NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19958, 27 November 1926, Page 14

NORTH OTAGO.

tWnou Opb Special Cobbbspondibx.)

WATfAm COUNTY COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Waitalu County Council was held_ yesterday, there being present Crs J. Newlands {in the chair), T. A. Munro, J. U. Smith, R. B. Meek, A. MTnnes, D. Clark and J. Rodman. Apologies were received from_ the chairman (Mr W. Gardiner) and Cr Nicolson* Advice was received from the treasury of admittances of £2354 Xss 8d from the Main Highways Board, £1875 as rate subsidies, £473 15s 6d as hypothicated thirds and fourths, and 10s as goldfields revenue. The special order made in respect to gorse and broom in the Ahuriri Biding was confirmed. . . .. The Now Zealand Counties Association ■wrote in reference to the supply of valuation rolls affecting rating. It was stated t-h at. the request of the association in the matter had not been approved by the Valuation Department. Permission was granted to G. H. Woods (Omaiama and G. W. Cieverley (Herbert) to erect kerbside petrol pumps. The North Otago Motor Association applied for an electric light to be placed at. the Waitaki Boys’ High School corner. The association offered to erect the post. — The Clerk stated that the member tor the riding offered no objection.—Cr Meek thought that a definite policy should be adopted, as other parts of the country ■would require similar lights.—On the motion of Cr Meek it was decided that the question bo deferred until next meeting, to permit of a policy being framed which would apply to all parts of the Dominion. A letter from the Commissioner of Crown Lands in regard to the gravel pit at Waianakarua was received.

The Maniototo County Council wrote in reference to joint by-laws, and inviting delegates to a conference with the object of forming a counties association for Otago. —Cr Munro reported that at the conference at- Clyde the representatives ot the different counties were unanimous in regard to all questions excepting one or two. —Cr M’lnnes said the only real difference •was in respect to the charge for heavy traffic It had been decided that the bylaws be printed, leaving the charge for heavy traffic open for each county to decide. —The chairman did not see what particular value they would derive from an Otago counties association.—lt was eventually decided that the matter be deferred until next meeting.

The Secretary of the North Otago Society for tlie Prevention of Cruelty to Animals forwarded a communication received from the Otago society.—The Clerk stated that the chairman of the council did not see any necessity for a new society in the district. —Cr M‘lnnes said he quite agreed with the chairman.—Cr Meek said the_ inspector ©f the Otago society was still visiting North Otago and enrolling old and new members. —The Clerk stated that the question at issue was whether their ranger (Mr Flett) should be permitted to act as inspector for the North Otago Society.—Cr Meek stated that the inspector would be required to visit shows and race meetings.—Cr HTnnes did not think the new society ■would last for any length of time. He moved that the request of the new society for the services of the ranger be declined. —Cr Munro, in seconding, said the district was satisfied with the work done by Mr Craig, the Otago inspector. If the new society went out of existence, and they had ceased to support Otago, they might be left without an inspector.—Cr Rodman, while not opposing the resolution, thought the North Otago Society might render useful service.—The resolution of Cr MTnncs was carried on the voices.

The Otago Education Board asked permission to dig a ditch on the road lino near the Awamoko School. —Permission was granted, subject to the work being done to the approval of the engineer. A communication was received from the Levels County Council in regard to the requirements of the Highways Board of an Sin foundation for bitumen surfaces to loads. The council pointed out that most of the roads in the _ Canterbury province already had a sufficient foundation. A letter was enclosed from the Highways Board stating that it could not accept the opinion of outside engineers in regard to the construction of roads.—The Chairman stated that it was absurd that aYi Sin foundation should bo required in this district, and the engineer and other councillors concurred. The Engineer read a communication from Colonel Symoncls, giving quotations for bitumen road formation in the county. The Engineer said be had submitted this communication to Cr Gardiner, who stated that he preferred that the work of bdtumenising the North road he deferred for a year.—After further discussion, it was decided that no action be takers in the matter.

