NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 4031, 16 June 1931, Page 48

NORTH OTAGO.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT. OTEKAIKE FARMERS’ UNION. There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Otekaike and Upper Waitaki branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Mr J. K. M’Kenzie presided. Ou the motion of Mr Rutherford, it was resolved to ask Mr M'Gilvery, of the Canterbury Agricultural Department, to deliver a lecture at the next meeting of the branch on June 27. *lt was also resolved to ask Mr Teunent to give an address at Otekaike at the end of July. The following remit was carried in connection with the public hospitals of New Zealand and their maintenance: —“ That this meeting is ot opinion that the upkeep of public hospitals in New Zealand should be borne by all people over a certain age, and that the Government be urged to bring down legislation to provide some form of hospital insurance scheme.’ - It was contended that since Jo many accidents were occurring through motors, the burden of upkeep was too great for those who now had the burden of maintenance to bear. It was decided that owing to the extreme shortage of feed in some of the districts of North Otago and South Canterbury, that the Government be approached with a view to carrying feed for starving stock on the railways at a reduced rate. l’he chairman extended a cordial welcome to Mr W. R. Harris, who gave an address on manures, and how to obtain the best results in dry climates. Mr Harris was warmly thanked for his instructive lecture.

OLD BANK ACCOUNT. Recollections of an old bank account in the Post Office Savings Bank were brought to the mind of an Oamaru resident through reading an article about unclaimed bank accounts in a recent issue. The result was a successful search for the bank book, which showed that the depositor had last operated on his account on December 2, 1919, when he had withdrawn £l5O to meet pressing business needs at that time, leaving a credit balance in the bank of £4 0s 6d. Yesterday the depositor had his bank book brought up to date, and received a pleasant surprise when he found that the £4 0s 6d had increased with compound tnterets to £l4 4s 5d up to April 1, 1931. The depositor had quite forgotten about the old bank account, until receiving a reminder through the paper. As he commented to our representative, it was “ found money,” and he wondered if any other readers had enjoyed a similar experience. OBITUARY. The death occurred on Wednesday at the residence of her brother, Mr James Main, Ure street, Oamaru, of Miss Jessie Main, third daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John Main. The deceased lady was born in Oamaru and lived all her life here. She was a staunch member of St. Paul’s Church, and her kindly nature had endeared her to many friends, by whom much sympathy is felt for the relatives in their bereavement. She was a sister of Mrs A. Clarke and Mrs H. P. S. Familton, and Messrs Robert, John, and James Main, of Oamaru.

There passed away at Oamaru on Wednesday, at the age of 76 years, a well-known identity of Oamaru, in the person of Mr William Jones. Mr Jones was born in Upholland, Lancashire, and coming to New Zealand, lie resided for a time at Kaitangata. He later removed to Oamaru, where he had lived for 37 years. He formerly owned the Queen’s Hotel, Oamaru, and was a popular host with the travellers to the town. It was he who greatly improved the hotel accommodation in Oamaru. Of a genial disposition, he took little active part in public affairs, but he was keenly interested in the welfare of the town. His generous nature won for him very many friends, who will mourn his demise. \ WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER BOARD. At a special meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board it was decided tc effect economies in salaries as follow:— No reduction on salaries of £149 or less; 74 per cent, reduction on salaries of £l5O to £260; and 10 per cent, reduction on salaries over £260. GOLF. Delightful weather conditions prevailed for the annual fixture between the Timaru and Oamaru Ladies’ Clubs, played on the Axvamoa links. The games in the morning were keenly contested, resulting in the totals being 10 all, while for the fourball games in the afternoon the local players gained a lead of 3 points, thus winning the fixture by 164 points to 134. The match between Oamaru and Waimate was played on the Awamoa links on Tuesday under perfect weather conditions. resulting in a decisive victory for the local players, the grand totals being Oamaru 131, Waimate 14. A bogey match was played on Saturday, with the following results:—Hopgood (17) 4 up, L. Sumpter (3) 2 up, Irvine (12) 1 up. Mulligan (13) 1 up, Cuthbertson (5) 1 down, Kilpatrick (8) 1 down, Grave (16) 2 down, Kinder (17) 2 down, T. Banks (IS) 2 down, R. Hedges (17) 2 down, Humphries (9) 3 down, Smith (18) 3 down. Woodward (16) 3 down, M'Cullocli (17) 3 down, RUGBY FOOTBALL. The match on the Oval was another of those spectacular, thrilling games that the public delights to witness, surpassing, in the opinion of many, the Hydro-Maheno clash in the first round. But on this occasion Hydro was decisively outplayed, and had to strike its colours to Athletic. Towards the final stages of the game the large crowd of spectators became greatly excited, and the comment of a Rugby enthusiast that it was the most thrilling game that he had seen in 25 years in Oamaru reflected the general impression that was created. In the first half Hydro established a lead of 11 points to 3, but on changing over the Athletic forwards to a man played in inspiring fashion, and,

