BLUFF NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21275, 22 December 1930, Page 9

BLUFF NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.)

Miss Mavis Willey, of Kelburn, Wellington is at present on a visit to her relatives, Mr and Mrs W. Urwin, Point Road. In the recent examinations at Chilton House School, Wellington, Miss Willey was awarded the dux prize in the fifth form. Her holiday will extend to seven weeks. Although it .is only a little over a year since the Bluff branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order o£ Buffaloes was founded, the port lodge is in a strong position today, with a steadily growing membership. Among the many worthy aims of the order is the helping of old and young to a happier outlook oh life; and already many charitable acts, quietly performed, can be credited to the local bodge. Quite the happiest function of the year amongst R.A.0.8. activities took place on Saturday afternoon in the Athenaeum, when the brethren entertained the wives and children of present and past members of the order. A large Christmas tree, heavily laden with toys, had been prepared by an energetic committee consisting of Primos .1. Sinclair, F. Barford and C. A. Barker (secretary) and Bros. T. Finnerty (chairman), C. Rapsey, W. Barker, W. Campbell, E. Russell and G. Giles. Brother W. Dunn presided at the piano, while Brother J. Brown acted as doorkeeper. AU these officials worked unsparingly to make the afternoon enjoyable. The hall was filled with parents and children, a surprising number of the latter attending. Undoubtedly the most popular person present was the official Santa Claus. Selecting gifts with an expert’s skill, he satisfied all the juveniles—a wonderful performance. A liberal supply of eatables, soft drinks and sweets helped still further to delight the young, afternoon tea being handed round to the parents. During proceedings Bro. Dunn gave several piano solos, Bro. G. Giles contributing a song. In welcoming those present, Primo C. A. Barker expressed the lodge’s pleasure at the large attendance, and announced that it was intended to hold several sociai functions during the coming year to which a hearty invitation would' be extended to the wives and families of members. Santa Claus also spoke, wishing the children a happy Christmas. Later in the evening the R.A.0.8. held its final meeting of the year. A regalia visit was paid by Murihiku Lodge (Invercargill) and an enjoyable time was spent by the numerous brothers present. At an early hour business was set aside, the time being passed in harmony and social discussion. Several members contributed items and the lodge closed with a link of nearly 50 brethren.

A well-attended meeting of the Bluff Regatta Committee was held on Saturday evening. The president, Mr V. Metzger, was in the chair. The secretary, Mr F. W. McDonald, reported that the Harbour Board had written granting the use of the board’s launch as a pick-up boat on regatta day. A letter had also been received from the Invercargill Club requesting information regarding the open yacht race. The secretary was instructed to advise that 14-footers and boats over 16ft would not be eligible to compete in this event. At Mr A. E. Budd’s suggestion it was decided to moor a dinghy at the mile peg. This would be of benefit to starters in getting a proper line for the starting of races. Mr P. McQuarrie undertook to get the dinghy 2nd attend to mooring fore and aft in the correct place.•». It was left to the sailing committee to appoint judges for the sailing events, Captain Harbord, on behalf of that body, also consenting to see to various details connected with those events. The meeting decided to hand the cup donated by the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle for a swimming race to the local Swimming Club which would allot the trophy for the most suitable event. The president reported having canvassed the town for support in company with the secretary. The response had been practically the same as last year, and this must be recorded as highly satisfactory, all things considered. It was mentioned that entries for all events would close next Saturday. Before the close of the meeting Mr R. V. Weir was thanked for the use of his tea rooms, these being placed at the disposal of the committee at the shortest notice.