NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19904, 25 September 1926, Page 9

NORTH OTAGO.

IFbom Ouh Special Correspondent.)

death by hanging

A death by hanging occurred at Kiaora, a few miles from Oamaru, yesterday morning. A farmer named William S. 'ielfor departed from his home for the back of his farm early in the morning, leaving his wife and two children (aged 7 and 9 years respectively) in the house. Before leaving Mrs Teller asked if she should attend to the separator. Mr Telfer returned home about 10.15, and found the children playing outside the house. Ho asked them where their mother was and was told she was attending to the separator. On going to the separator house ho found his wife hanging by a legrope to a ratter. He cut the body down and released the rope, but found that his wife was apparently dead. He summoned Dr Liddle. who arrived some time later, but he could only pronounce life extinct. The deceased who was 36 years of age, was confined tp the bea-

cliff Mental Hospital for about five months seven years ago. She had been quite'normal until about three months ago, when she began to suffer from delusions. She was attended by Dr Liddell, who suggested that she should again be sent to a hospital, and kept under close obsorvat on. In the meantime the husband kept a close watch on her, but did not surmise that anything serious would occur as his wile had never mentioned suicide. During the last few days she had been quite cheerful. An inquest will be held. RUGBY FOOTBALL.

The first match for the Clark Shield was played at Waimate on Thursday when Maheno met the Huawai Club and defeated them by 10 points to 3. * th . e 5 Hacfluoil and Souness secured tnea, and the last-named potted a Boa*- Basnet scored a try for tho losers. Mr C. lubblowhito was referee. lodge meeting.

At the quarterly meeting of the Loyal Oamaru Lodge, Manchester Unity, N-U-Bro. Campbell presided. Light new members were initiated. A committee which was set up to report on the disposaloftlio district surplus fund presented a lengthy report which was adopted, and is to bo sub mitted to the committee sot up by the Otago District. the kelly gang.

There is living in the Oamaru District an agod man who hold a selection adjoining tho Kellys at the time of tb ? .r bnshrang.ng exploits in Australia. He has a vivid re collection of the stirring incidents of these rlavs and states that ho retnembcis well the K, Pan with which Mrs Kelly struck apolicomati over the head for attempting to kiss her daughter Kate Ho alleges that one of the Kellys, wno was reported to be in thei house when. Ned Kellv was captured and whose body was not found Xr the building was fired effected his and is at present m tho Aigen tine. ■'

WAITAKI COUNTY COUNoiL

The monthly meeting of the Waitaki County Counc i was held yesterday, there being present Messrs W. Gardiner (cha.ri.euiL, pi TVTunro. R. B. Meek, A. MTlines, J. Newlands, D. Clark, J. Rodm Tho “’ndrised having forwarded various sums for goldfields revenue. Communications were recciycd fi ora the Prime "Minister ~nd the Minister of 1 uL) lie Works, stating that the question of a midway electric power station between Lake Coleridge and Waipon wouhl ictvivc the earnest consideration of the Government. Messrs J. Bitcbcncr and T P Lee, M.IVs, wrote stating that they would heartily support the movement for a midwav station. . The Prime Munster wrote intimating that tho question of hospital levies would receive the consideration of the Goveinment.—The Chairman stated that m all probability this would be the Last that would be heard of the matter. He considered the present situation was disgraceful. At the present time the Hospital Board was spendum over £oooo in making additions to the nurses home in Oamaru. Mr Gardiner said that no part of the liomin a would stand for expendx turo in this manner. . „ The District Railway Engineer at Dunedin in inference to the charge of £1 per year for Warwick’s crossing—On the Snotion of Cr MTimcs. it was decided that the crossing be placed where Mr Waiwick required it, provided he paid £1 per year. Jt was decided to pay an account ot P. W. Wales, of Weston, 111 respect to the impounding of his cows. The Waitaki Electric Tower Board wrote stating that it was not always possible to place electric power posts near the road fence, but the wish ot the

