OAMARU ITEMS

Evening Star, Issue 22638, 3 May 1937, Page 12

OAMARU ITEMS

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION There was a large muster of returned men at the annual meeting of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association on Saturday night, Mr H. C. Jeffery (president) occupying the chair. The large - attendance showed the continued interest taken by Diggers in the affairs of their association, and one of the chief notes struck at the meeting was the desire to increase the membership to the record of 500 members in this, the association’s jubilee year. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to comrades who had passed away during the year. Mr Jeffery extended a cordial welcome to the visitors, especially to representatives from the Upper Waitaki Sub-association and the Mgnpara Committee. In reviewing the activities of tho year, Mr Jeffery said the association Was to be congratulated on another successful year., Many pension cases had been dealt, with, and many Diggers had received assistance, which would not have been the case but for the association. In 1927 the membership stood at 127: to-day it stood at 447; which showed that the executive and the secretary had been carrying put their job. He congratulated the sub-associations at Hampden and Upper Waitaki, and the Ngapara Committee oh the good work being done, and said that the meeting at Herbert had met with a measure of success. He suggested to the incoming executive that further meetings should be held in the district. On a population basis Oamaru and district had been one of the most loyal districts in the support given to the Anzac stamp campaign, and thanks were due to Miss J. B. Wilson and the Girl Guides, Mr Frank Milner, the Waitaki boys, and also to the Post Office staff for its co-operation and assistance. Reunions at Temuka and Omarahia had been attended, and Mr Bert Jacobs, from headquarters, had visited Oamaru. This year the association was celebrating its twenty-first anniversary, and he urged those present to secure more 'members and strive to bring the total up to the record of 500 this year. The election of officers resulted: — President, Mr C. J. L. Mollison; vicepresident. Mr E. Cameron; treasurer, Mr J. T. Adams; honorary solicitor, Mr A. Hamilton; auditor, Mr W. J. Davies; chairman of the executive, Mr D, S. Smith; Executive Committee-r-Messrs D. J. Crawley, R. E. Dimick, J. W. Harrison, H. C. Jeffery, J. E. M'Nulty, W. A. Mac Nab, J. Tavendale, and G. Williamson; delegate to the annual conference of the New Zealand Association, Mr N. H. Colquhoun. A recommendation was passed to the incoming executive’ to take up the question of tlood-lighting the War Memorial.

The meeting reaffirmed the principle that Anzac Day be held on April 25.

Votes of thanks were accorded the Poppy Day helpers, Anzac Day helpers (Ministers’ Associatioh), bands, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and volunteers, and a motion of appreciation of the services given by the retiring president (Mr Jeffrey), the auditor, and honorary solicitor was passed. Following the meeting a short address was given by Mr J. C. Kirkness, and a social hour was spent, at which the -following toasts were honoured;—“The King”; “The Speaker of the Evening ” (Mr D. J. Crawley, Mr J. C. Kirkness); “ Poppy Day Workers ” (Mr R. E. Dimick, Mr H. E. Wedde); “ Returned Soldiers’ Association ” (Mr J. E. M'Nulty, Mr C. J. L. Mollison); “ Waitaki and Hampden . Sub-assOciations and Ngapara Committee” (Mr H. C. Jeffrey, Messrs M'Lean arid Small, of Kurow, and Scott, of Ngapara); “ Press and Performers” (Mr E. Cameron); and “ The Chairman ” (Mr J. Tavendale). Musical and elocutionary items were given by Messrs M'Lean, Johnson, Mayfield, R. E. Dimick, and C. Rollo. Mr A. E. Hodge presided at the piano. HOCKEY <—Waimate v. Tolara.— The first of the championship games to be played at Waimate resulted in a win for Waimate over Totara by 5 goals to 1. Shortly after the commencement, the Totara forwards secured, and J. Clark opened the score with a fine goal. Waimate then attacked strongly, and Allington found the net for Waimate to make the score 1 all. Taylor added another goal for Waimate, .and at half-time Waimate Jed 2-1. ■ In the second half play, was carried on at a fast_ pace, both teams giving good exhibitions of the game! Taylor added his second goal for Waimate, and shortly after registered his third goal. Just before time Brown found the net with a good shot. Outstanding players were: Cox and Nolan (Waimate), and J. Clark and Sherwin (Totara). Mr E. H. Coker ( was the umpire. , —Oamaru v. Rovers.— The grounds were in perfect condition at King George’s Park for the opening of the competition, in the first grade match the Gamaru and Rovers teams were very evenly matched, and the game was keenly contested throughout. In' the first spell Rovers held the advantage territorially, but failed to take advantage of opportunities through poor shooting at goal. The opening score was by Rawstorn, for Oamaru, but Smith found the net for Rovers to even the score. Here was in fine form, and in the fast play that followed saved many dangerous situations. Smith was prominent in the Rovers forward line. Just before half-time Beswick placed Oamaru ahead with a nice shot into the net. . In the second spell Rovers went to the attack, but Goodall cleared, Blair taking the ball up the side-line, sending in a good centre to Hore, who found the net. Shortly after a solo effort saw Beswicik go through to register his second goal. A movement started by Hore saw Blair score. The same player added another goal for Oamaru, and Robinson secured a second goal for Rovers, the final scores being:—Oamnru 6, Rovers 2. Mr T. W. Jacobs controlled the game. —Second Grade. — St. Kevin’s beat Oamaru by 4 goals to 1. Whitburn (2), Sinclair, and M'Elhenny scored for the winners, and Thomson for Oamaru. Messrs Blair and Beswick were the umpires. —Third Grade.— Rovers beat St. Patrick’s by 2 goals (scored by Kennedy) to 1. —Ladies’ Games.— 'Pirata 1A 5, Athletic 0. Maheno 7, Pirata 2A 0.

