain rights. He'is survived by a family of five, three sons and two daughters. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at Riverton last Thursday afternoon.