council would bo respected as far as possible. In regard to tho height of wires crossing roads, it was pointed out that with one exception the wires had been of regulation height.—Cr Clark pointed out that the wives had been altered in one place, but they were still too low' at the Totara crossing.— Lhc Chairman and several councillors pointed out that the wires may be a source of danger.—lt was decided, on the motion of Cv .Rodman, to thank the engineer for his letter, andto inform the Electric Tower Board that it would be held responsible for any damage that might occur. It was also decided that the county engineer confer with tlie board engineer in respect to the wires mentioned by v.r Clark. . The action of the county clerk m protesting against a proposed drivers award that was to come before the Conciliation Council w’as approved. , . . Tho Maniototo County Council advised that a set of by-laws had been prepared, and suggested that a conference be held with a view to securing uniformity among the councils and joint printing. It was proposed that the conference be held at Clyde.—lt w'as decided that the council be represented at the conference by the sub-committee that had already been dealing with the by-laws. A petition was received from 18 settlers of Awamoa, asking that steps bo taken to form a footpath at Holmes’s Hill. _A letter was also received from Mr G. Stringer in support of the petition, and pointing out that traffic at present was dangerous to children attending the South School. Tho matter was reicrrecl to the engineer and Cr Clark for a report. Mr A. K. Milmine, of Papakaio, requested that culverts bo placed on the roads leading to hia property.—lt was decided, on tho motion of the chairman, that one culvert bo put in. Tho Department of Agriculture advised that tho exempting of tho Ahuriri Riding from tho provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act in respect fo gorso would require to ho dealt with by special order.—lt was decided to taka action accordingly. A communication from the Public Works Department in reference to roads constructed by tho Government, and then declared county roads wqis received.^ Accounts amounting to £25C6 19s 7d were passed for payment. It was decided that a road grader demonstration bo made at 10 o’clock on Monday morning noxt, near the Totara homestead. The report of the engineer, which dealt with the works in progress in different parts of the county, was read and adopted. Cr MTnnes mentioned that a number of memorial trees were dying on the roadside for tho want of attention. Ho thought it a disgrace that this should he so. Ho was of opinion that the county engineer should instruct the roadmen to attend to tho trees. Cr MTnnes also mentioned the matter of tho erection of a bridge in some convenient position. The clerk was instructed, on the motion of Cr MTnnes. to report, upon Cairns’ rond at Maerew henna. The tender of M. M‘Conc, of £125, was accepted for metalling on Nerds’ and Soilness road, and that, of J. M'Conc, at £225, for metalling on the Kakatmi beach road.

THE KUROW CONTRACT. At tlie meetincr of the Wnitaki County Council yesterday Messrs Appleby and ' : on3, of Kurow. wrote asking the conned io counteract statements that had been mado by Crs Mnnro and MTnnes in rc--eet to Winsley Bros’, eontract. _ The Chairman thought the oouneil should •ako no further action in tin’s matter. There had already been sufficient newspaper cunt rovers v. Cr Mnnro; If there is an action, it is against Cr MTunes and myself

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT.

