MATAURA NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 21661, 24 March 1932, Page 3

MATAURA NEWS

P.W.M.U. MEETING. (From Our Correspondent.) The Mataura Branch of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union held its first meeting for the year in the church vestry recently, Mrs D. McNeur occupying the chair, and there was a gratifying attendance of members. Matters concerning the branch in general were discussed and the meeting closed with the pronouncing of the Benediction. Even at this late stage of the tennis season interest in the badges competition of the local club still continues. On Friday evening at the courts Mrs J. Maley and J. Russell were successful in defeating the holders of same, Miss K. Paulin and E. Calder, and the former pair will hold them until the opening of the next season. With the arrival of the s.s. Tongariro at Bluff, loading out operations of a consignment of mutton and lamb has engaged the chambers’ staff of the local freezing works during the last couple of days. Miss A. G. Adam left Mataura last week for an extended holiday at Morrinsville. Pioneer Honoured. On Saturday evening last some 100 friends and relatives assembled in Mr Thomas Major’s spacious barn in Terrace road, Mat aura, to fittingly celebrate the 80th birthday of Mrs Major’s father, Mr N. A. Niederer. The function took the form of a social and dance, a conspicuous

figure on the floor being the guest himself who, despite his years, showed many of the younger folk present the way dances should be done. In his usual capable manner Mr A. J. Jones obliged the company with several appropriate songs which were heartily appreciated. Prior to supper being dispensed, Piper Walter Parker played in a mammoth birthday cake, the gift of Mrs L. A. Niederer, and which was adorned with 80 candles. Great enthusiasm followed this event, and in a few happy remarks reminiscent of early life and at the same time full of counsel for the younger members of the gathering, Mr Niederer stressed the value of friendships which had on numerous occasions been such an asset to him. Amidst great applause Mr Niederer cut the cake, which in turn was done full justice to by those present. Mr 11. B. Heaps, of Mataura, said the occasion could not be let pass by the neighbours of the Major family without extending congratulations to the guest on his birthday. He referred briefly to his many sterling qualities as a citizen, who was one of those early pioneers who had blazed the trail to make New Zealand what it is to-day for those coming on. The value of 56 years’ sen-ice for the community could not go unrewarded and he had therefore the utmost pleasure in thus extending the congratulations to Mr Niederer. Mr A. J. Jones also spoke, extending congratulations and said another important event was to be celebrated that evening as that day was the 25th anniversary of the marriage of the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Thomas Major. He desired to extend to them the best of good luck and renewed happiness in the years to come. On the speaker’s call hearty cheers were given Mr and Mrs Major. Responding, Mr Major thanked one and all for their kind remarks, which were deeply appreciated by Mrs Major and himself. Mr Niederer received a cable of con-

gratulation from a nephew and niece in Switzerland. General. A meeting of the Mataura Highland Society held in the Oddfellows Hall on Friday night, took the form of a euchre party and dance. There was an excellent attendance of members and non-members. At the close of play it was announced that Miss D. Brown and Mr D. Hill had annexed the ladies’ and men’s first prizes respectively, the consolation prizes being awarded to Miss L. Renshaw and Mr B. Craig. Subsequently the floor was cleared for dancing. The members of the Methodist Maori Mission concert party, who are visiting the Gore circuit at present, assisted at the afternoon service of the local Methodist Church on Sunday and on Monday evening in the Horticultural Hall gave their concert programme to a packed audience which was not slow to show its appreciation of the unique entertainment provided.

At the conclusion of school work on Tuesday afternoon members of the staff of the Mataura School foregathered at afternoon tea to farewell Mr E. 11. Reward prior to his leaving for Green Island, and to Miss Gilfedder, who has received an appointment in the Taranaki district. In making the presentation of a book of Masefield’s poems to Miss Gilfedder, Mr Heward thanked her for her work and interest in the school and wished her happiness and success in her new sphere. Miss Gilfedder made suitable response. On behalf of the staff Mr J. Moore asked Mr Heward to accept for himself and Mrs Heward a bronze fruit stand and thanked him for his assistance and Mrs Heward for her kindness at all times to the staff. In acknowledging the gift, Mr Heward stated that it was with feelings of regret he severed his connection with them and the school, but assured them that a large measure of the success attained by him while at Mataura was through ’ the cooperation and absolute loyalty of the staff.