SOUTH CANTERBURY NEWS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22197, 14 September 1937, Page 6

SOUTH CANTERBURY NEWS

TIMARU OMNIBUS FLEET REPORT TO BOROUGH COUNCIL EXPENDITURE Ofr' LOAN DISCI SSED A report on the expenditure of the omnibus loan was made to a meeting of the Timaru Borough Council last right, by the Town Clerk (Mr E. A. S. Killicki. The Mayor (Air P. C. Vinnell) presided. The report stated that already six buses had been purchased, consisting of four chassis with seating capacity of 33 each, and two with seating capacity of 27 each, leaving four more buses to be purchased, of which it was anticipated that two would be required next year and two in 1939. This would give a total seating capacity of 294. against 180 in the old fleet. Although the price paid for the smaller buses was higher than that provided for in the loan, it was anticipated that, with the aid of the renewal fund, payment could be satisfactorily arranged, and that there should be no need for any further omnibus loans. Permission was granted the Electrical Engineer (Mr A. W. Watkins), and the chairman of the electricity committee (Cr. J. R. Hart> to attend Ihe conference of Electric Supply Authorities Engineers' Association in Wellington on October 11 and 12 next. A letter was received from the Automobile Association (South Canterbury) congratulating the council on the lighting of Stafford street, which the association considered was now cne of the best lighted streets in the Dominion. It was reported that bus takings for August this year amounted to £749 17s 6d, compared with £672 2s 6d for August of last year, a daily average of £2B 10s lOd (£25 17s). The finance committee reported that a letter'was considered from the borough solicitor about a claim from New Zealand Airways, Ltd., for loss to the company through the taking of land at the airport and hangars. As It was stated that the price to be paid by the council covered the hangar, and that settlement was made on such a basis, it was recommended that the council approve of the execution of a notice of non-admission of the claim for compensation, amounting to £65. On the recommendation of the works committee it was decided that the parking of bicycles on the kerb at bus stops in Stafford street be prohibited. It was decided to offer the Timaru Cemetery Board £6O, and to pay the cost of transfer, for approximately three acres of land for airport purposes. SMALLER FISH ADDRESS AT ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON "There is no doubt that fish are deteriorating quickly,"' said, Mr F. W. Pellett, curator-ranger to the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, in an address given yesterday to members of the Timaru Rotary Club on fish deterioration. The speaker said that the records of the Geraldine Acclimatisation Society showed that in 1887 trout up to 18.1b ■were caught, while to-day • a Impounder was considered an excellent catch. The average catches were also smaller. The march of civilisation had taken Its toll of flsh. In 1887 the flsh were liberated in virgin water teeming with natural food', whereas to-day the lack of natural food was one of the principal reasons why freah water fish were deteriorating. Other factors were the absence of suitable shelter in streams, overstocking, flooding or droughts, polVvitiort of streams, depredations by natural enemies, cannabalistic habits ot trout, and their migratory habits. VERDICT OF HEART FAILURE DEATH OF VISITOR TO TIMARU HOTEL A verdict that dgath was duia to heart failure, following bronchitis end pleurisy, was returned by the Coroner. Mr H. Morgan, S.M.. at, jm inquest, concluded! yesterday into the death of Thomas Little, who was found dead in bed at the Railway Private Hotel, Timaru, on September 9. Medical evii dence was given by Dr. R. D. King. Constable W. J. Watt gave evidence that investigations showed Little had been employed by the Public Works , Department at Lindis Pass foi' the last two years; it had boen found impossible to trace his relatives. HOCKEY WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT HELD Following w.ere the results of a women's six-a-side hockey tournament held at Timaru on Saturday:— Senior—First round: Winchester 2, Timaru 0; Rata 2, Albury 1; Stafford 1, Tinwald 0. Second round: