Province and Suburb

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 125, 17 August 1927, Page 12

Province and Suburb

“ (From THE SUN'S Correspondent*.) ‘

EUCHRE AND DANCE EVENING AT GLEN AFTON A euchre party and dance, held in Glen Afton Hall on Friday, was well attended and there was keen competition for the prizes offered. Mrs. Leonard secured the women’s prize and Mr. D. Thomas the men’s. Excellent music was supplied by Messrs. Peden Bros.’ orchestra. TAUMARUNUI SAVAGES ENJOYABLE KORERO

Savage King presided over a large attendance of members at the seventh korero of the season of the Taumarunui Savage Club. The following enjoyable programme was given: Selection, the Savage Orchestra; quartet, Savages Calderwood, Brown, Ashhurst and Hughes; recitation, Savage Langmuir; song, Savage Brinkman; novelty paper-folding item, Savage Woodmass; pianoforte solo, Savage Miller; selection, the Savage Orchestra; song. Savage Brown; bagpipe selection, Savage Miller; Song, Savage Simcock; recitation, Savage Langmuir; song, Savage Beresford. Brief speeches on subjects unknown to the speakers till after the korero started, were given by Savages Laird, Girvin. C. Davis, Hancock, Kenderdine and Miller. The subjects were topical, and the efforts of the Savages in dealing with them caused a great deal of merriment and banter. An appetising supper was partaken of during the evening.

GREENHITHE NEWS CONCERT AND DANCE A concert and dance was held in the Greenhithe Hall on Saturday evening, the 13th. There was a good attendance, and the varied programme was altogether very enjoyable. Among the most appreciated items were a violin solo by Master Anthony Watt, a promising local violinist, and a song and dance item, “Kentucky’s Way of Saying Good Morning,” by the clever child soubrette, Mae Akerstcn. Other items included songs by Misses Hick, E. Eyre, and Mesdames Bayliss and Eyre, Mr. and Mrs. Tate gave a character dialogue, “The Baggage,” and Mr. Cyril Junkers rendered two baritone solos. The accompanists were Miss Sexton and Mrs. Eyre. A dance followed for the rest of the evening, and closed a very pleasant entertainment. DARGAVILLE NEWS MOTOR-CAR WRECKED A car belonging to Mr. J. Churton, while being taken out to him at the West Coast via Mount Wesley Road, got out of control and went over a steep bank, being badly smashed up. The driver was uninjured. FIREMAN INJURED While cycling to the fire in Victoria Street in the early hours of Sunday morning, Fireman If. Neill collided with some telephone wires which had fallen across the road from the burning building, receiving a nasty cut across the mouth. He was, however, able to proceed to duty almost immediately. THE LAMBING SEASON Lambing is now well forward in the district ,and on almost every farm hundreds of healthy young lambs are to seen frisking about the paddocrcs. The lambing percentages are much higher this season than for some years past. NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE The new railway bridge over the Northern Wairoa River is now nearing completion. It is a very fine structure, the concrete piers especially displaying a high standard of workmanship. A SUN representative was privileged yesterday to have a look over the Kirikopuni section of the railway, where the bridge is being constructed, and was surprised to see how well the work on the bridge, railway and road had progressed. The Paradise Road is a splendid example of what a good road should be. The Kirikopuni Valley Road is also excellent, and the Public Works Department deserves great credit for the high standard maintained. Surveys are being completed for the railway extension from Kirikopuni to Dargaville, and everything points to a busy time in the near future. TIMBER TRADE Owing to a lull in the timber trade the Dargaville sawmill has closed down for a couple of weeks, when it is hoped conditions will have improved enough to warrant a start being again made. Large stocks of white pine have accumulated for the Australian marked but the demand at present is very small. It is considered that bedrock has now been reached and the next few months should show a decided improvement in this respect. ODDFELLOWSHIP Bros. F. C. Perry, D.G.M., and John McLeod, D.S., arrived in Dargaville yesterday to attend the anniversary celebrations of the Loyal Dargaville Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., this evening. They will continue their official tour of the other North Auckland lodges to-day. DRUIDISM Owing to pressure of business, Bro. S. G. Chaplin, for many years secretary of the Northern Oak Ledge, U.A.0.D.. has resigned |is pos | on. Bro. Chaplin has been a painstasing and successful secretary, and his resignation has been received with great r€‘gret. OPOTIKI PICTURES OLD COMPANY PURCHASED The King’s Picture Company, after operating in the Bay of Plenty for 18 years, has been purchased by Mr. R. J. Kerridge, of Gisborne, and the lessee of the De Luxe Theatre, Opotiki. The King’s Picture Company was started in Opotiki 18 years ago, and was controlled by Messrs. W. H. Wright, A. Baton, and M. Kimball. Besides the King’s Theatre, Opotiki, theatres were controlled in Whakatane, Waimana, Taneatua. and Matata. About 1915 Mr. Meikle bought Mr. Kimball’s interest in the company. and shortly afterwards acquired Mr. Wright’s share owing to the latter going to the war. Mr. Baton died during the 191 S influenza epidemic, leaving Mr. Meikle sole owner of the company. Later Mr. E. W. Beckett, Whakatane, was taken in as partner, and the town hall, Tauranga, added to the circuit of theatres. The company ceased operations in Whakatane owing to the destruction of the theatre by fire. Later Mr. Beckett acquired full ownership of Matata, Taneatua, and Waimana theatres. Mr. Meikle controlling the Opotiki Tauranga theatres. Owing to the commencement of municipal pictures in the town hall, Tauranga, Mr. Meikle came to Opotiki, controlling the Alhambra Theatre. Mr. Meikle left Opotiki yesterday, and will commence operations in Auckland shortly, having secured a lease of the town hall, Avondale.

