SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 7, 30 April 1920, Page 9

SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

BALCLUTHA, April 26. PERSON AL. Mr John F. Walsh, who for some time has been carrying on business as a land and ccmmission agent has disposed of the business and aoeepted an appointment a.~ Quarter-Master Sergeant of the Defence Depa.rtment, and will be leaving {Lx the North Island early in May. He is to undergo a "refresher" coursn at Trentham. Mr Walsh, who was one of Ihe first rcturned soldiers in the town, carried on the duty of town clerk for the borou'gh, while the permanent officer wa& 011 active service. He took an active part in R.S.A. affairs and was one of the prinie movers in the formation of the Balclutha branch, and acted as secretary for some time. Latterly he voluntarily carried out the necessary duties when the Kscciation through tack of interest looked like fizzling out. He was also secretary of ihe Repatriation Department and generally took a keen interest in our local affairs. He will be much missed locally, and his many friends will wish he and Mr.s Walsh the best of luck in their new bome. THE WEATHER. The recent rains were a great blessing and the household water supply was well replenished. The rain came a bit late to save some of the turnips crops, bnt generally speaking it will do a tremendoug amount of good. HOSPITAL MATTERS. A meeting of the South Otago Hospital committee was held on Friday morning to. consider the report of Drs. Frengley and Wylie. The discussion was on the same lineg as that already reported, and the meeting merely decided to still go for separation, and use all their influence in getting a ibill put through next session to create a separate district. The increase of 50 per cent on the levy for 1920-21 was also discussed, and was consider ed a strong argument for separation. The local bodies have been left to deal with this ftspect of the question. HARBOUR BOARD RATING. A meeting of representatives of local bodies was held on Friday afternoon to discuss the proposed levy of the Otago Harbour Board. Mr Malcolm, M.P., was present and explained the position. The meeting unanimously passed resolutions, protesting against any such levy and formed itself into an organisation to opposc the proposah It was also agreed to ask the co-oporation of all local bodies and Farmers' Unions through o-ut the district in opprsivig the levy. The resolutions are to be forwarded to the Minister of Marino. KAITANGATA RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION. Tlio annual meeting of the Kaitangata Returncd Soldiers' Association was held in the club rooms on Wednesday evening, about 20 members being present. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : — President, Mr J. Ratcliffe, secretary and treasurer, Mr D. M'Ghee; committee — Messrs R. Semple, N. Nasmith, W. Gadsby, C. Thomas, and Jas. Carson. Correspondence was received from the Otago District re the visit of the Prince of Wales, and it was decided to fall in with Ihe arrangements. It was also decided to hold a smoke concert and re-union on Saturday evening, May lst, in the Masonic Hall, the committee to arrange the function. Several othcr rnatters affecting members were discussed, and the secretary was instructed to attend to same. FOOTFALL. The opening of the S.O.R.F.U. fixtures on Saturday drew good crowds. The match Toko v. Crescent at Kaitangata resulted in a win for the former by ten points (two penalties and a potted goal) to three (a try). The game was a very cxciting one and Crescent were unfortunate. The kicking of Heads was great and was a feature of the game. It was he who did the scoring for Toko, his potted goal being a beauty. Mr Sid. White (Balclutha) refereed. Tho Clutha-dinton game was rather ari easy win for the former. The final score being 18 — 0. Six tries were scored and not one converted. Clutha merely want a good plaee kick. The Clutha forwards were too good for their opponents at the finish and simply walked ove r- th.cm . The score at half-time being only 3 — 0. The visitors showed want of "vnnd," while tho local boys, who have been putting in some solid practice, were

quite fit. The backs indulged in some pretty passing, but did not gain much ground, running across the field instead of straight . This is a fault they will no doubt remedy before long. Mr J. Powley (Milton) refereed. The game was played on thc show ground, wliich is admirably adapted to the purpose. The season this year should be' a successful one, as with a decent ground to play on the "gates" should be better as this new playing area has grandstand and necessary buildings on it. These were conspicuous by their absence on the old ground. ANZAC DAY. Tlio Anzac Day Memorial Service held in Balclutha on Sunday was a unqualified success. A parade of returncd soldiers, cadets, Friendly Societies, etc., headed by the band, marched to the Oddfellows' Hail, where a very inipr,essive service w7as held. The Rev. S. J. Werren had the delivery of the address and spoke from Proverbs 10 — 7. "The memory of the just is Blessed. " The large audience listened with rapt- atention throughout. He was assisted by the other local ministersof religion. An impressive moment was the tribute to the fallen when the "Last rost" wa* sounded by Mr W. Low, and a wreath placed on the R.S.A. Roll of Honour. The brass band played the "Dead March in Saul." The movement was a feeling tribute to those who gave their lives that we might live. Special services wero conducted in all the churches at night, and special services were also conducted throughout the whole district.