The Main Highways Board forwarded a circular letter in regard to local bodies’ loans, and this was received. The_ Dominion Federated Sawmillers’ Association wrote suggesting that the example of the Takapuna Borough Council be followed, and that preference be given to Dominion timber and other articles in the prosecution of local body works.—The Chairman stated that New Zealand mills could not supply hardwood timber.—Cr MTnnes asked if New Zealand timber could not be used for decking.—The Engineer said there was very little available.— Cr MTnnes asked if silver birch or pine could not be used. This was used by the Railways Department for sleepers.— l The said the Government did not nse silver birch or pine f or bridges.—The Chairman thought the question was one for a, conference. —Cr Rodman thought the engineer should prosecute inquiries, and this course was agreed to. The clerk was instructed to procure tenders for dog collars in time for next meeting.

It was decided that the next meeting- of the council be held on Tuesday, December

On the motion of Cr MTnnes, it was decided that quotations he secured for a new typewriter for the office. Mr David Smith wrote complaining that water from the Pukeuri water-race was flooding his property.—The matter was referred to the engineer, with nowpr to act.

Accounts amounting to £2215 15s on the general account and £220 Gs 4d on the loan account wore passed for payment. The report of the engineer was read and adopted. Or M'lnnes asked that the engineer do something at the ford at the Otiake stream, and the engineer promised to look into the matter. The engineer’s action in regard to French’s road was confirmed. It was decided on the motion of Cr Smith, that a letter of condolence be sent Mrs A. C. Davis in her bereavement. TOKARAHI BUSES. It was stated at the meeting of the Waitaki County Council yesterday that arrangements had been completed by the Railways Department for the purchase of the buses running between Oamaru and Tokaraki. The Clerk asked whether the Railways Department would contribute _ the heavy traffic license fee, but the chairman could give no information on the point. COUNTY JUBILEE. The jubilee of the County Council falls next year. The first meeting of the council was held on January 4, 1877. Of the first council, only one is surviving—Mr Duncan Sutherland. This gentleman, although very nearly a nonogenarian, is still hale and hearty. He was chairman of the council for many years. The question of fittingly celebrating the jubilee was raised at yesterday’s meeting of the council. The clerk stated that the chairman was of opinion that the money might justifiably be excpcnclcd upon the roads.

Cr MTnnes thought some recognition should be made of an historic occasion like tho jubilee. Tho acting chairman (Cr Newlands) reported upon tho celebration of tho jubilee of the Waimate County. Ho congratulated th council upon the splendid arrangements for their jubilee. Several members of Parliament were present, and tho speeches wore of a high order. Tho speech of Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., was particularly brilliant. A booklet had also been issued as a memento of the occasion.

Tho Engineer endorsed the opinion of Cr Newlands in regard to the excellence of the function at Waimate.

Or Meek thought that steps should bo taken to commemorate the jubilee in the Waitaki County. The Clerk stated that the cost of s banquet would have to. come out of un-

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT.

authorised expenditure. A sum of £IOO had been voted to the account, and of this £BO had been expended. Cr Munro stated that if the celebration was to cost £IOO, ho was of the same opinion as Cr Gardiner that the money could be more profitably expended upon the roads.

