OAMARU ITEMS

Evening Star, Issue 22684, 25 June 1937, Page 12

OAMARU ITEMS

RUGBY IN NORTH OTAGO Although the Old Boys’-backs wove jonsiderably weakened through Force, Martin, and Borrie being out, they would nave beaten Maheno last Saturday had the lino been handling at all decently. M'Laren’s service from the scrum was his weakest to date, and Daniell could not be blamed for not gathering in the passes, _ which were mostly in the region of his feet. The trouble quickly spread to the flank men, and in the last minute of play a wonderful opportunity to at least make a draw of it. when Easton cut through the defence,' failed, as did numerous others, to reach fruition owing to a dropped transfer. The playing of Easton in the five-eighths line did not strengthen the backs, and, in view of his nomination for the North-South trial, more wisdom would have been shown had he been given an opportunity to regain his form at lull-back. The honours of the game went to the forwards, both packs providing a stern tussle. By virtue of its superior weight the Maheno scrum had a slight advantage, and this also obtained in the rucks through fine leadership on the part of Johnston. The Maheno backs lacked smoothness in their movements, although th<' defence was sound, particularly that of M‘Phail at full-back. Gray was the most dangerous of the three-quarters. Low, Hodge, and Orhell worked hard in all phases of forward play for Old Boys. Through having to fill up with several, juniors the Excelsior back line was no match for the Athletic rearguard, but the pack held its own in all but the set scrums. In the first half the Athletic backs threw the ball about and generally turned on bright football, and their lead of 15 points at the interval would probably have been increased had an injury not prevented Perkins (wing) from taking full advantage of opportunities the Hunt-Dwyer-Hammill-Mason combination made for him. On the other flank Kilgour had a quiet time, as very little play went his way. Budd played another faultless game at full-hack. The Athletic pack did not reveal the same dash as tho previous week, tho tight packing and heeling being much below the standard witnessed against Old Boys. A. Brown displayed fine form in the loose, his uncanny ability to anticipate the run of play, and safe hands, enabling him to score three good tries. There was little variation in tho form displayed by the rest of tho pack. On the . Excelsior side Jones and Easton were prominent in open play, Clellond and M'Leod taking the honours in the tight. When Athletic appeared to ease up as if content with its comfortable lead, the Excelsior van went much better in tho second spell and gave the backs more ball. R. M'Kendry played a good game at half, and alongside him M'lvor, who has beenofr tho scene tor several weeks, was going well until his condition gave out. Davty accomplished a big day’s work at full-back.

—An Experimental Team. — With the announcement of the Town team to play Country it looks as if the selectors—Messrs B. B. Blackmore, L. Ward, and W. Williams—are out to indulge in experiments. Just why this should be necessary iu_ the first game of the season is definitely not clear, as the material is offering in club positions, and. when this lias been tried and found wanting, then, and then only, should a rearrangement be necessary in an endeavour to cover up weaknesses. Apart from the three front raw men, the scrum is lacking in the two essentials —weight and balance. How Wood is expected to lock and balance with his team-mate, Johnston, is far from clear, but the mystery deepens a hundredfold with the inclusion of three 12-stone men of average height in the back row. Surely it is of more importance to gain posessio,n in the scrums than that the pack should include five loose forwards. The same policy is pursued with the emergencies. The idea of playing men in positions entirely foreign to them also predominates in regard to the back line. Having drawn Hunt (half) and Dwyer (first five-eighth) from_ one club, it should have been the aim of the selectors to try and preserve club combination by playing another team mate as second five-eighth. _ Instead of this Mason figures on the wing, a position he has never figured in and has no qualifications for. M'Laren has been playing half for his club all the season, yet he comes in to second fiveeightb. He has been selected on the pure chance that he will make good l , because he has no form to recommend him The selection of Pnpps as centre is indefensible. Since coming to Oamaru this season he has been seen in action at full-back and five-eighth, but did not . impress as a representative back in either position. His selection over the heads of the centre threequarters in the competition is a re* llection on their ability. The preference of Easton to Budd at full-back was not guided by correct form, but is explained by the fact that the selectors _ had to justify themselves after nominating the former for the South Island trials. Tho same explanation applies to the selectors’ note in regard to the omission of Fordo, who apparently was not included owing to having left the district. In the opinion of the majority the three best forwards in the competition have been omitted from the scrum—namely, Cameron (Maheno). Carrodus and Steele (Athletic). With those three in the pack and Mason alongside Dwyer, Martin at centre, and Kilgour and Bonne on the wings,_ the team would then be representative of Town’s strength. Saturday’s games should provide plenty of thrills for followers. Much interest will centre in the meeting Athletic and Maheno, at this game will virtually decide possession of the Citizen’s Shield for the season. The games also count for the Mollison Cup. ROTARY CLUB'S ANNUAL REPORT The twelfth annual report of tho Oamaru Rotary Club states, inter alia:—The year could be considered as being a very successful one, both in regard to the membership and the active functioning, of the club. The membership again showed an increase, and now stood at 47, which in the view of the limitations of the population was a high figure. The following new members were elected during the year:—S. H. AVilson, E. T. Mulligan, H. R. Wise, and T. W. M'Kelvey. Pleasure was expressed at the return to the fold of Rotariaus Andrew Hamilton, A. Douglas, and R. S. J. Fitzgerald. Rotnrian R. Milligan had been away in England during the year, and had represented the dub as delegate to the International Conventiop of Rotary at Nice. It ivcs with deep regret that the dub recorded the death of Rotarian Panckhurst. The work of the club’s sub-commit-tec, when seemingly about to achieve fruition, had to be discontinued owing to the change of Government and the of a new scheme of library supervision on national lines. Pend ing the Prime Minister’s- return and

