North Otago and Provincial Section

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24413, 26 September 1940, Page 12

North Otago and Provincial Section

THE OAMARU DISTRICT

DEATH OF CYCLIST KNOCKED DOWN BY CAR RESUMPTION OF INQUEST The adjourned inquest concerning the death of John Ross, a horse trainer, of Trent street, Oamaru, aged 55 years, who was knocked down while cycling at the corner of Trent and Thames streets by a car driven by Douglas A. Cleverley, ol Duntroon, and died at the Oamaru Public Hospital on August 27, was resumed before Mr A. W. Woodward, J.P. (coroner) yesterday afternoon. Senior Sergeant T. I. McGregor conducted the inquiry for the police, Mr C. Zimmermann appeared for the relatives of the deceased, and Mr J L Farrell for Cleverley. Dr Walter Ronald Easton, house surgeon at the Oamaru Public Hospital, said that Ross was unconscious on his admission to hospital about 8 p.m. on August 24. and died on the morning of August 27 tie would sav that his death was due to intra-cranial damage, which could have been caused by his being knocked oft lus bicycle by a motor car and falling on the road. Witness was satisfied that the injuries were sufficient to cause death Details of Accident Mrs R. J. Ross, widow of the deceased, stated that on the evening of August 24 she saw her husband leave Kelleher s shop Jn Thames street. He rode oil on his correct side, the cycle light being then burning. She saw a car coming from the north and then heard the screeching ol the brakes of the car. She rushed to the scene of the accident and saw her husband King on the road She spoke to him, but he did not answer. The back mudguard on her husband’s bicycle was painted white, and there was a red reflector on it. His hearing and eyesight were good. He wore a light grey check overcoat that night, and there was no other traffic but the car and bicycle on th No l e° a Vinton Cleverlev. apprentice motor mechanic, Duntroon, stated that he was a passenger in tile car driven by his brother. Douglas Alan Cleverley. on August 24. It was a clear night, and visibility was good. He saw a cyclist crossing Thames street from the west, heading south, and told his brother to watch. The cyclist was then in front of the car. about 15 feet away. His brothei was driving on the left-hand side, about 15 feet from the trees. The cyclist was about 20 feet from the trees, and continued crossing until the impact. The car was travelling at about 27 miles an hour. When witness called out. his brother applied the brakes immediately. The accident seemed to him to have been unavoidable. The cyclist was not in the beam of light, and was fairly hard to see, and the pillar at the right end of the windscreen would obscure his brother s view at that angle. Witness did not see any light on the cycle. The back wheel of the cycle was struck, but he did not think the car ran over the cycle Douglas Alan Cleverley. the driver of tlie car. 19 years of age, said that at the intersection of Trent and Thames streets he looked round, but saw no one, and when he passed the intersection he looked in front in the beam of light. His brother told him to watch out, and he looked to his left and front, but did not think to look to his right and when his brother called out he applied the brakes. He could not see anyone, and released the brakes a bit. and as he did so he saw the cyclist a little to his right. The righthand side of the car hit tlie cyclist, and witness stopped the car and ran back to the cyclist, and then sent for assistance. He had had considerable experience in driving a motor vehicle. Evidence was given bv Constable A. V. Christianson of details of measurements. and a plan of the locality was produced Coroner's Finding The coroner commented that the driver was on his correct side, and the cyclist was crossing tlie street witli the idea of getting to his correct side. He felt satisfied in his own mind that, if the cyclist had crossed straight over and got on his bicycle, the accident would not have occurred. As it was, it seemed tlie accident was unavoidable, A verdict was returned that the deceased died at tlie Public Hospital on August 27 from injuries caused through being knocked off his bicycle by a motor car driven by Douglas Alan Cleverley along* Thames street on tlie night of August 24. NORTH OTAGO SPORTS REVIEW OF THE WEEK Golf. —Keen interest is being taken in tlie North Otago Golf Club’s championships, ilie finals of which arc to be played over 36 holes during the coming weekend. In the senior final H. M Evvait will meet E. McKenzie, and an indication of the likelihood of a close match is to be found in the fact that botli these players were round in 80 during the last week-end. The finals hi the other grades should be quite as interesting. Rugby.