WOODLANDS NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21930, 3 February 1933, Page 4

WOODLANDS NOTES

RAINFALL FOR JANUARY.

(From Our Correspondent.)

The total rainfall registered at Woodlands for the month of January was 2.02 inches with rain on 16 days. The totals for the same month last year. 1931 and 1930 were 5.46 inch and 5.26 inches and 4.12 inches respectively, so in comparison the month just ended has been comparatively dry. The heaviest falls were on the first and second when 30 and 45 points fell. The general weather conditions throughout the whole month have been ideal for outdoor work or recreation.’ The picnics etc. which have been held have without exception been under good weather. As far as the farming community is concerned more moisture is needed, especially with the dairy farmers, for the pastures do not contain sufficient moisture to be ideal feed for milking cows. On the other hand crops of wheat and oats are doing well and should the conditions last throughout the next month, Southland wheat will be classed first grade. Several crops have been harvested but this occupation will not be general for a week or so yet. On the sheep farms the lambs which have not been drafted fat will in the next week or so be weaned and put on feed. Root crops which made a good strike are doing well but it is too soon yet to predict whether winter feed will be scarce or plentiful this season. Stock throughout the district is looking well. School Jubilee. This meeting was held in the school on Tuesday evening when Mr J. Trotter presided. The secretaries presented the balance-sheet which showed a credit balance of £69 which was divided between the school committee and an ex-pupils’ fund after remuneration for the secretaries had been set aside. In giving a short report of the Jubilee celebrations the chairman stated _that not only from a financial but from every aspect the functions were a wonderful success. It was a pleasure to the committee to see so many expupils present, especially so many of the older decades. Before concluding his report he stated that the committee were indebted to those who had billeted visitors for the celebrations, to those who had donated various articles such as the beautiful wreath which was placed on the memorial (donated by Mrs R. Lambert); jubilee flag, Miss Annie Sadlier; jubilee cake, Miss Annie Sadlier (Meadowbank); the Press, and to any others who had assisted in any way. They also thanked, he said, those ex-pupils who had sent donations. The services rendered by Messrs W. Bell and James McKendry, the joint secretaries of the Jubilee, were eulogized by the chairman who asked them to receive from the committee a remuneration for their work. His words were endorsed by Messrs Raymond Leith, J. Middlemiss, M. P. Schmidt, E. Hargest and carried by acclamation. Mr Bell on behalf of Mr McKendry and himself returned thanks. A sum of money was set aside for the use of an Ex-pupils Association, which would by its existence carry on the good work done at the Jubilee celebrations in giving the ex-pupils of the school some definite connecting link between themselves and their school. It will be the aim and the duty of the association to foster interest in this direction and it will endeavour to hold an annual function, as a concert a ball or a picnic as an annual re-union of ex-scholars. Mrs Robertson (nee Sarah Dawson), in company with her brother, George Dawson, also of Timaru, was visiting Woodlands prior to the Jubilee, but was unable to stay for the celebrations. When he left Woodlands as a' boy to finish his schooling at Pukerau, Mr Dawson was a pupil of the late Mr Gazzard, father of W. H. D. Gazzard, who was headmaster at Woodlands 1927-8.

Prior to her wedding to Mr Alexander Adamson, Miss Myra Evans, of Longbush, was tendered a social in the school by her friends. There was a good attendance of well-wishers, several of whom came from a distance to be present at the function. A pleasant time was spent in dancing and cards. During the evening Mr C. Hughes on behalf of those present asked the guest to accept the gifts as tokens of esteem. He congratulated her and Mr Adamson on the step they were taking and concluded wishing them every happiness and success in their new sphere of life. Mr James Burke also spoke endorsing the previous speaker’s remarks.

Mr David Adamson, Invercargill, replied on behalf of Miss Evans, thanking the speakers for their kind remarks and the donors for their splendid gifts.

New Tennis Courts.

The work done on the recently opened tennis courts at Longbush has created a very favourable impression for it is understood all was done by voluntary labour. By a series of dances the necessary funds were procured to obtain the ground and the nets and to erect a ten foot wire netting fence around the two courts. Both courts have a clay surface, but the enthusiasts expect to have at least one laid down in a hard court by next season. There are 30 members, some of whom have had previous experience and are readily regaining form, while others are quickly adapting themselves to the game. The progress made since the scheme of forming a club was first mooted is creditable to all concerned.

The Jubilee Ball.

The grand ball which was held on Friday evening as a finale to the jubilee celebrations was a most successful function. Shortly after eight o’clock Dr. Trotter and Mrs J. Muir led off the Grand March in which the expupils fell in according to decade with the pioneers in the van. Practically right throughout the old time dances only were done and .despite the fact that the hall was full, dancing was continued in comfort until 3 o’clock on Saturday morning when procedings were closed by the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Much of the success was due to the efficient management of the M.C.’s viz. Messrs W. J. Leith and W. Sadlier. Credit also must be given to J. Sadlier, the convenor, and to other members of the ball sub-committee. The Footwarmers Dance Band supplied the music.

Mr Archie Jones received a great ovation when he appeared to render two solos.

After the supper interval Mr Bell acting on behalf of the committee, moved on behalf of the ex-pupils a vote of thanks to Dr. Trotter for his services to help the celebrations. This was earned by prolonged acclamation and musical honours. The doctor briefly returned thanks and at the same time on behalf of the visitors thanked and congratulated the local committee on the magnificent work they had accomplished in running the jubilee. Tennis Match.

Grove Bush met Woodlands on the local courts on Monday evening. Grove Bush names mentioned first in the following results: , Combined Doubles: J. Cringle and Mrs - Bonniface 1 v. B. Wyeth and Mrs Wyeth 6; Len Ross .and Miss E. Coveney 1 v. G. Heydon and Miss McKerchar 6;' J. Ross and Miss E. McLeod 3 v. W. Jones and Miss Gormack 6; L. McCallum and Miss J. McLeod 3 v. J. Hannan and Miss Barraclough 6. Ladies’ Doubles: Mrs Boniface and

Miss Coveney 1 v. Mrs Wyeth and Miss McKerchar 5; Misses E. and J. McLeod 5 v. Misses Gormack and Barraclough 1. Men’s Doubles: J. Cringle and L. Ross 5 v. B. Wyeth and G. Heydon 2; J. Ross and McCallum 1 v. W. Jones and J. Hannah 5.

Totals—Grove Bush 2 sets 20 games; Woodlands 6 sets 37 games.