Port Molyneux 7 - Holidays and Wars

SOCIAL HALL AT PORT MOLYNEUX.

ITS INTERESTING HISTORY. 

Recently a committee of residents purchased the old jetty shed at Port Molyneux, to be retained as a hall for holding dances, etc. It was sold by the Clutha River Board for £2O, and should be of considerable service yet with a few minor repairs. 

An interesting history attaches to the building, as the following facts will illustrate. 

The shed was originally erected at Clydevale in the early sixties, and was not long there when it was brought down in the old river steamer Tuapeka by Captain Murray, and erected at the mouth of the Puerua, and used as a flaxmill by Capt. Murray and, a Mr Miller. A brief run as a flaxmill, under the control of these gentlemen, resulted in Messrs Geo. Balloch and John Wylie, of Port Molyneux, taking it over as a going concern. Prices for hemp fell below a paying price, and these gentlemen gave it up. The building was sold by them to the late G. F. Reid, of Dunedin, then interested in the steamers plying between Dunedin and Port Molyneux, and he got Mr Andrew Melville, of Port Molyneux, to shift it bodily to its present site, to be used as a general storage shed at the wharf. It was erected on a reserve belonging to the Waste Lands Board. Mr Melville did the work with his bullock team, and Mr Mason, who had superintended the building of the river steamer "Balclutha" on the beach at Port Molyneux, had charge of the shifting operations, and the building was placed on its present site and turned into a general cargo shed. After Mr Reid's death, Mr Nimmo, of the firm of Nimmo and Blair, took the building over, and for some time it was used in connection with the ocean freight traffic Dunedin to Port Molyneux and vice versa. Many tons of grain were often stored in it by the up-country farmers. 

After the flood in 1878, when the river changed its course, the shed lay useless. The sea traffic had come to an end. Dances were often held in it but its purpose as a storeage accommodation shed had passed away. 

When Mr A. Melville was a member of the Clutha River Board of Conservators, he got small grants for its repair, and the question has arisen as to how the present River Board came to claim control over it, nor is it clear why it was ever repaired at the expense of the Conservators, as they were then called. Possibly the fact that the Board spent money on it gave them some sort of control over it, but it was never their property, and is not erected on their property. At least these are statements made to us by those who claim to know. 

However, the local people are to be congratulated on getting possession of it, and with a few pounds spent on repairs should be a valuable asset to the district.  -Clutha Leader, 5/7/1910.

The Hall or Jetty Store - better photo will be added after I return to the place.

Reused railway sleeper holding up the (once) river end of the Hall.

On Wednesday night an old identity of Port Molyneux passed away there in the person of Mr George Cunningham, aged 73, who settled in the district in 1876. He served in the Indian Mutiny with General Whitelock, and possessed a medal for his active service in that campaign. His favourite pastime was draughts, and he once had the pleasure of defeating "Herd Laddie" on the board. His family is all grown up, and Mrs Cunningham survives him. For the past few years deceased had not enjoyed good health, being a sufferer from asthma.  Otago Witness, 19/3/1913.



War came to Port Molyneux, as to the rest of New Zealand, in 1914.  As was the case around the nation, the ladies of the area went to work to produce "comforts" for the troops.    Equally important in the minds of New Zealand's population were the civilians of Belgium, suffering under German occupation.  Money was raised for the Belgian cause all around New Zealand and Port Molyneux was no exception.

Alexander Kenneth Campbell joined up in 1915 and left for the army in May.

PERSONAL

On Saturday all the officials in charge of the various telephone bureaux in the Kaitangata Post Office district, with their families, assembled at Port Molyneux to make a presentation to Mr W. F. Bennetts, postmaster at Kaitangata, in recognition of the kindness he has shown to those who are  isolated by reading the latest war news in the evenings by telephone. A splendid repast was provided, after which Mr T. Johnson (Wangaloa), in a neat speech, eulogised the services and kindness of Mr Bennetts, and presented him with a beautiful gold pendant, suitably inscribed. In reply, Mr Bennetts, who was taken by surprise, returned thanks for the unexpected gift.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/1/1916.

There was a record crowd at the Port Molyneux sports on New Year's Day, and the gate takings were £91. The proceeds of the sports are to be donated to patriotic funds, and, as there were good entries in nearly every case and several competitors handed back their winnings in the interests of the patriotic funds, the society will be able to hand over a substantial cheque. One Milton driver who had a dragful of occupants drove too far out in the surf, and struck a rock, which resulted in the temporary "wrecking" of his vehicle and the thorough soaking of all its occupants. In this accident one young lady sustained a broken rib. Several collisions occurred between bicycles, vehicles, and motorists between Balclutha and the beach.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/1/1916.

Caledonian Sports Day.  Hocken Library photo.

Part of the civilian effort was the buying and packing of clothes and medical supplies for the troops.  Descriptions of the effort made appeared regularly in the local papers and this is a good example, one of many - 

NEW ZEALAND AND THE WAR

PORT MOLYNEUX RED CROSS. The secretary of the Port Molyneux Red Cross Association begs to acknowledge with thanks the following donations:—

Mrs Melville £l, Miss Kinder 4s, collected by Y. Paterson £4, Mrs A. Johnston £l, Mrs F. Bates 5s. A case of goods forwarded to Dunedin contained 15 calico bandages, 17 flannel bandages, five pairs overall sleeves, two face cloths, 23 carbolised shirts, six pairs flannel pants, six flannel singlets, 21 pairs socks, two pairs cuffs, 31 medicine cloths, 26 fomentation cloths, l6 diet cloths, six hussifs, 10 service bags, 10 dusters, 71/2 pyjama suits.  -Clutha Leader, 23/6/1916.

