The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 32

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. May 22. —There was a break in the weather on Wednesday afternoon, when heavy rain set in and continued until midday yesterday. Snow fell on the high country. To-day is fine, and the weather appears to be settled. Football. —The second game in the first round of the senior cup competition was played on Saturday last, when Queenstown met the Country Club’s team on the latter’s ground at Wharehuanui. The first spell was evenly contested, the score at half-time being:—Queenstown 3, Country nil. Queenstown had all the best of the second spell, and the game ended: — Queenstown 19, Country nil. Mr AV. R. Brown was the referee. Wakatipu Gun Club.—The Wakatipu Gun Club opened the season at Queenstown on Wednesday, May 13. The weather was fine, and there was a large attendance. The opening competition took the form of a six-bird shoot, in which upwards of 20 took part. Messrs L. Curtis, AV. Edwards, and D. R. Hamilton headed the list with five breaks out of six. L. Mann was the next best with four breaks. The three first named shot oft the tie with the result that L. Curtis won. After afternoon tea had been dispensed, Father Ardagh, vice-president, extended a welcome to members and visitors, and thanked the ladies for providing the refreshments. He also accorded a welcome to Mr L. J. Lynctewho had recently returned from a visit to the Old Country. General. —Mr R. Adamson, curator for the Otago Acclimatisation Society, is at present engaged in stripping fish m Hayes Creek, near" Arrowtown. A temporary hatchery has been erected at Ayrburn. This season the Otago Society has permission from the Lakes District Society to collect two and a-half million ova from Hayes Creek.-The present harvest is said to be the latest on record. At Crown terrace, where cutting is always much late than in other parts of the district, there is a small area still to be cut. Mowever all the barley crops are now in stack. Personal—Mr W. Rees, of Wellington, was a recent visitor to Q u , ee , nst -°' vl \ v Av Rees is a grandson of the late Mr W. G. Rees, who was one of the pioneers ot Wakatipu. and whose name wis given to one of the main streets in Queenstown and to a river at head of lake. Maior Bear divisional commander or the salvation Army. Dunedin, and Mrs Bear, arc spending their annual holidays in Queenstown. Lady Young, an English visitor, is spending a few days in Queenstown. -Mr J. E. Doolan, chief auditor for the New Zealand Railways, was in Queenstown this week on departmental business. OTAUTAU. Alay 21 —On Tuesday evening the members of the Ohai Cribbage Club visited the township for the purpose of playing an association match. Some interesting and close games were witnessed, and the local team managed to record a win by the small margin of four games, the scores being, Otautau 86, Ohai 82. At the conclusion of the match Mr W T . Ledingham, iun in the unavoidable absence of the , president, thanked the Ohai Club for their visit, and in response Mr MTntosh thanked the local club for their hospitality, and congratulated them on their win. ’ He hoped on the occasion of the return match the decision would be reversed. An enjoyable supper and cheers for both teams and the ladies terminated the proceedings. f * Social. —The local branch of St. Andrew’s Scottish Society held a members’ evening in the supner room on Wednesday, when the building was taxed to its capacity. Chief D. C. M'Crostie occupied the chair, and prior to the programme being presented, made feeling reference to the loss Mrs T. H. Cuppies had sustained in the death of her mother. He asked all to stand in silence as a mark of respect, after which the lament “ The Flowers of the Forest” was played by three pipers. 2k good programme was rendered, the various items meeting with an enthusiastic reception. The following contributed: —Songs, Miss V. Bird, Alise D. Wilson (Winton), Messrs H. Hogg, D. C. M'Crostie, A. Coulter, and N. C. Clapp; pianoforte solos, Miss A. Al'Culloch and Mr G. Brooker; duet, Mrs A. A. Liddell and Miss Wils>on; quartet, Messrs H. Hogg. D. C. Al'Crostie. A. Coulter, and N. C. Clapp; sailor’s hornpipe, Miss Lily Maxwell; and Highland fling, Miss Alison Angus and Piper Millar. Mrs H. Hogg and Mr E. Jellyman acted as accompanists for the singers. Football. —The junior game, Otautau v. Riverton, was played on the recreation ground on Wednesday, and resulted in a win for the local team by 7 7 points to 6. Mr M'Crostie was referee. The seniors journeyed to Riverton the same day. a . draw being the result. Mr Al. Mills controlled the game. Euchre.—Thirty-three players were present at the euchre social run by the ladies of the Roman Catholic Church in the supper room on Monday evening. Eighteen games were played, Mrs Rawlinson being first with 14 games. She was presented with half-a-dozen tumblers. Miss A. Bennett was runner-up with 12 games, and received a powder bowl. Mr L. Pulley was awarded a pen and pencil for the gentlemen’s prize, with 14 games, and Mr T. Norman was presented with a torch for the runner-up. RIVERSDALE. May 22.—The weather has been good, .with heavy frosts in the mornings, but fine days. Owing to the exceptionally bad harvest weather a number of farmers have not their crops stacked, and there are still crops to be cut. Hockey.—The local hockey team was defeated by Waikaia on Saturday by nine goals to one.

