PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20287, 21 December 1927, Page 7

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

ITeom Onn Special Cob* ESPOXBfBHt.)

WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER

BOARD,

The monthly meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board was held yesterday, there being present Messrs J. M. Forrester (chairman), W. H. Frith, A, MTnnes, R. Mahan, and W. Gardiner. The Finance Committee reported balances after payment of accounts as follows: —Power fund, credit £3455 17s 7d; power fund fixed deposit account, credit £5000; capital account, credit £1920 13s 2d. Accounts amounting to £3900 4s lid were passed for payment. The committee reported that it had decided to have 100 copies of the last four years’ balance sheets printed. Three applications had been received for financial assistance, the amount involved being £lO7 10s.

The Engineer reported having purchased through a Wellington firm some necessary material at a cost of £715. The Assistant Under-secretary of PublicWorks wrote suggesting that the Hakataramea district be added to the board’s outer area. It was pointed out, however, that the Hakataramea district could not be included in the loan area. An amendment of the Act might be introduced next, session to legalise the position of the board. —The Engineer stated that the position was somewhat involved. It seemed absurd tha they could not proceed with the reticulation without taking a poll. It was proposed to make further representation? on the subject.—Mr Gardiner asked if Mr E. P. Lee’s services had been requisitioned, and the Chairman replied in the affirmative. —It was decided that further steps be taken to elucidate the position. On the motion of the Chairman, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr E. P. Lee, M.P., for the services he had rendered the board in the past, particularly in respect to the stamp duty. Permission was granted the engineer to attend the engineers’ conference, to bo held in Wellington in February next. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The Engineer-manager (Mr I. Dnlmor) reported as follows: "A very large number of applications and inquiries of all kinds have been dealt with, and the staff have been very busy indeed in all departments. Numerous requests for extensions and .Iterations are being received, and in some cases it is found impossible to attend to same without great expense, and delay being involved with other work. This is as expected, hovyevor, and it cannot be too strongly impressed on new consumers in the country that all possible work should be completed while the staff are working in the respective districts. “A meeting was held at Otiakc to further explain the board’s guarantee policy and matters put very plainly. Some objection was evident to the accepting of guarantees differing in amount in the district, and also different from other districts, but it was most definitely shown that no average guarantee could be adhered to, and also shown that by accepting a number of low guarantees where that was possible the Otiake district itself was enabled to be supplied at all. The canvassers obtained as high guarantees as consumers would sign for, and once those were given and tho work authorised no alteration could, of course, be considered.

“Another very successful switching-on function was held in the Five Forks district on December 6, a cooking demonstration also being given. Some 22 miles of line have been erected for this extension, and about 20 ranges are installed. “ I would refer to the conference called by tho-Canterbury Progress League on 14th instant, when it was decided that a number of engineers interview the Minister of Public Works to press for the early development of the Waitaki power scheme. An interview with the Minister of Finance is also being arranged for the chairmen of the various supply authorities and other bodies concerned, also the M.P.’s of Canterbury and North Otago. A committee is also to watch events, as it is felt that the matter of future power supply is .most important and cannot be neglected. “Mr Freebury reports that the load has grown, and the output in units for November was 213,735. Our maximum load for half-hour was 584 kilowatts. There were four interruptions in the Government supply, and some unsteadiness of pressure and frequency, which 1 am taking up with the department, and hope will be remedied. Twentv transformers were dried out and tesfed by tho power house staff.

“ The inspector advises that his staff has been very busy, and it has been found necessary to work long hours to carry out work as far as possible before the holidays. All consumers have been connected in the Five Forks district, and house wiring has been completed in the Island Cliff to Duntroon area, though testing of these will not be done until after the New Year. A number of the cribs, etc., at Kakanui have been wired up, and should be connected this week. House wiring will proceed in the Otekaike, Otiake, and Kurow districts after the holidays, and in connection with the last-mentioned place it may be mentioned that some impression seems to exist that the board’s estimates are too high. It may be stated, however, that in most cases the actual costs are below the estimate and a good standard of work is insisted upon. Investigation of other wiring prices offered discloses no definite reduction, but rather an uncertain figure for many items. During the month 22 cooking ranges and 19 water heating installations have been connected up, and the staff are very busy on this work, finding it impossible to cope with all desired before the holidays in fact. Mi Baker comments on the growing work which the Public Works Department’s new regulations involve, and there seems no possibility of testing and inspecting work easing off for a long time to come. Some complaints have been made by consumers at the requirements regarding improvement and alterations to old installations, and it should be understood that the board is compelled to insist on work being kept in a good state. Consumers should realise that the onus is on them to prevent installations from deteriorating into a more or less dangerous condition. The department is now prosecuting in some instances of interference with wiring and apparatus by unauthorised persons. “Mr Wise reports that the pole gang has completed all main linos authorised, and will close down for about two months. It is hoped that all further lines and extensions required will be definitely arranged for in the meantime, so that all work may bo carried out Ixffore the gangs are disbanded. The wiring gangs are now in 'the Duntroon and Kokoamu districts, and it is hoped to liven this line up about the end of January. Some extension work is being completed at Kakanui, and a line to Mr J. M. Smith, power being available immediately. Canvassing has been very well received in the Airedale district, and it is hoped to bo able to erect lines here at an early date, though there are one or two consumers to get in the Devil's Bridge locality The outskirts of Teanaraki have also been thoroughly convassed, but the support is insufficient to warrant any further reticulation there It is proposed to commence the erection of the heavy copper conductor on the WostonNgapara line immediately after the New Year, and the work will probably take about three weeks if power is cut of! daily from, say, ! pan, to 0 pan. It is realised that this will cause a certain amount of inconvenience, but it seems unavoidable, and we wit! push tie- work through as fast as possible. Tim -liarigc is, of course, due to the need for a heavy line to meet the Waitaki works requirements. .and the hoard will then have a most efficient line lor all iutnre newF. ■•. As this is tla- end of the year ami, as above indu-ated. one of the gangs is closing down for the time being. I would like to say that the board has been very fortunate in having a staff which has woiked so well and has put through

