NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 25

NORTH OTAGO.

' NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT. j NORTH OTAGO MOTOR ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the North Otago Motor Association was held on Tuesday evening, Captain H. S. Cox presiding. The Waitaki County Council advised that danger signs had been erected at the Bluff, Waitaki-Hydro-Kurow road, and with ordinary caution repairs to the fence would not be necessary. It' was decided to paint the fence posts white. The caretaker of the motor camp reported that from October to date 185 cars and 568 motorists had called at the camp. The fees collected to date were slightly in excess of the fees for the whole of last year. Members of motor associations were well satisfied with the arrangements, though some non-members complained of the charge of 4s. It was decided to forward a remit to the quarterly meeting of the South Island Motor Union requesting the Government to amend, the law relieving a private owner-driver from liability for damages arising out of an accident to passengers to whom had been given a gratuitous ride. Captain Cox. and Messrs D. V. G. Smith, M. S. Holmes, and H. Hay, were appointed delegates to the quarterly meeting of the South Island Motor Union. The secretary reported that he had made further representations to the Otago Association in reference to inconvenience caused to motorists through a public telephone at Dansey’s Pass being installed in a private residence a mile distant from the Post Office. WHEATGROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. Farmers have been advised that the Wheatgrowers’ Association is now paying out 2d a bushel on the 1929 crop, and 5d a bushel on the 1930 crop in complete payment of the pools for these years. WARDEN’S COURT. A sitting of the Warden’s Court was held on Wednesday morning before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M. An application by Messrs R. J. Smith and H. C. Smith (Mr GA. Pollock) for an extended claim of two acres and a-half, Maerewhenua, was favourably reported on by the inspector of mines, and recommended for the consent of the Minister. An application for a tailrace by the same parties was adjourned till June 10. William M‘Dowell applied for a claim of six acres at Diggers’ Gully. The applicant produced his miner’s right, and stated that the claim had been properlj’ pegged out. A favourable report was received from the inspector of mines, and the application recommended for the consent of the Minister. An application for a water race was adjourned till June 10. MEN INJURED. Two men from the Waitaki hydro works, Edgar Schmidt, aged 29 years, and Leonard Kierney, aged 40, were brought into town by the hydro ambulance and admitted to the Oamaru Public Hospital. Schmidt was suffering from injuries to the shoulder, and Kierney from injuries to the pelvis. CHESS. The following are the results of a chess match between the Vice-president’s and Captain’s teams (Vice-president’s names mentioned first) : —Findlay | drew •with H. P. Familton 4, Cuddon Large 1 beat Humphries 0, Dr Stubbs 1 beat Bedford 0, Daw 0 lost to Clapperton 1, Jacobs 1 beat Mitchell 0, Woodgate 4 drew with Robbie J, Evans 0 lost to Markham 1. Totals: Vice-president’s team 4, Captain’s team 3. OAMARU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. There was a good attendance of members of the executive at the monthly meeting of the Oamaru Chamber of Commerce. Mr J. M. Wilson presided. Appreciation was expressed of the arrangements made by the Post Office for an additional daily mail, closing at 8 p.m., for Christchurch. The question of rationing work, as adopted by several business firms in preference to discharging employees, came up for discussion, the Labour Department having ruled that award employees could not be rationed for one or more days in a week. Members considered that the rationing system was much preferable to the discharging of employees, as this would increase the difficulties of the Labour Department in dealing with the question of unemployment, and the action of the business firms adopting the rationing system was commended. The Minister of Lands wrote in connection with the proposed afforestation scheme at Waianakurua with a view to giving employment, and advised that the present policy was not to acquire privately held lands for this purpose, and as the land under discussion was practically all freehold and occupied, its acquisition for afforestation purposes could not be considered. —Received. In reply to a request from the chamber for the establishment of receiving stations for the convenience of country consumers, the Waitaki Electric Power Board advised that the matter had been considered by the board on previous occasions, but owing to the difficulties encountered it could not adopt the suggestion, which, however, would be kept in view. In respect to the complaint of the nondelivery of letters at Waitaki Hydro, the Chief Postmaster advised that the system in vogue of the delivery of letters over the counter was instituted at the request of the Hydro residents, and the department could not see its way to alter the arrangements. The chamber, in a letter to the Post-master-general, had expressed the view that the 100 per cent, increase in postal rates was not warranted, and that a 50 per cent, increase would be generally approved by the business community, whereas the 100 per cent, increase would defeat its own object. The Postmaster-general

