BLUFF NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22043, 16 June 1933, Page 9

BLUFF NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.)

The monthly meeting of the W.D.F.U. Greenhills branch was held towards the end of last week, when Mrs R. Wylie occupied the chair in the absence of the president (Mrs W. Boyd). There - ' was an excellent attendance. The chief event of the meeting was a demonstration in passe partout work by Mrs Wylie, which excited keen interest among all present. Supper concluded a pleasant evening. The fortnightly dance given by the Greenhills Basketball Club in the local schoolroom on Saturday night was well attended and proved very enjoyable. The duties of M.C. were capably carried out by Mr R. Parsons, while music was supplied by the Misses J. Borland, A. Mathieson, J. McKenzie, J. Tait, D. Edwards (piano), and Mr A. McDonald, jun. (violin). A competition was won by Miss Borland and Mr I. Gough. A pleasant little function took place in Willard Hall on Monday evening when a dance for members and friends was given by the Loyal Awarua Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F. Over sixty were present, the guests being received by Bro. S. Harland, N.G. Bro. G. Giles, P.G., acted as M.C., while music was provided by Sister Harland. Proceedings went with a swing and the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by patrons. Launching At Bluff.

This afternoon the task of launching a four-ton fishing boat will probably be undertaken at Bluff wharf. Recently completed by Mr W. E. Wiig (Norwegian Consul at the port), and an assistant after three months’ work, the vessel, which bears the name “Dot” is a sister ship to the same owner’s boat “Inga” (launched in December last).

V/eighing about four tons, as already stated, the Dot’s measurements are 30ft by 9ft by sft 6in. Her frame is of broadleaf and kowhai, while the planking is heart of kauri. Brass screws were used throughout (to the number of twenty-one gross); the deck fittings are also of brass, the only iron used being a few nails in the top of the cabin. Her cabin, built amidships, has plenty of room in it, and is 6ft high inside. Roominess seems to characterize the boat, and there is ample space to provide comfortable sleeping accommodation for ten people. Ketch rigged, she is also fitted with an 8-12 h.p. Norwegian Sleipner motor engine. All latest improvements have been incorporated in construction, including self-emptying cockpits, and the Dot is up-to-date in every way. It is Mr Wiig’s intention to start her immediately in the fishing business at Stewart Island, and, having all the necessary material on hand, to begin the construction of a smaller boat.