GOLF *—Men’s Club.— The best scores for the medal match were:—S. R. Cuthbertson, 73—4—69; Fastier, 85—15—70; A. C. Hurst, 92 22 R. B. Nicholls, 78—7—71; Crimp, 85—12—73; Miller, 88—14—74; Restieaux; 97—23—74. The best gross scores were:—S. R. Cuthbertson 73, G. Ross 78, R. B. Nicholls 78. —Ladies’ Club.— Tho best scores in the Stableford bogey were returned by Mrs' M’Beath, 23 11—34; Miss P. Robins, 19—12 —3l; Mrs Burton, 20—11 —31. The draw for the medal round is ns follows: —■ First Tee.—Mrs Brown v. Mrs Grater, Mrs Meek v. Miss E. Familton, Mrs Rickman v. Miss M'Quade, Mrs M'Beath v. Miss Armstrong, Mrs Jordan v. Mrs Burton. Mrs Ireland v. Miss P. Lane, Mrs Donaldson v. Mrs Wilson, Miss E. Nicholls v. Miss Mackie, Mr D. Smith v. Miss R. Donaldson, Mrs M'Culloch v. Mrs Barclay. Thirteenth Toe.—Mrs Fotheringham v. Mrs M’Ewan, Miss C. Lane a bye, Miss M'Donald v. Mrs Irving, Mrs Butler v. Mrs Sinclair, Mrs Crawshaw. y. Mrs Forrest, Miss M‘Lay v. Miss Maxwell, Miss Carrey v. Miss M. Simpson, Mrs C. Rowe a bye. Tenth Too. —Mrs Ewart v. Mrs H. Hall, Mrs Roxby v. Miss Simpson, Mrs Steenson v. Miss Fraser. ■ NORTH OTAGO BOWLING CENTRE A meeting of the executive of the North Otago Bowling Centre was held on , Friday night,'Mr E. Tomkins (president) occupying the chair. ; The New Zealand Association advised that the annual. meeting ' would be held in Dunedin on July 7.—lt was decided to nominate Mr D. H. Thompson for a seat on the council. Mr J. Reid advised that _ he had won the champion of champions title five times, three times in the pairs, and twice in the rinks. Following on the practice in Wellington, he applied for a badge.—lt was decided to give a badge to the value of £1 Is'to a player winning the champion of champions events five times. ■ . ’ The appeal in connection • with the King George V. Memorial Fund was referred to the clubs for consideration early next season. _ Advice was received from the New Zealand Council in reference to the incident at the Hampden Boxing Day tournament that, when the jack struck the mat lying ion the bank, the head should have been declared dead, and that the head should not stand through bringing the jack into play again The statement of accounts in connection with the Easter tournament, brought forward by the secretary, showed a very satisfactory balance. It was decided to apply for a game against the British bowling team. A recommendation was passed to the incoming committee that the tournament entries be closed at 48 rinks and 96 pairs. RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH A total of 167 points of rain was recorded in Oamaru for April, according to the records kept by Mr W. Forrester. For the same month last year only 104 points were registered. The total for the four months of this year is 709 points, compared with. 1.360 points for the corresponding period of !936. _________ SUNSHINE BELOW AVERAGE Despite the fact that Oamaru enjoyed one particularly fine week during April, the sunshine figures for the month were below the average. The sunshine recorded last month totalled Il7h 45min, compared with 102 h 35min for the same mouth of last year. The average for the past nine years is 120 h. The daily average during April was 3h 55min, with seven sunless days, mainly in the second week of the month. mm GTAGG RUGBY The competition games conducted by the North Otago Rugby Union were continued on, Saturday at the Show Grounds- and at Maheno in fine weather, resulting in, wins to Old Boys over Athletic by 14- points to 6, and to Maheno by. the .large total of 30-6, Excelsior being unable to: counteract the dashing forwards of the country pack. The game at the Show Grounds was a very drab affair, while at Maheno a one-sided exposition was the order. Neither team was at full strength, but the display of the couptry pack was very encouraging, and augurs well for the future. At no time did Excelsior look like taking the initiative, their movements lacking thrust and dash. ’ . , In good overhead conditions, but with the ground a little on the wet side, Old Boys beat Athletic 14-8 in the main attraction in town. As an exposition of Rugby it would be difficult to conceive a more drab affair, as the greater part of both spells was taken up with- scrums and penalty kicks. When a. scrum was ordered: it usually took three, and sometimes up to five, scrums to gain a decision. The reason, for such repetition was' not clear to the onlookers, particularly in view of the fact that the ball was frequently raked cleanly from the initial scrum of.the series. Two penalty goals and a converted try gave -Old Boys a lead of 11-0 at the interval, which was raised to 14 points just after the resumption, when M'Laren, who was in fine kicking form, placed his third penalty goal from well out., In the concluding quarter Athletic took charge and looked like pulling the game out of the fire, but it concluded in Old Boys’ favour by 14 points to 8. .. OLD BOYS BEAT ATHLETIC. Old Boys went to the attack, through Hunt fumbling the kick-off, and endeavoured to press home the advantage with the backs, but they were not linking up well. Penalties in quick succession were awarded Old Boys, presumably for lifting in the scrum, and at his. third attempt M'Laren goaled from almost in front. Old Boys 3, Athletic 0. Ten scrums ip half as many minutes followed, and from the last of these, in _ which M'Laren put the ball in and'it was hooked smartly by Athletic, Old Boys received another penalty, and the half placed another excellent goal. Old Boys 6, Athletic 0. The Athletic pack then took the offensive, Carrodus breaking through and punting high for - Park to carry on within a few feet of the goal line. The Old Boys’ van cleared temporarily, and then another scrum infringement, this time to Athletic, saw Park’s kick fall short, for Daniolls to clear to halfway. Back went the Athletic forwards with a like result, Park again missing from a penalty, this time from an easy position. With the forwards temporarily, on top

