PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20089, 4 May 1927, Page 7

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

fJP%ou On SraouXi Oobimpomdbhi.j

OAMARU HARBOUR BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board was held yesterday. There were present Messrs N. 8.. Hayes (chairman), G. Livingstone, R. B. Meek, R. K. Ireland, H. Ruddenklau, A. MTnnes, J. A. Macpherson, J. R. M’Culloch, J. Gerrio, and A. M'Kay. The chairman extended a hearty welcome to Messrs Macpherson and Gerrio. He was sure that the political experience of the former and the commercial experience of the latter would be of great value to the board. Ho welcomed them both to the board’s table, and expressed the hope that they would receive pleasure in assisting in the work of the board. Messrs Macpherson and Gerrio replied in a suitable manner. Both expressed regret that the circumstances of an election had deprived the board of one of its oldest and most valuable members. The Chairman moved: “That the board place on record its appreciation of Mr Marshall’s services as a member for the past 20 years, and regrets that circumstances will deprive it of his intimate knowledge and experience of the requirements of the port. ’ Mr R. K, Ireland seconded the resolution with pleasure. He stated that Mr Marshall had an intimate knowledge oi the shipping requirements of the port, and his knowledge in this connection had been of great assistance to the board. He expressed regret that the services of an old and energetic member had been lost to them, and he thought it only right and proper that his services should be recognised. Mr A. MTnnes endorsed the remarks of Mr Ireland, and the resolution was carried unanimously. The Secretary reported that the valuation of Messrs John Mill and Co.’s improvements had been assessed at £llOO, and the annual rental at £75. The valuation of the Refrigerating Company’s improvements had been assessed at £750, anti the rental value at £26. The Refrigerating Company had agreed to the board’s proposals in regard to its lease. The Union Steam Ship Company wrote in reference to the discharge of bulk oil by its steamers in territorial waters, and suggesting precautions where necessary.— The communication was received. The communication from the Waterside Workers’ Union, complaining of. the lack of lighting on the Sumpter wharf, was again read.—A letter was also read from Mr Benzoni, district engineer of railways, stating that the site upon which the board proposed erecting a light was not considered satisfactory, as there would be an insufficient clearance. —On the motion of Mr MTnnes, the engineer was empowered to make what arrangements he considers desirable.

The Oamaru Borough Council wrote agreeing to the board% proposals in regard to the removal of metal from the foreshore.

Messrs Hislop, Creagh, and Main, solicitors, advised that the New Zealand Refrigerating Company had accepted the board’s terms for the surrender of their lease. The deed of surrender was also enclosed for completion.—The question of submitting the land and buildings to a further lease was referred to the town members of the board, with power to act. The Engineer reported that he had made a detailed examination of the Sumpter wharf. He estimated the cost of the necessary repairs at £550, plus the cost of a donkey boiler and engine.—Mr Ireland moved that the repairs to the wharf be undertaken. —Mr MTnnes asked if it was proposed to extend the wharf in the near future.—The Engineer replied in the negative.—The resolution of Mr Ireland was seconded and carried. The Harbourmaster reported that the inward and outward shipping for the month of April had been one oversea and 14 coastal steamers, of a total tonnage of 12,086 tons. Accounts amounting to £313 12s 2d were passed for payment. Messrs Macpherson and Gerrie were appointed to the Standing Committee of the board.

