IN TOWN AND OUT

Southland Times, Issue 21846, 25 October 1932, Page 6

IN TOWN AND OUT

NEWS OF THE DAY Potatoes Frosted. Potato crops bore a black look yesterday as the result of four degrees of frost recorded during the night, « • * • New Use for Lake Steamer. The packet steamer Mountaineer, which was retired from the Lake Wakatipu service some 18 months ago, has been purchased by Major P. Mackenzie, of Walter Peak, for a house boat. » * * * Angling Competition. Anglers taking part in the Southland Anglers’ Club competition yesterday had to contend with unfavourable conditions, for although the sun shone brilliantly the wind was in the wrong quarter and the streams were carrying a fair amount of snow water. In consequence most fishermen had to be content with small bags. The result of the competition will not be known until to-day. » * * * Frost at Gore. Gore residents who were looking forward to having new potatoes much earlier this year than usual suffered a setback during the week-end as a fairly severe frost was experienced on Monday morning. In many cases potato shoots which were well through the ground were blackened and their growth checked. Up till then conditions for gardening had been ideal and vegetable gardens were further advanced than for many years past. * * * * Depredations Of German Owl. In the Woodlands district the birds are busy building just now but one cannot help but notice that .year, by year the number of small native bii ds such as the fantail, the ring-eye and the tom tit is sadly diminishing, writes our correspondent. This is said to be due to the activities of that comparatively recent importation, the German brown owl, so to all lovers of native birds the appearance of this pest should be as nauseating as the sight of a weasel and steps should be taken to encourage its destruction. * * . * * Hikers’ Mystery Trains. Along with the enthusiasm for “hiking” has come the demand tor mystery trains. On Sunday next Invercargill’s first mystery train will leave the station for an unknown destination. There the passengers will be deposited, to be picked up some hours later six or seven miles away alter they have enjoyed a tramp through perhaps—some of Southlands magnificent bush. The departments hints to hikers” include these tips: Take sufficient provisions (including tea, milk, and sugar) for two meals, bill:/ and cups. Wear good, strong, comfortable boots or shoes (flat heels) and suitable clothing.” * „ e A Bluff that Worked. Many motorists hurrying to the Gore races on Saturday were held up at a township between Invercargill ana Gore so that an official might inspect their licenses. One party, with quite a large sum to invest on the first race, obeyed the outstretched hand, albeit reluctantly. "Show me your license, demanded the official.. The driver.unwise man, had left his at home. Q u jck as a flash the woman seated beside him handed him hers, and this he passed to the traffic inspector. Considering that the license was made out for a name distinctly feminine with her married status included and with domestic duties as her occupation, the driver thought the chances of the “bluff” working very small. But luck was with him, for ‘'carry on said the official; and carry on ’• did, reaching the machine in time > invest tho money—on the wrong aorse.

Enthusiasts Indeed. The members of the Invercargill Amateur Cycling Club are nothing if not enthusiastic exponents of their particular branch of sport and in the process of becoming physically fit think nothing of covering long distances awheel. Yesterday at its tenth annual Labour Day fixture the Otautau Athletic Society for the first time included two amateur cycling events on its programme and for the purpose of contesting these the Cycling Club sent a strong delegation to the Western District township. Disdaining train or bus, they set out for their destination on their machines travelling very lightly indeed. They arrived at Otautau none the worse for their trip of over 30 miles and, after providing the crowd of spectators at the sports with fast exciting racing, blithely set out on their return journey using their same method of locomotion. An Ideal Setting. A more picturesque setting could hardly be imagined for the annual sports of the Otautau Athletic Society than that provided by the recreation grounds situated conveniently near the township. Visitors to the Labour Day athletic gathering yesterday were as usual loud in their praises of this beautiful area which is undoubtedly a wonderful asset to Otautau. A sloping hillside afforded not only good shelter but also constituted a splendid natural grandstand, surmounted by a fine belt of trees and flanked with lightly-hued rhododendrons. From the grassy slopes the spectators command a splendid view not only of the interesting sporting events below but also of the beauties of the surrounding countryside. Probably the best view, however, was obtained from the aeroplane which wheeled aloft over the grounds at intervals during the afternoon. * * * * Weather Unsettled. Following is last night’s official weather report and forecast: The centre of a rather intense cyclone has been crossing northern New Zealand to-day, while a slight anticyclone has been situated to the east of the South Island. A more extensive anticyclone is now moving off eastern Australia. The forecast is for moderate to strong south-easterly to southerly winds reaching gale force in places in and north of Cook Strait. Seas in New Zealand waters heavy north of East Cape and rough thence southwards to Akaroa and on the west coast of the North Island, but elsewhere moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea strong southerly winds of gale force in the northern portion with rough to heavy seas, but wind and sea gradually decreasing. Weather still unsettled, dull and misty with further rain, in most districts. Many heavy falls in the North Island with considerable flooding, especially in the northern ■ and eastern portions, but mainly fair, however, in Westland and conditions gradually improving elsewhere from tomorrow. Cold temperatures.