the Athletic hacks essayed a passing rush. K. Wilson and then Holland tried to force their way over, a penalty finally bringing relief to Old Boys Low next showed out in a fine forward rush that put Old Boys on the attack, and when they heeledl smartly from a ruck M'Laren ran Martin into position for what appeared, to be a' certain try,, but the centre dropped the pass. Following a succession of scrums and tight, play in midfield, Forde, the ex-Southlander,' gained a big stretch of ground by kicking to the open, and Old Boys set up a hot attack on Athletic’s line. The defence held, however, and after M'Laren madea good, but’ unsuccessful, attempt from a penalty Carrodus led the Athletic pack into Old Boys’ territory. With play right on the line and'the'defence scattered, a penalty enabled Old Boys to effect a timely save. Just before half-time Budd’s clearing kick was charged down and Qrbell and Ludemann broke clean through. The tide Was stemmed, but only .temporarily, however, as from the ensuing scrum Old Boys got possession and the ball travelled quickly out to Daniells, who broke a weak tackle to score, for M'Laren to add the major points. The interval was taken 'shortly after; with the score:

Old Boys 11, Athletic 0. • The scrums which marred the first half domiiiated the second spell. Within eight minutes of resuming M'Laren kicked his third penalty goal for Old Boys as - the result of another scrum infringement by Athletic. Play then became very ragged, the only bright movement in the next 15 minutes being when’ M'Laren worked - the “ blind ” cleverly, hut Borrie knocked on when in a scoring position. In the final quarter Athletic took a new lease of life, and Old Boys forced twice kicks by Steele. and Park that went top far. Then the penalty pendulum swung in favour of Athletic, Park _ goaling from one awarded' for something that happened in a collapsed scrum. Old Boys 14, Athletic.. 3. A fine thrust by Old Boys saw Borrie grassed just in time by Budd, fine, rucking regaining lost ground for Athletic. , In spite _ of the epidemic of scrums, Athletic’s efforts to even -the - scores brightened proceedings, and the attack was rewardedl when defence allowed Park, who had-whipped round from the opposite wing, to .score and convert. Old Boys 14, Athletic 8, Hunt and Kilgour were dragged down inches from the line, and then Carrodus carried the Old Boys’ full-back over to score, but the try was disallowed. Right on time Budd attempted a .field goal for Athletic, but it failed, and no-side was sounded with the scores: Old Boys ... ... ... ... 14 Athletic .... ... -.8 Mr J. M'Millan was the referee. MAHENO’S EASY WIN. Maheno attacked from the outset, and J. Johnston attempted to goal as the result of an, infringement, but the kick failed. . Maheno again attacked and Moyle burst . through _ the Tuck. Souness opened up to Gillies, whose pass to Campbell went begging.