NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19784, 8 May 1926, Page 8

NORTH OTAGO.

A SUPPOSED “STEAD.” Some* months ago the newspapers of New Zealand were discussing the question of how many, if any, genuine Stradivarius violins were to he found in New Zealand. A resident of Oamaru thinks he possesses one, and he brought it to your correspondent for inspection. Ho says he obtained it from the late Mr Henry Howe, who died some months ago at the age of about dO years. The instrument is of beautiful timber, the back being of mottled cedar, and it possesses an exquisite tone. In the inside of the instrument are printed the words “Antonins Stradivarius Cromonentis, Faciebat Anno 1717.’’

A VETERAN’S DEATH. Mr Silas (‘‘Sandy”) Honsly lias died in the Oaniaru Hospital. Ho was well known and much respected throughout North Otago. He was a member of the Fourth Itoinforcements who distinguished themselves in th» African War. For a good many years past he has resided in the Kurow district. Ho had been in failing health for a considerable period.

TUI': ROOT CROPS. ■ North Otago has experienced (he first I ouch of winter during the past week. The nights have been bitterly cold. . Stock is we] provided, however, wit' l food for the winter. The turnip and swede crops, though sown late in the season, are exceptionally heavy. A prominent fanner told your correspondent that it is many years since roots,crops have done so well. There is also a large area down in lucerne and winter oats.

RAILWAY TRAFFIC. The railway tra(lie at Onmarn during the month of Ajiril was heavy. The hooking receipts amounted to £12,771 compared with £-1823 for the same month last year. The value of the goods despatched for April this year was £BSIO. compared with £10(11 last year. The refreshment rooms derived great benefit as -'a result of the Exhibition traffic. For April this year the takings at the rooms amounted to fllSll, compared with £IO3O tor the -same month last year. V

WARDEN’S COURT. Mr H. W. Rmidle, S.M., held a short sitting of the Warden’s Court in Oamaru at I lie conclusion of the sitting of the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. An application hy Thomas Cooper for an extension of his alluvial rights was heard. The application had boon previously objected to by Margaret Mciklc, widow, and Thomas Adams, both of Maerewhonua, and was adjourned by the Warden pending a report from the Mining Inspector. This had come to hand, and the Warden decided f o recommend to the Minister of Mines that the’ application bo granted. Mr A. T. Crave appeared for the applicant and Mr I’. C. Hjorring for the objectors.

THE COUNTY ELECTIONS. Although elections are only being held in two of the ridings of the Waitaki County, considerable interest is being manifested in the contests. Some surprise was expressed when it was learned that the Waiareka Hiding was to he the scene of a warm contest. Mr George Invingstone has represented this riding fot many years, and although he now lives in town, he claims that his interest in the country districts lias in no way diminished. In Mr K. I!. Meek he has a formidable rival, and

the contest is expected to be close.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION. Mr I. Patterson presided over n meeting of the executive of the Oiimaru Returned Soldiers’ Association. Details in connection with flic winding-up of the club were dealt with and routine matters were discussed. Mr I. Patterson was appointed delegate to the annual conference to be held at ■Wellington in June. It was decided to hold a billiard tourney at the club as a grand linale to (lie club's operations.

GENERA!;. Thirteen persons have been arrested for drunkenness in Oaniaru during the first four months of this year. arrests were made last year. The conditions are apparently not as “dry” in this locality ns outside people might suppose.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT. ' IF nou Ona Special Corbespondent.)

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Rami were given a hearty sepd-off from Oamaru. Prior to leaving two of the officers of the band called to see Mr William Gardiner in the private hospital.