The Acting-chairman considered tne council was expending too much money upon ' private appeals. Cr MTnnes thought that, in the meantime, a record of the early history of the county should be prepared. After further discussion it was decided, on the motion of Cr Rodman, who spoke against the expenditure of a large sum of money upon a function, that the actingchairman, the clerk, and the mover prepare a report upon the subject for the next meeting WANDERING STOCK. At the meeting of the Waitaki County Council yesterday, a letter was read from the New Zealand Counties’ Association asking that affiliated councils use their utmost endeavours to minimise the menace to the travelling public caused by wandering stock. The Chairman stated that this was a serious matter in this county as in others. Cr M’lnnes said there was an opinion that wandering stock could not be impounded after dark. The Chairman stated that this used to be the case, but the law had been altered. Cr Meek remarked that many people turned their stock on to the roads under the impression that they could not be impounded after dark. On the motion of Cr Meek, it was decided that an advertisement be inserted in the papers stating that stock would be impounded after dark, and warning owners against allowing their stock to wander. FACIAL INJURIES. Two members of the Waitaki County t Council appeared at yesterday’s meeting with slight facial disfigurations. Cr R. B. Meek was quick to notice the disrepair of these councillors’ physiognomy, and he expressed the hope that if there had been any disagreement it should bo amicably settled, and that harmony should be restored. The councillors affected assured Cr Meek that there had been no disagreement, and that the facial injuries were purely accidental. The assurance was accepted in all good faith. THE PENSIONS BOARD. A sitting of the War Pensions Board is to be held in Oamaru on Wednesday next, when a number of returned soldiers will appear in support of requests for continued pensions. DENTAL CLINIC. At a meeting of the Dental Clinic Commitee over which Dr Douglas presided it was suggested by him that all the preliminary work having now been completed and the clinic set in thorough working order, he thought the committee should be given a constitutional basis, and the constitution placed upon record for future guidance. ’ After some little discussion, it was decided that the committee shall consist of two representatives each of the North and South School Committees, to be elected directly after the annual elections of committees, and two representatives of the Waitaki High School, to be elected annually; that ihree members shall form a quorum; that the year shall end on. March 31 each year; and that the chairman shall be elected at the first meeting thereafter. It was reported that the whole building and equipment had been completed at a cost of under the original estimate, and that the department had paid the whole of its contribution towards the outlay. The Secretary mentioned that the architects. Messrs Forrester and Steenson, had returned their commission as a contribution to the fund. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the architects for their generous donation and the manner in which the work had been carried out, the chairman remarking that the Minister of Health and all the departmental officials . who had viewed the building and its equipment had freely pronojmeed the clinic the best to be found in the Dominion.

Accounts amounting to £247 18s 6d were passed for payment, and the announcement was made that the committee had in hand a sufficient amount to carry on the work for a year, and that, therefore, there would be no appeal to the public for funds. It was decided to open an account with the Post Office Savings Bank in the names of Dr Douglas and Mr Mitchell as trustees, with authority to pay accounts as they arose.

The Chairman announced that he had received advice that the promised second nurse would arrive in the first week in December, and added that it would then be practicable to include country children in the scope of the clinic’s operations. It was decided to refer the matter to the chairman to consult with the two nurses as to the best method of dealing with country children, with a view to formulating a plan of action and advising country school committees. The Chairman reported having been a frequent visitor to the clinic, and that he was well pleased with the manner in which Nurse Pragnell was performing her duties. She was a highly competent dentist, and had covered a large amount of ground. The whole of the young children of the South School had been treated, and good progress had been made with those- of the North School, while some urgent cases from the country had been treated. The resignation of Mr J. W. Maekisack as secretary was announced by the chairman, who referred to the great services he had rendered to the committee gratuitously. There had been a great deal of work to do at the initiation of the movement, and Mr Mackisack’s knowledge and readiness had been great help, his conduct of the correspondence being admirable.

On the motion of Mr Mitchell, seconded by Mr Calder, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Mackisack, and the chairman was askod to forward to him a letter expressing the committee’s warm appreciation of his graceful services. Both gentlemen made reference to the retiring secretary’s exceptional ability, his enthusiasm. readiness to do what was needed, and unfailing courtesy. Mr Mackisack briefly replied, saying that what he had done had been cheerfully performed because he was interested in the clinic and desired to help it. The resignation was accepted, and it was decided to ask Mr D. B. Smith to undertake the duties of secretary. PRESENTATIONS. At the meeting of the Oamaru Beautifying Society the resignation of Mr J. W. Mackisack, honorary secretary, was accepted with regret, and after the business had been disposed of, opportunity was taken of making a presentation to him in recognition of his services to the society. The president, in making the presentation, referred to the efficiency and courtesy jnvanahly shown by Mr Mackisack in his work, and the great loss which his departure would involve to the society. Not only had his business ability been generously placed at the disposal of the society, but he had taken a deep personal interest in the work of beautifying and improving the town. Several members spoke enthusiastically of the esteem in which Mr Mackisack was held, and the very efficient nature of his work, and warm wishes were expressed for the future happiness and success of Mr and Mrs Mackisack and their family in their new home. The presentation took the form of gift books on music and art in which Mr Mackisack is deeply interested. A pleasant, function took place in the daman. Borough Council Chambers yesterday afternoon, when his Worship the Mayor (Mr Jas. M‘Diarmicl) presented to .die winning baby (Baby Ireland) in the recent Flunked Carnival, a silver drinking-cup. In the course of his remarks, his Worship spoke of the good work done by the Plun.ket Society all over the Dominion, and congratulated the local committee on the excellent results they lud achieved in their effort to raise fuflas for the Oa rnarn Plunket nurse THUNDERSTORM. A heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by loud thunder and vivid lightning, passed over North Otago yesterday afternoon. A sharp fall of hail was experienced in Oamaru.

WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER BOARD. The Wautaki Electric Power Board held its monthly meeting yesterday, there being present Messrs R. Milligan (chairman), W. H, Frith, J. Nowlands. T. A. Munro, J. M'Diarmid and R. Manon.

Accounts amounting to £3312 Os lid were passed for payment. It was reported that the bank balances after allowing for the payment of accounts, were as follows: Rower Fund, debit, £46 19s 9d; loan account, debit, £3743 16s lOd. The sub-committee reported that, after hearing tile engineer and manger’s report on the various huts offered to the board, it had authorised the chairman, engineer, and manager to complete the purchase of the most suitable one. The action of the engineer and manager in purchasing a tool cast from the Ashburton Power Board at a cost of £lO was approved. The committee approved of the proposal submitted by the Public Works Department that the department build the switch-house at Weston and charge the board 10 per cent, of the cost of the proportion of the building occupied by the board. The committee further recommended that the salary of the typiste, Mi-s I. F.. Robertson, be increased by £26 per annum as from. November, 1926. It reported that as the present offices were inadequate for the greatly increased business of the board, a sub-committee consisting of the chairman. Messrs J. M. Forrester and W, N. Frith had been appointed to consider the rearrangement of the offices and report to the board. The chairman apd engineer and manager had been appointed to consider the question of further storage room, the accommodation at the power-house now being taxed to the maximum. The Plunket Society wrote thanking the board for its assistance in the recent carnival. —It was decided to reduce the charge to the society for lighting. The sub-committee was authorised w> make the best arrangement possible for securing increased accommodation for storage at the power-house. An application from the storeman for an increase in pay was granted, The pay is to bo increased from £240 to £260 per year. —Mr Newlands remarked that there appeared to he no end to the number of applications for increased pay. The report of the engineer was rend. This showed that much interest had been shown in the display at tbe_ A. and P. Association’s show. House-wiring had been practically c g.ir '• ted in the following districts:—Weston, Ard'-c cr Alma. Totara, Poidston. Maheno. Kakanui arid PukourL Work was now being performed in the Enfield district in connecting up, testing, etc. Town work was still going on, and some 352 applications bad been dealt with so far during the year in the town alone. It bad been extremely difficult, to deal with the country house-wiving, hut work was now being kept more un to date._ A difficulty was at present being experienced in the supply of poles. Arrangements bad been made for a few polos to be landed at Dunedin and railed to Herbert. The next big shipment should arrive about the middle of December. The question of the Weston sub-station and other matters were also dealt with.—The report was adopted. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Frith, Forrester, and Newlands, was appointed to represent the board at the Enfield switclring--on celebration. A committee was also appointed to attend a meeting to be held at Papakaio next week. The report of the assistant engineer was read, and bis recommendations were referred to the engineer. After some discussion it was decided, that the adjustments on guaranteed accounts be made at the end of the year. The Secretary submitted an offer for a cash register at a cost of £32o.—The Chairman suggested an improved system of meter reading.