Winchester 1, Methven 0; Albury IJ, Timaru 1; Stafford 2, Rata 1. Third round: Methven 1. Tinwald 0, Rata 2, Winchester 0; Stafford |, Albury 0. Fourth round: Rata i, Methven 0; Stafford 1, Winchester 0. Fifth round: Rata 1, Stafford 0. Final—Stafford 2. Rata 1. Junior—First round: Craighead A 1, Albury B 0; Albury A 2, Craighead B 0; Hinds 1, West End B 0; West End A 1 1 Methven 0; Tinwald 1. Stafford 0. Second round; Albury B 1. Craighead B 0; Craighead A 1. Albury A 0; Methven i, West End B 0; West End A 3, Stafford 0; Hinds 3. Tinwald 0. Third round: Methven 3, Albury B 0; Craighead A I, West End A 0; Hinds 3, Albury A 0, Fourth round: Craighead A 1. Methven 0: West End 1, Hinds 0. Fifth round: Hinds 2, Craighead 0. Sixth round: Hinds 1, West End 0. Final—Hinds 2, West End 1. TIMARU PERSONAL NOTE Mr A. L. Gee, J.P.. president of the South Canterbury Justices' Association, has resigned, in view of his impending removal to Auckland, and at a meeting of the council, his resignation was received with regret. A motion of sympathy was also accorded him. in the death of his wife. Mr J. M. Jenkins was elwted as president andvMr G. H. Andrews was elected to fill the vacancy on the council, every member of which who was present expressing regret at losing Mr Gee's services. REPRESENTATIVE OF "THE rKESS" AT WAIMATE Mr M. Power has taken up an appointment as the official representative of "The Press" at Waimate, replacing Mr R. E. Caury, who has received an appointment in Chriatchurch. Mr Power is available at telephones No. 275 and 70, or c/o John Bowron, Ltd., Queen street. Waimate.

WATER SUPPLY AT TIMARU DISCUSSION OF LOAN PROPOSALS VIEW OF RATEPAYERS TO BE SOUGHT A decision to submit to ratepayers proposals to raise a loan of £72,300 to enable a pipe line from a dam to be constructed in the Cannington Gorge to the existing reservoirs, and to improve the present reticulation and further a loan of £12,000 to undertake kerbing arid channelling of certain streets in the borough, was made at a meeting of the Timaru Borough Council last night. The Mayor (Mr P. C. Vinnell) presided. The amount of the water loan was made up as follows: —Estimated cost of work £79,800. less 15 per cent, subsidy from the Government, £11,970 £67,830, plus reticulation costs £4470, a total of £72,300. The total water works debt, including the proposed loan, was stated in a report prepared by the Town Clerk (Mr E. A. S. Killick) to amount to £158,411, the total borough indebtedness on Martin 31, 1937, being £286,795, less about £4OOO paid off the inscribed debt. Water works receipts, with the exception of about £25, were all derived from rates and extra water charges, and averaged about £14,000 yearly. The annual water works expenditure had averaged about £II,OOO, to which had to be added £3600 annual charges on the proposed loan, and about £250 maintenance. There would be an estimated saving of £IOOO yearly in maintenance of the water race, thus bringing the annual average expenditure to £13,850, or a trifle under the receipts. The special rate to be pledged .603 d covered the greatest annual payment towards the end of the term, and also covered the 10 per cent, additional to the loan. It would only be necessary on the present year's valuation to increase the special rates by .541 d, or, if the annual amount of ths kerbing and channelling loan charges required next year was added thereto, it would be necessary to increase the special rates by .033 d, or a little over jd. The loan was to mature en March 31, 1949, interest being at the rate of 3J per cent. The rate of interest on the kerbing and channelling loan was fixed at 3J per cent., the same as for the water works loan. Letter From Ratepayers During a discussion of the proposal a letter was read from the South End Ratepayers' Association protesting against the scheme. The letter stated that the Dssociation considered "the enclosure of water in a pipeline for such a long distance is unnecessary, undesirable, and insanitary. We prefer sunshine and shingle to a stinking pipe," Cr. P. B. Foote: Who are these people? (Laughter.) The Mayor: We will send the letter to the Loans Board. It would, however, be undesirable to comment upon it at the present time. Cr. H. J. Mathers: That is the proper procedure. "I do not agree with the