Draughts Club. —The annual meeting of the draughts club was held in the Pavillion. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—Mr Jas. Stevenson (Willowbank), president; Mr Thos. Dennington, secretary; Mr D. Al'Leiinan, captain. A few games were enjoyed after the meeting. Social.—The dancing season will shortly start in and around Riversdale. The euchre parties still continue to be a big success, and large crowds assemble to enjoy the evening’s games. HERBERT. May 21. —An exceptionally good concert was given in the hall by St. Luke’s Choir, Oamaru, the proceeds being in aid of the local Anglican Church. The Rev. Mr Stace in a very fine speech opened the proceedings. The following was the programme:—St. Luke’s Bible Class orchestra; part songs, the choir; vocal trio, Messrs Hodge, Woodward, and Oaten; and songs by Mrs Adams, Misses Russell, Glover, and Ferrier, and Messrs Hodge, Williamson, Woodward, and Oaten. The accompaniments were played by Mr Burry. A feature of the evening was stories and monologues by Mr Alan Young, his performance fairly bringing down the house. At the conclusion of the programme the Rev. Mr Stace moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Burry (who arranged the programme), the church officers, members of the choir, Young Men’s Bible Class, and any who hail assisted to make the function such a success. This was accorded by acclamation. He then asked Archdeacon Russell to address the audience for a few minutes. The Archdeacon’s reminiscences went back over his 25 years’ residence in the district.

1' arewell Social.—A meeting was held in the hall on Saturday evening, when there was a good attendance of residents, the business being to arrange a farewell social and dance to do honour to Mr and Airs Couch, who have sold their property and are leaving the district. It was decided to hold the function on May 29. Mr and Mrs Couch have been an acquisition to the. district, and during their 14 years’ residence have been very popular with all sections of the community, as they have always been ready to assist with anything for the welfare of the district. Their musical ability is of a high order, and their places will be hard to fill. NEWS TOPICS. rV ls ,-^ ay Nicol on Thursday disposed of her freehold property and confectionery business in Tapanui to Mrs K. E. Casey, of Gore. Mrs Nicol will leave Tapanui in a few days for the Catling district, where she will reside. The Milton Borough Council has fixed the mayoral, honorarium for the current term of office at £4O per annum—the amount ruling for several years past. The Mayor (Mr Janies Gray) generously offered to accept a lesser grant, but the council unanimously declined to reduce the amount. Mr A. Riacb, who has been the proprietor of the Caledonian Hotel for the past five years, ha s disposed of the hotel to Air A. Norwood, of Wanganui. Mr Riach was recently elected a member of the Alexandra Borough Council, and his removal from the town will leave a vacancy to be filled. Miss Dorothy Ironside was the recipient of a small presentation from her many friends prior to her departure to Wellington to take up a position there. Miss Ironside was particularly popular in local musical circles, being organist of the Presbyterian Church, and her talent was always available for the local dances. Considerable interest was taken in the election on Tuesday for two councillors to complete the Tapanui Borough Council. The result was : J. S. Varcoe, 90 votes; Robert Duff, 73 votes (elected); L. A. Kirk, 55 votes. The two councillors elected were in the old council, while Mr Kirk stood for the first time. Miss E. J. Hare, who has just resigned from the position of infant mistress at the Alexandra School, was the recipient of several presentations before leaving Alexandra. By the Croquet Club, of which she had . been a member, she was presented with a cup, saucer, and plate, and at a meeting of the School Committee appreciation of her services was recorded in the minutes.