[» Cr M‘Lines: Let them come on. t It was decided that tho communication I be received. A letter was read from Mr A. Hamilton, solicitor, claiming that somo amend bo made concerning tho statements made in 1 respect to Wiuslov Bros and the withholding of tho money owing him. Ho asked that all statements imputing dis- ■ honesty bo withdrawn. The Chairman stated that no imputation of dishonesty had been made. Crs Munro and MTnnes had acted in a bona fide manner. Cr Newlands suggested that an apology ! bo sent to Winsley Bros, i Crs Munro and MTnnes explained that I there was nothing to apologise for. They | stated that Winsley Bros’ account could not bo understood. ’ Cr Rodman thought they should not i further discuss this matter publicly. He moved that tho loter fromt Mr Hamilton, solicitor, be referred to tile council’s solicitor. Cr Smith seconded the motion. Cr Newlands moved as an amendment that a reply bo sent to Mr Hamilton before consulting tho council’s solicitor. Cr Clark seconded tho amendment. The amendment was lost on a show of hands, and Cr Rodman’s motion was carried. CALIFORNIAN THISTLE. The Chairman pf tho Waitaki Country Council stated at yesterday’s meeting that tho plebiscite on tho question of removing Californian thistle had not been taken this month ns it was desired to know whether tho poll should be on a county or parliamentary franchise. The Chairman said ho would like to hear tho view of tho council in tho matter. Cr MTnnes thought tho one man one vote principle should be applied. Cr Munro did not agree. Ho moved that tho plebiscite bo taken on the same franchise as at county elections. Cr Smith seconded (hq motion. Cr MTnnes moved ns nn amendment that tho plebiscite be taken on tho basis of one man one vote. The Chairman did not think there should bo an equality of votes. He considered that tho one man one vote principle had gone too far already in the Dominion. The amendment was not seconded, and tho motion was carried on tho voices. WARM WORDS. At the meeting of the Waitaki County Council yesterday, it was decided, on the motion ot Cr Rodman, that Mr J. 0. Kirkncss represent the council on tho Waitaki Hospital Board in place of Mr W. Nicholson, who resigned. Cr Rodman remarked that it was unfortunate that when members of tho council visited tho hospital recently, the chairman was unable, through illness, to bo present. Tlio Chairman: I had no wish to bo present. It’s nothing more than a piece of rascality, tho while thing. Cr Rodman: If tho chairman were to visit tho hospital he might change his ideas. Tho Chairman: I’ve an idea that 1 have to pay £IOO a year more than I ought to do. Cr Rodman: You're lucky to have tho money to pay. The Chairman : I may have to borrow tho money to pay it. Cr Rodman again invited tho chairman to visit tho institution, but Cr Gardiner said he had no desire to do so. Tho man who had been appointed the council’s representative had his sympathy. He was a courageous man to take up tho job. A MAORI RELIC. A settler of Xyaparu, while ploughing a few clays ago, unearthed an interesting relic in tiic form of the lower portion of a .Maori axo. Tho implement has a sharp edge, anti is ot a hard, dark substance. How it carno to be embedded in tho soil at Ngapam is a mystery. cricket. The annual meeting of the Palmerston Cricket Club was held in the Waihemo County Chambers on Thursday evening. There’ was a large attendance of members, and Mr .1. Preston presided. Tito totlowing ofiicer-bearers were , Iccted for tho ensuing year:—President, Mr J. Hopkins; vice-presidents—Ur Tlowden, Messrs Kennett, A. M'Grogor, White, Korncr, Appleby, Moggin, Ironside; captain, A. Kibblewliire; deputy-captain, it. W. King; secretary and treasurer, A. Henderson; auditor and scorer, W. M‘Gregor; Match Committee—Messrs Kibblcwhite, King, and Henderson. An Oamaru resident gave a cup for competition among players of tho club, and he was heartily thanked for his kindness. It was decided to open the season on October 9 with a match between sides captained by Mr Hopkins and Mr M. M'Gregor. SALE OF WORK. The Kvelinc Ladies’ Guild hold a very successful sale ot work in the church. Mr A. Murray, m a happy speech, opened the proceedings, and brisk business was (lone during the alternoon and evening. The stallholders wore as follows; —Work stall, iMesdauies Moifatt and Brownlee; fancy goods. Miss Palmer; cake stalky Miss Ritchie; flower stall, Mrs A. Fraser; p; oci uco Stall, Miss W. MTutyre; sweet stall. Miss Irvine; Christmas tree. Misses Cairns and Fraser; tearooms, Mesdaraes Uunn and Adamson and assistants. Special thanks were duo to Messrs D. Morrison, Uunn, and L. Moflat, the Boys’ Brigade, and others for helping to make tho gathering such a success, iho doll-dressing competition was won bv Margaret Fullerton, cake-guessing by Mrs U. MTnlyrc. and nail-driving by Mv W. S. Croinbie. PARLOR A WORKS. The Pareora Freezing Works have been open during the last few' days, and considerable drafts of fat wethers and lambs have been sent to them from North Otago. GENERAL. Tho price of (lour, bran, and pollard ivas reduced £1 per ton on last. As vet there is no indication of a reduction” in tho price of bread in Oamaru. The North Otago Scottish Society has arranged to pay a visit to Ximaru on the second Saturday in November. A Border Leicester ewe in the Ngapara district is reported to have produced triplets this season, of which two wore black and one white. WAITAKI POWER BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Waitaki Kloctric Power Board was held yesterday, there being present: Messrs R. Milligan (chairman), W. H. Frith, J. M'Diarmid, J. Newlands T. A. Munro, J. A. Forrester, W. Gardmer, and R. Mahan. An apology for absence was received from Mr W. Xicolson. Mr W 11. Frith reported upon tho conference held at Timaru, at which a resolution was passed urging the Government to proceed immediately with a hydro-electric scheme between Golendgo and Vtaipoii. The conference had been most successful, .and had ham attended by two Cabinet: | Ministers. —Mr Frith was thanked for his report. The Chairman slated that, when the Minister of Public. Works (idled Timani bo would probably inspect the different sites. —lt was decided that representatives nl the board should meet tlie Minister in Timaru. A letter was read from Mr L. P. 100, I M.P., stating that lie would wafe-h the interests of North Otago in seenring a suitable source of electrical supply. The Head Master of the F.nfield' School wrote in regard to tho installation of electricity at the school residence, and suggested that payment he made in .Tanuniy, U>?.7.—This was agreed to, provided the Fdncalion Hoard approved. The Chairman reported that the hal.nue in the Power Tm.-t account on September I 1 was £5£27 15.- Id. Receipts to Seplernlier 24 were £1254 10s, ami c\p'nditnre (including £2OOO to loan account)' £3072 IPs P,!. j \oconnts for payment totalled £1279 3s Ed, leaving a balance of £2600 10s 0(1. The receipts during the same period amounted **> £1224 iff* Id. In the loan account the

