NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19844, 17 July 1926, Page 9

NORTH OTAGO.

I From Oca Special Coroespondkht.}

GOLF. Following is, the draw for the Bogey match to be played to-day, which counts for the Maude Cup ball trophy for the winner of the match: A Grade. —Mathieson v. Doyle; Hewat v. M'Kecfry; Maude v. Frceth; Armstrong v. Humphries; Grave .v B. Smith; K. Familton v. T. Wright; Woodward v. Holmes; Donaldson v. M'Gregor; Orbell v I), Reid; Douglas v. Scott; 11. Familton v. L. Wright; Ireland v. Cooke; Sumpter v. Fraser. B Grade. —M'Donald v. Aikenhead; is. Cuthbertson v. Mulligan; E. M'Kmizie v Roxbv; M‘Dowell v. Findlay; Hugo v. Roll; Syverston v. R. W. Smith; Williams v. A. W. M'Keuzie; Hedges v Gardiner; Watters v. Palmer; Cook v. Henry; Gilchrist v. E. Grenfell; K. Sumpter v. N. Wright; Nicholas v. Wil son; Gillies v. Tomlinson; Patterson v. Murray; Hurst v. Kinder; S. Reid v, Bradshaw; Stevens v. Panckhurst; Solo in on v. Marshall; Whitcombe v. 11. Grenfell; G. Sumpter v. O'Meara. ASPHALT ROADS. Mr W. E. Leask, road construction cn gineer lor the \ acuum Oil Company, addressed the Oamaru Borough Council yesterday morning on the subject of the employment of asphaltum in the con struction of roads. He stated that he had assisted the whole of the Australian States, interviewed the principal engi neers, and had seen the different plants in operation. Referring to the New Zca land roads, he expressed the opinion that the road between Oamam and Invercai gill could be greatly improved He pointed out that the Australian Govern incut had granted £20,000,000 tor road making, to be spread over a period ol five years, on a population basis. Mi Leask recommended that the man arterial roads of New Zealand be con structcd of asphalt macadam (ho mixed). He considered it would be up wise to scarify the water-bound macadam roads in the Oamaru district. To preserve these roads they should bo coate.l with liquid asphalt. He estimated that the quantity of asphaltum used in Aus tialia and Now Zealand to-day was well over 50,000 tons, and this would steadily increase. All roads, he contended, should he made watertight. Fast vehicular traffic was playing havoc with them Money was being wasted in trying to (ill pot-holes with loose metal. U Unloads were graded and tamped down tor a smooth surface and then covered with asphalt the best and most economical thoroughfare would be provided. Liquid asphalt cost about as much as tar. The latter could he stiffened up with it. In some parts of Oamaru the penetration method could be used at a cost of about Gs 0d per square yard. At the conclu* sion of his address Mr Leask was accorded a hearty vote of thanks-. NOXIOUS WEEDS. The much-vexed question of noxious weeds came up for discussion at the meeting of farmers called by the Farmers’ Union in Oamaru yesterday. Mr R. B. Meek (the chairman) stated that ho would allow a free discussion upon the subject, but would not express his personal opinion, as ho would have to vote on the question as a county councillor. . . , Mr D. J. Ross reviewed the whole question on the linos of previous addresses He stated that, with the exception ot Stewart Island, the Waitaki County was the only one in the South Island that retained Canadian thistle on tnc sohedu e of noxious weeds. The Canadian thistle was spread bv birds and stock, to say nothing of winds, and it also affected wheat areas It was impossible to destroy it bv cutting. Gorse had been removed from the list at the northern end of the district, and he saw no reason why Canadian thistle should be retained in the south. He moved that the Waitaki Countv Council be requested to remove Canadian thistle from the schedule ot noxious weeds. , , , , .. Mr G. Bruce seconded the resolution. While he favoured the cutting of Canadian thistle, lie saw no reason why the Waitaki County should he treated differently from other counties. Mr A. Murray opposed the motion. He considered that'the remedy was to compel all counties to place Canadian thistle upon the schedule. He doubted the legality of the action of the County Council in exempting one portion of the county from the operations of the Act in regard to gorse. Mr J. G. M'Donald supported the resolution. Ho did not think that the placing of the thistle on the schedule had prevented its spread. It was now to be found in all parts of the county. He ol)j. „ted to the farmers being worried bv inspectors. , Mr W. M'Donald also supported the resolution. , Mr R. Dick, of Weston, opposed the resolution. He could not understand the agitation in favour of removing thistle from the schedule. The only people who appeared to have a grievance were those rciiiient on the boundaries of adjacent counties. , , , ~ r,- i Mr D. J. Ross asked how Air Dick would deal with the thistle in the wheat. Air Dirk replied that he would fallow the land. ~ Air A. Murray asked how it was proposed to deal with those who itiu nothing lo eradicate the thistle. Air K. Hamilton said he supported maintaining thistle on the schedule, in order to deal with the