replied that in view of the large sum required by his department under the present conditions, lie could not hold out any hope of the reduction suggested, and added that the increases in the various rates were distributed in what was considered the most equitable manner possible.—Received.

The Prime Minister acknowledged with thanks the congratulations of the chamber on his outspoken stand in connection with the economic situation.—Received. In reply to the chamber’s representations that the claims of the members of the Locomotive Engineers, Firemens, and Cleaners’ Association, who had already accepted a reduction in wages, should be considered before imposing another cut, Mr J. A. Macpherson, M.P., advised that the members of the House were giving the matter their most earnest consideration, and that every avenue would be explored to deal with the position. In connection with the admission of Asiatics into New Zealand, the Associated Chambers of Commerce advised that the question was now before the Associated Chambers, and that the Government had already taken steps to deal drastically with the situation.—Received. PUKEURI FREEZING WORKS. The supply of fat stock to the Pukeuri Freezing Works has eased off a little during the week. The daily tally is now about 3200, and the tally for the season to date 301,000. DEPUTATION TO COUNTY COUNCIL. Cr T. A. Munro introduced a deputation from Maniototo, consisting of Messrs Inder, Scott, and Patterson, to the Waitaki County Council meeting on Friday morning, seeking the council’s assistance for the erection of a stock bridge over the west branch of the Otemata River.—Mr Inder stated that the bridge would serve block 362 b, of 29,700 acres, the whole being in the Waitaki County. The party effected consisted of seven people paid rates amounting to £l9 annually to the Waitaki County Council, and £5 annually as Harbour Board rates. They experienced great difficulty in crossing the river, and sheep had been drowned repeatedly. The bridge would have a span of about a chain. They had been ratepayers for 37 years, and had not asked for a copper from the council. The bridge was absolutely necessary, as it meant an annual loss to them, with a risk of loss of life at any time.—Cr Munro stated that the request was a reasonable one, but the worst feature was the matter of finance. — In reply to questions, Mr Inder stated that the major portion of the estimated expenditure would be for packing and carting, and he felt sure that the party would assist by doing the packing and carting at a very low rate. They were seeking the assistance of the county engineer in the erection of the bridge, which would be on Crown lands. The bridge would improve the value of the property until their lease fell in, when it would revert to the Crown.—Councillors spoke in favour of granting the reouest, which was considered a just right.—The matter was left in the hands of Cr Munro and the engineer to investigate in the spring, a request for a grant from the Lands Department to be made meantime.

