CROMWELL NEWS

Evening Star, Issue 22367, 17 June 1936, Page 5

CROMWELL NEWS

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.) Water races ami water rights have probably been the source of more litigation in Central Otago than anything else, and repeatedly the time of the warden is occupied in dispensing justice in disputes between farmers. All water rights, even those for domestic purposes, as well as irrigation, are granted under the Mining Act, so law suits are heard by the warden. At the last sitting of the Warden’s Court in Cromwell Warden H. J. Dixon, S.M., heard further evidence and gave judgment'in an adjourned action, R. and D. Ritchie v. P. M'Felin. Mr James C. Rarcell, lor the plaintiffs, had alleged that the defendant had cut the plaintiff’s race on a number of occasions, and dropped the water down on to his own property. The defendant contended that the plaintiff’s were getting the benefit of water from his springs on the top side of the plaintiff’s race. The Magistrate said that with respect to the original claim it was practically admitted that M'Folin had interfered with the race, and ho would grant an injunction. He would' allow damages (£2O) on the claim, witli solicitor’s expenses (£2 2s) and witnesses’ expenses. On the counter claim, M'Felin v. Ritchie, it seemed to him that there was very little water in these creeks, and M'Felin failed to prove any damage, and he would he nonsuited, without any costs. Towan Brothers also proceeded against Patrick M'Folin for trespass. Mr Parcell, for the plaintiffs, said M'Felin had utterly disregarded Towaus’ rights, and had entered their freehold land and constructed a race on their property. Henry Towan, in evidence, estimated the damages at £0 or £7. Fie had never given M'Felin permission to go on to his land.—P. J. M'Felin said ho recently constructed a race 100yds through Towaus’ propert}’ to got water round to his house. The race was used during the time his mother was there. Ho constructed the rrtee about lour months ago. He had no knowledge ot any objection until ho received the notice to attend the court. The water in the race had clone 'Towaus’ property good, as it had brought on Towaus’ grass. Tlio Magistrate was not satisfied there was any damage done, and thought that probably the property was the better, hut the trespass had been committed, and M'Felin must understand that he could not do things in his own way, but must do things in a. proper manner. He awarded damages (£.’!), with solicitor’s expenses (£1 Is). Miniature Rifle Clubs. The Ladies’ Miniature Ride Club in Cromwell is producing some good shots, and at the weekly shoot Miss 0. Cordon with 78 on the target took the gold button, and Mrs Nicol, whose score was 7:5—13—80, secured the silver button. Another club has been formed in the town to lie called the Kawarau Men’s Miniature Rifle Club, and officers were elected as follows;—President, Mr A. Key; vice-president, Mr A. Pollock; secretary, Mr F. (leering; committee — the president and secretary and Messrs

W. Yeint, R. Ward, R. Macdonald, and A. Pollock. Golf. On Sunday a team of 12 men and six ladies from Omakau visited the Cromwell Links. In the morning the men played pairs over nine holes, resulting in a draw—o all, and a further draw resulted m the afternoon, when fourball matches were played. The Cromwell ladies won all their matches in the afternoon. Football. The Vincent Rugby Sub-union has decided that tho animal Vincent-Manio-toto match will he played at Omakau, and the annual tournament will he held at Cromwell. The following have been seleoetd to represent Vincent at Roxburgh next Saturday in the match against Tuapeka:—Hesson (Alexandra), Sutherland (Bannockburn), Elder (Cromwgll), Garden (Matakanni), Arnold (Tarras), T. Campbell (Alexandra), A. Annan (Civile), Renton (Tarras), Radford (Cromwell), Ewing (Wanaka). Hamilton (Bannockburn), Burns (Wanaka), Alexander and Flannery (Matakanui), Templeton (Wanaka). Farmers’ Union, Farmers in the Cromwell district have formed a separate branch of the Farmers’ Union to he known ns the Cromwell branch. Officers elected were: —Mr J. Radford, president; and Mr W. M'Millan, secretary. A remit to the forthcoming conference in Dunedin is one in tho direction of having lished free port for manures in Central Otago. Messrs J. Swann and J. Radford are the delegates to the conference. 1