PERSONAL
In the casualty lists issued this week appears the name of Lance-corporal Thomas Henry Cross as being severely wounded on August 4. Lance-corporal Cross is a son of Mr T. Cross, of Port Molyneux.   -Clutha Leader, 18/8/1916.

A few days later, Thomas is reported as being in the 2nd Australian General Hospital, Boulogne, with lung trouble.  He survived the war and farmed in Canterbury.

KAKA POINT NOTES

A meeting of the Kaka Point Welfare Society was held at Mrs Henderson's boarding-house on Monday night, to make arrangements for the annual concert. Mr E. J. Boyd presided over a representative attendance of members. It was decided to hold an open-air concert on New Year's night on Mrs Henderson's grounds, and a strong committee was elected to draw up a programme and make other arrangements. The chairman reported that a deputation from the Port Molyneux branch of the Red Cross Society had waited upon him relative to the disposal of the money collected at the concert, and suggested that monetary assistance might be given to this branch of the Red Cross Society. Mr Boyd stated that he had not held out any hope to the deputation of giving assistance in the direction indicated this year, as he thought any surplus funds should be utilised in improving the roads, etc., at the Point. The matter was fully debated, and it was unanimously decided that the proceeds from the concert should be spent on local improvements.  -Clutha Leader, 29/12/1916.

In January, 1917, David Melville was called up for the army.  A month later, it was the turn of fisherman Charles Moore. In March, James Cunningham and James Scott, in April it was John Aitkenhead and James Campbell.  James Scott appealed his call-up but his appeal was dismissed.  James Campbell appealed his and was given a "C3" rating (usable for sedentary work only).  John Aitkenhead also appealed his -

MILITARY SERVICE BOARDS

John George Aitkenhead (a Crown tenant at Port Molyneux) had his appeal supported by Mr R. R. Stewart. Appellant said he had married in December last. He managed 200 acres for his father, who was 65 years of age, and he had his own farm as well. Captain Barrett said it seemed to be only a question of labour required. The case was referred to the Efficiency Board, and adjourned for one month.   -Otago Daily Times, 4/5/1917.

CASES AT BALCLUTHA

FEW APPEALS ALLOWED

THE "RAKE-OVER" AT THE END OF FIRST DIVISION

In the adjourned case of John Geo. Aitkenhead - (farmer, Port Molyneux), Mr D. Stewart said this matter had been adjourned for a report from the Efficiency Board. — The appellant answered a number of questions put by the chairman, principally on financial matters. — The appeal was dismissed, the appellant to go to camp with the 33rd draft on August 18.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/6/1917. 

In September of 1917 it was the turn of David Marshall and Andrew Wylie - Andrew had volunteered previously but been refused.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Corporal Vincent Martin (Mrs L. Henderson, Port Molyneux, mother) was wounded on October 12. He was well known in this district, more especially the Port Molyneux locality. Before going abroad on active service with the 16th reinforcements he was employed as a cleaner on the New Zealand railways at Taumaranui, North Island.   -Clutha Leader, 30/10/1917.

Vincent was 21 when he was wounded, he had served for about a year and a half.  He suffered a gunshot wound in the right arm and was eventually discharged as unfit for military service.  Before his discharge he was sent to a VD hospital in March, 1918.  In June he was sent to Torquay, where it is possible he met his wife, Amy, a native of the town.  They were married in Birmingham in August and Amy sailed with him on the army troopship which took them home.  They arrived in October of 1918.

ATHLETIC UNION. At a meeting of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union affiliation was granted to the following clubs: — Port Molyneux, Kelso, Mount Ida, and Luggate. It was decided to notify all societies under the jurisdiction of the centre that should the total expenses of any meeting exceed 25 per cent, of the total proceeds, it would be necessary for the society concerned to comply with the new regulations governing the amusement tax. The meeting also decided to forward a congratulatory message to Lance-corporal A. K. Campbell — a life member of the Port Molyneux Caledonian Society — who recently won the Military Medal in France.  -Otago Witness, 5/12/1917.

PORT MOLYNEUX CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

EARLY HISTORY.

The following is a list of the names of the past presidents of the society since 1908: — 1908, Kenneth Campbell; 1909, Jas. Wright; 1910, J. B. Campbell, 1911, D. Tilson; 1912, W. Carrick; 1913, Frederick Bates; 1914, A. C. Inglis; 1913, J. Bates; 1916, A. Heckler; 1917, Jas. Cunningham. Mr Kenneth Campbell, who was president in 1908, was also secretary at various times. It is interesting to mention that Mr Campbell, who is at present on active service, was recently the recipient of a military medal for distinguished services on the field of action.  -Bruce Herald, 7/1/1918.

CLUTHA NEWS ITEMS

A recent cable message announced that Lance-corporal A. K. ("Kenny") Campbell, Port Molyneux, had received he military medal for distinguished conduct on the field of action. Presumably it was in the Messines Battle where Lance-corporal Campbell specially distinguished himself, as after that battle he was personally complimented by his commanding officer. Lance-corporal Campbell left New Zealand with the 1st Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade (Lord Liverpool's Own), and has been in France close on two years.  -Bruce Herald, 13/12/1917.