balance at the beginning of the month stood at £IBB 9o 3d, and receipts to September 24 were £6456 16a 9d. The expenditure was £IO4B 5s 7d. Accounts amounting to £2213 17a lid were passed for payment, & balance of £33,831 Is 6cl remaining. The receipts amounted to £6466 15s 9d. The report of the Finance Committee was read. This recommended approval of the chairman’s action in authorising the transfer of £3OOO from the Power Board fund account to the loan account; the payment of accounts amounting to £5205 0s 7d; the increasing of the salary of the chief meter reader to £4 10s per week; that further clerical assistance be obtained for the office; that two college students be engaged during the summer vacation at a nominal salary to complete their practical training.— 'Jho report was adopted, the question of further clerical assistance being dealt with in committee. THE PLUNKET SOCIETY. A largely-attended meeting of town and country residents was held in the Borough Council Chambers at Oamaru, yesterday afternoon to discuss the question of the finance of the Plunket Society and to devise means for strengthening it. The chair was occupied by the Mayor (Mr M’Diarmid), who referred at some length to the good work done by the Plunket nurses in town and country. The increased work had placed the finances of the institution in a strained condition, and it was lelt something should be done to stabilise the finance. In some centres the local bodies had made the work of the Plunket Society a charge upon the rates. The work done by the nurses was of such a beneficent character that the society should not be troubled with finance It hud been suggested that a “baby carnival’’ be held, and that the support of sports bodies be -enlisted. Mr A. Hamilton pointed out that the society had now two nurses engaged, with two motor cars The cost of running the institution last year was £B2O. Of this sum, the Government provided a small subsidy. It was necessary to raise a fairly largo sum of money annually in order to maintain the services. It was proposed to hold a “baby carnival,” at which there would bo town and country competitions. Mr Hamilton explained the dtetails at some length. The proposal was to form a central committee, and to have four district committees for the purpose of organising entertainments, etc. lie moved that the meeting take steps to institute a carnival for the purpose of raising funds for the support ot the society. Mr K,. Familton seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was decided that a central committee, with four country committees, bo formed. A largo list of names was given of those who were willing to co-operate and act on the committees. The Chairman stated that, from the offers received, it was quite apparent that the carnival was going to he a pronounced success. Mr Hamilton said it had boon suggested that the “Country Girl” musical comedy bo reproduced in aid of the fund, that a garden fete he hold on the last day of the carnival, and that the bands bo asked to organise concerts. It was decided that the selection of habios tor the carnival, which will extend ovor the month of October, bo left to the central committee. The arranging of conveners for the different committees was left to the committee itself. Votes of thanks to Mr Hamilton and the Mayor concluded a most enthusiastic meeting. HORTICULTURAL SHOvv. The spring show of tho North Otago Horticultural Society was held yesterday in tho Drill Hall at Oamaru. There was a good collection of cut flowers and a fair display of pot plants. A special section was devoted to flowers, shrubs, etc., from tho Municipal Gardens, and tin’s reflected groat credit upon tho curator (Mr Barnett). Tho decorated tables were very good, and the display of narcissi highly creditable. Following is tho prize list: POT PLANTS AND CUT BLOOMS. Judges.