OBITUARY. The death occurred somewhat suddenly at his residence, Lowburn Ferry, of Mr Ernest M. Sanders, a wellknown resident of the district for over half a century. He came from Queensland with his parents when quite a young man, and later came to Cromwell, where he followed various occupations. For many years he was in the employ of the Vincent County Council. He is survived by a widow and a grownup family of six sons and two daughters, all resident in this district. He was of a quiet, unassuming disposition and was held in high esteem. DISTRICT DOCTORS’ FUND. The annual meeting of the Wanaka District Doctors’ Fund was held in the Pembroke Hall, when the annual report and balance sheet was read to a representative meeting of over 50 members. The balance sheet showed that the sound position of the fund had been well maintained during the past year. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—Chairman, Mr R. Wilson; secretary, Mr J. M. Mackay; committee—Messrs J. Rowley, R. Kingan, and J. Pringle (Hawea), J. S. Hunt

(Maungawera), W. Reid, J. Todd (Luggate), G. Waters and R. Lee (Cardrona), H. Barker, William Bovett (Mount Barker), G. Humphries (Makarora), R. Walker, C. Sullivan, and Charles Barker (Pembroke). ”

FARMERS’ UNION. The annual meeting of the Middlemareh branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held on May 12. Mr James Howell was re-elected chairman; Messrs A. M'Kinnon and G. Howell were elected vice-chairmen; Mr James MTlardy was elected secretary, and Air G. Howell was appointed delegate to the conference. A very strong committee was reelected. A very strong protest was carried against the proposed removal of the protection on stoats and weasels. A deputation from the local Unemployment Committee, consisting of Alessrs W. D. Alason and Alexander APKinnon, explained to the branch the working of the Unemployment Board in regard to the No. 4A plan, and urged upon farmers to take a comprehensive view of it. CLYDE SCHOOL REUNION. At a well-attended meeting of residents, presided over by Mr H. E. Stevens, considerable enthusiasm was shown towards the proposal to hold a school reunion. The chairman said that the school records held by the Education Board indicated 66 years of activity, but, as a matter of fact, it was some years before that that the first school was opened. After considerable discussion it was decided to hold the reunion the first week in November. The following Executive Committee was appointed:—Messrs H. E. Stevens, S. A. Stevens, J. L. Davidson, J. Holt. J. Smart. L. Vercoe, C. J Hanning, jun.. Rev. A. B. Pywell, AV. Gye, and J. Vercoe, sen., Mecsdames Annan, Allan, 11. E. Stevens. C. J. Hanning, sen. A special Ladies’ Committee wag also elected, consisting of the following:—Mesdames Allan, Annan, IL E. Stevens, C. J. Hanning, Davis, E. C. Wood, Williams, Gillies, Alooney, Holt, Hanning, jun., and Aliss A. Bodkin. At a later meeting the executive appointed six committees for each decade, whose special duty it is to search the rolls and circularise old scholars. Air H. E. Stevens was appointed chairman of the executive and Air J. L. Davidson secretary.

MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING. The Cromwell Railway Aliniature Rifle Club held recently its first shoot for the Dr Harrison memorial shield. L- Paterson won the rifle button and A. Dewar the handicap. Cromwell, with a score of 458, beat Railway (452) in the team shoot. The scores were as follow:—L. Paterson, 79 (1), 80; A. Dewar. 79 (5), 80; E. Lynch, 78 (3), 80; J. Webb. 75 (5), 80; G. Hayward, 72 (8), 80; AV. Vient, 78 (1), 79; A. Hughes, 78 (1), 79; J. Boyes, 75 (4), 79: F. Aliddleton, 74 (5), 79; G. M'Nulty, 71 (8), 79; D. Austin, 71 (8). 79; J. Parcell. 74 (5), 79; J. Al'Lachlan, 77 (1). 78; G. Wallis. 71 (7). 78; W. Campbell. 71 (6), 77; R. Alitchell. 68 .(9). 77; B- Berryman, 68 (9), 77; J. O’Neill. 76 (1). 77: V. Saunders. 72 (6). 78; R. Bell. 74 (3), 77; G. Alains, 68 (8), 76; R. Bramly. 74 (2), 76; AV. AVebb. 71 (3), 74; R. Orr, 67 (3). 70; J. Stumbles. 61 (9), 70; J. Dennison, 65 (5), 70; R. Bruce, 56 (9), 65. MINISTERIAL INDUCTION. The induction of the Rev. AV. J. Bevis, late of Owaka, as minister to the Alex-andra-Clyde Presbyterian parish was carried out by members of Central Otago Presbytery in the Alexandra Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening before a large congregation. Those taking part in the service were the Revs. A. R. Chisholm (Cromwell), J. S. Young (Ranfurly), J. S. Murray (Queenstown), G. H. Crockett (Lauder), and P. S. Keane (Oturehua). At the conclusion of the induction the gathering retired to the Sunday School Hall, where Air and Airs Bevis were welcomed by the congregation. Addresses of welcome were given by Alessrs R. S. Kinnaird (Earnscleugh), the Mayor of Alexandra (Air AV. Bringans), C. B. Robertson, C. E. Richards, the Rev. J. S. Young, and Airs L. C. AVeaver. The Rev Mr Bevis made appropriate reply. During the evening vocal items were rendered by the choir and Alisses D. Al. Simonsen, V. AlTntosh, and Air J. B. Arnott. At the conclusion of the welcome Air A. Ashworth, on behalf of the managers, presented the interim moderator (the Rev. A. R. Chisholm, of Cromwell) with a cheque as a token of appreciation of the faithful way in which he had carried out the duties of interim moderator during the 15 months the parish had been vacant. Air Chisholm suitably replied.