HONOURING OUR BOYS

PORT MOLYNEUX FAREWELL. 

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. A very enjoyable social was held in the Port Molyneux Hall on Tuesday evening (April 2) to bid farewell to Private W. Aitkenhead, who was home on final leave. The social took the form of dancing, with songs and recitations. Songs were rendered by Misses M. and A. Fleming and Wilson, Mr A. Kilgour and Master Jack Stiven, and a recitation was given by Miss Simmonds. Misses Bates and Thomson were the accompanistes. During an interval Mr A. M. Wylie, on behalf of the residents of Port Molyneux, in a few appropriate remarks, presented Private Aitkenhead with a safety razor. The recipient suitably replied. An ample supply of refreshments was provided by the ladies. Music for the dance was supplied by Miss Kirk and Mr Townley (violin) and Mr Mason (piano).  -Clutha Leader, 9/4/1918. 

The side room (refreshments room?) of the Hall.  Once the place for send-offs and welcomes back.

The war news was good as the year 1918 progressed, but the war still demanded its pounds of flesh.  Frederick Arthur, a port fisherman, was called up in April; farmer John Murdoch in July.  John was able to appeal his drafting and was given a condition exemption by the Military Service Board on account of his dairying work.

Private A Prentice was farewelled in the Hall in August.

In October of 1918 came the news that Henry Tilson had been killed in action the previous month.  Henry had won the Military Medal not long before his death near Cambrai in the period of the war known as the "100 days offensive" which broke the powers of the German army.  Henry Tilson, a good scholar, who performed a recitation at the Sunday School social in 1909, who left New Zealand in October of 1917 with one more year to live.

TILSON.—In loving memory of Corporal Henry Tilson, M.M. (30th Reinforcements), who was killed in action at Bonavis Ridge, near Cambrai, September 29, 1918, dearly loved eldest son of John and the late F,. W. Tilson, in his 22nd year. 

He sleeps beside his comrades 

In a hallowed grave unknown, 

But his name is written in letters of gold 

In the hearts he left at home. 

— Inserted by his loving father, sisters, and brother. 

TILSON. — In sad but loving memory of Private Henry Tilson (30th Reinforcements), who was killed in action "Somewhere in France," September 29, 1918. 

— Inserted by friends, Port Molyneux.   -Otago Witness, 30/9/1919.

TILSON.—In loving memory of Corporal Henry Tilson, M.M. (30th Reinforcements), who was killed in action at Bonavis Ridge, near Cambrai, September 29, 191S, dearly loved son of John and the late E W. Tilson; in his twenty-second year. 

He marched away so bravely, His head he proudly held,

His footsteps never faltered, His courage never failed. 

Then on the field of battle, He calmly took his place, 
And fought and died for Britain And the honour of his race. 
— Inserted by his loving father sisters, and brother.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/9/1920.

Port Molyneux Cemetery.

PERSONAL.

On Tuesday evening, October 29, a welcome-home social was held in the Reomoana Schoolhouse to Corporal V. Martin, who went away in the 16th reinforcements and recently returned from the front, bringing his English bride with him. There was a large attendance of Kaka Point and Port Molyneux residents at the social.  -Clutha Leader, 5/11/1918.

In the wake of the Great War came the Spanish influenza epidemic.  No locality was spared but the Port did its best to "carry on regardless."  With the war over and the epidemic abating, there was a holiday mood.

A visit to Port Molyneux last Sunday found that that seaside resort was very much alive, in spite of the recent epidemic (writes our Kaitangata correspondent) in conversation with the secretary of the Caledonian Society, that gentleman stated that everything pointed to a very successful gathering at the sports to be held on New Year's Day, and the Port would be even more popular this year than ever before.  -Clutha Leader, 20/12/1918.

PORT MOLYNEUX CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

51st ANNUAL SPORTS. The fifty-first annual gathering under the auspices of the Port Molyneux Caledonian Society was held on the Wilsher Bay reserve on New Year's Day under conditions which proved more favourable than were anticipated after the stormy weather which prevailed on New Year's eve. The fierce gale which raged with the closing hours of the old year died away toward midnight, and clear skies and a prospect of a pleasant New Year's Day appeared to bring the most pessimistic into cheerful spirits; and as the morning was hailed with bright sunshine the usual heavy traffic on every road leading to the sports ground was witnessed. Every kind of vehicle, from the luxuriant motor to the humble farm conveyance was on the road, each with its full load of passengers. A well-appointed committee had prepared everything in good time to make a start with the various events in schedule time. As a matter of course the bulk of the work fell on the willing shoulders of the secretary (Mr A. M. Wylie), an experienced veteran in sports programmes. The president (Mr J. Murdoch) was most fortunate in having a staff who fully understood their duties, and to the press steward (Mr J. Wright) the press representatives were indebted for the manner in which the results of the events were given. The sum of £95 9s ld was taken at the gates, and a pretty fair estimate of the number of persons on the grounds would be slightly over 2000. Some very close finishes to the running events added favour to the day. The 75yds dash brought out some keen competition, as it always does, and the winner was applauded for his well-fought victory. Tapp, the winner of the mile distance, neatly judged his running, and the fine spurt he put on on his entry into the last lap gave him just sufficient time to land him on the tape abreast of Kerr. The piping and dancing were evidently more in favour than anything else on the programme, and this may be partly accounted for by the remarks of the judge, who stated that he was more than pleased with the performances, which were of a higher standard than any he had previously judged at the seaside sports. The Kaitangata Enterprise Band contributed some fine selections, marches, etc., on the grounds. A number of booths on the grounds were continually besieged by visitors, and good business was done all day.   -Clutha Leader, 7/1/1919.