use of the word 'stinking,'" said Cr. M. HRichards, who claimed that the existing water supply was satisfactory and had been so for 60 years. He questioned if the doctors who condemned the present scheme were authorities on water. Mr Richards, however, withdrew his opposition to the resolution to proceed with the raising of the loan when it was stated to him that his reasons for objecting to it would have to be forwarded to the Loans Board, the v<jte then becoming unanimous. The resolution that the council should proceed to raise a kerbing and channelling loan, was carried. FARMERS' UNION AT FAIRLIE i BACKBLOCKS SUPPLY OP ELECTRICITY The monthly meeting of the Fairlie branch of the Farmers' Union was held recently. Mr W. M. Black presided. The provincial secretary wrote advising the union of the small surplus over from the scholarship fund for the Young Farmers* Club from last year. It was decided to approve of the surplus being used to supplement the money available from the Carnegie Trustees. ft was decided to - support the recommendation that farmers be asked, when consigning empty lime sacks, that bundles be restricted to 561b weight and be securely tied and addressed. It was decided that the Mackenzie County Council be asked to enforce strictly the regulations on stray dogs in the township and district. Mr Black referred to the meeting he had called to discuss the supply of electricity to outlying districts. The collecting of guarantors was left to him, but he was unable to get nearly enough. Mr Black said that he had applied to have work done by subsidised labour. This had been refused as it was considered that power line reticulation was not work which came within the scope of scheme 13. The following resolution was carried:—"That this meeting urge upon the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) the dire need of rural dwellers for assistance in electrical reticulation and supply. It is impossible under existing conditions for backblock settlers to secure the blessings of electric light, heat, and power which, being nationally produced, should In future be available to all." It was decided that it be a remit to the executive to urge the Government to have electric power poles made of concrete instead of imported wood, as used at present. School Gaines Fine weather favoured the basketball games, played by two teams from Geraldine High School against Fairlie High School teams at Fairlie recently. The visitors won both senior and junior games, the scores being 10-7 and 9-8 respectively. ' Afternoon tea was served by women of the school committee. On Wednesday the primary football and basketball teams from Fairlie travelled to Albury, where they played combined southern teams. Combined teams won the football by 9-7. The baskotball was won by Fairlie, 15-12. GERALDINE PERSONAL NOTES At a meeting of the Geraldine County Council yesterday, th? chairman (Mr K. Mackenzie) expressed sympathy with Cr A. Bisdee in the recent death of his father. Mr Mackenzie mentioned that Mr Bisdee had been one of the early settlers of the Temuka district. Mr Mackenzie also referred to the death of Mr Alex McDonald, who had died at Christchurch on Sunday, in his ninety-ninth year. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of both families was carried in silence.

TREE-PLAfITING SCHEME i i BEAUTIFYING MAIN HIGHWAY i FORMAL CEREMONY NEAR TEMUKA To beautify part of the main highway between Timaru and Tcmuka, and give travellers some relief from the monotony of the plains, members of the South Canterbury Federation of Women's Institutes have carried on a scheme of tree planting for two years. Last week trees were planted to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. Tho species of trees were varied, and represented in their origin practically all the countries of the British Empire. At the ceremony, Mrs P. W. Hislop, of the tree-planting committee, welcomed the members who had taken part in the scheme and thanked those who had made the work possible. Special mention was made of the assistance given to the federation by the Levels County Council, which was represented at the gathering by Mr T. B. Garrick, chairman, Mr T. M. Brosnahan, and Mr R. G. Cleland. * NOVICES COMPLETE TRAINING CEREMONY AT MARIST BROTHERS' HOUSE Five novices who had