man who was indolent. , , , Air ,1. M- Smith stated that he had heard nothing to justify himself in voting for tho removal ol tho thistle from the schedule. the time might come, but it had not yet arrived. Air E. ,S. Brewster said he thought every possible effort should he made to eradicate the thistle. Air 1). Clark spoke strongly iu support of the resolution. He had seen no advantage from retaining it on the schedule. Air P. W. Borrie pointed out that the higher country was exempted from the operations of the Act. Mr D. J. Ross replied at some length. Ho contended that thistle would ultimately work itself out. There was no necessity to 'vive it on the schedule. The resolution was carried, on a show of n,'mils, by li) votes lo b>. The ('hainnan: The vote is very even, and I do not think it will carry much weight with the County Council. Air IV. M'Donald moved that gorse he retained on tho schedule of noxious weeds in the comity. Mr R. Hamilton seconded. A good deal of discussion took place upon this resolution, several speakers complaining of the indiscriminate issuing ol notices bv the inspectors. The resolution was ultimately carried by 22 votes to seven. DEHORNING OF CATTLE The question of tho compulsory dehorning of cattle, as proposed in a remit to tho Dominion iunferencc. was raised at (he meeting of tho Farmers Union in (>ainani yesterday. Air 4V. Forrester stated that he could eonnibate to the proposal for compulsory dehorning. He pointed out that cattle sold at Addington suffered from being knocked about. . _ Mr D. Rodiror with Mr rorro-tor. Ho considered that dehorning should he voluntary, however. Mr A Murray had no objection to dehorning. providing it was not compulsory. Mr \V. M'Donald stated that in no country was compulsory dehorning vet iu f °The Chairman mentioned that compulsory dehorning could not come into operation for at lea-t two years. After further di-cu-sinn it was decided by 10 voles to eight, to support the remit in favour of eompul-orv dehorning, provided it was not applied to ..edigroe stock. “HR MODERATOR.” "It f.cciir- to me. Mr Moderator,” stated Mr W. Forrester al a meeting of the Farmers' Union in Oamaru yesterday, "This is not a church meeting,’ remarked the chairman, amid laughter.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT,

MARKETING OE WHEAT. The proposal to form a whoatgrowers* association as outlined in a circular published in the Otago Daily Times last week, was discussed at a special meeting of growers held in Oamaru on Saturday, and convened bv the Farmers’ Union. Mr R. B. Meek, who presided, outlined the proceedings that had been taken last year in regard to the fixation of prices. Ho mentioned that a circular had been issued by the (lounnillcrs staling that they could hot afford to pay higher prices than the schedule price. At the same time, Mr Meek pointed out that the millers had bought wheat Irom Australia at 7s per bushel on slings at southern ports Moreover. the millers were out after next season's crop. In Mr Meek's opinion the information supplied by the millers to thb farmers was unreliable. The millers were combined and were acting as one man. and it was thought that the only way in which the wheat-grower could protect his own interests was by combining also. Mr Meek detailed the proposals made by the Canterbury growers. He stated that arrangements wore being made by the millers for next season's wheat at 5s od per bushel. The indications were for lower prices next season. , . ~ Mr D. Cameron pointed out that the prices offered by the millers in Canterbury was a minimum of 5s 6d. if the prices went hierher, the fanners uouul pre the difference. . , .... Mr F. 0. A. Ruddcnklau considered teat if the duty on flour was a satisfactory one. the growers would have no difficulty m dealing with the millers. Mr D. Rodger thought the object ot the meeting was to discuss the question of the desirability of foiming an association, lor tonally, he did not think they would derive anv benefit from an association. Ihey should allow things to regulate themselves, and the Government should he asked to increase the duty on flour. He moved that this meeting is net in favour ol the nosed wbeatgrosvers’ association, but favours an increase in the duty on flour. Mr A, Murray did not think it was in rheir province to deal with the question of the duty on flour. Ho was opposed to the proposed association, because he believed that by levies of one sort or another they would eat up the udiole of the profits of the growers Ho was of opinion that the matter ol prices should he dealt with by the executive of the Farmers' Union Mr R. B. Meek mentioned that the Do minion Conference had no interest in the wheat question. Mr .1. M. Smith was of opinion that the farmers should take stops to protect the>r own interests. He thought, that a solution of the problem was the formation of co operative flourmills. It was pointed out that a co-operative flourmill was already in oxbfence in Ashburton. Mr R. Dick was of opinion that an organisation was necessary in order to