—The curtain was rung down on the local Rugby, season on Saturday with the match at the Show Grounds between a Town team and the Waimate Subunion. An interesting game resulted in a narrow win by Town by 12 points to 11. The Waimate side soon opened its account with a good try by Hattersley. but the local team then took charge, to gain a lead of 12 points to 8 at: half time. This was mainly due to tlie good play of Easton at full-back. He started off with a penalty goal, and then converted a try by Borrie. and lie frequently came up to join in with the three-quarter line in passing rushes. On one occasion he ran clean through tlie opposing side to the Waimate full-back when he short-punted, only for the wind to take the ball to the dead ball lino Easton’s line-kicking was also of a very high standard. He worked a scissors pass with Greaves effectively, but was tackled by Baxter, and a minute iatei he potted a fine goal, H, Bryce was an outstanding forward for Waimate, keeping up with the play continually, to be rewarded with a try; and Laurenson also scored for the visitors, for Lundy to convert. An excellent standard of Rugby has been produced at Damaru this season but unfortunately the support of the public lias been very meagre indeed With a marked lack of financial support the North Otago Rugby Union experienced a substantial loss on the year s working, and. without a decided improvement in this respect, it will be found difficult to carry on the national game locally during the war. In the las! resource, however, the game will op carried on for the game's sake. RED cross SOCIETY NORTH OTAGO CENTRE It as reported at a meeting of the North Otago Red Cross Centre on Tuesday afternoon, that 56 cases of refugee clothing had been shipped on an overseas vessel recently. Thirty-five cases were collected on bell alf of the Lady Galway Guild and 21 cases on behalf of tlie Red Cross Society. Appreciation was expressed at the vast amount of work put in bv the voluntary helpers who had undertaken the task of sorting, repairing, and packing the clothing. Mrs Smith Morton presided. Tlie Mayor (Mr L L KFamillon) requested that the Red Cross shop be closed while the patriotic appoa was in progress, and the society approved of the suggestion MAGISTRATE’S COURT WEEKLY SITTING The weekly sitting of the Oamaru Magistrate's Court was held yesterday morning before Mr 11. W. Bundle, S.M. An elderly man, who pleaded guilty lo both charges, was fined 10s for drunkenness. and was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within 12 months for using obscene language in a public place. Senior Sergeant T. I McGregor appeared for tlie police.

CRICKET OAMARU CLUB ANNUAL MEETING Mr F. Jones occupied the chair at the annual meeting of the Oamaru Cricket Club on Tuesday night. Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, tlie chairman stated that they could claim a very good season, although the idea of fielding two senior teams last season might not have worked out as expected, and the junior players did not seem to do themselves iustice Election of Officers Tlie election of officers resulted as lotlows; President, Mr W. Brundell; vicepresidents—Messrs C. Hedges, T, Wright, L Wright. F. Milner, I. Kear, H Foster, R. S. Mitchell, P Jackson, L. Tweed, Major H. S. Orbell. Dr E, S Smith Morton; club captain, Mr F. Jones; secretary, Mr B. Robertson; sole selector, Mr T. h! Hendra; committee —the Rev. A. H. Blackburn, Messrs J. Houghton. J. Watson, T. Hendra, and B. Robertson; delegates to North Otago Cricket Association, the Rev A, H. Blackburn and Mr W. B. Turvey Two new members were elected. It was decided to enter two teams provisionally in the Senior Competition, and subscription rates were fixed at 30s over 21 years of age. and 17s 6d under 21 years Opening day was fixed for Saturday, when a net practice will be held. OAMARU S.P.C.A. MONTHLY MEETING Mr A. Bloch presided at the monthly meeting of the North Otago branch of tile Society for tlie Prevention of Cruelly to Animals. Tlie mattei ol removing dead animals from a creek was dealt with, but it was decided that it was the County Council’s duty to see to it. Tlie alleged cruelty to the animals would, however, be dealt with by the society. It was decided to hold the children’s pets parade on Friday. October 18, in Takaro Park, and Messrs Woodward and Donaldson were to be approached and asked to act as judges. Accounts totalling £4 9s 3d were passed for payment. The town inspector reported Having painlessly destroyed in the lethal chamber six cats and six dogs. Together with the country inspector, he had inspected poultry and livestock at the railway goods sheds and found no cause for complaint. The country inspector reported having attended a complaint about a blind horse He had ordered larger kennels for two dogs, and had also attended sale yards and boby calf trucks, finding no cause for complaint KINEMA ENTERTaTnMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE •• Nurse Edith Cavcll.”