completed their training took their first vows on Sunday as members of the Marist Brothers' Institute, the ceremony taking place at St. Joseph's Novitiate, Claremont. The novices were Brother Columba (Thomas McThierman, Ireland), Brother William (Thomas Mcintosh, Methven), Brother Colman (Eugene Spurway, Wellington!. Brother CyriJ (William Pender, Wellington), and Brother Benedict (Evas Bulled, Wellington). The following were also admitted as novices:—Patrick Tulte, Timaru (Brother Cyprian): Bernard Lochie, Wanganui (Brother Cuthbert): Owen Lynch, Hawera (Brother Thomas); Desmond Cooney, Inyercargill 'Brother Brian); Patrick Neville, Napier (Brother Basil): Edward Tansey. Wairoa (Brother Edgar); Ronald de Roo Christchurch (Brother Stanislaus>; Arthur Pennington. Gisborne (Brother Hilary); Raymond Fisher, Temuka (Brother Conrad); Austin Montague, Invercargill (Brother Timothy); John Clifford, Helensville (Brother Hubert); Lawrence McMullin, Onehunga (Brother Alban); Francis Power, Auckland (Brother Theodore); Peter Horan, Auckland (Brother Arthur). The Rev. Father Lennon, C.S.S.R., conducted the ceremony, which marked the conclusion of a 10 days' retreat at the novitiate, and the Rev. Brother Benignus, Provincial of the Mariat Brothers in New Zealand, received the vows. IRRIGATION SCHEME ON LEVELS PLAINS FARMER'S SATISFACTION WITH RESULTS Satisfaction with the results obtained from the Levels Plain irrigation scVieme, vj\\en water was distributed i over one of his paddocks three weeks ago, was expressed by Mr M. F. Burns, a prominent farmer in tho Temuka district, yesterday. Mr Burns said that the total area of grass land which had been irrigated waj 14 acres. The grass was two year 3 old and to see the result of irrigation on it he had consented to have it watered. He had been assured by officers of the Department of Agriculture that there would be a luxuriant growth of grass on it for the lambs and ewes in three weeks from the time the water was laid on. In spite of the cold weather and lack of sunshine during the last few weeks, the grass in the irrigated paddock had indeed flourished, and had provided abundance of feed for his ewes and lambs. In addition to providing good spring feed for his stock, the water distributed over the paddock had destroyed scores of grass grubs, which on his land had been a pest for some years, Mr Burns said. TEMUKA PERSONAL NOTES Miss Friend, Hilton, is spending a holiday in Oamaru. Mrs M. Smith, "Cherryburton," Christchurch, is visiting Temuka, and is the guest of Mrs A. Hope, Fraser street. Mr G. Preddy has returned to Christchurch, after visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs J. Preddy, Allnatt street. Miss M. Hanafin, Christchurch, js spending her annual holidays in Temuka, and is the guest of Miss A. Hanafin, Denmark street. Mr G. Lyall, who has been attending his brother's wedding at Clandeboye. has returned to Chr.stchurch. Mrs J. B. Davis, who has been visiting Christchurch, has returned to Tcmuka. Mr G. C. Fraser, of Dunedin, is visiting his parents, Mr and Mis C. L. Fraser. MINIATURE RIFLE "* SHOOTING MATCH FOR HAYHURST SHIELD Following are the best individual positions at the conclusion of the second round of the Hayhurst Shield miniature rifle competition:— A Grade—W. Heads (Timaru) 160, R. Meredith (Hilton) 160, M. Patrick (Pleasant Point) 160, W. Priddle (Winchester) 160. B grade—G. Duncan (Timaru) 159, R. Selbie (Claremont) 153, R. Brenton (Hilton), 158. A. McConncll (Claremont) 158, M. Healv (Timaru) 158. Miss E. Brehout (Glen-iti) 158, S. Hubbard (Mount Nessing) 138, A. Bottmg (Winchester) 138. Miss C. Greig (Claremont) 138. C grade—L. Abraham (Timaru) 157, A. Howe (Colmoco) 156, Miss T. Rule (Orari Bridge) 156, C. Hubbard (Mount Nessing) 156, Miss J. Hill (Glsn-iti) 155. D grade—D. Hawthorne (Cave) 153, S. R. Moffat (Colmoco) 15*; Miss G. Hardie (Colmoco) 149, W. Smolensk! (Cave) 148, Mrs Firman (Orari Bridge) 148, L. Ouigley (Otipua) 145. Women s Individual ChampionshipMiss C. Greig (Claremont) 158, Miss E. Brehaut (Glen-iti) 158, Mrs Brown (Point) 158. Mrs Brehaut (Glen-iti) 156, Miss J. Dale (Fairview) 156, Miss T. Rule (Orari Bridge) 156, Mrs Small (Glen-iti) 155. Miss Stewart (Glen-iti) 155, Miss J. Hill (Glen-iti) 155. Mrs Watson (Orari) 155, Mrs L. Henderson (Orari) 155.