harassing their opponents at every turn of the play, carried the Maroon banner to victory by 15 points to 11. In addition to playing an exceptional game, L. Park was instrumental in giving his side the win by kicking four splendid penalty goals. Though suffering its first defeat of the season, Hydro still remains with a twopoint margin in the lead of the chamnionship ladder. Maheno defeated Old Boys by 9 points to nil, so that Old Boys, Maheno, and Athletic are equal for second place. Duntroon, the leading country team, was defeated by Excelsior by 9 points to 3. By defeating Otiake, Tokarahi ran into second place in the country competition, and Awakino into third place through its victory over Oniarama. JUNIORS. School 9, beat Excelsior nil. Maheno 22, beat Old Boys 10. THIRD GRADE. St. Kevin’s 19 beat School 3. Athletic won by default from Excelsior. FOURTH GRADE. Athletic A 16 beat School C 3. Atjiletic B 4 beat Old Boys 3. St. Kevin’s 8 drew with School D 8. COUNTRY COMPETITIONS. Awakino 6 beat Oniarama 5. Tokarahi 17 beat Otiake 3. Kurow 14 beat Ngapara 3. MEN’S HOCKEY. . The new-formed Colts’ team was successful in defeating the Oamaru team at King George's Park on Saturday by 3 goals to 2. The Colts had easily the better of the game throughout, and played good hockey, while Oamaru put up a poor exhibition, and their combination was not good. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the executive of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association was held on Tuesday evening. Mr H. C. Jeffery presided over a full attendance of members. It was resolved to support the nomination of Mr F. T. Read, president of the Christchurch organisation, as delegate to the British Service Empire League to be held at Ottawa, Canada. It was decided to hold the annual reunion during August. The action taken by the secretary in regard to disabled soldiers under the unemployment schemes was endorsed. Remits received from headquarters for consideration at the annual council were fully discussed. It was agreed to hold a general meeting of the association during - July, and arrangements for forming a sub-association at Hampden were confirmed. The secretary reported having been successful in several pension cases. An appreciation of the results was expressed. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote relative to the settlement of abandoned farms.—Received. Letters of thanks were received from three ex-servicemen for assistance given, and instructions were given to the secretary to assist in the appeal of a returned soldier.

HAMPDEN R.S.A. There were about 20 returned soldiers at a meeting at Hampden convened for the purpose of forming a sub-association of the Returned Soldiers’ Association there. Members of the executive of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association attended the meeting, and after the presi dent (Mr T. J. Guthrie) and others had addressed the gathering, a sub-association for Hampden was formed. Mr D. Thompson was elected president; Mr J. Joyce, vice-president, and Mr J. Sprague, secretary. A strong executive committee was set up. and after the meeting the visitors were hospitably entertained. PUKEURI FREEZING WORKS. With the end of the season in view, supplies to the Pukeuri Freezing Works have been well maintained during the week, the total killings for the season numbering 332,000. This is only a few thousands less than last season, and before the works close down on June 20, it is expected last year's tally will be reached, if not passed. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Friday afternoon. Mr W. Doig presided. The North Otago Rugby Union applied for permission to install gas lights in the pavilion. The chairman stated that permission had been granted, and his action was approved. Accounts amounting to £2l Is 8d were passed for payment. The chairman extended a cordial welcome to Messrs J. Simpson and Macauley, two new members of the executive committee. Messrs Simpson and Macauley intimated that they would do all in their poxver to further the interests of the association. The Prime Minister acknowledged receipt of the communication from the association, supporting the representations made by the Timaru Association in respect to the effect of the production of whale oil on the market for talloxv, and advised that the matter would receive consideration by the Govermnent.—Received. The National Beekeepers’ Association xvrote urging the adoption of a standard container for honey for exhibition at shows.—No classes for honey are mentioned in the schedule, and a recommendation for including honey in the schedule was referred to the Schedule Committee. A considerable amount of correspondence xvas received from South Island associations in reference to the request for an extension of the period for the dipping of sheep.—As the replies disclosed a divergence of opinion on the question, the correspondence was received. Mr D. J. Ross was nominated as the association’s representative on the Meat Board. Two new members were elected to the association. The folloxxnng sub committees were appointed, with the president, vice-president, and treasurer, members of all committees ex-officio: —