OTAGO EGG CIRCLE. The fifteenth annual meeting of the members of the Otago Egg Circle was held at Oamaru on Friday afternoon, -Mr J. Hutton presiding. In his remarks the president stated that it as gratifying to note the increase in the credit balance of the circle’s fluids. The poultry industry- had suffered, like the other primary industries, trom the low prices ruling for all kinds of produce, with perhaps the exception of wheat, the high prices of which had made it impossible for the poultrymen to produce eggs at a reasonable profit, especially as it was not possible without Government assistance to export in the flush season to get rid of the surplus eggs. He went on to say that it was encouraging to note that the Government proposed lowering the existing duties on wheat, as with cheaper wheat it would be possible to produce a cheaper egg, and thus create a better demand for the produce. With lower prices Qjhng for all classes of wheat, the poultrymen must be able to produce their eggs, to sell them at lower prices than had ruled in the past. The annual conference of the New Zealand 1 oultry Association took place at Auckland this year, and the opinion of delegates seemed to be that an effort should be made to export again this year, and he considered that eggs should have been exported last year. After an attempt had been made to start a voluntary system of Government grading of eggs, it was considered advisable to postpone this till * ater - most important business of the conference was the adoption of the remit to bring about the compulsory registration of poultrymen, and the appointment of Mr J. N M’Lean as secretary and organiser of the New Zealand Poultry Association to carry this out. Mr M’Lean had a scheme in hand, and if it reached finality the poultry industry would be placed on a better footing than ever before. The annual report and balance sheet, which showed a credit of £2B 13s lid, as against £l7 4s Id for the previous year, were adopted. Mr Holloway, of Dunedin, stated that the poultry farmer was. as well off to-day as any other section of the community. Although the poultryman was having a hard struggle, everyone was passing through a period of depression. If others could be induced to join the circle it would put the organisation on a sounder footing. In the city of Dunedin there were many who contributed nothing towards the efforts of the circle to keep prices up, and this was one of the evils which had yet to be overcome. Taking everything into consideration, the poultryman had a hard time, but was as sound a man as any other in the Dominion. With the assured reduction in wheat, the poultryman would hold his own. Mr J. M. Fraser stated that the poultry business had compared favourably with past years. He agreed with Mr Hutton that it would be necessary to export during the year. The question of finances was good and the expenses of the circle were now down to a low level. Mr Hutton had done an immense amount of work towards the welfare of the circle. The following officers were elected:—President, Mr J-

Hutton; vice-presidents, Messrs Calder and Paul; committee—Messrs Gibsou, Shanks, Todd, Dalgleish. Campbell, Jackson, Mountford, Pheloung, Heazlewood; manager, secretary, and treasurer, Mr J. M. Fraser; Advisory Committee—Messrs Hutton, Gibson, and Calder. It was decided not to impose a levy during the month of October, and the subscription fee was fixed at ss. It was also decided that the members of the Otago Egg Circle would be prepared to export provided the circle receives assistance from other producers who would have to export also, the arrangements of export to be left in the hands of a sub-committee. Mr Hutton was voted an honorarium of £7 7s. A vote of appreciation was passed to Messrs Fraser and Co., for the courtesy and service rendered to the poultrymen. PERSONAL. Miss Reid ai.d Mr Reid, who are staying at the Queen’s Hotel, have returned from a trip to Auckland. Air W. B. Clarkson will leave Oamaru on June 4 for the Argentine, where be has received an appointment of buyer in the meat industry. On Friday afternoon Senior Sergeant Scott was met by the police and court officials of North Otago at the police station, to bid him farewell before leaving for Wellington. Mr Frank Bird (clerk of the court), on behalf of the court officials and police, presented Senior Sergeant Scott with a bronze flower bowl and smoker’s outfit, and conveyed their best wishes to Mr and Mrs Scott for their future happiness and success. On behalf of the police, Constables Marshall and Woodley expressed appreciation of Senipr Sergeant Scott’s courtesy to them, and paid tributes to his administrative ability as a senior officer. In reply, Senior Sergeant Scott expressed his regret at leaving Oamaru, where he had made so many friends. He was pleased, for Airs Scott’s sake, to be going to Wellington, as she wished to live with their son again. His stay in Oamaru had been a very pleasant one. He had had an excellent staff, and he thanked them for their unfailing loyalty to him. . On Friday evening Senior Sergeant Scott was met by members of the North Otago Highland Pipe Band at a social function in the band room, when Lieut. Couper, on behalf of the members, presented him with a gift as a token of their esteem. Complimentary reference was made to the good services rendered by Senior Sergeant Scott to the band in giving tuition in pipe playing to the young members of the band. Senior Sergeant Scott suitably acknowledged the presentation, members conveying to him and to Mrs Scott their good wishes for their future happiness and success. NORTH OTAGO SCOTTISH SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the North Otago Scottish Society was held on Thursday evening. Chief W. Aliller presided. The chief extended a welcome to those present, and stated that a very successful year had been experienced. The annual report and balance sheet, showing a cerdit of £56 14s lid. were adopted.