I THREE TENDERS REJECTED SHINGLING PROGRAMME DELAYED GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL'S DECISION Because members considered the tenders too high, the Geraldine County Council decided yesterday to decline all three tenders received for shingle dumps in' the Geraldine area of the county. It was decided, after discussion, to accept the tenders of Mr M. H. Seyb for shingle dumps on the TemukaBadham's and Gayson's roads, in the Temuka area. Three tenders were received for this work. The accepted tenders of Mr Seyb were £270 1.5s for 1140 cubic yards on Badham's road and £l4O for 560 yards on Gayson's road. Cr. H. J. D. Acland: If these tenders for the Geraldine area had been reasonable we would have gone on with them. I suggest that the money be used for the purchase of a truck. A new truck is needed in the Mount Peel area, and the lorry at Mount Peel could be used on the flat far shingle carting. Cr. F. R. Flatman: All I worry about is to balance our accounts at the end 'of the year. The chairman (Cr. Mackenzie): We are going to have difficulty in doing that. It was decided to investigate the possibility of purchasing a lorry, and to discuss it again at the next meeting. Council work was slipping behind because some of the men were absent through illness, said Cr. Acland, and lit was decided to authorise the engineer to appoint temporary men to fill these vacancies when necessary.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AT PEEL FOREST ANNUAL MEETING HELD The annual meeting of the Peel Forest Horticultural Society was held recently in the Peel Forest Library. There was a good attendance. The following officers were elected: —Patrons, Sir Hugh Acland. Messrs H. D. Acland, T. D. Burnett, M.P., J. M. H. Tripp, Mesdames W. E. Barker, G. Dennistoun. Miss O. M. BarKer; president, Commander G. H. Dennistoun; vicepresidents, the Rev. Canon Coursey, Messrs W. Blair. H. Barker. J. Cain, W. Thomas, W. H. Walton. G. Wooding. C. J. Kerr, A. Taylor, and Mrs Haines; chairman, Mr Y. H. Robinson; secretary. Mrs F. Reid; treasurer, Mr W. Macphail; working committee, Mesdames W. Macphail, G. Wooding, G. U'Pritchard, L. Heney, and Miss M. Marsh. It was decided to hold one show during, the summer. St. Barnabas's Guild The monthly meeting of the St. Barnabas's 'Guild was held in the St. Stephen's Sunday School. A letter of thanks was received from Sister North in acknowledgement of a donation. An interesting and in* structive address on "Immigration" was given by the Rev. Canon Coursey. Mrs J. Acland thanked the speaker. One new member was enrolled, and the next meeting of the guild was arranged for October 7. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs F, Reid and Miss Drummond.

COUNTY COUNCIL AT GERALDINE J PROMPT PAYMENT OF \ RATES REI'OKT TO MONTHLY MEETING "Rates are being paid more promptly than in recent years," reported Cr. F. R. Flatman, chairman of the finance committee, at a meeting of the Geraldine County Council yesterday. "Nearly £4OO has been received since the demands for the current year were posted at the beginning of the month." Receipts for the month were £3074 16s lid, stated Mr Flatman. and after payments that day there would be a debit balance of £3900 6s 6d. Notice of motion was given to strike the following rates in the several river districts for the year ending March 31, 1038:—South Orari, class A, Jd; class B, id; special, id. Upper Orari and Waihi, class A, id; class B, l-12d. Waihi special loan district, lid; Rangitata Island, class A, id; class B. id. The chairman (Mr K. Mackenzie) reported that the council had received authority to engage six married registered unemployed for six weeks in laying asphalt playing areas at Arowhenua and Mjlford. Authority had also been given, Mr Mackenzie said, to carry out certain river protective works under the No. 13 scheme. One case of hydatids in the county was reported by the health inspector (Mr P. A. Wallwork) during August. Six ratepayers wrote objecting to their px - operties being included in the Downlands (Geraldine) River District. Those present at the meeting were the chairman (Mr K. Mackenzie), Crs. F. R. Flatman, T. Lyons, Ross Brodie, A. Bisdee, Q. Ley, A. M. H. Bain, H. J. D. Acland, the county engineer (Mr C. E. Bremner), and the county clerk (Mr A. A. Readdie).