ROTORUA COURT ROADS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC A case of interest to Rotorua was heard in the Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Mr. W. G. Kenrick, S.M., presiding, when the borough council (Mr. Davys) proceeded against Harry Chase, of Chase Motor Service (Mr. Carter), charging him that on June 14 he did tout for business in a public place, namely Tutanekai Street, in violation of the borough by-law that prohibits the public solicitation of custom or patronage. Evidence submitted on behalf of the prosecution was conceded by defendant’s counsel, Mr. Carter. Argument that followed involved the legality of the by-law concerned, Mr. Carter contending that it exceeded its legal authority, was vague and indefinite in meaning, and therefoi'e of doubtful validity. These contentions were not upheld by the bench. For the prosecution. Mr. Davys maintained that definite solicitation had been proved, and that unless the practice of touting was checked there would be no limit to interference with tourists; they would be pestered in a wholesale manner,, and be compelled to run the gauntlet every time they passed along the streets. The magistrate reserved his decision.

The closing of the Ngongotaha Valley, Otorua, and Clayton Roads by the county council, acting under Government regulations, is part of a scheme of road reconstruction shortly to be undertaken by the council. The restrictions placed on heavy motor traffic over these and other roads may appear in certain instances arbitrary, but the roads are considered incapable of supporting loads in excess of two tons. The freight on road metal, delivered in Rotorua, under the revised railway tariff, is 15s per cubic yard, and the inclusive cost is said to amount to 26s per yard. Any action taken to protect the roads against abuse or excessive wear and tear during the prevalence of wet weather is therefore in the best interests of the district, although most regrettable hardship is sometimes unavoidably imposed on settlers. The geyser Pohutu, after a period of rest, has resumed its activity, and is giving superb exhibitions, ejecting columns of water to a height of 70 feet, the displays sometimes lasting an hour. INVOLVED LAND DEAL MORTGAGE COMPLICATIONS An involved civil claim was heard in the Magistrate’s Court at Hamilton yesterday, when George Henry Gfiling sought to recover £2OO from James Scott and Florence Rose Scott in connection with the sale of a farm which had been the subject of several mortgage deals. The position was that defendants, with another, had bought the property from Gfiling, leaving the balance of the purchase price on mortgage. In October last one of the mortgagors, David Scott, died and the property was farmed until December 8, when a clearing sale was held. The land was then grazed and subsequently the property was abandoned in March. Plaintiff had submortgaged to his 4 banker, and when the true position was disclosed the latter pressed for payment. In addition the first mortgagee was pressing for unpaid interest, while rates and insurance were also outstanding. Plaintiff was obligecl to sell by private contract at £35 an acre and there was a deficit of over £503 on the sale. Plaintiff was now suing defendants in order to recoup himself for outstanding liabilities. The defence was an admission of facts, but the claim was contested on the grounds that an adequate price was not obtained for the farm by the sale which plaintiff entered into. After hearing the evidence Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., held that a reasonable price had been paid and the returns from the sale were all that could be expected under the circumstances. Judgment was given for plaintiff for £2OO and costs.

OPOTIKI HOSPITAL MONEY FOR X-RAY In a public statement the secretary of the Opotiki Hospital Board reports that prior to the recent public appeal the sum of £443 11s 8d was in hand. The recent appeal with . the Government subsidy has resulted in the sum of £ 960 2s 6d being raised. The total amount (with subsidies) now amounts to the splendid sum of £1,403 14s 2d. Some promised donations have still to come in and it is hoped that the amount wifi finally reach £1,500. The hoard has now applied to Messrs. Vickerman and Lancaster, honorary consulting engineers, for technical advice, and it is intended to obtain the opinion of the Health Department’s experts before finally deciding on the type of plant to be purchased for the N-ray equipment.

HUNTLY CARNIVAL WHITE PRINCESS EVENING A very enjoyable evening was spent at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. Harris, Onslow Road, on Monday evening in honour of Princess Daphne (the standing White Princess). Each guest brought a little gift which will be sold at the Paddy’s Market to be held at the end of the month. Games, competitions and dancing were kept up until early hours. The first competition was won by Miss Burns and Mr. Harris, and the second by Miss Meagher and Mr. S. Farrar. Among those present were Misses D. Harris, M. Baton, H. Ralph, M. Meagher, G. Russell, C. Mathie, K. Burns, M. Ilyde, J. Blair, E. and R. Leather, Messrs. S. Farrar, D. Sheeran, W. G. Clavis, J. Roberts, C. North more, G. Kasoof, J. Powell, J. Simpson, C. Coombes.

