SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23686, 20 September 1940, Page 10

SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

[From Our Correspondent] PERSONAL. Mr Thomas S. Cairns, who died in Dunedin recently at the age of 89 years, was well known in Kaitangata, whore he resided for many years. He was born in Morningside, Scotland, and with his wife and family arrived at Port Chalmers in the ship Timarn. in 1879. After arrival in New Zealand they resided for two years in Canterbury and then ..went to Kaitangata, where deceased spent practically the rest of his life. Taking an active interest in public affairs, the late Mr Cairns was elected to the Kaitangata- Borough Council in 1905, and in 1917 lie was elected mayor. His term was a busy one—the Great War was in progress, and Kaitangata experienced one of tho biggest floods recorded, many residents having to leave their homes in haste, and Mr Cairns had many calls upon his services. He ably handled the situation. and obtained Government relief for flood sufferers as well as starting a relief fund locally. He was a foundation member of the Church of Christ, and was a regular attender and lay preacher up to the time of his death. There was a family of throe daughters and seven sons (four of whom served in tho Great War), and of these he is survived by Messrs Adam and Thomas (Kaitangata), Robert (Canada)., David (Auckland), James (West Coast), Mrs Donaldson (Caversham), and Mrs Wilson (Palmerston South). His wife predeceased him 29 years ago. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

On Tuesday night District Officer E. V. Hughes and four members of the Balclutha Division visited Owaka and gave an interesting demonstration of first aid work and the latest stretcher drill to the Owaka members, of whom there was a good muster. The visitors were accorded a very hearty vote of thanks.

It is said that the Kaitangata division is likely to be resuscitated and that first aid and home nursing classes will be established there at an early date. QUEEN CARNIVAL ACTIVITIES.

South Otago districts are working hard in their efforts to raise money for. the support of the Air Force Queen (Miss Mary Pratt). Functions of various kinds have been held in all centres, and interest is keen. The Tokomairiro District Queen Carnival is creating great interest, and county and borough committees are competing with each other in the matter of attractions. At Milton on Monday night a very successful community sing was conducted under the leadership of Mr T. Bell, with Mr W. Taylor at the piano. Individual items were rendered by Misses Phyllis Martin (maid of honour to the borough queen. Miss N. Thornton), Alma Wilson, Isobel Gibson, and June Morris, Messrs J. Murphy and T. Bell, and Miss Thelma and Mr Jim Park. The “Horrible Harmonists” also contributed items A very successful auction sale was conducted by Mr W. Sligo, with Mr D. J. Sumpter as assistant. The programmes arranged by the respective committees include a gala day, Highland gathering, community sing conducted by “ Whang,” and numerous minor entertainments. .Both committees are pushing the sale of art union tickets, and, judging by the response being received in all parts of the district, the Air Force Queen should reap a rich harvest from South Otago. TABLE TENNIS. Excellent entries have been received by the South Otago Table Tennis Association for tbe championships to bo held at Balclutha on Friday and Saturday. Singles and doubles will be played, also handicap matches, and leading players from Dunedin will be taking part. It is also anticipated that several players from Southland will be competing, and the meeting promises to be very interesting.