the formulation of the Government proposals no action could be taken in the special interests of tho district. The opening of tho year’s activities was a requirement from the president that all club committees should give satisfactory evidence of functioning. At a special evening convened for July 29, 1936, suggestions for club work were debated and voted upon. It was decided to adopt as the first objective Rotarian M'Kenzie’s proposal “ that this club supports any permanent scheme for dealing with the foreshore erosion.” In pursuance of this resolution, the president and Mr M'ivenzio were appointed delegates to advise the mayor and borough council of the support of the club in any measures that might be considered advisable in this work of conservation. The main job undertaken by the club during the year was the initiation of the Tree-planting Association. For the conception and realisation of this valuable accessory to local amenity societies the club had primarily to thank its president-elect, Rotarian Eric Stubbs. In fact, it was claimed that the organisation of the society from start to finish had been an impeccable example of Rotarian idealism and Rotary technique. International night was a special occasion. Delegates attended from Dunedin, Timaru, and Christchurch Clubs. Invercargill and Gore were also represented. The chief speaker was Mr Downie Stewart. In connection with the New Zealand Blind Institute the loyal, publicspirited work of Rotarian J. Robertson deserved special commendation. Although results were a' financial success, club members did not give the support which this splendid cause deserved. At the annual Wellington rally the club was represented by the president. The Pan-Pacific Rotary Convention was successfully realised under the auspices of the Wellington Club, and distinguished delegates participated from Australia. China, Philippines', and Japan. The club was represented by tho president, who delivered, an address on ‘An International Auxiliary Language,’ and by Rotarian J. H. Treseder. The president also gave the main address at the Dunedin Club’s interclub international night. The thanks of the club were due to Rotarian J. M. Forrester for his work in connection with the distribution of a large number of hampers as a Rotary Christmas gift to deserving cases, The finances show that in spite of a solid contribution of £l6 10s to the funds of .the Pan-Pacific Convention, the increased membership had kept the funds in a healthy condition. In social and other work throughout the community the club had again given service, and, judged by this supreme canon, the club was justified in its existence. COLD AND CHANGEABLE WEATHER * The weather of late lias been particularly cold and changeable, with frost recordings as high as 14deg. Yesterday a change for the worse brought up driving rain from the south, accompanied by gusty winds. Last night heavy rain showers were experienced at intervals, and to-day the cold is intense. According to records taken over a long period, the mean temperature for June to date has bcCn the lowest for several years. COLUMBA BIBLE GLASSES Under the auspices of the Columba Bible classes and the lona Girls’ Club a varied entertainment was provided before a large gathering in Columba Hall on Wednesday night. The object of the concert was to raise funds for foreign missions, and it is gratifying to note that the sum taken up realised a very satisfactory total. The Rev. W. Lawson Marsh presided, and gave a welcome to adherents and friends. The programme presented was as follows; Pianoforte solos, 0. Davies; junior girls, ‘ Wilhehnina ’: junior boys, ‘ Midsummer Nightmare’; lona Girls’ Club, physical drill; dance, Misses Beatrice Macfie and Audrey Ledley; junior boys, ‘ Extra ’; intermediate girls, variety number; intermediate boys, burlesque in character; senior young women, playetto; songs, lan M‘Whir ter; senior young men, ‘ Laughing Gas.’ The accompaniments were played by Mrs M/Whirter and Misses N. Thomson and M. Christie. SHIPPING NOTES The Karetu, from Newcastle, Sydney, and Hobart via ports, is due at Oamaru on Monday, June 28. The Waipahi will load here about Thursday, July 1, for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth via Timaru and Lyttelton "The Wainui is duo here on Wednesday, July 7, for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne via ports. The Waipiata is due to leave Auckland to-day for southern ports, including Oamaru. She is due at this port on Monday, July 5, to load for Wellington and Auckland via ports. The Union Steamship Company, as agent for the Federal Steam Navigation Company, advises that the s.s. Kent will load at Oamaru on Monday, June 5, meat and general cargo for west coast of England ports and general cargo for London. AWAMOKO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Under the auspices of the Awamoko Presbyterian Church a sale of work was held yesterday afternoon and again at night for the purpose of raising funds. Tho function was held in conjunction with the church’s Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday, which had been postponed owing to the epidemic. .Adverse weather last night caused only a fair attendance, when an enjoyable programme was presented by the St. Paul’s Church Choir and the Eveline Women’s Institute. Tho programme was as follows: —Concerted numbers, St. Paul’s Choir, under the conductorship of Mr A. Gibb; songs—Misses J. Blyth, D. Wilson, and M. Calder, Messrs J. Murray, A. MacKintosh, W. Renton, and J. M'Latchie; song (with violin obbligato by Mr L. Barsdell), Miss 0. Rankin; concerted numbers, Glee Party; dancing. Miss Fairlio Miller; playette, Eveline Women’s Institute. The accompaniments for the musical items were played by Misses A. Blair and D. King and Mr A. Gibb. At the conclusion of the programme the Rev. J. Anderson thanked tho performers for their services. MINIATURE RIFLE SKdSTIf'G A triangular match was fired between teams from the Volunteers, Pukeuri, and Oamaru Clubs. Volunteers proved the winners by a fair margin. R. Hedges was the only competitor to score the coveted possible. Results :

