MANDEVILLE NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21578, 16 December 1931, Page 11

MANDEVILLE NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.)

What concerns the district most urgently is the want of rain. Pastures are burning up and main crops are si a standstill and in many cases showing unmistakeable signs of withering for the want of moisture. The all important turnip and swede crop is causing much anxiety and in some instances no sowing of swedes has been done. Unless rain comes very soon the district is faced with the worst drought on record. Anglers of 30 years’ experience state that they never remember the Otamita stream so low at this time of the year. The general election is over and the district no doubt is very proud of the fact that the member for Invercargill, Mr James Hargest, was a pupil of the Mandeville School and obtained the latter and major part of his education there. It is pleasing to note that Mr William Collett, who has recently obtained his B.A. degree at Dunedin, was for a number of years a scholar of the Mandeville School. The local Tennis Club won its first match against East Gore by a small margin. The Women's Institute met on the 3rd inst. Mrs Gordon Sheed presided over a good attendance. The competition “Home made biscuits” was won by Mrs G. Graham. The members decided to give the children a picnic on the 17th inst. The Sunday School broke up on the 13th inst. The annual meeting of the Hall Company was held on Saturday evening when only a small attendance of shareholders was present.. Mg J. N. Matthews presided. The report and balance-sheet showed a credit of £2. The directors were congratulated on the way the hall affairs had been managed in the interest of the shareholders and those engaging the hall. The retiring directors, Messrs James Bruce and William Sheed, were re-elected with Mr S. Horerll secretary and treasurer. At a meeting of directors held afterwards Mr J. N. Matthews was appointed chairman.