With a month of the enjoyment of the annual Caledonian sports the Clutha River asserted itself once again.  Its 1919 flood was second only to the disastrous one of 1878.

Heavy Flood in the Molyneux.

Stirling Inundated.

Anxiety at Balclutha. 

LOW LANDS UNDER WATER

The persistent downpour of rain during the early part of this week caused a sensational rise in the river Molyneux, and on Monday and Tuesday Balclutha experienced its most anxious time since the occasion of the record flood-in 1878.

The protective embankment at the northern end of the town has stood the terrific strain put upon it, but fears are entertained that, unless there is an abatement of the flood waters, the structure will give way. Many residents considered that the water at the traffic bridge reached as high a level as in 1878, and the lowest estimate is that it is 2ft lower.

On Monday evening a gang of men was put on to patrol the bank on the watch for possible breaks. At 5 a.m. on Tuesday the fire bell was rung to summon assistance, as the water was percolating through the bank in several places. Other peremptory summonses for assistance were given before 8 a.m., and shortly afterwards close on 100 men were working at high pressure with sandbags to stop the breaches. Gangs of men worked steadily on the embankment throughout the day. Trouble with leakages and slight breaks in the bank kept recurring during the day and evening, and at 10 p.m. one opening had become so pronounced that urgent calls for assistance were sent out, as the danger was of the gravest nature.

At 11 p.m. the fire bell again rang out a warning, and it was found that a breach near the saleyards had widened slightly, and that more labor was urgently required to save the embankment. The residents put up a stern fight against odds. By midnight on Tuesday the water had gone down nine inches, and the embankment was secure. Barnego was completely under water, and the settlers' houses were flooded. The Balclutha dairy factory, near the traffic bridge, was submerged by water to a depth of 5ft, Shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday the river overflowed the bank at Mr Crawford Anderson's, Stirling, and rushed in a torrent into the little township. In ten minutes the flood surged through the town to a depth of three feet, and several residents had considerable difficulty in escaping to safety. One family — Pryor's — comprising the parents and six young children, to remain in the house, with the result that at 7 a.m. on Tuesday a boat had to be sent by lorry from Balclutha, and the family had to be rescued from the uncomfortable vantage point of the roof. Stirling presented a sorry sight on Tuesday evening. Several houses and shops were flooded to a depth of from 4ft to 6ft. Miss Morrison's shop shared the same fate as in May, 1917, being carried midway onto the road, where it rested against the telephone wires, breaking the last means of communication with Inchclutha,

A good deal of anxiety is felt concerning the safety of the settlers at Inch Clutha, Otanomomo, and the lower part of the settlement called Paretai. The roads are impassable, and there is no telephonic communication. The large and fertile flats between Stirling and Kaitangata were also completely inundated, and road and railway traffic to Kaitangata was cut off.

A considerable number of Milton residents journeyed to Balclutha on Tuesday to view the desolate spectacle caused by the flood. Spread along the terrace from Stirling to Balclutha were numbers of people, arriving in every description of vehicle, who sat and gazed in awe inspired silence at the vast waste of water spreading out as far as the eye could see in the direction of Port Molyneux. The scene presented by Balclutha, maintaining its precarious position on a low peninsula, and surrounded by the swollen torrent as it emerges from the constricted valley above, gave rise lo mournful reflections on the inevitable fate of the town, and speculation as to what degree of danger will be necessary to convince the townspeople of the egregious error made by Mr Kettle (company's surveyor) in selecting Iwikatea as a suitable site for a town. The opinion was freely expressed that this stupid tenacity of the people to cling to their property, despite repeated warnings, will inevitably lead to disaster. The panorama of the waste of waters extending in an uninterrupted sheet from the foot of the hills round Stirling and Benhar to the opposite side by Kaitangata, was a depressing picture, covering, from hills to hills, all the flat land from Lovells Flat to Port Molyneux, a distance of 12 to 14 miles.

Looking in the direction of Romahapa, the flood extended to the low terrace on which the railway run to Owaka, the low-lying district of Otanomo being completely submerged, and the Finegand freezing works standing isolated like a sand bank at half tide. As for the Island! Where was it? This garden of Otago containing 7000 acres of magnificent land was untraceable, the only recognisable features on the whole submerged area being two straight lines faintly indicated by the trees growing alongside the Kaitangata railway and the swamp road. Patches of trees and bush would doubtless assist in the location and identification of a housetop peeping above the turgid waters. On Tuesday night it was reported that most of the townspeople — men, women, and children — spent a miserable night in drizzling rain on the hills adjacent, afraid to turn in at home, as the pulsating state of the protective bank did not afford any guarantee of their security. As a result of the river receding after midnight on Tuesday, the people returned to their homes, and on Wednesday morning the town was wrapped in slumber, but was rudely awakened by a telegraphic message from an up-river station to warn residents of a fresh flood coming.  -Bruce Herald, 30/1/1919.

UNVEILING MEMORIAL TABLET.

CEREMONY AT PORT MOLYNEUX.