NORTH OTAGO A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. TJig annual meeting of the North Otago A. and P. Association was held in the olHces of the Waitaki Council Council yesterday afternoon. There was an attendance of about .10 members, and the chair was occupied by the president (Mr W. M'Donald. In speaking to (lie balance sheet, the Treasurer (Mr D. Cameron) stated that the membership showed a decline of only live A prolit had been made on the ram fair. The recipts for entries and gate takings showed a slight decrease compared with the previous year. The receipts from sideshows, donations, and privileges, however, revealed an increase. On the expenditure side there had been a decrease in several directions, notably in advertising and printing. This was due, in a measure, to there being no winter show this year. The bank balance at the end of this year was £2.00 I7s -id, which was about fill more than at the end of last year. Mr D. Itodger asked if the item fill 10s on the balance sheet for labour represented the expenses on a two-days’ show. The Secretary said it represented labour at the show and in preparation for the show. The actual expenditure on the two days of the show was fSo 17s C>d. The rest of the expenditure was in preparation for (he show. The Treasurer pointed out that the expenditure on labour last year was £132 12s Gd. In answer to a question, the Treasurer stated (hat the outstanding subscriptions amounted to £l2O. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—President, Mr James Gibson; vice-president, Mr D. Clark; auditor, Mr J. W. Mackisack; treasurer, Mr I). Cameron; commit'-''—Messrs 15. S. Krewater, C. J. Cowan, W. Doig, J. K. Gilchrist, C. Grant, T. S. battle, J. G. Macdonald, IV. Macdonald. R. R. Meek, J. It. Mitchell, J. Tisdall, G. Ruddenklau, and K. D. Meyer. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr D. Cameron for his past services as treasurer. Votes of thanks were also passed to Messrs P. Martin and W. It. Gawn. who retired from the committee. On the motion of Mr J. W. Smith, Mr I’. Martin was elected an honorary life member. Mr Smith stated that Mr Martin had been a regular visitor to the show and an exhibitor for a period of about 52 yea rs. Mr A. Frew was permitted to commute his £lO debenture to a life membership. The gift of £1 from Mr K. S. Brewster, who had drawn a debenture, was received with thanks. Mr T. S. Bit tic commented upon the fact that many of the farmers in North Otago did not support, the association in the enthusiastic manner in which they might be expected to do. If each farmer were to do lus best to provide exhibits they could have a show second to none in the Dominion. The President said he was in sympathy with flic remarks of Mr Dittle, and there was a general concurrence that farmers should make a better effort to provide exhibits at Die show. Mr W. Anderson (Weston) was elected a new member. A meeting of (lie newly-elected committee was held at the conclusion of the annual meeting. The Secretary pointed out that the Waimato Society had selected Thursday, November IS, as the date for its show. This clashed with the second day of tli? Oaniaru Show.—Mr I. Cuthbertson thought fho North Otago Association should protest against the attempt of the W'' -- "'to Society to take the Oamaru dates. —On the motion of Mr R. B. Meek, it was decided that the association should apply for Wednesday ami Thursday. November 17 and IS, as the dates for its next show. It was also decided to write the Waimatc Society expressing regret that it had applied for n date that had been held for practically 10 years by the North Otago Association. A letter from Mrs i?eott, president of the Y.W.C.-iV. expressing regret at the development of gambling at the last show, was “received.” —Mr ,T. G. Macdonald said he thought the letter was a reflection on the association. Mrs Scott should have pointed out where (he gambling was to be found. The usual rate of £2 2s was made to the Oaniaru Technical School Board. Mr A. Woodward was elected secretary at the same remuneration as last year, and was granted the sum of £lO ns a bonus for last year's services.

THE FARMING WEEK. The past week lias seen the completion of threshing operations in most parts of North Otago. No further sensational yields have been reported, though the average all round has been very high. When the returns from the mill-owners are completed, it would not bo surprising to find that the average yield of wheat has been nearly 50 bushels per aero. The average for oats will also be much above that of last year. Ploughing operations have been actively pursued, and a pood deal of winter sowing is expected. The autumn-sown crops are already showing jvell above the ground. Dairying opera-

tions are now practically over for the season. The drafts of fat stock for the Pukeuri freezing works have diminished, but it is anticipated that the works will remain open for several weeks yet Potato-digging is in full swing, and the yields are reported to be highly satisfactory.

PROLIFIC GROWTH. The fertility •of North Otago may bo gathered from the fact that four swede turnips grown on the property of Mr T. S. Little, of Corriedale, and taken from an area of one square yard, turned the scale at 321 b, 271 b, 251 b, and 22ib respectively. They are at present on view at Messrs Wright. Stephenson, and Co.’s, in Oaniaru.

WAITAKI DOG TRIALS. On the second day of the Waitaki dog trials, the weight-guessing competition was won by Mr W. Couper, Oamaru. He guessed the exact weight—namely, 2991 b. In the stepping competition. Miss Myra Menzica stepped the actual distance—namely, 53 yards Ift bin. A largely-attended ball was held in the Hakataramca Hall in the evening. THE W.E.A. The Hampden branch of the W.E.A. held its weekly meeting in the Druid’s Lodge room on Wednesday evening, when a full class was in attendance. The tutor. Dr Fisher, dealt with the subject under the title, “Shaftesbury and Reform.’’ The nest session is to ho devoted to the subject, “Thomas Malthus and the Limitation .of Population.’’

j CLEARING SALES. Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Ltd.) report having held a very successful sale on account of Mr Alfred Adams. Tokarahi, of horses, cattle, and implements. Some of the prices realised were as follows:—Five-year-old gelding, £55 10s; four-year-old gelding, £42 10s; three-year-old mare, £sl; seven-year-old mare. £SO 10s; five-year-old gelding and three-year-old mare, each at £42, and an eight-year-old mare at £34. Ponies sold at, from £6 10s to £l2 10s, a colt foal at £lO, and a yearling at £ll. Cows realised from £3 to £4 10s, and implements brought current prices. HIFLE SHOOTING. At a shoot by the Knrow Miniature Rifle O.ub this week the best scores were as follow:—Robinson 99, M'Master 98, Shaw 07, Appleby 96, Neill 94. Kerr 83.

