A walk round the Inch Clutha flood banks allows one to get an idea of the heroic fight waged against the river by the settlers in the recent flood (says the Clutha Leader).
Night and day they worked, up to the armpits in water in several places, and eye-witnesses say they never saw men toil like that voluntary band did.
By their untiring efforts they saved thousands of pounds' worth of property and stock.
It will take a good deal to repair the breaks and make the bank all round adequately safe.
Taking the island as a whole, not a great deal of harm has been done, although a few grass paddocks on the bottom end are ruined for this year.
• The Hanover Street Baptist Church was crowded last evening when the first baptismal service in the new building was conducted to the Rev. W. Hay.
Prior to the observance of the ordinances, Mr Hay preached from Romans vi, 3 and 4, and at the close of the sermon some very impressive words were addressed to the 10 persons who were afterwards immersed in the baptismal pool. The choir sung the Te Deum, and special pieces appropriate to the occasion.
It was thought that the special services in connection with the opening were concluded, but the Chinese connected with the church are arranging to have a special evening of their own. They have already been very generous, but as an expression of their appreciation of the kindness shown to them by the church they invite all to a tea and social gathering to-night, commencing at 6.30.
An interesting programme will be rendered in the church after tea by the Chinese and their teachers and friends.
• The ferry steamer Mararoa, which was aimed to leave Lyttelton shortly after 6 p.m. on Wednesday for Wellington, did not leave the wharf till 7 o'clock, the cause of the delay being a shortage of her complement of stokehold hands.
A Press reporter, who was on the wharf, was informed that the Mararoa had taken all her mails and passengers' luggage on board, and was ready to sail at 6.20 p.m., but could not leave, as she was three men short in the stokehold department.
In the meantime the chief engineer and one of his assistants had gone ashore to try to secure men to fill the vacancies. The latter asked several men in Norwich quay if they were willing to go, but they declined the offer of employment. A search in at least one hotel was equally fruitless.
• The Native chiefs throughout New Zealand have been circularised with a letter bearing an announcement as follows:- It has been decided by a committee to erect a memorial to Captain Cook.
The proposed monument will be an imposing structure to be erected on a hillock at Motuhara. This is an island at Arapawa, Poverty Bay, and the monument will be seen by ships passing to and from the great ocean Raukawa.
Why that spot has been selected is on account of it being the first station of Captain Cook's fleet on reaching these islands from England.
Therefore, the tribes and hapus throughout the North and South Islands are prayerfully asked that they will recognise the importance of the memento in respect of this great man, and to send along donations. The sum of 1000 is required. Chiefs are asked for substantial contributions.
- ODT, 11.11.1912.
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