At a function held under the auspices of the Loyal Alexandra Lodge, M.U.I.O.O.F. Port Molyneux; to welcome home soldier brethren. Per. Sec. Brother Wylie, on behalf of the lodge brethren, unveiled a beautifully executed plaster tablet erected as a roll of Honour for the lodge's soldier brethren. Bro. Wylie, in unveiling the tablet, said that it afforded him very great pleasure to extend a hearty welcome to their soldier brethren. They knew how those brethren had upheld the honour of the Dominion, and in doing so they carried out the principles of their "order'' — Friendship, Love, and Truth. It was a source of pride to realise the part played by the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows during the war. Out of a total of 250,000 members, more than 230,000 had been in the firing line — brethren from every corner of the Empire — and of that number 15,000 had made the supreme sacrifice. In the Otago district itself, 1231 members had joined the Expeditionary Forces, and 173 had given their lives for their country's cause. In their own lodge 37 members had joined the ranks, and four had sacrificed their lives. To the sorrowing relatives he extended, on behalf of the members of the lodge, their fraternal sympathy. To those brethren who had returned he extended the best wishes of their brethren and trusted they might be spared to live long lives of peace, health, and prosperity. The roll of honour would be placed in the lodgeroom to keep in remembrance all those brethren who had done so much for King and country. To those soldier brethren present, he said that, in years to come, when the present members had died the roll of honour would be a reminder to future generations of the brethren, of the part they had taken in the cause of freedom and justice, and it would be treasured as something for the lodge to be proud of. All present rose and stood in silence while Bro. C. Jackman sounded the Last Post.  -Otago Daily Times, 14/10/1919.

The annual New Year's sports of 1920 had a singular feature, which would have lingered in local memories for many years later.

SHOWMAN'S OUTFIT WRECKED

EXCITEMENT AT SPORTS.

A travelling showman plied a very profitable trade at the Port Molyneux sports gathering on New Year's Day until his methods were objected to by a hitherto guileless public, and then his troubles commenced, says the Otago Daily Times. His stock-in-trade consisted of various articles useful and otherwise — and should the competitor succeed in "ringing" any of them they became his property. In order to induce competition a few coins, 10s and £1 notes were placed among the articles. One of the patrons succeeded in ringing a 10s note, which the showman refused to hand over. The sequel quickly followed, the whole outfit being smashed and scattered broadcast. That was the end of this portion of the day's entertainment, the showman beating a hasty and strategic retreat.  -NZ Herald, 13/1/1920.

PORT MOLYNEUX CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

ANNUAL REUNION DINNER. The annual reunion dinner and smoke concert of the Port Molyneux Caledonian Society was held in the Port Molyneux Hall on Friday evening. The function, which was presided over by Mr Jas. Cunningham (president of the society), compared very favourably with previous reunions. In spite of the inclemency of the weather the gathering was a very representative one. Of the total number of 59 who sat down to the dinner, 26 were members of outside societies, a number of cars coming from Owaka and Kaitangata. The Balclutha Pipe Band was also in attendance and rendered several selections during the evening. The catering was in the capable hands of' Mr H. Kirby, and a very appetising repast was provided.

After the toast of "The King" had, been duly honoured, Mr A. North proposed: "The Army, Navy and Air Forces,'' and in doing so referred to the great debt the British Empire owed to her mighty strength in these units of Defence.

Mr Jas. Robertson, in responding, said that while we acclaimed the glorious deeds of the New Zealanders, we must not forget the noble work of the British "Tommy" and the British "Jack Tar" in protecting our shores and keeping our commerce intact. He hoped the day would not be long before they had an air service from Port Molyneux to Balclutha.

The toast of  "Visiting Clubs'' was proposed by Mr Jas. Campbell, who referred to the benefit to be derived from the meeting together of members of the different clubs. Sports clubs had become a little slack during the war, but were now picking up again. The responses were made by Mr J. T. Ramsay (Kaitangata) and Mr T. Maginness (Owaka), both of whom indicated the indebtedness of their clubs to the Port Molyneux Society.

Mr. Maginess, who proposed the toast of  "The Port Molyneux Caledonian Society," said it was one of the oldest in New Zealand. The first meeting had been held in 1864. He did not know whether Mr Wylie was secretary then, but if so he had retained his age and his energy well. People came hundreds of miles to the Port Molyneux sports on New Year's Day, a fact which spoke very well for the society. It had not only lived for itself, but had always given a helping hand to neighbouring societies. He thought that it was the only society which had conducted sports meetings throughout the war for patriotic purposes. He hoped they would continue to progress to 1964.

Mr A. M. Wylie, secretary of the Society, in reply, said that the first meeting was held opposite, the old Alexandra Hotel, only a few yards from the hall. In those days vessels came in to wharf at the jetty close by. Port Molyneux was a place of importance then, and he considered it possible that if the proposed harbour scheme was proceeded with people who paid as high as £75 for quarter acre sections might get their money back. The Port Molyneux Society was probably the oldest in the Dominion. He did not think any of the original members were still living. The society was steadily progressing. They endeavoured to conduct a good sports meeting, and he contended that the only way for clubs to progress was for members to patronise the sister clubs and secure new and wider views. He had had 15 years in the society, and although his heart was in the work he would be pleased to give up the position to a younger man, and give him assistance.—Voices: No danger, Andrew. He realised that a man could hold on to his position too long. Some of their members had been real "live wires." Every member ought to do his best to boost the club. They had spent a lot of money in improving the ground, contending that a good ground was necessary for good sports, and they endeavoured to make their programme as varied as possible. (Applause.) 