The election of officers resulted:—Chief, Mr J. W. Petrie; senior chieftain, Mr J. Wallace; junior chieftain, Mr G. Al. Gardiner; secretary, Air G. Gardiner; treasurer, Air J. W. Petrie; councillors —Alessrs S. Afollison, C. Sievwright, H. Archibald, H. Ross, W. Gillies, A. Ketchen, J. G. Christie, J. Alackay, J. Alitchell; bards, Afessrs G. Al. Gardiner and S. Alollison; honorary pipers—Aleesrs J. Gibson, W. Gillies, D. Jackman; Al.C.’s, Alessrs G. C. Craig and J. G. Christie; auditors, Alessrs S. Alollison and A. Ketchen. The newly-elected chief, Mr J. W. Petrie, made complimentary refer ence to the services rendered to the society by the retiring chief. Air W. Aliller who had conducted the affairs of the society in a very satisfactory manner. Mr Petrie also regretted the impending departure of Piper D. Scott, and a minute of appreciation of Air Scotts services was recorded. At the conclusion of the meeting a musical programme was rendered by the following:—A. Spier, AV. Brown. L. Blair, Aliss D. Taylor (songs), Afiss D. Aikenhead (recitation), Alisses J. Wardine and Forde (Highland dances). A very happy time was spent in dancing to music by Airs Sherwin’s orchestra.

HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. The ladies’ seven-a-side tournament held at King George’s Park on Saturday resulted as follows:— A GRADE. First Round. Arawa drew with Tinwald. Duntroon beat Hydro. Kurow beat Teaneraki. Windsor beat Pirata. Watea drew with Maheno. Second Round. Arawa beat Hydro. Tinwald beat Kurow. Duntroon beat Windsor. Teaneraki drew with Watca. Maheno drew with Pirata. Third Round. Kurow beat Arawa. Windsor beat Hydro. Tinwald beat Watea. Duntroon beat Alaheno. Teaneraki drew with Pirata. Fourth Round. Arawa beat Windsor. Watea beat Kurow. Alaheno drew with Hydro. Tinwald beat Pirata. Duntroon beat Teaneraki. Fifth Round. Watea beat Arawa. Alaheno drew with Windsor. Pirata beat Kurow. Teaneraki beat Hydro. Tinwald beat Duntroon. Sixth Round. Arawa beat Alaheno. Pirata drew with Watea. Windsor beat Teaneraki. Duntroon beat Kurow. Tinwald beat Hydro. Semi-finals. Pirata beat Teaneraki, 2—nil. Dunrtoon beat Watea, 2 —l. Windsor beat Alaheno, I—nil.1 —nil. beat Arawa, 2 —nil.