—lt was decided that the matter be left in the hands of the chairman and Mr M’Diarmid. with power to act. The Engineer suggested the purchase of a horse, cart, and harness for the use of the board. He bad an offer of these at a cost of £22 10s. The purchase was necessary, as at present the board was hiring horses. —On the motion of Mr Mahan, the engineer was authorised to purchase the horse, cart, and harness. LIGHTING PENALTIES. The question of penalties for the late payment of lighting accounts came up for consideration at the meeting of the Waitaki Power Board yesterday. It was pointed out that one consumer who had , been a day late in the payment of his account had been compelled to pay a penalty of £5. The Chairman thought this penalty was altogether too high. He considered there should be a maximum penalty fixed, instead of 2d in the shilling, as at present. The Secretary said it had been suggested that the maximum be 10s or £l. Mr Mahan was of opinion that this might be too low. Mr Frith did not think they should discriminate between the large consumer and the small. The Engineer suggested a reasonable interest charge on the amount of the account. It w-as decided that the sub-committee furnish a report upon the subject to the next meeting. POWER BOARD FINANCES. At the meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board yesterday, the chairman presented the audited balance sheet for the past year. This showed that a profit of £6087 4s 9d had been made on the year’s operations. Allowing for interest on the old loan amounting to £3043 17s lid, a credit of £3043 6s lOd was shown. To this had to be added last year’s balance, and after deducting sinking fund they had a balance to carry forward of £4043 19s lid. The Chairman stated that the situation was entirely satisfactory. If the board pursued its present policy there would be no necessity to strike a rate throughout the district. The Waitaki Board \vas in an enviable position compared with other boards, though in a year or two they might be closer up in their finance. Several members expressed pleasure at the satisfactory position of the board’s finance. The Chairman stated that there was a tag to the balance sheet to the effect that there was no separate investment on behalf of the depreciation account. He did not think this a very serious matter. It was decided that the balance sheet, as audited, be approved, STREET LIGHTING. At the meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board yesterday, the engineer (Mr I. Dalmer) furnished a comprehensive report on the proposal to change the town street lighting system from parallel lighting to series lighting. Alter reviewing the different systems, Mr Dalmer recommended that the following annual contract rates be offered to the borough :—For each 59 candle-power lamp, dusk to midnight, £2 10s per year; for each 50 candle-power lamp, all night, £3; for each 100 candlepower lamp, dusk to midnight, £3 10s; for each 250 candle-power lamp, dusk to midnight, £5; for each 250 candle-power lamp, all night, £6; for each 500 tq 600 candlepower lamp, dusk to midnight, £10; for each 500 to 600 candle-power lamp, all night, £l2. The board approved of the prices recommended by the engineer, and decided to forward them on to the Borough Council. WAITAKI FREEZING WORKS A deputation of Waimate shareholders of the Waitaki Farmers’ Meat Company, consisting of Messrs Corrigan, Stewart, Meehan, Symonds, and Meredith waited upon the directors of the company yesterday to discuss the present situation. The meeting was not open to the press. Speaking to the representative of the Otago Daily Times after Ihe meeting, Mr W. J. Corrigan stated that the deputation was going back to Waimate empty-handed. It had asked for certain information but the directors had not supplied it. Mr Corrigan said that he was strongly of opinion that the only satisfactory course for the directors to pursue was to call a meeting of shnrehoiMers and tender their resignations, leaving the New Zealand Refrigerating Company to meet the shareholders fairly or ti-iko over the works. Mr Corrigan was of opinion that the directors, by their present policy, wore merely postponing the evil hour. PERSONAL. Mr Robert Milligan leaves Onmaru next week on a visit to Auckland. Mr J. M. Forrester, who bas been attending the communication of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons at Wellington, has returned to Oamaru. GOLD MINING. The following report has been received from the manager of the Blacks Gold Mining Co. (Ltd.)Bore sunk to 125 ft; ceased working; raining.