Volunteers.—R. Hedges 80, S. Robbie 77, E. Necklen 75, R. Jackman 75, F. Falconer 73, J. Carlson 72, G. Hedges 71, D. M'Currie 71, L. Kilgour 70, J. Hedges 68; total, 732. Oamaru.—A. Rudduck 79, J. Dodds 77, S. Pile 74, E. Swinard 73, J. Beardsmore 72, W. May 72, L. Turvey 68, J. Turvey 67, H. Rawson 67, E. Carson 67; total, 716. Pukeuri.—W. M'Culloch 79, W. Restall 73, T. Greer 72, W. Common 72, P. M'Gettigan 72. F. M‘Lay 71, H. Hughes 67, H. Nicholson 66, G. Hooper 66, A. Anderson 60; total, 698. —Maheno Club.— The scores at the weekly shoot of the Maheno Club are as follow: —J. Byers 78, J. Currie 78, W. Gorlinski 78, E. Sinclair 78, D. Grant 78, J. Clark 76, R. Richardson 76, E. Nicholson 75, A. Price 75, J. Seville 75, R. Rawson 73, Mrs Gorlinski 74, Miss Murray 74, J. Lindsay 73, A. M‘Whirter 72, W. Stringer 71, Mrs Stringer 71, H. Souness 70, J. Robertson 70, N. Caldwell 68, S. Ford 65, D. Boniface 60, W, Yorston 55. —Volunteers’ Club.— At the weekly shoot of the above club the following were the scores recorded : —R. Hedges 78—5—-80 (rifle button), J. Carlson 76—5—80, D. M'Currie 76—6—80 (handicap button), J. Robinson 75—7—80, L. Kilgour 74 —lo—Bo, W. Walsh 73—13—80, F. Falconer 72—10—80, N. Johnson 65 15—80, S Robbie 77—2—79, I. Hedges 72—7—79, A Hall 64—15—79, R. Jackman 74—3—77, E. Necklen 73 3—76, G. Hedges 67—7—74. PERSONAL Mrs Roy Mitchell had the misfortune to break a leg yesterday morning when she slipped on the pavement in Tees street. Queen’s Hotel Guests.—Mr W. J. Dackers (Clyde), Mr D. W. Langston, Mr J. Meikle, Mr and Mrs G. Cholerton (Christchurch), Mrs E. W. Clarice (Auckland), Mr H. E. Edwards, Mr T. C. Woolton, Mr C. Rhodes, Mr F. R. Gill, Mr Kempthorne, Mr Taylor, Mr Brown, Mr E. E. Trewitt, Mr W. Farquhar, Mr and Mrs J. S. Page, Miss F. A. Smith, Mr K. N. Graham, Mr M. G. Fisher, Mr J. H. Clements, Mr and Mrs A. H. Carson, Mr J. I. Borrowes, Mr P. G. Ward, .Mr A. L. Norwood, Mr L. Halden, Mr C. H. Ferguson, Mr Ussher, Mr Reid. Mr Murney, Mr Cooke, Mr Edie .Mis s Robertson (Dunedin), Mr V. Dossett (Timaru). Mr and Mrs Griffiths (Manganui), Mr and Mrs R. Fraser (Invercargill) . New Club Hotel Guest* —Mr A. Reid. Mr R. B. Pearce, Mr G. Tapper, Mr C. D. Gundy, Mr H. J. Armstrong, Mr W. Sneesby, Mr L. S. Bate, Mr S. G. Spence, Mr D. Gann. (Christchurch), Mr S. A. Sheaves. Mr F. C. Bryan, Mr G. S. Reid, Mr R. D. Welsh, Mr F. M. Spurdle, Mr J. Henderson, Mr J. E. Mnule, Mr R. M. Moore (Wellington), Mr J. W. Bain, Mr H. C. Browet, Mr E. T. Peattie, Mr B. A. Nutsch, Mr J. Witch all, Mr Wilson Brown. Mr W, T. Dallas, Mr A. Davidson, Mr R. R. Gow. Mr H. J. Wallis, Mr H. L. Gibson, Miss Clare (Dunedin), Mr R. Bradley (Auckland), Mr D. Gane (Ashburton).