—Narcissi, Air E. A. Hamel (Dunedin); pot plants and cut flowers, Messrs A. Hamel and M. Barnett. Vegetables, Mr J. Main. Stewards.—Messrs Sampson, Benson, and Jones. Twelve pot plants—George S. Jones 1 and 2. Six pot plants—George S. Jones 1 and 2. General collection of spring cut blooms —H. J. Andrews 1. Collection of narcissi, 18 varieties —W. D. Burns I. Twelve narcissi, three of each—R. Dick 1. Nine narcissi, three of each—R. Dick 1. Six narcissi, thre of each —R. Dick 1. Mrs R. K. Ireland 2. Six seedling trumpet narcissi—R. Dick 1. W. D. Burns 2. Six seedling narcissi, other than trumpet —R. Dick 1. W. D. Burns 2. Narcissi, yellow trumpet —K. Dick 1, W. D. Burns 2. Narcissi, white trumpet—R, Dick 1. Narcissi, bi-colour trumpet—R. Dick 1. Narcissi. Incomparable (Division 2a) —R. Dick 1. (Division 2b) —R. Dick 1. Narcissi. Leeds! (Division 4a) — R. Dick I. (Division 4b) —R. Dick 1. Six narcissi, three of each—Miss Shalders 1. Six narcissi, two of each —Mrs W. Henderson 1. Mrs J. M’Gimpsey 2. Three vases red coloured cun varieties — Mrs R. K. 'lreland 1. Ono vase Emperor, three blooms —Mrs R. K. Ireland 1, Mrs J. E. Hill 2. One vase any variety yellow trumpet, three blooms —Mrs Dunlop 1. One vase anv varictv bi-colour trumpet, threo blooms —Mrs J. E. Hill 1, Mrs Dunlop 2. Ono vase Lucifer, three blooms —Miss Shalders 1. Ono vase Sir Watkin, three blooms—Mrs J. E. Hill 1. Six hyacinths—Mrs W. Henderson 1. Threo hyacinths—Mrs W. Henderson 1. Six anemones —Mrs E. Williams 1, Mrs J. E. Hill 2. Six polyanthus—R. Dick 1. SCHOOL CHILDREN’S COMPETITION. One mse of narcissi, for pupils of primary schools —Alfred Fnris 1, Dorothy Watson 2, Peggy Roll 3, Margaret Caldor and Marjorie Ireland h.c. Children’s pot plant—John Watson 2, Ruth Ireland 3. Ladies’ buttonholes —Raymond Watson 1. Roy Stevens 2. Ruth Ireland 3, Isabel Simpson h.c. Gentleman's buttonholes—Esmo Weir 1, Isobel Bain 2, Winnie Miller 3, Katie Wilson h.c. DECORATIVE COMPETITIONS. Table decoration art exhibit of still life, flowers, fruit, vegetables, drapery, and decorative objects of metal or ware allowed —Airs E. Douglas 1. Table decoration, for those who have never won a first prize for decorated table —Miss Winnie Miller 1. Mrs J. E. Hill 2. Table decoration —Airs Hugo (Wharfe street) 1, M. Milson 2 and 3. One bowl of flowers, not floating—Mrs E. Douglas 1, Mrs Barnett 2. Bowl of flowers, not less than eight inches in diameter, bold effect desired — Mrs Hugo 1, Miss E. Williams 2, Mrs E. C. Bcswick 3, Mrs Barnett 4 and h.c. Bowl of flowers, mixed colours, bowl not to exceed Bin in diameter—Miss L. Familton 1 Mrs Dunlop 2. Bowl of narcissi, for those who have never won a first prize for decorating— Mrs J. E. Hall 1, Miss Margaret Caldcr 2, Miss Winnie Miller 3. Basket of polyanthus or primroses—Miss L. Familton 1, Mrs E. C. Bcswick 2. Basket of flowers —Mrs E. Douglas 1, Mrs C. Coventry (Waimatc) 2. Throe vases flowers, arranged for effect —Miss L. Familton 1, Airs E. C. Bcswick 2. , . . One vase flowers, vase not less than 10m —Mrs Dr Scott I,' Mrs Dunlop 2. Epergne of narcissi, any foliage—Mrs . Douglas 1, Airs Hugo 2. Decorated mantelpiece, drapery allowed —Airs Hugo 1. , Bridesmaids' posy, ribbons allowed —Airs Barnett 1. M. Afilson 2. Airs Barnett 3. Six polyanthus, yellows. whites or creams—U. Dick 1, Mrs T. Kennedy 2. Six polyanthus, reds, browns or rubies— Mrs J. M’Gimpsoy 1. Four vases of primroses--Airs J. L. Hill Six pansies —Mrs J. E. Hill L Bc-t eollectioa of flowering shrubs—ll. J. Andrew 1. Mrs E. C. Bcswick 2 Six hunches cut flowers (Redcastlo CupVMrs T. Hunter 1, Airs G. S. Jones 2, Mrs Scott 3. „ T Best collection of vegetables (.MO/ \\ . J. D. Milne 1. G. Coventry (M annate) 2. J. Wilson (Tvakar.ui) 3.