deal with the flounnillcrs’ combinations. At present 6000 men were dealing individually with what was practically one man. He did not think they would bo acting in their best interests in turning down the Gamerbury proposal. ■ The Chairman (Mr Meek) said that combination might he necessary to prevent the country from being swamped by Australian wheat. Mr W. Forrester agreed that combination was necessary. At (lie same time, the difficulty was in inducing farmers to stand together. In hi® opinion, they couht do nothing practicable without Government control, end this was approved by the North Otago growers. Mr 1). .1. l!.os« dealt with the subject at some length. He considered that the proposed organisation would not he successful unless it was financed bv (ho farmers He ivas 'nclined to surpoit the motion. Mr Dick did not think they had thor oughl.y discussed all aspects of the question. lie did not consider that they should arrive at a hasty conclusion. The Chairman aitreed that the matter was one requiring dose consideration. Ho moved that the discussion bo adjourned for a fortnight. The chairman's resolution was seconded and carried unanimously. OAMARU JOCKEY CLUB. The annual meeting of members of the Oamaru .Tockey Club was held in the offices of the Waitaki County Council yesterday afternoon. The vice-president (Mr Joseph Mitehell) occupied the ehnir in the unavoidable absence of (lie president (Mr William Gardiner). There were about twenty members present. The report and balance slice! were taken ns rend. The Chairman staled that the position was much more satisfactory than at (his time last year. This was due to the big art union. They were Indebted to the executive and (he trustees of the racecourse. lie formally moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet. — The resolution was carried. On the motion of Mr C. La Roche, seconded by Mr W, R. Reid. Mi* William Gardiner was unanimously re-elected president. Mr .T. Mitehell was re-elected vice-presi-dent, and the following wore nominated for the six vacancies on (lie committee:— Messrs Henderson, Houghton, La Ruche. G Livingstone, A. Gardiner, TTieo. Russell, and John Fraser. Messrs .1. M'Lnren and J. M-Comliie were appointed scrutineers. Mr J. M'Combie was re-elected auditor. Mr O. R. Wise moved that it lie a recommendation to thelncoming committee to cut out any meeting that was run at a loss unless there were a reduction in luxation. Mr Wise said ho had been racing for JO years, and hoped to continue racing for many years. lie was thoroughly disgusted with the present taxation. During the last fifteen or twenty years the Government taxation had been designed to crush the smaller clubs. The resolution was seconded, but was lost on a show of hands. On the motion of Mr George Livingstone, n hearty vote of thanks was passed to tli" executive that had managed the art union. ~yfr O. R. Wise expressed the opinion that the rate should take a more tangible form. He specially mentioned the work done by Mr Houghton. HAMPDEN'S MAYOR. Th*e Mayor of Hampden (Mr \V. Nieoison) is still confined to his house. He has received the following communication from the Town Clerk (Mr Arch. A. M'William) , -■“On behalf of the Hampden F.orough Council 1 am directed to notify you that at tlie- Inst meeting of the council it was decided to grant yon three months’ leave of absence owing to your illness, and again to offer yon their very sincere sympathy with you in your continued illness, and hope thal yon Will be shortly restored to better health, and again aide to preside at the council (aide, from which you are very much missed.” THE W.E.A. On Wednesday evening Mr Ross, tutor of the Hampden W.K.A., addressed the class on -Mussolini and Fascism.'' The subject for next week's study will be "Henry Ford ami Enlightened Capitalism. FARMERS’ UNION. The monthly meeting of the North Otago Executive of Vic Fanners’ Union was held yesterday, a good attendance being protided over by Mr R. B. Meek (president) Dominion headquarters forwarded a ciieular letter asking that, i[ the Provincial Executive wore against the proposed Daylight Saving Biff, would it wire a protest to the Hon. F, Newman, M.L.G., and to the Oamaru member in the House of Representatives. , , Mr .Meek did not think it would-be advantageous lo the fanners al all. The dairy farmer would have to work all the rear round in lamplight. It would also affect the agricultural farmer owing to the early morning dews. They would oe wanting to stop work at the time of day winch was of most use. It was decided to leave the matter Cor the general meeting later in the day. The- Dominion headquarters advi-ed that Hie conference would open on August i. The Dominion executive would meet-at / p.m. on August 2. Mi Meek -an: they had not the ngend i paper of the confcrcm e, and it ''.a- regrettable, because the delegate could not lie instructed on matters of importance. It was decided to forward a recommendation that, in future, the agenda paper be sent to provincial executives at least a mouth before the conference.

