PRESENTATION MADE BY RAILWAY STAFF

Southland Times, Issue 23717, 16 January 1939, Page 2

PRESENTATION MADE BY RAILWAY STAFF

DEPARTURE OF CLERICAL OFFICER A presentation was made at the Bluff railway station to Mr B. O. Bell, who has been a member of the clerical staff of the Railway Department for the past five years. In presenting Mr Bell with a chiming clock, the station master (Mr L. E. B. Edwards) said they were all sorry to lose a very efficient officer and wished him success in his new venture. His remarks were endorsed by Messrs R. Trusler, N. Montgomery, C. Bewley, S. Richardson and C. McDonald. Mr Bell in reply thanked his fellow employees for the gift and said he would always have very kindly memories of his term in Bluff. Mr Bell has resigned from the department to enter business and left for his new home in Dunedin on Saturday.

EXCURSION AT BLUFF

, Only 189 persons took advantage of the opportunity to spend a day at the seaside offered by the excursion train organized by the Lumsden and Winton Oddfellows’ Lodges on Saturday. Pos-. sibly the uncertain weather conditions prevalent of late and the sports gathering in the city were reasons for the small patronage. However, the weather at Bluff was very pleasant and those making the trip thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

CRICKET CLUB

A special meeting of the Bluff Cricket Club was held last week to fill the vacancies caused by the resignation of the president and the removal from the town of the sole selector and the secretary. Before the appointment of the president, Mr F. W. McDonald presided over a big attendance of members. The following officers were elected: President, Mr W. T. Walker; selection committee, Messrs W. Carson, R. Barnett and C. Ball; hon. secretary, Mr L. Barnett.

SANDERS CUP CONTEST

All arrangements are well advanced for the holding of the Sanders Cup contest, Which is to begin at Bluff on Thursday. A meeting of the Bluff Committee was held at Bluff on Saturday night. The Mayor (Mr J. Cameron) was in the chair and associated with him was Mr F. J. Biggs, president of the Southland Yachting and Motor-Boat Association. Also present were Captains N. B. Haszard and Callan (representing the Bluff Harbour Board), the Hon. T. F. Doyle, M.L.C., Messrs A. E. Budd, C. Hansen, Wallace, K. Winter, J. R. Colbran, S. Mitchell, E. Matheson, J. Williamson, O. Metzger, O. Johnson, J. Shannon, B. Peterson, and the secretary (Mr C. Barry). The laying of the buoys to mark the course was discussed, at length and Captain Haszard, on behalf of the Harbour Board, undertook to do all the necessary work. Regret was expressed that the Harbour Board’s pilot launch would not be available as a pick-up boat during the contest and it was left to Mr C. Hansen to arrange for suitable boats. It was decided that all the buoys marking the course would be marked by dinghys anchored alongside. It was stated that the Director of Broadcasting (Professor J. Shelley) had refused permission for the races to be broadcast. A telegram had been forwarded to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) some days ago and as no reply had as yet been received it was decided to approach Mr W. M. C. Denham, M.P., and see if the matter could not be finalized. The secretary was instructed to apply to the Southland Stevedoring Company for the use of its shed during the contest. „ A meeting of the Social Committee was then held, Mr A. E. Budd being in the chair. Dances in the Town Hall were arranged for Thursday and on the following Monday, and a smoke concert in the Athenaeum Hall on Saturday. The Otago crew with the manager (Mr Cameron) and the boat Lynette arrived at Bluff on Saturday. Auckland’s boat arrived at Bluff some time ago and the crew is expected on Wednesday. The Canterbury boat and crew will arrive tomorrow, and those from Wellington and Stewart Island today. The Stewart Island crew has been chosen and is as follows: —George Bragg (skipper), L. Bragg (spinnaker hand), Colin Topi (main sheet hand), William Bailey, jun. (fourth hand). The Otago boat (Lynette), Southland’s representative (Vorena), and Mr Jackson’s Irene were on the water at Bluff yesterday afternoon. A fresh breeze from the west was blowing and some interesting sailing was witnessed by a big number of spectators.