AVAR VETERANS. riini} is Ik-len mad'- («» I'unn a .> , i . , t 1 . s -ii ;' ■\ 11 iu;i M V» ar \ uluAssociation in Oanifii'ii. A meeting ■. ■; ,< to !»?• lioi(i on Wednesday evening next, when the repre-M-maiivcr. oi various hr. inches will be present.

MUSiUAii JhA.AAlii’V AXiUJAO. The following are the results of the Trinity College practical music examinations held at Dominican College, Tesehemakers, by Dr Borland, F.T.C.L.: — Licentiate Piano: Aiairie Maxwell, 87 marks; Alma Woods, 82 marks. Higher Docal Piano: Aiollte M'Laughhu, 72, pass. Senior Piano: Hilda Illingworth, 8 0, honours. Senior Elocution: Nellie Henaghau, (0, pass. . ' , , ■intermediate Elocution: May bhcehy, Si, honours; Alma Woods, 77, pass. .Junior Piano: Eunice Coppell, 9-. honours; Mary Johnson, 80, honours; Josephine Taylor, 80, honours; Alcxeudia U'Connell, V 5, pass. Junior Violin: Aileeu Smith, 73, pass. Preparatory Piano: Margaret Gallieu, 82, honours. , , First Steps Piano: Dorothy CuddouLarge, 83, honours; Eleanor Drown, 80, honours. , ~ ~ ~ Ihe lollowiug are the results oi the theoretical examinations held last June;— Art ot Teaching and Rudiments: Alma Woods. , , x . , Senior ; Hilda Illingworth, honours; Nellie M Phee, honours. intermediate: Nellie Henaghau, pass, Nellie M’Phee, honours. intermediate: Nellie Henaghau, pass, Maura Donnell, pass. Junior: Mary Hill, puss. Preparatory: Peggj nonius, pass. PERSONAL. Dr T. H. Valiutiuc, Director-general of Health,’ was a visitor to Uamaru yesteraay. THE MEAT QUESTION. At the meeting of the Farmers’ Union in Oamaru yesterday, Air u. a. noss, oi iriagrove, who was a delegate at Hie conleienco in Wellington lor the election of members of the Meat Board, stated that the meeting was one of the most important hold in New Zealand. Through the eom-

