Edendale TOWN BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 23183, 26 April 1937, Page 15

Edendale TOWN BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING The April meeting of the Edendale Town Board was held in the board room of the public hall, Commissioner W. Irvine (chairman) presiding over Commissioners R. Wilson, W, W. Chaplin, U. D. Turner, T. Hickey and R. K. MacDonald. Two written protests against concrete stones being placed at the edge of the roads round the street corners were read. One was from an Edendale motorist, who stated that the stones had been obscured by long grass in some places and that he had suffered a badly damaged tyre as a result. The other letter came from Dunedin, and the writer stated that he failed to see the necessity of the blocks, as a means of controlling traffic. In all his experience, Edendale was the only town he knew which had adopted such an unusual and dangerous method: That the offensive stones should be removed, as they were only an eyesore and served no useful purpose, was the emphatic opinion expressed by Cr T. Hickey. Motorists who were strangers to the town would not be on the lookout for such obstructions at the comers, and an accident might easily occur.. The chairman expressed the opinion that drivers who could not drive round corners without striking the stones were not capable drivers. The other members expressed themselves in favour of the removal of the concrete blocks, and Cr Hickey’s motion to that effect was seconded by Cr R. Wilson. The chairman maintained that the stones had served a very good purpose in keeping the footpaths in better order and ensuring safety for pedestrians. There was no danger to capable drivers, he said. Cr U. D. Turner asked what the position' would be, if an accident did occur, and the board was sued. The chairman said that personally he did not think the board would, be liable, but he was not definite on that point. The motion was carried. King George V Memorial Appeal The Prime Minister’s appeal for a donation from the board to the King George V Memorial Fund was held over for a month. Cr T. Hickey suggested that a local townsman be appointed to receive donations from private persons desirous of assisting the cause. He thought. Cr W. W. Chaplin would be the best man. Members agreed that the proposal would give residents an opportunity of assisting through the Town Board, and Cr Chaplin was appointed to receive donations. A pamphlet containing suggestions for the celebration of the Coronation was received from the Prime Minister. The chairman expressed the opinion that it would be practically impossible for the board to conduct a successful

gathering of any description in competition with the many counter attractions already scheduled. It was mentioned that there would be special church services and functions for the school. The letter was received. Speed Limit Road Signs The chairman said that a Main Highways Board traffic inspector had informed him that speed limit road signs would need to be erected on all roads leading into the township. Cr Hickey questioned the board s liability in this matter, and was supported by Crs R. Wilson and R. K. MacDonald. The Southland County Council controlled the main highways passing through Edendale and collected a rate for their upkeep, it was stated. Cr MacDonald remarked that in matters of that kind the County Council was always the same. The chairman said the inspector had said that it was the board’s duty to erect the required signs—lt was decided to purchase the signs immediately. Several members mentioned that they had received complaints about the steps leading from the stage to the floor in the hall. They were too steep and had no handrail, which made them dangerous for ladies. Several people had already had nasty falls because of them. It was decided to make an inspection and find a means of eliminating any possible danger. The Eastern Southland Rugby Football Sub-union wrote applying for the use of the recreation reserve and the right to charge on six match days. Cr Hickey said that since the use of the grounds was granted free, it was only right that the sub-union should keep them in good order. It was decided to grant the request on these terms. OBITUARY The death occurred recently of Mrs Angus Campbell, at her residence, Spurhead, Edendale. The deceased was well known throughout the Mataura Valley, where she had resided all her life. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John Cook, pioneer settlers in the Mokoreta district. After her marriage to Mr Angus Campbell she lived first in Wyndham and later she and her husband removed to their present farm at Edendale. The late Mrs Campbell was a keen supporter of the Wyndham and District St. Andrew’s Scottish Society, being a member of the women’s committee for many years. She also took an active interest in the Edendale branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. She is survived by her husband and three daughters, Misses lona, Muriel and Algean Campbell. The funeral took place to the Edendale cemetery, a large crowd of mourners attending. Many beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave. The Rev. R. D. McEwan, assisted by the Rev. G. D. Falconer, of Wyndham, conducted the services at the house and at the graveside. CHOIRMASTER FAREWELLED Recently the members of the Brydone Presbyterian Church choir paid a surprise visit to the residence of Mr and Mrs E. W. Cate, of Edendale. Mr Cate, who for the past year or so has been choirmaster of the Brydone church, has been transferred to Mosgiel as postmaster. A happy evening was spent in singing and playing indoor games. Mr A. G. Davidson, the home missionary of the Brydone-Redan charge, on behalf of those present, asked Mr Cate to accept a book. In doing so, he thanked the recipient for his kindness and the help he had given in conduct-