A BROKEN WEEK. The past week has been very broken, and farmers have been unable to get in more than a couple of days’ shearing. The clip is long in staple ami of good quality, but rather lacking in weight. Large quantities of grass, turnips, and rape seed have been sown, and these should be given a good start by the weather. Potato planting is well advanced, and dairy farmers are securing good supplies of milk. The cereal crons benefited bv the warm days in the middle of the week and are looking remarkably well. In some cases the heavy rain and hail have knocked down the early-sown crons, but these may revive with fine weather. SCHOOL CRICKET. In glorious weather Otanro High School continued their last night’s score of 25 for one wicket in their second innings. Cherry, batted steadily for 24 before getting his leg in front of one from Sutton. Priest shortly afterwards did the same thing to a very short ball which he tried to hook. Drew and Jolly made a good stand for the fifth wicket. Jollv. though reckless, hit hard, and reached 20. Penrose made 12. and the innings closed for 119. Darragh. with well-pitched leg breaks, secured four • wickets for 32—a very good performance. Waitaki were thus given 45 runs to get to win. Henry at 8 was caught in the slips by Priest off Moloney, and Smith went Ibw. With two wickets for 24 the game was interrupted by a heavy shower. On resumntion Carrington and Mackenzie hit up the necessary runs. The former went for the bowling and hit five fours in his 30 runs. Waitaki thus won by eight wickets. In the junior division Aslin fl2} and Macallan (86) continued Waitaki’s innings. Macallan added seven to bis score before being bowled bv Baxter. The innings closed for 239. Otago in their second innings found Conk very diffi'mlt. He captured no fewer than nine wickets at a cost of 31 runs. The other man was run out. Waitaki won by an innings and 80 runs. Scores: FIRST ELEVENS. OTAGO. First innings 83 Second Innings. Smith, c Darragh 21 Beasley, run out 0 Cherry, Ibw, b Sutton 24 Priest, Ibw, b: Sutton 4 Moloney, c Darragh, b Hubbard .. 1 Drew, st Frapcis, b Darragh .. .. 20 Blythe, not out 6 Penrose, b Darragh 12 Henderson, b Carrington 1 Holden, c Darragh, b Hubbard .. .. 4 Extras • 11 Total 119 Bowling Analysis.—Carrington, one for 21; Darragh, four.for 32; Sutton, two for 14; Evans, none for five; Hubbard, two for 26. WAITAKI. First innings .. .. 158 Second Innings. Henry, o Priest, b Moloney .. ;. 8 Smith, Ibw, b Moloney 6 Mackenzie, not out .. 3 Carrington, not out 30 Extra .. 1 Total (for two wickets) .. 48 Bowling Analysis.—Jolly, none for eight; Moloney, two for 27; Henderson, none for 12. JUNIORS. WAITAKI. First Innings. Macallan, b Baxter 93 M'Callum, c Turnbull, b M'Alpine .. 5 Milner, c and b Bruce 14 Cook’, b M'Alnine 37 Dalmer, c Clarke, b Baxter .. .. 16 I. Taylor, b M'Alpine 1 Aslin, Ibw, b M'Alpine 37 Neill, c Cunningham, b M'Alpine .. 1 Hamilton, not out 16 H. Taylor, c Groves, b Bruce .. .. 2 Hazlett. c Turnbull, b Groves .. 1 Extras 18 Total .. 239 Bowling Analysis.—Baxter, two for 60: M'Alpine, five for 47; Bruce, two for 45; Groves, one for 17. OTAGO. First innings 77 Second Innings. M'Alpine. c M'Callum, b Cook 11 Groves, Ibw b Cook .. .... .. 19 Baxter, c Hamilton, b Cook .. .. 14 Bews, b Cook 0 Cunnignham. c Taylor, b Cook .. .. 0 Turnbull, c Neill, b Cook 0 Jones, b Cook 4 Clark, c Taylor, b Cook 0 Stinson, run out .. 12 Ussher. not out 9 Bruce, b Cook .. .. 6 Extra .. .. 1 Total ' .. .. 76 Bowling Analysis.—Milner, none for three; Aslin, none for 27; Neill, none for six; Cook, nine for 31.