SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22443, 14 September 1936, Page 1

SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

[From Our Balclutha Correspondent.] September 33. Last night the members of the Clutha Poultry Club held a very enjoyable social evening, the purpose being to do honour to Mr J. Baxter, of Seaward Downs, who for many years past has taken a keen interest in the affairs of the club, first as exhibitor, then as judge, and latterly as supervisor of the annual show. The function was originally to have been held during the last show, but owing to ill-health Mr Baxter was unable to attend. There was a good attendance at last night’s function, and the popularity of the guest of the evening was evidenced by the fact that members came from Dunedin, Kaitangata, Greenfield, and Stirling. Mr Stan Kiach presided, and before commencing the business of the evening referred to the deaths of Messrs John Gold and Honi Anderson, both of whom had been keen and enthusiastic members of the club. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect. Then followed a short toast list, including “ Kindred Sports,” “ Visitors,” to which Messrs C. M'Kenzie (WakariKaikorai Club) and J. Baxter (Southland clubs) replied. The former referred to the first show held by this new club this year, and said they had put up a record with over 300 entries. Ho expressed thanks to members of the Clutha Club for their support and conveyed greetings. He also >paid a tribute to Mr G. W. Guest for the assistance ho had given in organising the show. In proposing “ Sister Clubs,” Mr A. E. Russell said that the assistance of all clubs was necessary if the shows were to be successful. The object of the clubs was to foster a spirit of good feeling amongst breeders, and the shows gave opportunity to exchange opinions. The Clutha Club had been established a long time, and had secured a lot of assistance from other clubs, for which they were grateful. Mr M'Kenzie said his club was the first branch of the Poultry Producers’ Federation to hold a show, and they were grateful for assistance given by other clubs. Mr Baxter referred to the various Southland clubs, and in the course of his remarks said he had first shown in 1894. He regretted that he had not been able to be present at the last Clutha show, but promised to be present at future shows if spared. At this stage the chairman asked Mr Baxter to accept an illuminated framed honorary life member’s certificate to the Clutha Club. The club had only one other life member (Mr Geo. Guest), and the members thought they could not honour Mr Baxter more than by appointing him a life member in recognition of his long services to the club. In following the president, Mr Guest said that the honour was long overdue to their guest. He had been associated with the club over many years as exhibitor, judge, supervise!-, and worker, while he had also helped the. club financially and in other ways. This was remarkable for a member not even a resident of the district, and he hoped that Mr Baxter would be long spared to give assistance. Several others spoke and paid tribute to the work of Mr Baxter, who, they said, was always willing to assist and give advice, in reply Mr Baxter, who was taken by surprise, said he had only tried to do his best. He could not express in words his appreciation of their gift, which would always be a treasured memento of his association with the Clutha Club, in which he had many friends. In conclusion, he said he would donate a two-guinea cup to the club for competition in the small birds section, an announcement that was received with applause. He referred to judging at shows, and suggested that delegates from the various clubs should get together and fix a uniform standard, and judges would then know exactly where they stood. Mr Baxter’s donation of a cup was followed by a donation of a miniature cup to go with the big cup, and before very many minutes had passed no fewer than nine other miniature cups and several cash specials for the next show were donated. 'The secretary, Mr Les. Fallowfield, was toasted, several members paying tribute to his work last show and expressing the hope that he would continue to carry on. “ The Ladies,” “ The Press,” “ The Stewards,” “ Mr Dan Ash,” and “ The President ” were also toasted, and one of the most successful functions ever held by the club terminated about midnight. Interspersed between the speeches were items of a varied nature, while not the least popular' item was an appetising supper of “ fish and chins.” 1 1

There was no football in South Otago yesterday, owing to the test match in Dunedin A large number of South

Otago “ fans ” made the trip, while several clubs had arranged matches with Dunedin clubs,for the day. Next Saturday at Balclutha the Boyd Cup final wjll be played betw.een Union and Crescent 11,, and this will be followed by the senior cup final between Clutha and Clinton. The first game will commence at 1 45, and the senior game at 3.15. These matches will probably finish the llugby season in South Otago. Mr and Mrs Norman Bisset, who are leaving Kaitangata to take up residence in DundSin, were the guests of honour at a farewell function last week. There was a large attendance,and during the evening the vicar (Rev.D. Hillman) asked the guests to accept a handbag _ and tea wagon as tokens of appreciation of their valuable services. Several present paid tribute to the work done by Mr and Mrs Bisset, expressed regret at their departure, and wished them all success in their new sphere of labour. Mr Bisset suit, ably acknowledged. At last week’s meeting of the Kaitangata Borough Council it was decided to make application to the Loans Board for its sanction to borrow the sums of £19,000 and £II,OOO for borough water supply and drainage schemes respectively.

At the annual meeting of the Warepa Bowling Club the following officers were elected for the coming season:—President, Mr J. E. Russell; vice-president, Mr L. Jenkins; secretary and treasurer, Mr P. A. Watt (re-elected); delegate to 5.0.8. C., Mr Gilbert Stewart; Selection Committee, president and vice-president. The balance sheet showed a credit of £2 3s 9d. which was considered very satisfactory. It was decided to again enter two rinks in the centre’s interclub matches. The combined social under the auspices of the Clutha branches of ‘the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division was held last week and was very largely attended, visitors being present from near and far. Dancing was the chief form of entertainment, while an enjoyable programme of vocal and elocutionary items was contributed by Mr D, Kaye, Mrs J. M‘Gillivray, Mr K. Wright, and Miss -Marjorie Rutherford, The Te Houka Drama Group presented a one-act play, and Misses Violet Anderson, June Duff, Jean Copland, and' Jean Dow performed a Scotch reel. Speeches were made by representatives of visiting branches, members of the W. 1., and members of the Provincial Council. The latter urged that all farmers join up with the union and sa present a united front. At a meeting of the Balclutha Pipe Band committee a motion of condolence with the Gold family was carried in silence. It was decided to place an order for four new drums with a London firm. Mr E. B. Gold tendered his resignation as tutor, and this was accepted with regret. The annual meeting was fixed for October 3. In special meeting the Balclutha Boroug.i Council decided to take the necessary steps to purchase 40 acres from the Railway Department for the purpose of an airport in Balclutha. Cr A. E. Russell reported on what be had done in Wellington in the matter, and it was' after hearing his report that the motion was carried. The South Otago Hospital Board contemplates erecting a T.B. block at the base hospital at Balclutha, at an esticated cost of £4,000, and ah architect has been instructed to prepare the necessary plans. Mrs E. O’Brien, who passed away in Dunedin on the 10th nit., was the daughter of very old residents of Balclutha (Mr and Mrs Andrew Chapman). With her first husband, the late Mr F. A. Joseph, she removed to Dunedin some 3G years ago, and after his ‘untimely death she later married Mr O’Brien, who survives her, together with a daughter (Mrs Downes) and a son (Leslie). After a beautiful spring day yesterday the weather again broke last night, when heavy rain fell. To-day real wintry conditions have prevailed, with a cold wind and heavy showers. The Right Rev. W. A. R. Fitchett, M.A., Bisho’p of DUnedin, held a confirmation service in St. Mark’s Church, Balclutha, this evening. Anniversary services were held in the Balclutha Presbyterian Church to-day.