LODGE MEETING. The following officers have been installed in connection with the Alfred Lodge, 1.0.0. F.: N.G., Bro. J. Trethcway; V.G., Bro. J. "Bohnstone; R.S.N.G., Bro. J. N. FidJes; L.fvH.G.,Bro. W.H. Setfe.; R.S.V G„ Bro J. Mackie; L.S V.G., Bro. D. Munro; R.S.S and L.S.S., Bros. W. Howlands and M'Grath; conductor, Bro. W. Williams, warden, Bro. J. A. Galloway; 1.G., Bro. ,J, A. Travers; 0.G., Bro, W. Anderson. Bro. Braithwaite was re-elected financial secretary, and Bro. U. Scott treasurer (reelected). OAMARU QUARRIES. In addressing a meeting of members of the Oamaru Borough Council yesterday, Mr W. K. Leask. engineer to the Vacuum Oil Co Proprietary (Ltd.), said that Oamaru was exceedingly fortunate in having quarries from which they could obtain stone of the quality of that which was being used. He declared that it was the best stone he had ever seen. In answer to a question by Cr Mahan, Mr Leask expressed the opinion that the crushing plant was by no means too large. It was, indeed, only a baby plant. GENERAL. An effort is being made to form a Miniature Hihe Club at Maheno. A meeting is lo bo held on Monday next lo consider the proposal. Oamaru poultry farmers were fairly successful at the Ipvercargill poultry show. Among the winners were the following;— Duckwing cockerel—W. Gordon 1 Bde cock—W. Gordon 1: cockerel—W. H. lur vov 1 and special. W. Gordon 2; pullet W'. Gordon 1 and 2. W. Turvey 3. Blackred cockerel —W. Turvey 1; pullet-W. Turvov 1 and 2. Pekins. black cockerel— W. Turvey 1; pullet—W. Turvey 1 and special , Any other variety bantam w. Turvey cockerel 1, pullet, 1. WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power BGard was held yesterday, Mr R. Milligan presiding, and there being present Messrs W. H. Frith, R. Mahan, J. M. Forrester. Jas, M'Diarmid. The chairman read his report advising that satisfactory arrangements had been made for obtaining £54,000 of the board s authorised loan of £135.000 having advised that the cost of the country development would bo approximately £3OOO per month, he had made oppheatioT to the A.M.P- Sociotv for sufficient nonet to carry on work for 18 months. Details are as follows s-(l) Hie money to he handed the board in Oamaru free of exchange at the rate of £.OOO per monthj (21 term of loan 35J years; (31 domicile Svdnev : (4) rate of interest. 5i per cent; (5) interest and sinking fund to be paid in uniform amounts every six months, the loan thus being automatically extinguished at the end of the term. . Seventy three debentures will be issued, one being redeemd every half-year. . A vote of thanks was accorded the chairman for his work in arranging such a satisfactory loan.

A WET WEEK. The greater portion of the present week has been broken in North Otago, and farming operations have been restricted accordingly. Some winter sowing lias still to be done, and the fine weather which came yesterday will be welcomed. Dairy cows are coming in, and dairying operations will shortly become more animated. Stock is wintering remarkably well, and there is still an abundance of winter feed. ROAD-GRADING MACHINES. The engineer to the Waitaki County Council (Mr G. L. Cuthbertson} and certain members of the council made an inspection this week of road-making machinery in use by other county councils. A further inspection is to be made this week. auxiliary power STATION. A South Canterbury deputation consisting of Messrs J. Kennedy S. J. l' ,tch .u V' Dash, and J. Drinnan, waited on the Waitaki Electric Power Board yesterday to discuss the question of an intermediate power station between Lake Colendgo and M aiP °Mr J. Kennedy (chairman) said they had noted that the Waitaki River appealed to the Waitaki Electric-Power Board, fhey had gone to Wellington, and the Prime Minister had said a scheme would be put 10 MrDrinnan said that after reading the report of the Waitaki Board they thought it advisable to come down and tak the matter over. Ashburton was out to support Waimakariri. , , . -. P Mr 0. Dash said they had been waiting for over 12 months for a report, giving hem an idea of the best and most economical scheme. The matter was going to re«olve itself into a political fight, iand it relied upon the best influence that could be brought to bear. Something shouldbe clone now to combat the foehn* nt present being exercised in Christchurch to .induce ftp Government to develop the WaimakanMr Frith said he understood the Waimnkariri scheme was rather costly. He went on to outline the advantages of the Kurow scheme. . The Chairman said that the deputation was the most reasonable one they had ever had from South Canterbury. Ihe board did not care much where the station was, Waitaki or Tekapo, but it should be th« most convenient and economical. Mr Forrester moved that they co-operate with South Canterbury in the matter. The Mayor, in welcoming the delegates, supported the views of the visitors, and seconded (he resolution. Mr Drinnan said they would endeavour to get Ashburton to support the Tekapo or Kurow sebrme. They would hold a conference in Timaru, and they wanted the Waitaki Electric-power Board to send a delegate Mr J- Dalmer the engineer, gave various reasons for favouring the Kurow scheme. There was everything there that was required for the station. However, he did not mind if the Tekapo scheme were adopted, so long as it was handy to North resolution was carried unanimously.