BLUFF NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 24106, 20 April 1940, Page 18

BLUFF NEWS

JELLICOE SEA SCOUTS WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND COMMISSIONER 'The welcome to the New Zealand Commissioner (Mr J. Cooksey) and a troop of Jellicoe Sea Scouts by the newly-formed Bluff troop, which has been named Te-Ara-O-Kiwha, was a great success. The Bluff boys joined with the Jellicoe Troop at the Post Office and, led by the Drum and Bugle Band of the Jellicoe Troop, marched to Barber’s Hall where the welcome was held.

Captain N. B. W. Haszard, R.N.V.R., was chairman and welcomed the New Zealand Commissioner, with whom were associated the Provincial Commissioner (Mr G. E. T. Dorman) and Scout Master T. H. Jenkin. He apologized for the absence of the Deputy-Mayor (Mr A. E. Budd), Captain R. J. Hamilton and Mr J. W. Lopdell. Commissioner Cooksey gave an interesting address, during which he traced the inception and growth of a movement which had grown to international proportions. Addresses were also given by Messrs Dorman and Jenkin. In making a presentation of a dinghy from the Waikouaiti to the Bluff Troop, Mr W. J. A. McGregor, chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board, spoke of the glorious exploits of the British Navy. He referred to the rescue of the prisoners in the Altmarck and the victories in and around Narvik. He also spoke of the silent services of the men of the Mercantile Marine.

During the evening interesting demonstrations of their work and play were given by the visiting troop. Among those present were the Hon. T. F. Doyle, M.L.C., Messrs R. N. Porter, secretary, and D. E. S. Mason, engineer of the Bluff Harbour Board, G. T. Randall, O. F. Metzger, G. Muir, H. A. Ferguson (Town Clerk) and the Rev. A. M. Ferguson.

GIRL GUIDES The successful celebration of the first birthday of the Bluff Girl Guides Company was held in Barber’s Hall. The visitors included the District Commissioner (Miss C. Cumming), the District Captain (Miss Scott), and the St. Andrew’s Company (Captain, Miss Arnott). The Mayoress (Mrs J. Cameron) was chairman.

During the evening the presentation of 11 service stars was made. These decorations are issued for attendance, courtesy and general industry. Lieutenant Miss M. A. Wishart was presented with her warrant badges. As a national service, and to aid the Polish and Finnish refugee children, the girls are doing knitting and sewing work.

An item was given by each patrol, and one recruit, Miss Jean Vickery, gave a recitation.

A birthday cake was made and presented by Mrs N. B. W. Haszard. The cake was decorated with two small silk flags which had been presented to a former company by Mrs G. Waddell, sen., 14 years ago. The candle was lit by the vice-president (Mrs W. F. Cameron) and was blown out by one of the smallest guides. MINISTER INDUCTED The induction service and welcome social to the Rev. J. S. Willoughby was held in the Methodist Church. The service was. conducted by the Rev. G. R. Hinton, .of St. Peter’s Methodist Church, Invercargill, assisted by Mr D. J. Wesney, of the Central Methodist Church, Invercargill. Speeches of welcome were given by

officers of the church and the Rev. A. M. Ferguson, of the Bluff Presbyterian Church. A message of welcome was read from the Rev. C. N. Luker, of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. A short programme followed, items being given by Messrs F. W. McDonald, Wesney and Miss Hutton (songs), Miss L. Hunter (violin solo) and a reading by Mrs Robertson. PIANOFORTE RECITAL About 60 persons were present at Mr E. A. Nichol’s residence, when Mr Paul Schramm gave an at-home pianoforte recital. The gifted Viennese artist presented a delightful and varied programme. HOTEL GUESTS Club—Mr A. Carrington (Napier), Mr and Mrs Daniels, Mr P. Schramm (Wellington), Messrs M. Lonnaker, J. Ross (Christchurch), McKeller (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs N. Berndston (Milford), Mr C. Lawless (Invercargill).