OTARA

Southland Times, Issue 23308, 18 September 1937, Page 15

OTARA

FARMING WORK Very mild spring weather has prevailed for the last six weeks and splendid growth is shown in the greenness of pastures. It is being retarded, however, by an unusual number of sharp early morning frosts during the past week. With the mild conditions farm work has been able to proceed without interruption. It has been ideal for topdressing and the harrowing of grass paddocks. A big number of lambs is to be seen. Dairy herds are now coming to profit and the stock is all .in very fair condition because of the mild winter. At one time it was feared feed would be very short and, although turnips have been very short in supply, the mild winter and good rough feed have tided many over a good winter for stock.

The rainfall for August was the lightest for any one month recorded this year, being 2.45 in. Only ,18in has been recorded for September so far. Householders are having an anxious time and wishing for rain. Most tanks are very low and the carrying of water has been in progress for some time. BAZAAR The Otara Women’s Guild recently held a successful bazaar in the hall. The Home Missionary, Mr J. Lockhead, of the Tokanui-Waikawa mission charge, declared the bazaar open. He stated that the object in view was the building of a church in the district. The following were the stallholders: — Produce, Mesdames J. Blair and W. Jennings; fancy, Mesdames F. A. Hughes and A. Thwaites, J. Blair, sen., and J. Thwaites; fish pond, Mesdames R. Blair and A. Ericson; shooting gallery, Messrs R. and S. Thwaites; fruit and lollies, Misses B. Jennings, A. Black and helpers; mystery parcels, and competitions, Mesdames, W. Smith, E. Millar and helpers. The competitions resulted: Nail driving: Men, F. Ericson; men over 40, G. Jennings; women, Mrs J. McGarvie. Quoits: Women, Mrs F. A. Hughes and Mrs E. Millar. Box of chocolates, A. George. Shooting: Women, Mrs F. A. Hughes and Miss B. Jennings; men, R. Thwaites and J. Smith. Balloon blowing: Girls, Eileen Blair; boys, F. Harris. The takings of the evening were approximately £5l. HALL COMMITTEE MEETING The annual meeting of the Public Hall Committee was held recently. The annual report stated that the committee had a credit of £23. The chairman, Mr F. A. Hughes, who had been a member for the past 11 years, latterly as chairman, did not seek re-election and resigned from the committee as did also two other members of the committee.

At a later meeting the following committee was elected: Chairman, Mr D. Casey; secretary, Mr F. Ericson; members, Messrs J. Thwaites, J. Blair, A. Dawnie and J. Blair, jun. It was decided to appoint a caretaker for the hall and also to carry out a few improvements.