MANDEVILLE NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21895, 22 December 1932, Page 16

MANDEVILLE NOTES

< STREAM IN FLOOD. A. week ago last Saturday the largest flood for over 30 years as regards the Otamete stream was experienced. Fortunately only a few farmers and two or three residents of the township come within its flood raging scoop. Neventheless those who suffered, suffered somewhat heavily, but fortunately little stock was lost. The damage principally was to cultivated paddocks and flooded residences. The past week being specially fine much of the gloomy appearances of a week ago have disappeared. The heavy rain freshened up the pastures and crcps and generally both are looking splendid. Turnips are coming away well also. Shearing was delayed, but “Wantwood” is now in full swing. Farmers are preferring to leave their shearing until after the Freezing Works open. It is generally anticipated the drafts of lambs off the ewes will be above the average, both in quality and quantity. Those interested in dairying are obtaining splendid milk and cream yields, but the prices are most disappointing. School Break-up. The school break-up took the form of a picnic which was held in Mr Horrell’s sheltered grounds at the back of the township, on Friday 16. There was a large attendance of adults as well as children and as the ■ day was beautifully fine everyone enjoyed the function immensely. It is worthy of note that the Women’s Institute again came forward and the members provided the funds for the purchase of books and toys for the sports events. The members of the School committee and others assisting had a busy afternoon arranging the numerous sporting events etc. An abundance of refreshments was provided by the ladies. . At a suitable interval Mr W. Sheed (Chairman School Committee) thanked the residents for turning out in such large numbers and specially thanked the ' Women’s Institute for its valuable assistance. He made reference to the fact that with the exception of the prize for the Dux of the school, which for years past has been donated by Mrs J. H. McLeod, no prizes were given. Mr Thos. Mee then presented the Dux prize to Joyce Sheed. Tennis. The local court was never better patronized' and with the recent improvements in the matter of. erecting a shelter shed and a high fence of manuka to protect the court from prevailing winds, this fascinating game can be played in comfort except in heavy rain. The majority of the players are in their youth and consequently are at times beaten when challenging and being challenged by other teams. Nevertheless the members are keen and ere long expect to uphold the fine record of the teams of a few years ago, The Knapdale players met on the local court on Saturday and after a fine, keen and friendly contest the visitors won by ten games. Sunday School. The break-up of the Sunday School took place in the hall on Sunday afternoon in the presence of a large attendance including a number of parents. Through the recent removal to Green Island, Dunedin, of Rev W, Armstrong (Presbyterian) Mr W. G. MacKay acted on his behalf while Mr Chas Wilkinson fittingly officiated for the Rev. C. E. Webb (Anglican) who was unable to attend through another engagement. Mr Wilkinson distributed the prizes, Bibles to the senior scholars and books to the younger class members. Mr Mac Kay suitably addressed the scholars, founding his remarks upon David Livingstone’s message, “Let every step be a step forward.” He concluded by stating he admired the way the Mandeville Sunday School was conducted. By the various denominations uniting, the district was enabled to carry on a very good school indeed. He smilingly concluded by stating that he could not speak too highly of uniting with other denominations. _ He was a Presbyterian married to Anglican by a Church of England Minister, whereupon Mr Wilkinson responded by saying that he was an Anglican and his wife was a Presbyterian and they were married by a Methodist Minister.

Mr W. Sheed thanked thanked the teachers for the interest they displayed in the good work of imparting the word of God to the children.

Mr A. Wayte sen., and Miss J. McLeod suitably responded. Miss Lily Crombie rendered a solo which was much appreciated. Angling.

The streams are again in fine order. Fish is plentiful, thanks to the liberal supplies from the Te Anau hatcheries from time to time, but there is a notable falling off in the number of fishermen this year which is to be regretted.