AN UNUSUAL HAPPENING. A happening that is unprecedented in the experience of North Otago settlers occurred on the farm of Mr Walter Smith, at Otiake. A valuable draught mare was gored by a bull and died. She left a foal a month old, which was turned into a paddock with a dry mare six years of age. To the amazement of the owner of the farm, the foal was discovered a few days ?ater sucking the dry mare, which produced a wholesome supply of invigorating milk. It would be interesting to know if eases of this kind have been reported elsewhere. DENTAL CLINIC.

At a meeting of the Oamaru Dental Clinic Committee, the Chairman reported that the clinic was in working order, and that very little was now required to render the equipment complete. He was given authority to purchase certain things deemed requisite. An intimation was received from the department that, owing to the resignation of a member of the staff, the second dental nurse could not be sent to Oamaru at present, but that her services would be made available as soon as possible. A rough statement ofi the finances was presented, showing that owing to the good response of the community the clinic would enter upon its useful career free of debt, and with a sufficient balance to provide for the loc 'hare of the cost of upkeep for some time to come. An intimation was received that the Minister of Health (the Hon. J. A. Young) would visit Oamaru officially to open the clinic at 3 p.m. on Tuesday next, aucl arrangements were made for having t j ceremony performed in the Girls’ Junior High School gymnasium. It was decided to invito parents and others interested to be p. ,'scnt on the occasion.

EFFECT OF STRIKE. The effect of the British coal strike nns already been felt in Now Zealand. The announcement was authoritatively made in Oamaru yesterday that the price of lamb had been reduced id per pound. This is said to be duo to apprehensions concern- - inti the immediate future of the trade. Cable advice has also been received by local merchants that no merchandise will be shipped from England while the strike lasts. This will mean serious inconvenience and loss to many traders. On the other hand, it is expected that the Australian strike will prevent the dumping of flour in Now Zealand, and will result in a further hardening of the prices of wheat. ELECTRICITY FOR WESTON.

There was a large attendance of the residents at the Weston Hall to witness the official “switching on” of electricity for the district. Mr John Isdalc presided, and there were present on the plat-

form Messrs J. M. Forrester, E. P. Lee, M.P., I. DaJmer, W. Atkinsoa, and W. H. Frith, Mesdames Dalmer and K. Dick. Mrs Dick performed the ceremony, and the room was flooded in light, presenting a striking contrast to the illumination given by the former petrol lamps. Mr J. M. Forrester gave a brief address outlining the objects of the Waitaki Electric Power Board in the reticulation of the country districts. Mr. E. P. Lee, M.P., then presented Sirs Dick with an electric iron for performing the ceremony. He congratulated the Power Board on its work, and also the people of Weston who were the first people in the country districts to get electric power. He referred to the schemes under consideration by the Government, and concluded with an appeal to the public to support the Power Board by using the current. Mr W. H. Frith, in a humorous vein, said a few words, and urged upon the people the necessity of supporting the project. Mr I. Dalmer, the engineer for the board, gave an address, and dealt comprehensively with the scheme. At the conclusion the Power Board’s employees gave a demonstration of the use of various electrical appliances.

OAMAIIU CHESS CLUB. The Oamaru Chess Chib held its annual meeting in the Athenaeum last evening, Mr F. G. Marshall presiding. The annual report submitted to the meeting stated that the club had had a very successful season. The sealed handicap was the only club competition held during the year. It was regretted that the members of the club did not show more interest in the game. The president’s prize was won by Mr H. P. S. Familton, the vice-president's trophy was awarded to Mr J. Wansboroimh. It was I with keen regret that the club recorded the deaths of three members—r-Messrs Lindsay, Malcolm, and Gow. It was hoped that the members of the club would induce young players to enrol this season. It would be a keen regret if the Oamaru Chess Clu® were allowed to go out of existence. The committee earnestly trusted that the coming season would see all the members taking a keener interest in the game, and that a better attendance would be recorded. The balance sheet showed a credit of £4 17s Bd. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—President, Mr F. G. Marshall: vice-president, Mr T. W. Jacobs: captain, Mr D. Patterson; secretary and treasurer, Mr Williamson; committee — Messrs 11. P. S. Familton, F. W. Humphries, D. Findlay, J. M. Wilson, and J. Wansboi'ough.