Mr John Ramsay proposed the toast of "Parliament," replies being made by Messrs J. Oliver and Geo. Ottaway. 

The toast of "Kindred Sports" was proposed by Mr A. K, Campbell, who, in a well-chosen speech, referred to the .British Army as having learned its discipline on the sports fields throughout the Empire. Though the British Army was the most undisciplined at first, it was the most amenable to discipline. Sport should be given every encouragement. The Balclutha Pipe Band were genuine sports, being ever ready to give assistance by their presence.

Mr Parker, replying on behalf of cricket, contended that sport was necessary in the interests of good citizenship. He made a strong appeal for the popularising of cricket in South Otago during the coming season. The love of it should be engendered in the boys at school. There was no other game that taught them to take reverses as easily as successes. He hoped to see a cricket competition amongst the various centres round about on the same lines as the football competition. Messrs Hayward (cricket), J. Ramsay (bowling) and J. Oliver (soccer) also replied, the latter stating that a cricket shield was once competed for between Waiwera, Warepa, Kaitangata, Balclutha and Owaka. He considered that a new shield could easily be secured. Mr A. K. Campbell thought the last shield was made at Owaka out of knotted wood.

Mr J. T. Ramsay proposed the ''N. Z. A. and C. U." It was now some 14 years since the Otago centre was formed. In those days there was a lot of "ringing in" done. The delegates of the Otago Caledonian Society were against it, and still are. It was the country clubs who wanted protection. Messrs Jas. Cunningham and A. M. Wylie replied, the latter referring to the justification of the centre and the losses resulting to athletics through deaths. There were now some 27 affiliated clubs, as against five last year. He advocated a competition amongst schools of the district.

Other toasts proposed were ''Agricultural and Pastoral Pursuits" (Mr W. Richardson, responded to by Messrs A. North and. W. H. Craigie), "Local Bodies" (Mr W. Spence, responded to by Councillors North and Maginness and Mr John Ramsay), "Pipe Band'" (proposed by Mr W. Carrick and responded to by Messrs J. Gold, F. Johnston, Ramsay and Morrison), "The Press" (Mr W. K. Hayward and replied to by Messrs A. E. Russell and R. Culbert}, and "The chairman" (Mr John Oliver). 

During the evening a variety of talent contributed an excellent programme of items, songs being given by Messrs F. Reid,. J. Bates, Geo. Ottaway (encored), A. M. Wylie, Alf. Bates and J. Oliver; recitations by Messrs J. Robertson, F. Johnston and C. Mason; and bagpipe selections by Pipers E. Gold and W. Smith. Mr Geo. Ottaway's contribution of a song was both well sung and heartily received, an encore being demanded. A most successful and hearty Caledonian gathering concluded about midnight with the singing of  "Auld Lang Syne.''  -Clutha Leader, 6/7/1920.

Corner of the Dining Room

Through the 1920s the Port sank back into what could be called its "lethargy."  The crops were grown, the tourists came for summer holidays beside the beach, the Caledonian Sports days were held, the Oddfellows met and raised money for good causes.  The ranks of the first settlers were thinned by time and age.  Electric light was installed in the Hall in 1927.  An occasional newspaper story recalled the Port's zenith of national fame, the wedding of "Percy Redwood" and Agnes Ottaway.  The Great Depression seems to have left little mark on the community but the 74th Caledonian Sports day of 1937 was cancelled due to an epidemic of "infantile paralysis" or polio.

MOLYNEUX BAY.

SOME INTERESTING ASSOCIATIONS. 

Written for the Otago Daily Times. By D. G. B. The 10-mile sweep of ocean from Coal Point to the. Nuggets, known as Molyneux Bay, is surely one of the most interesting stretches of coast line in Otago. There is around this, indented bay a marvellous fund of varied associations and of natural beauty. Here are to be found vestiges of old Maori villages; here is the scene of a romantic incident; here, too, is a place which once promised to rival Dunedin as the chief port of Otago, hut where there is now only an old country stove and a few scattered farmhouses. 

Suppose we take a trip through this region! As the car approaches Kaka Point from Balclutha, after passing the Puerua Locks bridge and the Baratta Creek bridge — a nasty corner for unwary motorists — we stop at a store, the centre of old Port Molyneux. The galvanised iron structure near by, which is now the scene of the social gatherings of the district, was once a jetty shed, and at the rear of the building is the row of piles where the wharf itself was. Here, 50 years ago, before the disastrous flood of 1878, came quite an array of shipping, and here, one may be told, a ship’s captain once dropped his gold watch overboard into 40 feet of water. One can picture the place as it was when Captain Cook saw it in 1770 and gave the place its name. One can picture the little town springing up nearly a century later, with its church, its stores, and its hotels. But now, indeed, it is a place from which the glory hath departed. The harbour is a stretch of mud flat threaded by brackish channels, the haunt of wild fowl and fish. 

We go on again, and, after we pass a red brick house, if the tide is low, a jutting stick will be pointed out in the channel. This is supposed to be the beam of some ship that came to grief here in the days that are past. Whether this is so, or whether the “mast” is but an old tree stump, is open to some doubt. As the car climbs a slight incline just before the road sweeps round a bend and down along a bay, there is a blind road up the right-hand side. Let us leave the car here while we go for a walk, first noting the house that stands alongside the road. A weather-beaten old place it is, and, to the casual eye, just-another “beach crib.” This house is known to the old residents as the “Pilot Station.” The site of the house was well chosen for its purpose, for a splendid seaward view is obtained from here. 