THE SUMPTER WHARF. The following report on the Sumpter ■wharf was submitted by Mr C. A. La Roche (engineer) at yesterday’s meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board: —“As directed at last meeting of the board, I have to report that a thorough examination has been made of Sumpter wharf, and, beyond the usual repairs required for maintenance and the alignment of the eastern face, there is nothing seriously the matter with the structure. The eastern face has been subjected to very severe bumping from vessels lying alongside during easterly gales, and several of the lower walings and braces have been split at the ends, and two of the piles broken. To prevent a recurrence, I would recommend driving about 20 strut piles in the bays adjacent to the berthing face, and the renewal of several lower walings and braces. The major portion of the decking requires renewal, which will necessitate the taking up and relaying of the railway lines, which will be done by the Railways Department at the expense of the board. As far as can be seen, the upper walings and stringers are apparently in good order, and renewals will depend upon what is disclosed when the decking is removed. It is impossible to arrive at a correct estimate of the work, owing to so much tide work, which is dependent to a great extent on the state of the weather and fhe uncertainty of the quantity of renewals when the work is opened up, but as almost the whole of the materials are in stock I estimate the cost at approximately £550. It will also be necessary to procure a second-hand donkey boiler and winch, to enable the pile-driving to be carried out.” THE WHEAT QUESTION. Mr R. B. Meek left Oamaru for Wellington yesterday to form one of the deputation to the Prime Minister on the subject of wheat prices. A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. The report to bo presented at the annual meeting of the North Otago A. and P. Association o n Friday is as follows; There was a large entry for the 1926 ram fair, and most of the lots were sold at satisfactory prices. Owing to the small number of entries no !}orso parade was hold. The sixty-third annual show was held on Thursday and Friday, November 18 and 19, and promised to bo one of the most successful functions, as regards attendance, in the history of the association. Unfortunately, however, heavy rain in the early part of the afternoon marred tho proceedings, and the competitions had to be abandoned. So far as the association is concerned the takings wore satisfactory, and but for the rain may have equalled tho receipts of 1923—diamond'jubilee > ear — which stood as a record. Tho entries were larger than these of the previous year, but this was accounted for to a great extent by the innovation of u class for sheep dog trials which proved a great attraction and undoubtedly was a feature of the show. Horses again showed a decline in entires, especially in the rornpeit♦ion classes, which showed a marked falling off compared to previous years. Wo missed familiar figure.'; In these classes in the person? of the Misses Mowat, M’T.nchlan and others. The high jump, which has generally been a feature of loco! shows, found no entrants. Miss I. Rutherford again secured the eup for mn?f points in light horse sections, while Mr Jas. Pat'ick was similarly successful in draught horse classes, bos'de securing tho fi. \ T . f. More Cup. Entries in both sheep ami cattle classes showed an increase over the nreviou-- year. Messrs R ,7. Low and T. S. little, standing equal for the Border Leicester Cup. merle a bid to win it outright and the latter was successful in unholding his reputation as a breed"!', and the cun r now his own property, Mr J A. John-done, of Bushev Park, easily annexed tho Corr'edale Cup, which has

'.'■on fjroeer>*-ed l,y the association for coni-p-'l-ifiVn. The Ay’o.h're fVHe c!i' c : e* receiver] a eiimului through the o-olrl .r.] n ’ competitions heing ew-irded to this a<■■>Gelation for the 1925 sho-v. Mr <"•- U. Hcrri!). of Piiherr.’t. recurr-t the ne'dal for the champion bull, and Mr C. J. Cowan for iho

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

champion female. Messrs Gillies Bros, received most points in cattle classes, and became the holders of the challenge cup. Mr T. Perils was again to the fore with a representative entry of Jersey cattle, and secured the award for champion bull. Mr H. Allnutt was successful in securing the New Zealand Friesian Association’s gold modal for most points. Mr J. A. Johnstone was the only exhibitor in Shorthorns. Messrs J. Briggs and H. Allnutt were the only exhibitors of pigs. The membership shows a decrease, and the ordinary membership now stands at 525. The credit balance at the end of the year shows an increase over the previous year. A further 10 debentures have been discharged, and this liability now stands at £I2BO, .Outstanding subscriptions amount to £125. An honorary life member in the person of Mr John Little (Omihi, Canterbury) passed away during the year. Two members of cur committee in the persons of Mr James Gibson (president) and Mr John Tisdall suffered a bereavement through the death, in each case, of a daughter. Mr J. S. Holmes, who was in former years an exhibitor and strong supporter of the association, and had for many years been an honorary life member, also passed away. The sympathy of members hag been extended to the bereaved relatives. Mr Peter Martin, who retired from the committee was selected an honorary life member, in consideration of his many years' service to the association. It is to be regretted that Mr W. Gardiner is now unable to resume his activities with the association, but it is satisfying to note that under the circumstances he is enjoying good health. Eleven meetings were held during the year, and the attendance was as follows;—Messrs H. J. Andrew 6, P. W. Borrie 9, E. S. Brewster 10, G. Bruce 6, D. Clark 8, D. Cameron 9, D. Cant 7, I. Cuthbortson 7, C. J. Cowan 10, C. Don 10, W. Doig 9, W. Gardiner 3, Jas. Gibsop 9, J. R. Gilchrist 10. O. Grant 11, 8. Gillies 9, T. S. Little 8, J. G. Macdonald 6, W. Macdonald 11, R. B. Meek 8, K. D. Moyer 3, J. R. Mitchell 4. D. Roger 8, J. M. Smith 6, J. R. Tisdall 5, J. Trotter 11. J. G. Ruddenklau 4, Jos. Williams 10, Geo. Livingstone 5. The following members of committee retire this year, viz.;—Messrs 11. J. Andrew, P. W. liorrie, G. Bruce, D. Cant, I. Cuthbortson, Chas. Don, Jas. Gibson, W. Gardiner, S. Gillies, D. Rodger, J. M. Smith, John Trotter.