PLOUGHING MATCH ASSOCIATION At the annual meeting of the Drummond Ploughing Alatch Association a large attendance was presided over by Mr J. A. Lindsay. The balance sheet showed the association to be in a sound nosition. The resignation of Air T. Buckingham as secretary was accepted with regret, several members speaking in eulogistic terms of the fine services rendered to the association by Air Buckingham for the 29 years he bad so ably filled the post of secretary. Air Buckingham was unanimously elected a life member of the association, and in thanking members for the honour he referred to the cordial relations which had always existed between members and himself. He urged upon younger members the necessity of. upholding the fine traditions of the association. The depression, he declared. would pass as other periods of hardship had done, and they should take heart in the fact that they were farming in the finest portion of one of the very best provinces in New Zealand. It was decided to hold the ploughing match on the usual date, the first AVednesday in July, and a committee was appointed to make a final choice of a suitable paddock. The question of holding a sheep dog trial came up for consideration, and it was decided to hold the event if sufficient local entries were forthcoming. Mr D. Jones was appointed president, Air D. Stalker vice-president, Mr D. Brown secretary, and Mr J. B. Lindsay treasurer. A strong committee wag also elected to make arrangements for the forthcoming match.

INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY. The nineteenth half-yearly meeting of the Alexandra Co-operative Society, Ltd., was held in the Alasonic Hall. Air Kinnaird presided over a fair attendance of members. The secretary submitted the report and balance sheet for the half-year ended December 31, which showed the cash sales for the period to be £5846 Us lOd and the net profit available for distribution £212 2s Id, which the committee recommended for disposal as follows:—lnterest on paid-up capital at 6J per cent, per annum, £4B 5s 6d; bonus on purchases (except bntter and tobacco), at Is in £, £163 16s 7d. The reserve fund now stood at £687 15s 2d. and the paid-up capital amounted to £1583 4s sd. The amount of members’ loans to the society totalled £652 2s 3d. Air Kinnaird, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, congratulated those conducting the society on doing so well during the last half-year, in spite of the bad times through which they were passing. He said he thought they were fortunate in being able to pay Is in the £ in times like the present. He appealed to members to invest what money they could in the society, and share in the interest that was being paid to the bank. By doing so, they would be not only reducing the overdraft at the bank, but would be keeping the interest among themselves. The society was paying 6 per cent, on loans from members, and no member could invest more than £2OO. He referred to the effect the society had in controlling the cost of living since its inception nearly 10 years ago. Alexandra was now looked upon as the cheapest place to live in in the. Central, and it was the Co-operative Society that was responsible for it. Air AlGinnis seconded the motion, and expressed his pleasure at seeing such a good balance sheet at a time like the present.. He thought they owed their success in a large measure to their manager (Air Ashworth), who was honest, trustworthy, and consistent. — (Applause.) . The motion for the adoption was carried unanimously

Air Ashw/jrth thanked the previous speaker for the complimentary references to himself, and said he thought they oould bo shared by the members and the staff. The manager could not do much unless he had the loyal support of the members. He said there was room for greater loyalty by some of their members than existed at present. If every member was 100 per cent, loval they would have their new shop paid off by now, and would be saving interest He said they were only laying the foundation of co-operation yet They were making sure to lay it safe and sound with a view to the future expansion of the society. They were working along the lines of the Rochdale pioneers, and what they did at Home they were capable of doing here in the Dominion. He referred to the steady growth of the reserve fund, which was now nearly naif of the paid-up capital. He said the stock was well written down, and the society would benefit thereby as time went on. He endorsed what the chairman had said in regard to loan investments, and thought the members of the society could with advantage carry the amount owing to the bank among themselves. It was a gilt-edged investment for members, better than the Savings Bank as far as the rate of interest was concerned, and the members had the property of the society as security. He paid a tribute to the work of the 2.1 an a ment Committee, and said be thought the members of it deserved great credit for the position the society was in to-day He referred to the abnormal times thiough which the Dominion was pasisng as a result of the decline in the value of primary products, and stressed the xalue of cash trading. By adhering to that system they would weather the storm more effectively. Air Ashworth resumed his seat amid applause. „ A . fter an , interesting discussion on the altairs of the society the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.