uutitivo buying system indulged in by' ex - porters ami the majority ot the froe/anfe oonipaaties, more particularly during t|u, last two seasons, the 1 freezing companies had found themselves in diihculties, ana many o£ them had made huge losses, ine delegates, at the last hour, were called upon to decide on a merger scheme ot some other scheme lor the purpose of keeping the freezing companies out ot tneir diuiculties. There were several merger schemes drawn up. One proposed that the producers should acquire all the freezing works at present existing and prevent the acquisition or control of the industry either by local or foreign vested interests. it was proposed to retain competition for the livestock and the resultant products by those in the exporting business, and by the representatives of foreign importers. A scheme of that kind would bo quite all right provided it could bo carried out m mo interests of the producers. “I would like to say here," said Air Koss, •’that quite a number of the delegates were eitlici directors of freezing companies or shareholders of freezing companies some of which wore in difficulties, ao I am afraid that company interests came first and the producers interests second with some of the delegates. I tried to take a common sense view of the situation, and 1 looked at the merger scheme tor all view-points, and I came to the conelusion that a compulsory merger of all the works was not in the interests O* the producers nor a solution of the freezing companies* difficulties. It would take £6,000,000 or £8,000,000 to acquire all the freezing works at present existing* and the producers would have to find the money by some moans. Under existing conditions, the banks have to bear the burden of the freezing companies; under a merger scheme the producers would have to shoulder the responsibility and they have as much as th e -P can carry now. To freeze and put on board the steamer at the present time it costs the producer on an average something like Is lOd a carcase, but under the merger scheme it would cost something like 2s lid, on an average or, about 13d a carcase more. Then again, there are far too many freezing works in operation—more particularly in tho North Island. Many of the North Island works in the beginning depended as much on cattle as sheep to keep them going. To-day the beef tn l dustry is dead and a lot of the beef raising country hae gone into dairying land, consequently some of the works arc or no value. Then why should tho Producers have to buy them at any valuation.

The question is too big a one to allow sentiment to obtrude. Suppose, for the sake of argument, there was a factory at Waitaki South, who would decide which of the factories, Pukeuri or Waitaki South, should be closed? There would be a lot of wire-pulling on both sides, which would probably end in corruption, and the producers would bo the niilch cow to feed it. and this sort of thing would apply right throughout New Zealand. Another very important point was raised by Air Jcs'scp, vice-chairman of the Meat Board. He said ’it was not possible tor any freezing company in New Zeaalnd to exist to-day, however well situated, or m however strong a position, and pay any reasonable interest on the capital invested, it it did a whollv freezing business. He blamed tho overseas operators to a large extent for this state of affairs. Act the majority of the delegates who were m favour ot the merger approved of these exporters operating on the farms. A good deal of the trouble to-day has been caused by the freezing companies competing with one another by way of rebates for the freezing of stock purchased by the large exporters. It has gone on to such an extent that the smaller companies are being squeezed out, and if things are allowed to continue as they are doing at present it will only bo a question of a very short time when the freezing indus-