ing the choir. They were very sorry he was leaving the district. In replying, Mr Cate said he was very sorry to be leaving Edendale and the Brydone choir. Anything he had done had been a pleasure to him as he had enjoyed the work. Mrs A. G Davidson presented Mrs E. W. Cate with a bouquet of flowers. RUGBY FOOTBALL Playing in its first senior match for several seasons, Edendale defeated Mataura in a friendly senior fixture on Saturday. The game was played at Edendale, and the grounds were in good order, which proved favourable for back play. The final score was 17 points to six in favour of Edendale. For the winners, tries were scored by D. Wilson, A. Cushnie and G. McDonald. A. Cushnie converted one try, and he and G. McDonald each kicked a penalty goal. Mataura’s points came from tries by R. McCaughan and Cruickshanks. Neither side was at full strength. The Edendale third grade team travelled to Menzies Ferry and secured a win by nine points to six. FAREWELL EVENING In the Edendale public hall recently a farewell evening was given Mr and Mrs E. W. Cate. The guests of honour have been resident in Edendale for the past seven years, during which time they have taken a very active part in church work, and on the committees of various organizations. The chairman for the evening was Mr W. J. Lennon. Mr Lennon made reference to a letter of appreciation of Mr Cate’s services from the chairman of the Southland district Churches of Christ committee. The following musical programme was submitted: —Vocal solos, Mrs Bayley; violin solos, Mr E. W, Cate; vocal solos, Mrs J. Duncan; pianoforte solos, Miss Doris Caldwell; vocal duets, Mr and Mrs E. W. Cate; vocal solos, Mr J. Dowling, Miss Beck, Mrs J. Dowling and Mr Woods (Invercargill) played the accompaniments. Speaking on behalf of the Edendale Church of Christ, Mr J. Phillips thanked the conveners for providing the church with the opportunity of participating in the function that evening. He said that Mr Cate had been the founder of their church in Edendale and had done great work in God’s name. In conclusion, the speaker presented the guests with a travelling rug. He added that he hoped they would organize a church in Mosgiel, their new home. Mr Johnston spoke on behalf of the Bible classes, and first apologized for the unavoidable absence of the Rev. R. D. McEwan. He personally regretted Mr Cate’s departure for reasons of friendship. However, Mr Cate was going to Mosgiel on promotion. Mrs Cate had also done her part well and had been “the power behind the gun. Their places l would be indeed hard to fill. He extended the guests his best wishes and presented Mr Cate with a reading lamp, Mrs Cate with a box of handkerchiefs and Master Wallace Cate with a book. Mrs Cate was presented with a bouquet by Betty Caldwell. Mr M. D. Turner, who made the public presentation, expressed his pleasure at having been asked to officiate. He could recount many personal experiences of Mr Cate’s fine qualities, and he naid tribute to his pleasant and helpful manner as postmaster. As a convener of the function, he wished to thank the public for the wonderful reception accorded the canvassers. In presenting Mr and Mrs Cate with a wallet containing £2O, he wished them every success in the future. , . Edna Swallow presented Mrs Cate with another bouquet. For the Methodist Church, the Rev. J. C. Ashworth spoke in appreciation of Mr Cate’s friendship and fellowship, and paid tribute to the favourable manner in which Mr and Mrs Cate, although prominent in the public life of the community, were regarded. Mr Woods also spoke in similar strain. He had been secretary of the district Churches of Christ during the year that Mr Cate had been president, and his services, and criticism had been greatly appreciated. Mr J. H. Dunn, superintendent of the Sunday school, endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks. As a member of the school committee, Mr H. A. Bisset referred to Mr Cate’s good work on that body. He had appreciated their guests’ help and understanding during his term as chairman. Mr Cate had also served on the local Unemployment Committee during a most difficult period. Not merely a “Sunday Christian,” Mr Cate had set a fine example. Mr and Mrs Cate were then accorded musical honours, following which the former briefly replied, thanking each speaker in turn and each organization for its gifts and good wishes. He was leaving Edendale with mixed feelings. Mosgiel meant promotion to him, yet he knew he was leaving friends. Mrs Cate also briefly replied.