—Nurse Cavell’s tragic death at the hands of the German military authorities during tlie last war is a story that every schoolboy knows. That she \ s a woman and a nurse, and that her offence against the military code was on behalf of sick and wounded men has made tlie story more poignant and more stirringly memorable than any oilier; and for that very reason bringing it to the screen must have been an exceedingly difficult task. R.K.O. Radio Pictures, with Anna Neagle’s assistance, have carried off this difficult task with full credit to all concerned in “ Nurse Edith Cavell,” now showing at the Majestic Theatre. To assist Miss Neagle. there is an excellent cast, which includes such fine actors as George Sanders. Edna May Oliver, and May Robson. Tlie box plans are at the Bristola. "Another Thin Man.’’—Nick Charles, the now well-known detective of the " Thin Man ” series, is called upon to solve yet another murder mysterv at tlie Majestic Theatre on Saturday. "Another Thin Man " introduces another member of tlie Charles family, besides Asia and Mrs Charles. Tin’s is Nick, jun. William Powell and Myrna Loy are the stars of the picture. The box plans arc at the Bristola. OPERA HOUSE " The Return of the Frog.”—-Showing at the Opera House to-night, and Friday is a gripping mystery thriller. It is the film adaption of the story “ The India Rubber Men." Tlie plot centres around the activities of ” The Frogs,” a band of criminals murdering and menacing society. and the work of Inspector Elk. brilliantly played by Gordon Barker, who ultimately captures tlie gang. “I've Got a Horse."—Sandy Powell, the famous Yorkshire comedian, appears in the associate feature, ’’ I’ve Got a Horse.” Sandy inherits a horse, and finding no one else to ride .1 in tlie big race, decides to ride it himself. There is a strong plot, and comedy is obtained from hilarious situations at the race track. Sandy sings two popular songs. KUROW RACES MEETING ON SATURDAY The Kurow Jockey Club's annual fixture will take place at tlie Oamaru course on Saturday. Excellent acceptances have been received for each of the six racing and two (rotting events. Special train arrangements have been made by the railway authorities, and a special train will leave Dunedin at 8.45 a.in. on Saturday, and will stop at intermediate stations, returning after tlie meeting. A win-and-place lotalisator will be in operation, and ladies will be admitted to the course free PERSONAL Visitors to (lie Town New Club Hotel—Mr I. R. Milne, Mr Watson (Timaru), Mr L. S. Gandy (Christchurch). Mr P. D. Boland, Mr P. Solomon (Wellington), Mr H. Sliallard, Mr J. Craig, Mr L. J. Hughes, Mr J. Thomson (Dunedin). Mr A. L. Lowney (Sydney). Queen’s Hotel.—Mr R, King (Christchurch), Mr G. L Bodiey (Christchurch), Mr M. Robinson (Ashburton), Mr I. R. Milne, Mr F. J. Robinson (Timaru). Mr T, R. Morland, Mr E. Roberts. Mr G D. King, Mr H. Riddell. Mr E. Bremner, Mill H. Mac Kay, Dr G, Stevenson, Mr K. A. Mason. Mr E. Raekley, Mr H. W. Bundle. Mrs M. Milne (Dunedin). Mr H. H Muir (Invercargill). MINIATURE RIFLES WEEKLY SCORES Tlie following are the weekly scores for (ho Oamaru Miniature Rifle Club:— H. Brant 79, J. Dunn 79, I. H. Swinard 79, E. Roney 78, D, Richardson 78, P. Shave 78, E. Sinclair 77, O. Glynn 77, R. Roney 76 G Doran 76. J. Nimnio 76. E. Swinard 76 R. Swinard 75. J, May 75, S. Roney 75. V. Sanders 75. H. Koppert 75. F. Fahey 74, I. Hedges 73. E, Taylor 73, F. Peterson 73, W. Johnston 72. E, Henderson 72 L, Brant 72, E. Lee 72, M. Jordan 71, I. C Swinard 71, F. Cockburn 48. ITEMS OF INTEREST IN AND ABOUT TOWN Oamaru Fire Brigade.—The annual examination of members of the Oamaru Volunteer Fire Brigade was held on Monday night, when (ho honorary surgeon. Dr R. S, Orbell, supervised. At tlie conclusion of tlie examination. Dr Orbell expressed himself well satisfied with (he knowledge shown, and said (hat (lie vork was well up to (lie standard of the previous year. The result was: Fireman C. Jones (90 points) 1. Foreman E. Speid and Fireman D. Dennison (81 points), equal. 2,