- Papps cleared from a concerted movement, but Johnston and Dougherty came back and took play well into Excelsior’s territory. Jones . was conspicuous in a fine solo effort, but was sent back by M'Phail, who cleared.well. Using all their weight : in a combined effort,-the Maheno forwards rushed to*, the attack to catch Papps in possession. From the , ensuing scramble Rapson dived over to score. • Maheno 3, Excelsior 0. Souness accepted a .pass .and dashed away downfield before transferring to Gray, who made a good effort. Ewing, carried on for Johnston to score. The same player added the extra points. Maheno .8, Excelsior-0. Davis was responsible for the next try by. kicking through to the opposing line for Souness to touch down. Johnton again converted. Maheno 13, Excelsior 0. The Excelsior pack now came to light temporarily, and entered their opponents’ territory for the first time. The effort was spasmodic, however, for Souness sent his backs away, Bru& finishing a fine effort by scoring, half-time sounded with the scores Maheno ... ... ... ... 16 Excelsior,. ... ... 0

' The second spell saw Maheno: definitely in the ascendancy. Dougherty placed Maheno in a good position, and from a scrum Souness sent Gray away only to be tackled near the line. Ewing snapped- up, however, to-dive over. Johnston failed with the kick. Maheno 19, Excelsior 0; , One of the best forward movements of the day was witnessed when Rapson and Cameron set up a hot Maheno attack to carry play 50yds. Jones, however, returned play with a spectacular run, and. sent on for j. -Easton to - score a- well-earned try. The scorer failed to convert. Maheno 19, Excelsior 3. Ewing, Rapson, and Cameron Were' associated in a bright movement which brought the back line into play for, Gray to score. MThail missed. Maheno 22,-Excelsior 3. . The country team was haying matters all its own way at this stage, of the, game, and another snappy forward movement ended in Dougherty scoring. Bruce converted. ■ Maheno * 27, • Excelsior-: 3. Excelsior made a belated but brilliant spurt to again score. The backs got away in a fast movement for Stewart to come round on ■ the outside - to send Minty over - in the corner.' This was undoubtedly the finest.effort of . the day. Just before time Gray again. scored for Maheno, and .the game ended with the scores:- . ■' Maheno ...... Excelsior ... 6 Mr L. V. Bryant was the referee. .—Juniors, — Waitaki 8, Athletic 8. , ' ' . Excelsior 27, Maheno 3. —Third Grade. — . Old Boys 30, Excelsior o.' Waitaki 32, Southern 0. St. Kevin’s 27, Athletic 0. —Fourth Grade.— Waitaki A 28, St, Kevin’s 0. ', Athletic B 13, Waitaki B 0. BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE ADDRESS BY MR J. C. KIRKNESS The effects of the various dictatorships in various countries of-Europe to-day- and , the scenes of old battlefields of Europe, were described in an interesting mariner to returned soldiers at Oamaru on Saturday by Mr J. C. Kirkness, who has recently returned from a lengthy tour of the continent. Mr Kitkness prefaced his remarks by saying it was a great privilege to meet his fellow diggers, and he expressed thanks to the executive 'and secretary for the -great strides' made in North O.tagb in placing the association on a sound ■ footing. He hoped inembers would secure new members and bring the total up to 500 in the coming, year. Mr Kirkness, who illustrated his address by lantern'slides, first took hisaudience- to the heights of Abraham, on the St. Lawrence, Quebec, showing pictures. - of ' the Chateau Froptignac

