MATAURA

Southland Times, Issue 24160, 24 June 1940, Page 2

MATAURA

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING | A discussion on the advisability of forming committees at Mataura to deal with transport, food supply and evacuation in time of emergency took place at a meeting of the Mataura Borough Council. It was mentioned by Cr J. Ingram that the council might be well advised to study the pamphlet issued some time ago by the Government. Cr D. A. Bell endorsed his remarks, adding that a public meeting should be called. Events were moving quickly in the world today and there was need for preparation. The Mayor (Mr C. D. McConnell) said that he was satisfied they would have ample time to organize if they were faced with an emergency. Cr A. Bradley suggested that the councillors who had not already seen the pamphlet be given the opportunity to peruse it before next meeting.

Cr J. McAllister added that transport opei-ators and other individuals concerned might be asked to attend the meeting. The Mayor agreed that the councillors should be given a chance to read the pamphlet and this course was adopted. A suggestion by the Mataura volunteer fire brigade that it be permitted to organize fire police as a means of controlling traffic and spectators to give some protection to its equipment was considered by the council. The brigade asked for the consent of the council before anything further was done. “I think this is quite a good idea,” said the Mayor. The special council committee was authorized to confer with the brigade and report. The Waimumu bridge in Dunn’s road was discussed following a report from the engineer and notification from the Southland County Council that it was prepared to make provision on the estimates for a new structure. The County Council mentioned that it had applied for a Government subsidy of £1 for £1 for the bridge, estimated to cost £7OO, lhe local bodies’ share being £175. The sanction of the Borough Council to the proposal to erect a new bridge was sought. Tire borough engineer agreed that the bridge was in a dilapidated state, but thought 'that it could be made quite fit for light traffic by the expenditure of a certain amount for new decking and repairs to the under-structure.

Although the time was scarcely opportune for further capital outlay the bridge was really a necessity, stated Cr Ingram. He did not think the county would consider the scheme of repairs, and he moved that the council make provision on the estimates for its proportion of the cost. Cr Bell moved as an amendment that the bridge be closed to all but light traffic.

The motion was adopted. A suggestion put forward by the Mataura Amenities Society that a shelter hedge of olearia be planted on the south side of the plots at the town bridge was adopted. The council agreed to do the work if the society supplied the trees.

The Finance Committee was asked to consider the new building by-laws submitted by the New Zealand Standards Institute and reported on by the engineer. The latter recommended the adoption of a simpler code to meet the town’s needs.

A full report on the extensive damage done at the Tuturau Maori Centenary Reserve by vandals was given by the reserves committee. It was agreed that a reward of £5 be offered for information leading to a conviction. REBEKAH LODGE Routine business was transacted by members of the Mataura Rebekah Lodge at its fortnightly conference in the Oddfellows’ Hall. N.G. Sister C. Knight presided. After the session, euchre was played, the winners being Miss C. Knight and Mrs Dowden. It was agreed that a bring-and-buy sale be held next lodge night in aid of patriotic funds. SALVATION ARMY

Worked as an outpost of Gore, the Mataura district was taken up 13 years ago as a place of permanent residence by officers of the Salvation Army. Anniversary services were conducted at the Mataura barracks with Major Sydney Bridge, Divisional Commander of Otago and Southland, presiding at the main functions. It was mentioned during the celebrations that Mataura has had the services of many competent officers, including Ensign Blake and Captain Avenal, Captain Baker, Lieutenant Armstrong, Captain Packer, Lieutenant Lomas, Adjutant Rawcliffe, Captain Coster, Lieutenant Law, Captain N. G. Pauling and Mrs Pauling and Captain S. A. Smith and Mrs Smith After the religious services conducted by Major Bridge, at which special addresses were given, a social function was held. An enjoyable concert programme was contributed by the following: Misses Hanabus and Hocking (pianoforte duets); Mrs J. Watson (songs); Mr J. Cameron (bagpipes selections); Mr C. Peck (elocutionary items); sash drill by the girls’ gymnastic class under Mrs T. G. Quilter; Messrs R. Thomas and G. Chisholm, of Invercargill (piano accordion and swanee whistle duets); dialogue, “The Doctor’s Patients,” by Mr and Mrs Pay; Miss Hannabus, Mr R. Maslin and Captain Smith, Misses D. and A. Perry (accordion and mouth organ duets). Community singing was led by Captain Smith.

SINGING CLASS’S ACTIVITIES Established about 12 months ago, the Mataura W.D.F.U. Singing Class experienced a successful year. The annual meeting of the class was held under the presidency of Mrs C. D. Taylor, who took the opportunity of thanking those who had worked for its success.

The annual report disclosed that apart from a recital at Gore, at which the Mataura vocalists had assisted, a festival had been conducted at Mataura at which three local pupils had gained success. The competitors included re-

presentatives of the Wyndham, Mataura, Gore, Morton Mains and Seaward Downs classes. The four classes had also travelled to Invercargill to give a presentation of the “Messiah” to a large audience. The contralto solos were sung by Miss Mary Pratt (Dunedin). The success of the year’s working was mainly due to the able tuition of Mr James Simpson, with Mrs Simpson as accompaniste. The election of officers was held over. MISSIONARY UNION The annual meeting of the Mataura Presbyterian Women’s Mission Union, held in the Presbyterian Church Hall, was well attended. The Rev. C. A. Kennedy was chairman. The following officers were elected:— President, Mrs Thompson; vice-presi-dents, Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Richmond; secretary, Mrs J. W. Pay; treasurer, Mrs j Coltherd; scattered members’ secretary, 1 Mrs McAllister; harvest field secertary, j Mrs McGillivray; stamp secretary, Mrs T. Richmond; Maori birthday secretary, Mrs Kennedy; organist, Miss Currie. IMPROVEMENTS AT SCHOOL

At the monthly meeting of the Mataura School Committee there were present Messrs T. G. Boyd (chairman), A. E. Barnes, A. L. Scarlet, E. J. Calder, V. H. Ball and C. H. Hargest (secretary). It was stated by representatives of the visiting committee that certain improvements were needed. An area near the infant school, which for some time past had carried a good deal of surface water, should be effectively drained, and it was decided that a working bee be formed for this purpose. It was also agreed that the macrocarpa hedge along the west boundary be cut back.

RESULT OF PLOUGHING MATCH A loss of £ll was shown as a result of the recent ploughing match conducted by the Mataura Ploughing Match Association, at Mataura. This fact was disclosed in a balance-sheet presented to members, who agreed that while the function had. been entirely successful from other points of view, the intention of the organizers was defeated as it had been decided to hand over any profit to the patriotic fund. Some discussion took place about a suggestion made by the Waimea Association that West Otago and Mataura delegates should confer with it and draw up uniform rules. It was also agreed that this matter be referred to the Southland Championship Ploughing Association. PLUNKET SOCIETY A successful card evening was conducted by members of the Mataura Plunket Society in aid of patriotic funds. There was a large attendance in the Oddfellows’ Hall, the games being much enjoyed. The profit shown on the entertainment amounted to £7/3/2.