WHANGAREI SCOTS FORM ST. ANDREW’S SOCIETY There was a large attendance of Scotsmen from various parts of the Whangarei County yesterday evening in the Town Flail, when it was decided to form a St. Andrew’s Society in Whangarei. Mr. W. A. Carruth presided and explained the objects of the promoters in their endeavour to keep alive and foster Scottish sentiment and customs. The following office-bearers were elected: Patron, Mr. William Crawford; president, Mr. W. A. Carrutli; vice-president, Mr; Magnus Fraser; secretary and treasurer. Air. W. V. Thompson. Five of the council of eight were elected, the remaining seats being left vacant for representatives of the pipe band, in the event of that body wishing to join the society as an official body. Those chosen were Messrs. J. A. Finlayson, Wallace Calder, W. A. Fraser, Alex Fraser and D. A. McLean. It was decided to affiliate with sister societies in the

Dominion and obtain from these particulars of rules and rates of subscriptions. The appointment of a piper was left in the hands of councillors.

HISTORICAL PICTURES PRESENTED AT HAMILTON Two handsome pictures of historical importance were presented by the Mayor, Air. Fow, last night at a meeting of the Hamilton Library Committee. One, presented by himself, commemorated the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York, and the other, given by Mrs. Main, of Tamahere, was of j Capt. William Steele, the founder of j Hamilton. ROAD PROBLEMS A meeting of Kakepuku residents was held on Friday last, when the question of taking over important roads as main highways was brought up. The following resolution was moved by Air. B. H. Budden and seconded by Air. S. H. West: “That this meeting of Kakepuku ratepayers supports the Waipa County Council in its efforts to have legislation brought down to have a petrol tax imposed as the most equitable basis for main highways’ upkeep, and that the foregoing resolution be sent to the Premier, and a copy to the member for the district. Air. D. S. Reed.” The motion was carried. A further resolution, proposed by All*. Budden and seconded by Air. E. If. Crawford, was as follows: “That in view of the excessive use made of the Te Awamutu-Burton’s Corner Road by motorists, the Waipa County Council should again approach the. Highways Board with a view to having the road taken over.” This motion was also carried. TAURANGA CHAMBER VOICES DISTRICT INTERESTS The Chamber of Commerce met last night, the president, Air. Rutter, presiding over a large attendance. The Alinister of Public Works wrote that on account of heavy commitments for railways no sum could be voted this session for the Paeroa-Pokeno railway. An endeavour wifi be made to have opossums introduced into the district, the bush being considered very suitable for the animals. The Defence Department is to be asked to hold the territorial camp in Tauranga and also that a drill hall be erected here. The New Zealand Herd-Testing Club is to be congratulated upon receiving the Government grant. The Alinister of Internal Affairs will be asked to consider the advisability of opening an information bureau where business people, on the payment of a nominal fee, would be able to obtain the address of any* person. An effort is to be made to get farmers to go into tobacco growing. Samples of leaf and the manufactured article from the locally-grown plant were exhibited. Satisfaction with the latest boundaries of the Tauranga electorate was expressed. ACCLIMATISATION WORK REPORTS FROM WAIMARINO The question of protecting paradise ducks was discussed by the Waimarino Acclimatisation Society Council this w'eek. It was stated that while the bird in question was included in the list of native game, it may, nevertheless, not be taken or killed in any acclimatisation district unless it is specially included among the birds that may be taken or killed during the open season. The department, before taking further action, wished to know whether there were any particular reasons fo.v the society’s request. OVA FROM STATE FISHERIES Air. Aloorhouse, of the Tokaanu State Fisheries, advised that the collectors at the fishery were getting plenty of ova. There have already been two runs, the river in that locality teeming with six and sevenpounders and so far 1,000,000 ova had been dealt with. Before the season is over it is anticipated that 4,000,000 ova wifi have been handled. DISTRIBUTION OF FRY The matter in connection with the allocation and distribution of fry in the society’s waters came up for consideration, and after discussion it was decided that fry be liberated in the following rivers and streams: Five thousand, Wahianoa; 10,000, Turakina; 10,000, Piopiotea; 25,000, Arango.whero; 20,000, Orotoha; 50,000, Wanganui; 5.000, Waitaki; 20,000, Kaitieki; 5,000, Owhango. KARIOI HATCHERY The Karioi hatchery is now in operation, Mr. W. Condon acting as curator. Air. Condon comes from the Government hatchery at Te Aanau and he has had many years . experience of hatchery work. The hatchery should prove of inestimable value to the society in helping to stock the rivers and streams under its jurisdiction. GENERAL It was decided to liberate pheasants now in captivity and make application for the closing of the Turakina head waters for fishing. The secretary’s action in offering to hatch fry for the Taumarunui Rod and Gun Club was endorsed.