tryVill be in the hands of two operators. To protect tho producers from unscrupulous operators I think it is absolute y necessary that the Aleat Board should be asked to take steps to prevent exporters buying on the tarms, to arrange with freezing companies to freeze on Kurnevs’ account only, to arrange for the different grades of meat to be made uniform throughout each island, and so regulate sales to overseas operators that the various freezing companies iV Ws each month a proportion of their killings in proportion to the operators requuements If a system of this sort ncre adopted the producers would get the full value for their stock, as they would get the proceeds of pelts, wool, and meat

values. I do not say for one moment that lids is the only way by which an improvement can be brought about; but 1 do say that a scheme of this kind, if put into practice, would be better both for the freezing companies and the producers than [he present-day methods of dealing with ° U Mr m W. t- Forrester did not think the producers would favour a merger if this would mean paying, say, Is per head more for the killing of their stock. Air A. Murray spoke at some length upon the subject. He recognised that it was necessary that something bo done but he could not see that the mcigoi scheme would meet tho situation. I. he groat difficulty would be in deciding which works should be closed. Air Ross stated that various other aspects of the meat industry had been discussed at Wellington, including that of cool stores. A suggestion had also been made to establish retail agencies in London An effort would be made this year

by the operators to recoup the losses of A fetter was read from the South Canterbury executive asking for an expression of opinion upon the question of the Aleat Board establishing an agency in London, to which owners could consign their lamb and mutton. .... , A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Ross for his address. Air Ross said he appreciated this vote very much, more particularly as a letter had appeared in the Otago Daily Times criticising his attitude as a delegate. In reference to the proposal to establish a selling agency in London, Mr Alurray said there would no objection to this provided tho. money were found by the Aleat Board, and did not come out of the pockets of the producers. The Chairman said he understood (be cold storage in London was controlled by vested interests. The cost of providing further cold storage would be very

considerable. Mr W. M‘Donald did not think anything should be done in the matter until Mr Forsyth arrived from London. Mr E. S. Brewster mentioned that the Meat Board had a credit of over £50,000. They could use this money to establish a retail agency if they thought (it. It was decided that further consideration of tlie matter he hold over for a later meeting.

FARMERS’ UNION. A meeting of the North Otago Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held yes-

terday afternoon, Mr R. B. Meek presiding over an attendance of 14 members. Mr Meek reported upon what had been done in Christchurch in the matter of forming a marketing association for wheat. He stated that the question would be discussed in committee. After various aspects of the subject had been discussed, it was decided to hold over further consideration for a future meeting. Mr Chapman, of Waitaki South, was present as a delegate from that district. Ho stated that he was anxious to form a branch in his district. He had been a member of the Union in the Auckland province, and knew of the good work it was doing. It was proposed to call a meeting for Tuesday evening next. —The Chairman stated that he and other members would attend the meeting and assist in every way in the of a branch.— Mr Ross and others emphasised the importance of taking steps to make the meetings of country branches more attractive. OAMARTJ CRICKET CLUB. The annual rpeeting of the o®J na^ u Cricket Club was held last evening, Mr S. H. Sumpter presiding over a fair attendance. The report and balance sheet were adopted, and the following office bearers were elected for the ensuing year; President. Mr S. H. Sumpter; vice : president, Mr (i. M. Proctor; match captain, F. Jones; deputy captain. F. A. Crimp; committee Messrs F. Jones. Milnos, W. Zimmerman, M. Uttley. and T. H. Sumpter; selection committee—Messrs F. Jones, F. A. Crimp and T. H. Sumpter; vice-captain, W. Zimmerman; delegates—Messrs Milnes and Sumpter: secretary. Mr 1. 11. Sumpter. A vote of thanks was passed to ftlr U. M. Proctor for donation (£2 2s). The opening date of the season was left to the committee. .