OAMARU SHOWGROUND. The North Otago A. and P. Association has practically completed the purchase of three acres adjoining its showground, together with a right-of-way leading to the ground. This purchase, which has boon made at a cost of approximately £llOO, will enable the association to place its sheep pens in a more convenient position and will provide increased parking accommodation for cars. It may also furnish an additional playing area for footballers. A PANTOMIME. An effort is to bo made by a number of Oamaru amateurs to produce another pantomime in the near future. Previous efforts in this direction have been attended by a good deal of success. PERSONAL. The Ven. Archdeacon Russell loft by the express yesterday afternono to attend the annual conference of the Church of England Men’s Society at Wanganui. He will spend a three weeks’ holiday in the North Island. The Rev. J. W. Fqster will ho in charge of the parish during the archdeacon's absence, and Mrs Russell will bo at the vicarage. The Rev. E. Chard, vicar of Waihao Downs, will officiate at St. Luke’s next Sunday, the Rev. G. E. Moreton, of Dunedin, on May 15, and the Rev. J. Morland, of Kurow, on May 22. The archdeacon hopes to bo back on May 25.

Mr C. Mollison will leave Oamaru for Wellington to-day as the delegate to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union, which takes place on Thursday, "when the afficilation of North Otago as a separate union will be discussed.

WAIAREKA SALE. At the Woiareka stock sale yesterday there was a fair entry of stock. Fat sheep showed a slight tendency to lower prices. Fat ewes realised 14s to 14s 3d; extra prime.ewes, 16s to 20s; fullmouth ewes, 17s to 20s 6d; aged and inferior, 8s 3d; prime wethers, 235; extra prime, to 295; fat lambs, 15s 3d; rape lambs, 17s. Tho demand for store stock was not keen, T here was a fair yarding of fat cattle of medium to good quality. Cows sold from £5 to £5 15s and light steers to £5 15s. One dairy cow realised £6 2s 6d, and heifers £3 5s to £4 7s 6d. There was a noticeable falling off in the quantity of the store stock offetfid. particularly the sheep. KUROW POWER STATION. The decision of the Minister of Public Works to provide an auxiliary electric power station on the Waitaki River, above Kurow, is now regarded ns final. Provision for the work is expected to bo made in the Public Works Estimates in the coming session of Parliament. In all probability between 200 and 500 men, will be engaged in the construction of tho dam, and the operations are likely to last for two or three years The undertaking of the enterprise is of considerable interest to both Oamaru and Kurow. Already there is tall: of new businesses being established in the latter town. RUGBY FOOTBALL. The draw for Saturday in connection with the North Otago Rugby Sub-union’s championship matches is as follows: Senior—Old Boys .v. Malicno, at Mahcno; Athletic v. Excelsior, at the Show Grounds. , . ... Junior— Athletic v. Excelsior, at the Show Grounds; Old Boys r. Maheno, at Grade—School B v. School D, at tho School; School C v. School E, at the School: Athletic v. Excelsior. Show Grounds No. 3, at 1.30; Old Boys v. Weston. Show Grounds No. 3, at 2.4 e; Rcdcnstle, a bye. OAMARU SOUTH SCHOOL. The jubilee demonstrations in connection with the Oamaru South School will bo commenced on Saturday next, and will continue for three days. At 1.30 p.m. on Saturday the visitors will bo welcomed by the chairman of the School Committee, and speeches will be delivered by the Mayor, chairman of the Otago Education Board (Mr Wallace), and Mr K. P. Lee, M.P. A roll call will take place, and afternoon tea will be served by the ladies. On Saturday evening a banquet will bo held in the Drill Hall. On Sunday afternoon there will be a church parade and service in the Opera House. The chief items on Monday will be a civic reception, an observation run to the country, and a concert at the Opera House in the evening. On Friday, children’s sports will 'no held in King George’s Park, and a dance and card social will bo held in the Drill Hall in the evening. VITAL STATISTICS. The vital statistics recorded in Oamaru during the month of April wore as follow;—Births, 14; deaths, 11; marriages, 0. THE TROTTING CLUB. The Oamaru Trotting Cub appears to be i:i< rcasin:: in popularity every year. The nomiii'-nmns received for the meeting :o be held this month constitute an easy record for the ciub.

THE BAPTIST MISSION. In spite of counter-attractions, there was a good attendance at the Baptist Church on Monday evening, when the Rev. L. A. Day spoke on the subject of “ Burdens.” Mr Day treated the subject very broadly, and possibly there was not one whose particular form of burden was not touched unon, and many must have felt a personal application. He made a strong appeal to all to look to Jesus Christ the great burden-bearer, who invited all to cast their burdens upon Him and he would sustain them. Mrs Day’s solo, entitled “ The Burden Bearer,” was very effectively rendered.