finance Committee.—Messrs W. Macdonald, J. R. Gilchrist, T. S. Little, J. ? la «ionald, E. S. Brewster, R. B. Meek, D. Rodger, and J. Simpson. Ground Committee.—Messis C J. Cowan, J. R. Gilchrist, D. Rodger, P. W. Borne, W. Macdonald, R. B. Meek, C. Don, and W. Cameron. Entertainment Committee.—Messrs G. Rru T e , c > R - Fi ncham, C. Don, F. S Little, D. Rodger. Revision of Rules Committee—Messrs G. Bruce, H. J. Andrew, T. S. Little, J. G. Macdonald, J. Trotter, and D» Cant. Schedule Committee.—Messrs C. J. Cowan, S. Gillies, J. Trotter, J. R. Gilchrist, T. S. Little, P. W. Borrie, J. R. Tisdall, James Wylie, W. Macdonald, T. Portis, G. Simpson, W. Aubrey, A. H. Copland, E. S. Brewster. Railxvay Arrangements.—Messrs G. Simpson, R. Fincham, C. Don, J. G. Macdonald, R. B. Meek, J. M. Smith, T. S. Little, and J. Simpson. Draught Horses.—Messrs C. Don, P. W. Borrie, J. M. Smith, J. R. Tisdall, R. Fincham, J. R. Gilchrist, and Macauley. Light Horses. —Messrs W. Aubrey, R. B. Meek, J. Trotter, G. Bruce, W. Cameron, and D. Caut. Sheep.—Messrs H. J. Andrew, J. R. Gilchrist. T. S. Little, G. Simpson, J. G. Macdonald, W. Macdonald, J. Trotter, J. Simpson. Cattle. —Messrs E. S. Brewster, C. J. Cowan, S. Gillies, D. Rodger, T. Portis, and A. H. Copland. Produce and Seeds and Home Industries.—Messrs P. W. Borrie, G. Bruce, J. Wylie. R. Fincham, and E. S. Brewster. Dog Trials.—Messrs J. Trotter, W. Macdonald, J. R. Gilchrist, G. Bruce, R. Fincham, W. Aubrey, and Macauley. The following shoxv dates were advised: —Timaru. October 28 and 29; Clutha and Matau. November 26 and 27. “ LITTLE BROWN FELLOWS.” Some good-humoured banter occurred at the meeting of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association on Friday afteruoon, following on a suggestion by Mr Fincham ttat the Government should supply ammunition at cost price to farmers lor the shooting of rabbits. Mr Fincham prefaced his remarks by stating that the Government supplied cheap ammunition for the destruction of deer, so why could they not let the farmers have cheap ammunition for “ the little brown fellows.” Mr W. Macdonald commented that the cheapest ammunition was poisoned carrots, but Mr Fincham replied that the rabbits xvould not always take it. Another member suggested that it was a matter for the Farmers’ Union, to which Mr Fincham retorted: “I. suppose none of you gentlemen have rabbits.” —(Laughter.) Continuing, Mr Fincham said ammunition should be supplied at cost price, and he moved that the Government be asked to supply ammunition at a reduced price to rabbit shooters. This was seconded pro forma. Mr J. M. Simpson informed Mr Fincham that the Acclimatisation Society purchased ammunition which xvas paid for out of the money received in bonuses on deer tails. Mr Doig asked Mr Fincham if he would be prepared to hand over the rabbit skins.—(Laughter.) Mr Fincham commented that he did not know there were so many farmers in Otago who didn’t have rabbits.—(Laughter.) On being put to the meeting the motion was lost. COURSING. There was a large attendance at the North Otago Coursing Club’s All-aged Stake at the racecourse on Saturday afternoon. Ideal weather conditions prevailed for the occasion. The judging of Mr J. Tisdall gave entire satisfaction, and Mr G. M'Leod’s slipping left nothing to be desired. The hares were in good condition, easily outwitting the dogs in the majority of courses, and the club was x-ery fortunate in having a small propor tion of kills. Results:— First Round. Lady Disdain beat Overland Blue. Pilot beat Flash. ' Quissie beat Bronze Eagle. Blue Bonnet beat Marinca. Mickey’s Lass beat Amorist. Pretty Rose beat St. Kevin. Royal Saxon beat Shine Soon. Slam Again beat High Speed. Second Round. Ladj’ Disdain beat Pilot. Blue Bonnet beat Quissie. Pretty Rose beat Mickey’s Lass. Slam Again beat Royal Saxon. Semi-final.

Blue Bonnet beat Lady Disdain. Pretty Rose beat Slam Again. Final. Mr F. Mitchell’s Pretty Rose beat Mr Kearn’g Blue Bonnet.