COMMEMORATING THE CENTURY EARLY SETTLERS’ ASSOCIATION TREE PLANTED IN GARDENS To commemorate the close of the first IUO years’ settlement in the district, the North Otago Early Settlers’ Association held a tree-planting ceremony in the Oamaru Public Gardens yesterday afternoon. The president of the association (Mr G L. Grenfell) extended a welcome to all present, and expressed his pleasure in officiating at the ceremony. He hoped that the tree would be an Inspiration to their descendants, who would take it as a token of esteem to the early settlers of the district. The tree was then planted by Mr Grenfell The Mayor (Mr L. J. K. Familton) stated that the tree would be similar to the pioneers of the district—it would “do the best it could where it stood ” He was sure the tree would stand as a symbol of the debt owed to the early settlers. Referring to the war, the Mayor spoke of tiie true British stock from which ,the soldiers had come, and expressed his conviction that when victory came to the Empire this nation would be better and purer for the present ordeal. The tree would be looked after, and the memorial plate would pay a tribute to the fine citizenship of the early settlers Mr G. A. Mitchell (chairman of the Borough Reserves Committee), thanked Mr Grenfell for performing the ceremony, after which afternoon tea was dispensed to the gathering. , The tree, a ginkgo biloba. the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest species of trees in the world, having flourished hundreds of thousands of years ago, and it is probably one of the most interesting trees to the present-day gardeners. PATRIOTIC GALA TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS Mr W. Brundell presided at a meeting of the North Otago Patriotic Gala Committee on Tuesday night when arrangements were made for transporting the public to tiie gala to be held on the racecourse on Saturday, October 5. A tram will leave Severn street crossing at 11.30 a.m., stopping at Thames street crossing, railway station, Orwell street. Caledonian road, and will leave on return from the course at 5 p.m. The train will be free to all patrons of the gala. Arrangements were also made for the Kurow and Timaru trains, both morning and evening, to stop at the racecourse with day excursion Cares. Special fares, as for picnic parties, will be granted to schools organising parties, and will be as follows: From Kurow, children up to 15 years Is lid, senior pupils 2s sd, adults 3s 4d; Strachans, Is Bd, 2s 2d, 3s: Otekaike. Is (id. Is lid, 2s 9d; Duntroon. Is 3d. Is Bd. 2s 6d: Uxbridge, lid, Is 3d, Is lOd; Papakaio. Bd. is. Is sd: Pukeuri, 6d, 9d, lid. Prizes for the girls’ and boys bicycle races were fixed at 10s first. 7s 6d second, and 5s third. “ Ugliest Man ” Contest A contest for the “ ugliest man in Oamaru ” will be held on Tuesday next. WOMEN’S BOWLING MAHENO CLUB Mrs Caldwell presided at the annual meeting of the Maheno Ladies’ Bowling Club recently. The election of officebearers resulted:—President, Mrs T. Livingstone; senior vice-president. Miss J Todd: Junior vice-president. Mrs G Cox 1 secretary and treasurer. Miss E. MacQueen; auditor, Mr J. M. Saville; committee— Mesdames Caldwell. Barker, and Saville. Opening day was fixed for November 6. SHIPPING ACTIVITIES PORT OF OAMARU High Water—September 26: 9.57 a.m and 10,27 p.m. Coastal Movements The Karu is due at an early date to load for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wainui will load on Wednesday, October 2, for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via ports. The Waipiata is due early next week for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton. QUEEN CARNIVAL FUND The following contributions have been received for trie Queen Carnival funds:— Five Forks Committee £ll Gs 6d. J. Rattray and Son £lO 10s. staff Oamaru Borough Council (monthly) £9 14s. stall North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association £7 19s 9d. W. H. Brundell £5 Hampden Committee (sale of badges) £2 (is Papakaio School (sale of badges) 18s. Papakaio Young Farmers’ Chib £1 Is .staff IT. B. Burton and Son 16s 4d. staff Ireland and Co. (weekly) 12s 5d KAUROO HILL Table Tennis Social An enjoyable social was spent last Monday evening in the Kauroo Hill Hall when trie Wairckia Tabic Tennis Club played the Kauroo Hill Social Club. Mr A. Ellis, president of (he Kauroo Club, welcomed Ihc guests and Mr W. Macintosh replied on behalf of the visiting team, which won the match. Dancing followed to music bv Messrs D Elliot. P. Mclnnerney, and F Ncwiands. Mr A. Ellis was M.C. The winners of the Monte Carlo Waltz were Miss N. Dowthwaitc and Mr W. Macintosh.