NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19996, 13 January 1927, Page 6

NORTH OTAGO.

(Faou Oua Special OobrespondkotJ

LOCAL INDUSTRIES. The question is being constantly asked whether it is not possible to establish new industries in Oamaru, to absorb some of the rising generation. It is pointed out that in the early days this town possessed quite a number of industries that no longer exist. There were, among others, a barbed wire factory, a starch factory, and a baking rowder factory. The latter was established by Mr F. S. Ansted, who also prepared lemon kali, effervescing salts, farina, aromatic vinegar, and a number of tinctures and essences, together with a delightful perfume, distilled from many flowers, and named “Zealandia Water. There was talk some time back of one or more new industries being established, but the spare capital appears to have been directed to mining and other channels.

MINING PROSPECTS. A few months ago there was much activity in Oamaru in mining shares, and Kawarau and other' enterprises were liberally patronised. The enthusiasm of many investors’has subsided of late, however, and one rarely now hears of the mountains of gold and magnificent dividends that are in store. The share market column of the Daily Times is still eagerly scanned, but investors appear to" be looking for the more solid and less speculative form of investment.

WHITE CLOVER. Not for many years has there been such a profuse growth of white clover in North Otago as this season. Everywhere one goes one sees the fields clad in white. In many naddocks the clover has appeared where it has not been sown. An officer of the Agricultural Department expressed the opinion that the clover was to bo found in the whole of the soil o i North Otago. In the dry seasons it did not appear, but when there was an abundance of moisture, as in tho present season, it became vigorous. Needless to say, stock is thriving upon the clover.

A VALUABLE COB. The cob belonging to Mr George Bruce, of Totara, which was destroyed as the result of injuries sustained in a runaway on Tuesday, was highly prized by its owner. It had frequently carried off honours m the show rings or the district.

THE BAND CONTEST. Both of the Oamaru brass bands are assiduously practising in view of the next New Zealand band contest. Time was when the Oamaru Garrison Band was invincible in the ranks of first-grade bands. Of late years the Regimental Band and Municipal Band have each displayed symptoms of the old-time superiority, and as they have secured new instruments they hope to give a good account of themselves by the time the next contest arrives.

A MIRAGE. Strangers to Oamaru have frequently expressed surprise at a mirage that is observable every fine, sunny day at the north end of Thames street. This has been in evidence for years, and has been a source of much discussion. Another fine mirage is roportod by old settlers to bavo , been seen from the hills in the south of Papakaio. The Waitaki bridge and river appear to be within half a mile of the hills, whereas they are fully 10 miles distant. 0

SCENIC RESERVES. There are a number of very fins scenic reserves in .North Otago that are used as picnic grounds. Unfortunately most ol them are situated on private property. One of the most delightful spots is “Cosy Dell," on the banka of the Waianakarua River. This has been the rendezvous for pionio parties from Otipopo, Oamaru, mid surrounding districts for many years. Recently it was acquired by an Oamaru resident, and it is now fenced off and closed to the general public. Several other spots on the Waianakarua River make fine picnic grounds, and it is suggested that one of these be purchased by the Government, assisted by private subscription, as a perpetual scenic reserve. Stops are likely to be taken at an early date to give this suggestion practical effect.

THE PRISONER’S SONG. The “Prisoner’s §ong” has taken hold of Oamaru. Business men find themselves humming it at their desks; small boys whistle it gleefully in the streets; gramophones send it whirling into the thoroughfares from every music house: workers wrestle with at at all hours; wireless broadcasts it; oven the thrushes seem to have caught the infection. To add to the infliction, a visiting blind man murders it at every street corner. Like measles, it may be only a passing phase. But it brings with it a most irritating, nerveracking sensation that has quit®, a disturbing influence upon the community.

BOWLING. A team of eight rinks from the Phoenix Bowling Club will proceed to Timaru on Saturday next, to play the annual matek with a Timaru club. Mr Joe Reid has been appointed to succeed Mr J. E. Broad as a selector for the Phoenix Club.

RACECOURSE GRANDSTAND. Tenders were recently called for the erection of a now grandstand on the racecourse for the joint use of the Jockey Club and Trotting Club. Six tenders were received, all from local firms. Most of the tenders were considerably above the estimate, and no tender has yet been accepted. SHARKS NEAR LAND. The recent spell of warm weather has probably been responsible for bringing quite a large number of sharks into the water near the mainland. An Oamaru angler who was fishing on the north side of Kakanui hooked several sharks, one. of which measured between five and six feet. Bathers in the briny should take warning from the presence of these voracious fish near the shore. FAREWELL GATHERING. A farewell gathering was held at Ngapara to the Rev. A. Stace and "Mrs Stace, who have been transferred to Lawrence. There was a large number of visitors, including Archdeacon Russell and several others from Oamaru. Two presentations were made to the Rov. Mr Stace. one hour from his parishioners and the other from settlers of outside denominations, which was evidence of his, popularity with all sections of the community. A presentation was also made to Mrs Stace. During the evening musical items were rendered, and the function concluded with a happy little dance. SHAGS AND TROUT. Shags are reported to bo still very numerous in the upper reaches of the Waitaki River, and are taking a considerable toll upon the trout. One of these birds was recently shot and on being opened was found to contain a trout nearly 11b in weight. Officers of the Acclimatisation Society have made frequent assaults upon the but the destructive birds continue to thrive. THE KARTIGI EROSION. The attention of the Public Works and Railways Departments was _ called two years ago to the serious position that had occurred at Kartigi, which threatened both road and railway transport. The Government lias sent numerous engineers to inspect the place, and has promised to take action, but so far there is no indication of practical step in the direction of improving the sit tion.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT,

