TAPANUI NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 25313, 17 June 1935, Page 9

TAPANUI NOTES

HERIOT DEBATING CLUB. (From Our Correspondent.) The Heriot Debating Club’s subject for debate at their fourth meeting was “That the manners of society are deteriorating.” Miss Walker, leader of the affirmative, was assisted by Miss G. Sim, and for the negative speakers were Messrs S. J. Ottrey (leader) and F. Herbert. After arguments had been heard on both sides, the debate was thrown open for discussion, and a nulnber of the audience expressed their opinions. The judge, Mr Arthur, gave much helpful criticism and advice to the speakers; and a hearty vote of thanks to him was passed by acclamation. The affirmative side won the debate. The Tapanui Brownie pack held a children’s fancy dress party in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Tapanui, on Saturday evening. Between the dances and games songs were sung by Misses Ruth Sim and Pax Pringle, recitations given by Misses June and Lorna Wylie, Gretta Macdonald, Shirley Harrison, June Arnold, and Goutta Macdonald, and dances by the Brownies and Miss Lamb. Kathleen Quin (fairy) won the prize for the best girl in fancy dress, and David Kane (Minnie Mouse) the best boy’s prize.' The prizes for the youngest children in fancy dress were awarded to Jeanetta Robertson (gipsy), and Jim Kane (Mickey Mouse). Mr T. O’Dowd won the guessing name of doll competition (name, Eva). After supper Mrs Quin, District Commissioner, and Miss P. Edwards, Brown Owl, on behalf of the Brownies returned thanks to all who had helped that evening. The Tapanui Fire Brigade annual -ball held in the Town Hall on Friday evening was a great success, over 80 couples dancing to music supplied by the Kapai Maori Dance Band from Colac Bay. Mr Stavely played several extras. Musical items during the evening were yodelling song, Mr T. Belsham, duet, Messrs J. McKay, M. Belsham. The Mayor, Mr J. S. Varcoe, spoke of the work of the fire brigade, and asked the residents to assist the brigade as much as possible. Service bars and certificates were then presented by Mr and Mrs Varcoe: Captain Strong: 27 years’ service bar; Lieutenant Maynard: 15 years service bar. Secretary R. Duff: 13 years service bar. Fireman W. Lischner: 11 years service bar. Fireman R. Munyard: 9 years service bar. Firemen McNeil, Foley, McColl, Herbert: 5 years service medal. Fireman F, Lischner: 3 years service certificate. Superintendent J. R. Wilson, Milton, who spoke for the visiting firemen, congratulated the Tapanui Brigade on their successful ball. He referred to the advantages of having a fire brigade in a town, mentioning that about 1800 firemen voluntarily gave their services to fight fire. Special praise should be given to ■ Captain Strong for his years of faithful service in the Tapanui Fire Brigade. Messrs R. Yardley (Heriot) and E. Murney (Tapanui), have been appointed members of the Southern District Council of the Royal Agricultural Society. Mr W. Baxter, Heriot, left on Thursday on a visit to Great Britain, join-

ing the Remuera at Wellington. The exceptionally fine weather experienced so far this winter came to a sudden end this week. Though some showers of sleet and snow fell on Sunday, there was no fall of snow such as was experienced in other districts. Monday was a fine day with a high, drying wind, but a change came on Tuesday afternoon when snow began to fall, and about five inches covered the ground on Wednesday. Roads in places were still negotiable, except in hollows where snow had drifted. On Thursday evening rain fell and continued at intervals through the night. Most of the snow has now disappeared, except on the hills, and as rain is still continuing, a considerable amount of water is lying on the ground. Creeks and rivers are high, and over the road" in some places, with the prospect of flooding unless the rain ceases soon.