MANSE CROSSING BRIDGE DISCUSSION BY COUNTY COUNCIL The Manse crossing bridge proposals were discussed at a meeting of the Geraldine County Council yesterday, and it was decided to confer with the Temuka Borough Council about the share of the cost. The Main Highways Board representative in Canterbury (Mr F. Langbe'n) advised that the board had decided upon a width of 22 feet for the bridgi at the Manse crossing, Temuka. The local authority would be required to find a third of the cost. The chairman <Mr K. Mackenzie) raported that while in Wellington recently he had interviewed the Lorns Board authorities about arranging for finance for the councTs share of the cost of the new bridge. Finance could be arranged by loan cr debentures, or by bank overdraft. Apparently, as an existing bridge was being replaced, and as it was not shorter than a cit tain specified length, it would not be necessary to take a poll of the ratepayers. If the Highways Board would advance the money, the council would not need the sanction of the Loans Board, and only an Order-in-Couneil would ba required.

RETIREMENT OF COUNTY ENGINEER TRIBUTES TO SERVICES OF MR C. E. BREMNER The resignation of the Geraldine County Engineer (Mr C. E. Bremner) because of the strain of his increasing duties, was accepted with regret at a meeting of the Geraldine Qounty Council yesterday. The resignation wilj take effect in three months. Mr Bremner, in a letter to the council, said he wished to give notice of his intention to terminate his engagement with the council in three months. He was taking the step because of the strain of the increasing duties of his office and because at his age he could not continue to do adequate justice in the service. He wished to thank the chairman personally, and also members of the council, for the courtesy and consideration extended to The chairman (Mr K. Mackenzie) said that members would regret to learn that the time had come for Mr Bremner to sever his connexion with the council. When members inspected the work Mr Bremner had tlone during nearly 18 years' service with the council they would appreciate that it was only just that he should now rest free of worry. No one could have given better service than Mr Bremner S lt was decided to consider the filling of the vacancy at a special meeting.

ST ANDREWS FLORAL SOCIETY DATE OF ANNUAL SHOW FIXED A decision to hold the annual spring show on October 7 was carried unanimously at a meeting of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Flower Show Committee, hald on Saturday evening. Mr A. Ward presided. The following class stewards for the spring show were appointed:— Cut flowers: Mrs Hewson. Mr Glassey, Mrs McNeur. Vegetables: Mr Robinson. Decorative: Mrs L.. R. Bell. Baking: Mrs .Nelson. Sweets: Mrs Bustard. Fancywork: Mrs Russell, Children's section, Mrs Lyall. The stalls in charge of the various church districts were arranged as follows: Southburn, luncheon; Hunter, afternoon tea: St. Andrews and Esk Valley, supper; Otaio, produce: Pareora cake stall; St. Andrews, novelty stall: sweet stall. Miss Wilkie and Miss Moyle. Sub-committees to assist during' the afternoon and evening sessions were also set up. Messrs J. J. Hall, R. Parry, and D. G, Lyall were elected an emergency committee. .

CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT AT TAREORA Much enthusiasan was shown in a cribbage tournament, played between the Pareora School Committee and Re. turned Soldiers' Association members combined, and the St, Andrews Tennis Club combined with St Andrews Returned Soldiers' Association members at Pareora. About 80 players attended The winners of the prizes at cribbage were: Women, Mrs A. Bennett (LyalldaJe); men, Mr p. O'Connor f Pareora). Euchre was also played, the prize winners being Mrs H. Anderpareora, and Mr Mansoa,