PERSONAL,

Mr J. E. Broad, of Oamaru, has leased his residence for a period of two years, and will be leaving shortly for Christchurch. Mr Broad has been a prominent member of the Phoenix Bowling Club, and will be entertained by the club in its pavilion on Tuesday evening next. Mr L. J. Smith, who has been representing the firm of W. B. Clarkson and Sons, meat exporters, at Waimate, for some time past, has accepted a_ position with the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, and will make Oamaru his headquarters. The Rev. A. Stace, who has been in charge of the Upper Waitaki Anglican district for the last two years, left yesterday for Lawrence. His successor, the Rev, J. Morland, of Lawrence, has arrived. r *

UNREGISTERED ATHLETES. At a meeting in Oamaru of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union allegations were received that unregistered competitors had successfully competed at recent meetings. The secretary was instructed to make investigations. It may be mentioned that the union has the power to disqualify unregistered competitors and to recover the prize money.

LODGE MEETING. At, the installation of officers of Alfred Lodge No. 6,1.0.0. F., over 40 members were present. Prior to the installation the usual lodge business was transacted, two candidates being proposed for memberBro. Tretheway, N.G., presented Bro. Braggins with his Past Grand’s diploma, commenting on the able manner in which Bro. Braggins had Performed his duties during his term of office. The secretary read the financial statement. which showed the lodge as being in a very sound financial position. The installation .was ably conducted by Bro. Wilson, D.D.G.M., who was assisted by Bros. Branthwaite, Fiddes, and Smyth. The following officers were installed; Bro. Trethetvay, J.P.G.; Bro. Johnston, N. 0.; Bro. Gallow, .G.; Bto. Branthwaite, Financial Secretary; Bro Scott, 'Treasurer; Bro. M’Grath, Warden; Bro. G. M’Bride, Conductor: Bro. Selfe. R.S.N.G.; Bro. Williams, L.S.N.G.; Bro. Austin, Chaplain; Bro. Herd, 1.G.; Bro. Anderson, 0.G.; Bro. Travis, R.S.S.; Bro. Mahoney, L. 5.8.; Bro. Mackie, R.S.V.G., Bro. Tait, L.S.V6; Bros Johnston and Galloway thanked the brothers for their election as Noble Grand and Vice-Grand After the closing of the lodge the social side of the society was entered into with animation by the members present, the event of the evening being the presentstion of the Bradley Cup, which was in the capable hands Oj Bro. Branthwaite. Bro Wilson, D.D.G.M., occupied the chair, the following toast list being honoured:— “The King’ 7 and “Grand Lodge (Bro. Wilson), “The Winning Team (Bro. Bradley—Bro. Tretheway), Sister Lodges (Bro. Johnston—Bro. Brown, of Papakaio, and Bro. Elliott, Waiareka). The Judges” (Bro. Fiddes—Bro. Branthwaite) During the evening items were contributed by Bros. Brown, Selfe, Common, and Kx. H'Bride.

ATHLETIC AND CYCLING UNION.

At a meeting in Oamaru of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union, over which Mr G. Bruce presided, a motion of sympathy with the relations of the late Mr J. J. Henderson was passed. The Chairman, in moving .the motion, expressed the sympathy ot the country athletic clubs, saying that Mr Henderson was always foremost in assisting at country gatherings, and by his death athletics in North Otago had lost an active worker and valuable friend. Reports from the centre representatives were highly satisfactory. All the meetings had been well conducted and were' attended with good results, both from sporting and financial points of view The representatives were thanked for the reports, which were adopted. Applications to hold sports gatherings on Easter Monday were received from Enfield and Waikouaiti, and both were granted. . . . Mr J. Freeman wrote resigning fro® the centre.— Accepted with regret. _ Mr A. Valentine (Dunedin) was appointed to the vacancy. . Mr R. i>. Meek was appointed to represent the centre at the annual Dominion Conference, to be held at Taumarunui on Friday nest. The following remit to the conference was approved: —“ That the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association be asked to allow cash events to be placed on programmes of amateur clubs affiliated to the association.” . In speaking on the remit, the Chairman referred to the conservative attitude taken up by the amateur authorities in catering only for the amateur athlete, and compared the custom of clubs affiliated to the Athletic and Cycling Union in catering for both the amateur and cash competitors. The Secretary expressed a desire to be relieved from acting as handicapper owing to pressure of business. _ A subcommittee was set up to consider the matter and report to the next meeting. LAWN TENNIS. Following is the North Otago lawn tennis team to play Timaru, at Timaru, on Saturday:—6. Sumpter, C. Mollison, R. M'Gregor, J. Familton, K. Familton, and N. Manchester, Misses Manchester (2), Gibb, Nichols, Bor ton, and Mrs Wilson. Any player not available is requested to advise Mr G. Sumpter, jun., forthwith. The Council of the North Otago Lawn Tennis Association decided last night to guarantee the £lO asked by the New Zealand Association in connection with the proposed visit to Oamaru of the Australian team. The following is the Meadowbank team to journey to Timaru on Saturday by the second excursion train:—l. M'Ewan, N. M'Donald, C. R. Hedges, P. Mulligan. V. R. Hedges, H. P. Kent, Mrs Dewar, Misses E. M'Quade, M. Beardsmore, M. M'Lay, Macpherson (2); emergencies— M. M'Quade, L. Hedges, and Miss P. Robins.