Now we go back along the road and down on to the sandhills. Here is the site of an old Maori cemetery, the pa itself was further back along the road and was, roughly, somewhere about the site of the brick house mentioned before. There are ample traces here to show that the Natives frequented this neighbourhood for many years, for, in the gravel pit, there can be seen, three feet below the surface, layers of embers and burnt bones and others. The stones, too, are mostly rounded, and bear traces of many fires. Here I have myself picked up fragments of green-stone chippings, apparently, from the laborious process of fashioning axes and other implements, bone needles and other articles have also been found here. One interesting feature is the prevalence of oyster shells among the heaps of shells which are so rotted with age that they can be crushed to a fine chalk between the fingers.  Where did all these oysters come from? Were they all brought right from Stewart Island or thereabouts, or were there extensive oysterbeds nearer at hand which have now been lost sight of, or have disappeared? Here, too, in 1823, according to an early visitor named Meurant, the flesh of the moa was seen and a bone “which reached four inches above his hip from the ground, and as thick as his knee at the end, with flesh and sinews attached. The flesh looked like bull beef.” 

Setting out on the two-mile walk to the mouth of the river, we first cross an open stretch that is clean swept from the water’s edge back to the swamp. Out here was the old river mouth which became choked with the debris of the 1878 flood and the waters burst through in another place, completely ruining the harbour. On the left is a sand bank of peculiar formation. It rises steeply and regularly into a bank about 10 feet high and runs, curving with its points to the sea, almost a mile in length. It is of a uniform breadth and is flat like a plateau on top. This bank is, in all probability, the old river bar which the changes have laid bare. 

At last we come to the mouth of the river where, after joining with the Puerua, the waters of the Clutha rush through a comparatively narrow channel out to the sea, and here on the calmest of days there is a visible warring of the currents which in times of flood and storm becomes almost awe inspiring as an exhibition of mighty power. Here the Clutha River pours out the bulk of its volume of 1,600,000 cubic feet of water every minute. As we hasten back to the car we go a little out of our way to a reef of rocks that runs out from the point where we started from. On the most distant rock another good ship perished, and it was somewhere in this vicinity that the Port Australia struck while en route to Melbourne in 1867. 

On we go, and just at the foot of the hill a small creek runs, and round the section where the church stands there is the trace, plainly visible, of a track which was once much used, and at the end of the track there are several small excavations. Here was the scene of one of the many gold “scares” in the old days. The first strikes here were so rich in comparison with what was found later on that there has been a suspicion that the ground was “salted.” A more probable theory is that the “pay dirt” had been brought down by the Clutha River and cast up by the currents at this point. “Black Peter,” who first discovered gold in the Tuapeka district, also worked here and, like others, obtained a few grains from many washings. 

In the seaside resort of Kaka Point there is nothing to interest us, although it is prettily situated and has, besides the fine bathing beaches, the added attraction of fine native hush on its outskirts. On the road to Karoro Creek, or Karroro River, as the old survey maps have it, halfway along Willsher Bay we see, well out, a big rock jutting up. This is Makariri’s Rock. Tradition has it that Makariri, or Makareta, who was of course, a “Maori princess,” was subject to fits of sulking and used to swim out to the rock and sit pitying herself to her heart’s content. This Makariri is quite a popular figure, for she reappears in a most romantic little story, and this time in the role of a Pocahontas. 

About 1840 the first settlers arrived in this district. They were seven in number, and settled near the Maori village at Karoro. Difficulties greater than they imagined arose, and all left with the exception of two, Willsher, after whom the bay has been named, and Russell. The exact details of the affair seem to be unknown, but there was some disturbance, and but for the intervention of Makariri the two white men would in all probability have furnished the chief dish at a cannibal feast. Willsher showed his gratitude to his dusky rescuer and married her after the Native custom. Presumably they lived happily ever after, but there is another version of the legend of the which says that the “princess” used to flee there from her husband’s ill-treatment. The records of early settlers do not give this latter tale much support, for there is evidence that visitors were received by Willsher and his wife with many kindnesses. 

The Maori village of the tale was called Maramiku, but, to my knowledge, there remains no trace of it. It was probably on the hill where Mr Poole lived for many years, tending the gardens which had considerably mote than a local fame. 

From this stage of our journey the attractions are almost wholly scenic. There are several rocky points, and then, close to the water’s edge, just below the boarding house in Campbell’s Bay, at low tide can be pointed out the ironwork of still another of the wrecked ships that in the early days strewed the coast from the Catlins to the Taieri. 

The next point of interest is in the fishing camp at Nugget Bay. In olden days the little cove was used by the Maoris as a favourite canoe landing place. There is a tradition that a considerable tribal battle was fought in the neighbourhood, and the number of curios that have been found hereabouts lends some colour to the story. Kaimataitai, which means ”the place where shellfish were eaten,” is the name which has been given to this place, although the spot which really bore that name is nearer Pounawea. The title is not inappropriate, however, when one recalls the quantities of pawa, or paua, shells which can he obtained near by in Roaring Ray. Here traces of moa as have been found, some of the old residents possessing small articles manufactured from bone.