Pirata beat Duntroon, I—nil. Tinwald beat Windsor, 2 —nil. Final. Tinwald beat Pirata, s—nil. B GRADE. Section 1. First Round. Alaheno A beat Teaneraki. Arawa B drew with Alaheno B. Arawa A beat Watea. Second Round. Alaheno A beat Watea. Arawa B beat Teaneraki. Arawa A beat Alaheno B. Third Round. Alaheno B beat Alaheno A. Watea beat Teaneraki. -Arawa A beat Arawa B. Fourth Round. Arawa B drew with Alaheno A. Alaheno B beat Watea. Arawa A beat Teaneraki. Fifth Round. Arawa A drew with Alaheno A. Arawa B drew with Watea. Alaheno B drew with Teaneraki. Section winner: Arawa A. SECTION 2. First Round. Athletic B drew with Pirata C. Athletic A drew with Pirata "B. Second Round. Athletic B beat Athletic A. Pirata C drew with Hydro. Herbert B defaulted to Pirata B. Third round. Herbert B defaulted to Athletic B. Pirata C drew with Athletic A. Hydro drew with Pirata B. Fourth Round. Athletic B drew with Hydro. Herbert B defaulted to Athletic A. Pirata B beat Pirata C. Fifth Round. Pirata B beat Athletic B. Hydro beat Athletic A. Herbert B defaulted to Pirata C. Section winner: Pirata B. SECTION 3. First Round. Duntroon drew with Windsor. Palmerston drew with Herbert A. Second Round. Duntroon drew with Pirata A. Palmerston beat Windsor. Third Round. Herbert A beat Duntroon. Pirata A drew with Windsor. Fourth Round. Duntroon drew with Palmerston. Herbert A beat Pirata A. Fifth Round. Pirata A beat Palmerston. Herbert A beat Windsor. Section winner: Herbert A. Semi-final. Arawa beat Pirata B. Final. Arawa beat Herbert. RELAY RACE. Tinwald 1, Pirata 2.

MEETING OF CREDITORS. A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Ronald A. Dixon, farmer, Kauroo Hill, was held on Saturday morning at the courthouse before the deputy official assignee (Mr A. W. Woodward). Bankrupt’s statement showed debts owing to unsecured creditors amounting to £B6l 4s 6d, and to secured creditors £5565 10s lid. The estimated value of securities was put down at £4OOO, leaving a total deficiency of £2426 19s sd. In his statement, bankrupt said he started farming at Kauroo Hill in 1917, but in the first year he had to go into camp, and he put a married couple on the farm. He was away for a year. He sunk £3lOO in the farm, and was badly struck by the slump in 1920. Tie struggled on until 1926, when he was about sold up, and Messrs Schaffer and Wright advanced him £3700, and he was enabled to pay off the North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association. He was able to pay off £4OO the first season after that, but since he had struck bad times, and his position had become so bad that he could not carry on. He was a married man, with three children. The estate was left in the hands of the assignee for administration. GOLF. A medal match was played on Saturday by the Men’s Club with the following results:—Hopgood 97 —27—70, Cook 97 — 27— Milne 96—25—71. A. Fowler 87— 16—71. Orbell 93—21—72, Rvan 97—25— 72, R. M'Donald 93—20—73, M'Culloch 96—22—74, R. Hedges 98—24—74. Kilpatrick 85—10—75, Wilson 96 —21 —75, H. P. S. Familton 96—21—75, L. Sumpter 80—4—76. Scott 85—9—76. L. Wright 92 —16 —76, Holmes 86 —10 —76, Day 104 — 28— RUGBY FOOTBALL. The game on the Oval between Maheno and Hydro was probably the most spectacular and sensational match played in Oamaru for some seasons past, not even excepting the All Blacks and representative fixtures. From the kick off to the final bell it was replete with action and excitement, and it is a long time since the Oamaru public was roused to such a pitch of enthusiasm as that prevailing on Saturday. The game was played at a very fast pace throughout, and with deadly tackling on both sides, especially on the part of Hydro, it simply meant that the attack of either side was only as good at is was allowed to be. Although Maheno was defeated by a converted try and a try to two tries, the Greens went down with colours flying, and from a spectator’s point of view must be credited with a moral victory. This was all the more emphasised by Maheno being recalled from a certain try to take a penalty kick at goal, when the Greens were the non-offending side. On No. 2 ground the play was of a good club standard, and Excelsior created some surprise by notching the first win of the season in defeating a strong Athletic side by 6 points to 3. There was a large and enthusiastic attendance of the public, indicating that Rugby is increasing in popularity in North Otago, and auguring • well for a successful season.

COUNTRY COMPETITIONS. Tokarahi 13 v. Ngapara 9. Duntroon 13 v. Omarama 3. Awakino 15 v. Otiake 8.