and the Citadel, and Wolfe Cove, where General Wolfe climber the heights and won the battle that made such a difference in the histc ry ■of Canada. He also showed the nonument erected to Wolfe and Mon -calm, a common memorial to victor ami vanquished. Scenes were also put < n the screen showing Port Said, the War Memorial at Perth, and . a Sphinx carved out of the rock by a d: abl-ed returned man at Sydney; the commemoration of Armistice Day ca the' Orford, this big ship stopping ; t. sea for two minutes tor the pu pose; Edinburgh Castle flood-lit at light, and the f famous Scottish War Me aorial at the castle; the Place de la Cc icord, ( in Paris,, where .the fountain narked 1 the site of the guillotine of the 1 rench. Revolution, the Arc de Triomplm and the Unknown Warrior’s Grave with its. ever-burning flame, and the wonderful palace of Versailles, whe: e the treaty was signed in 1919. Mr Kirkness commented on the. grandtar of this magnificent building, and s 1 id he wondered if some of the money spent on it could not have been spi nt in helping the distressed and assis’ ing a laine dog over the stile. He then took his listeners la the war area, including Rheims, whe *e the restoration of the famous cataedral had been carried out by Jolm D. Rockefeller, jun., and the old -ellara in the town had been ; covered with, concrete to form a large, square. He was in Belgium at the time, if the Resist, rising aUd saw that Fascism, was getting a hold in that country* He showed, views of.' the Belgi® l Unknown Warrior’s Grave,! and th i Bel* gian memorial to the French cor trades who fought for them. At Brass ils_ ha met the New Zealand representative, Mr Clinkhard, who gave much assistance to New Zealanders tra* elling there. The Belgians were- jusc the same people, as during the war. At Waterloo there was the dressing station used by Napoleon, and -the hr ilding where Wellington and Blacker me after the battle. - At the bid gate of P rages, the canal and . swans reminded lim of the Avon, and then there was th - Zeebrngge mole, where British ailors landed and wrote history. At Poperinghe he saw Talbot House, and the hotel, still conducted by ~M dame Bartier, which so many New Ze danders visited, during the war. Mi ssinea Ridge, Kernel, Hill 60, and Pa chendaele Ridge would not now. be rqco ;nised by those who fought over-that ground. There was the mink crater at Me-sines, where they had stood in June, 1917. It was mow called- the Pool of i.’eaoe, and when he saw it again he cou d not: help thinking of the cruelty oi war. It was a peaceful old Belginm. w th its slow, easy-going people, who h; was told, had more wealth now than jefore 1914. Other places .visited weia the New Zealand war ■memorial at G -avenstaffel, Hell Fire Corner, Ypres (now rebuilt), with a prosperous people today, the beautiful doth Hall as t was before 1914 and as 1 it stands in n in today, the Menin Gate, and Tyn 3 C6t Cemetery. ■ Mr Kirkness then showed vie vs 1 of the Rhine, with Cologne Catl edral, Bonn (the birthplace of Beeth ven), and Petersberg, where the Fuhrer spent his time when he came to the j 'hineland. Between Cologne and Bom was the finest road he had ever seen with four lines of traffic, lit overheat , and where there were embankments, . pring steel rails which would throw a ca • back on the road. He could not help thinking that this road wai not built for pleasure, but for the i iture, and they would know what he meant. Prices were very cheap in Gei many,and they hired a car for four ma?ks for each of four passengers for tin day, a mark being 11 Jd. ,He..qguj:l not sjjeak'too highly of the 1 courtbs r and kindness of their one-time enemic who gave them a wonderful time. Ht came away with a very different idea, of the German people. He was not a Nazi, and God forbid that they should ever have a dictatorship; but he fe.-fc the Germans were their natural allies. There was a very strong feeling g lining ground in Germany against the Nazis. Hitler did very little in the wa% but he was a man of tremendous persi nality. and the only one who could tandle the would-be Hitlers under him The German people a were afraid to speak their minds, and were suffering hardship - for ..love . of - their • Fathc rland.While -doing all they could to build up the strength of: the country, the German people were suffering, and th 3 children were emaciated and not g jtting proper food. The Nazi uniform; were everywhere, and the boys and girl s were loyal and gave the Nazi salute, surging on the march, though he felt :t was a forced, joviality. The Germans had made great strides, but wages were low. and the people were poor. When at Tyne Cot Cemetery his thoughts went back to the fellow r they knew. Did they die. to .give ,t ;em * good time? He felt they died to give them peace. They could still, prepare, for war and work for peace, hr b perhaps they were not doing all they could. He thought of the bravr men who died there and what they ha I done for Belgium, which afterwards did not appreciate it. He prayed for ths. time when’Britain, the United State :, and Germany would unite in the hi nd of friendship and bring peace and gtodwlll on earth. . ' ‘ ; ... Mr Mollispn returned thanks to-Mr Kirkness for his' address, saying his opinions would hejp them as tc what was going on overseas, and if-Mr Kirkness would -give, a public add; ass it would go a long way towards peace. Hearty votes of thanks were auo ao> corded Miss Wilson-and Mr Spot tier.