Of our trip there now remains only the walk through the native reserve up to the Nugget lighthouse. Here no legend lends a grace to the bold scenery, even the Maori name of the point seems to have been lost sight of, which is a pity, for surely the name would have had some appropriate significance. This place is too well known for me to need to dwell on it. The sheer cliffs, the pretty picture of Roaring Bay, the magnificent view of Kaka Point, and of the Clutha district away back to the mountains, and of the coastline running, point after point, till it merges into the haze of sea and sky on the horizon; these form a climax to the short trip that is indeed arresting. 

Such is the varied interest and natural beauty which can be found in one small stretch of our coastline and Molyneux Bay cannot be said to be exceptional. Consider these names; Measley Beach, Cannibal Bay, Murderer’s Beach, and think of the history of Waikouaiti, Taieri Beach, and Tautuku with all their associations with the old Maoris and the picturesque whalers. He who would seek romance, let him not ponder on the distant places; at his hand is all he needs, and that in bewildering profusion. We have need here of a Longfellow and of a Fenimore Cooper.  -Otago Daily Times 15/10/1930.

New Zealand's centennial year of 1940 was marked by the unveiling of a plaque and a dance - not at the Port's hall but the newer one at Kaka Point.  References to the Port's heyday were made in local newspapers.

The Second World War took men from Port Molyneux.  Cheesemaker Gordon Parks was called up for foreign service in 1941 but his fate was to die of electrocution instead of in war.  David Tilson was also called up in 1941, to die and be buried in Italy in December, 1943.

YOUNG MAN ELECTROCUTED

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES 

Gordon Anderson Parks, aged 20 years, employed as a cheesemaker at the Paretai dairy factory, was  electrocuted under unusual conditions about 12.30 on Sunday morning, reports our Balclutha correspondent. A car driven by J. D. Aitkenhead went off the road at Port Molyneux and struck a power line pole, breaking the pole about 12ft from the ground. The driver of the car and two women and a man then got out of the car. Deceased was following in another car and left his car to see if there was anyone else in the damaged vehicle, and on touching this was electrocuted by a live wire lying across the car. An inquest was opened yesterday evening before Mr W. Roy, and after evidence of had been taken was adjourned sine die.  -Evening Star, 31/1/1944.

BEREAVEMENT NOTICES

TILSON — Mr and Mrs D. Tilson, Port Molyneux, and family wish to express their sincere thanks to their many kind friends and relations, for letters, cards, telegrams, and personal expressions of sympathy received in the loss of their dearly loved son and brother, Private David Harold (Punch) Tilson, killed in action, Italy, December 15, 1943. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement.  -Otago Daily Times, 27/1/1944.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

In Memoriam

TILSON. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. David Harold, 300855, killed in action, Italy, December 15. 1943. 

Duty called him, and he was there, To do his bit and take his share; 

His heart was good, his spirit brave; Now he is resting in a hero’s grave. 

In the bloom of his life death claimed him, In the pride of his manhood days; 

None knew him but to love him; None mentioned his name but with praise. 

Always we shall remember. He gave his life for those he loved. 

— Inserted by his loving mother and father, sister and nephew, Lily and Alan Aitkenhead, Port Molyneux.

TILSON — In proud and loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, 300855 Private David Harold Tilson, killed in action, Italy, December 15, 1943. 

Not just to-day, but every day. In silence we remember. 

— Inserted by Lennie, Nessie, Jean, and Eunice. 

TILSON. — In loving memory of 300855 Private David Tilson, 23rd Battalion, killed in action, Italy, December 15, 1943. 

In the bloom of his life death claimed him, In the pride of his manhood days. 

None knew him but to love him; None mentioned his name but with praise. 

— Inserted by his loving sister Eileen.   -Otago Daily Times, 15/12/1944.

An earlier death in action was Ronald Prentice.  He was in the 23rd Battalion, as was David Tilson.  He was killed on the first day of the El Alamein offensive but his death was not confirmed until after the war.  His name is on the memorial stone at El Alamein cemetery which indicate that it is likely his body was not identified.

PARETAI

Welcome Home. — There was a very large attendance at the welcome home social held in the Port Molyneux Hall to Private D. Shaw, who returned from the Middle East with the last replacement draft. Mr C. M. Murdoch, who presided, presented the guest with the usual monetary gift. Private Shaw suitably replied. During the evening items were given by Miss Ruth Blomfield and Mr Ben Gold (vocal solos), and Misses Betty Thomson and Grace Munro (step dances). For the dancing, Miss V. Rush provided music and Mr Alan Marshall was M.C.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/5/1945.

"Papers Past," on which I base my research, ends for copyright reasons in 1950 and so does my story of Port Molyneux.  Appropriately, their last reference to "Port Molyneux" is this, from the Otago Daily Times on December 29, 1950:

KEEP NEW YEAR'S 

(MONDAY JANUARY 1) 

DAY FREE FOR THE PORT MOLYNEUX CALEDONIAN SOCIETY’S 87th ANNUAL SPORTS. 

Enjoy a splendid Day’s Sports in the Beautiful Picnic Setting of the Wilsher Bay Domain, Kaka Point. 

EXCELLENT ENTRIES. 

Including several Otago and Southland Champions. 

AMATEUR FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS 

PIPING AND DANCING, SIDE SHOWS 

Refreshments and Hot Water available on the ground. 

A SPLENDID DAY’S OUTING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.