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

a great amount of work with really little trouble. Wo arc further very much indebted to the country people generally for their many kindnesses to the men and officers alike when working in the various districts. This has been appreciated by all concerned, and the men have put their best into their work.

“ We have a very large number of requests for various services and extensions for ranges, pumps, etc., before Christmas, and have to regret that in one or two instances it has been found impossible to meet requirements, and we have endeavoured to treat applications in turn. This is unavoidable apparently, and simply points to the necessity of deciding requirements and having work done when each district is being dealt with. “On behalf of the staff, I wish to thank the board for the very kind consideration accorded all requests, and the appreciations expressed of the staff’s efforts, and, in conclusion, would state that 1 think the work of the year just closing will show a -very good record, and although there is still some work to be done to complete the main reticulation, the past year has seen the greater part of the board’s area brought within reach of the desired electric supply.” The Chairman reported upon the conference hold at Christchurch under the auspices of the Canterbury Progress League. The conference, ho said, was of a most important character, and had done good work. A further conference was to be hold in January. The whole of the boards wore now in sympathy with the Waitaki scheme. —On the motion of Mr Frith, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and engineer for their work at the conference, and also to the Canterbury Progress League for its action in the matter of convening the conference. FAREWELL AT KAKANUI. There was a large and representative gathering in the Hall on Wednesday evening last, the occasion being a farewell social to Mr Karl Thorby, who is severing his connection with tho Kakanui Church apd Sunday School after a faithful service extending over 11 years as an office-bearer and Sunday School teacrer. The Rov P. U. Rennie presided. Vocal solos wore contributed by Miss Southgate and Mr Ronnie: piano and violin duets by Miss Codscll and Misses Smith ; and recitations bv Mrs Carruthors. An advorticament competition was won by Mr Thorby, with Mrs Watts as runner-up. Mr Ronnie, on behalf of the church and Sunday school, presented Mr Thorby with a silver afternoon tea service and spoke highly of Mr Thorby’s services to tho church. Miss Southgate eulogised Mr Thorby’s work on behalf of the Sunday school. Mr Thorby briefly thanked all for their kindness. Supper, provided by the ladies, closed a very pleasant evening. The ladies were accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

OAMARU FORESHORE. Tho approach to the Oamaru foreshore has been greatly improved during the last few weeks. Tho Harbour Board has expended over £6OO in forming and metalling 18 chains of road facing Friendly Day. Tho work was carried out under the supervision of Mr B. T. Owen, borough engineer, and the greater portion of th e metal was procured from the borough quarry. All that remains is to have the road tarscaled to make it a permanent thoroughfare and a credit to the Harbour Board.

PUKEURI FREEZING WORKS. The Pukcuri freezing works were opened on Monday, 11 butchers being on ihe boards. Only a limited number of lambs will be put through before Ihe Christmas holidays’ the season being somewhat later than usual.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC. The usual Christmas serenades are to be made in Oamaru by the various brass bands. In addition, St. Luke’s Choir is to render the “ Messiah ” this evening. Madame Winnie Fraser will bo one of the soloists.

“TAKE-ALL” IN WHEAT. The disease known as “ Take All ” has made- its appearance in some of the wheat crops at Kia Ora and' Kauru Hill. The origin of this destructive disease has not yet been definitely discovered, but there are some who think that tho fungus, which causes the wheat to turn yellow and decay, is due to defective soil conditions. The disease, it may be mentioned, was not as prevalent last year as in the two or three preceding years.

HOMING PIGEON FLYING. The Oamaru Pigeon Flying Club flew a race from Ashburton on Saturday last, a fair number, of lofts competing. The unfavourable weather conditions were the cause of tho slow times that were registered. a drizzling rain being encountered practically all the way, with a head wind. Following were the placed birds:—D. Sparks’s Blue Rock, 665yds 2ft per minute; Webb Bros’, Silver Coot, 662yds 2ft 3in per minute; S. Brown’s Gold Shot, 661yds 2ft 6in per minute.

CHORAL SERVICE. On Sunday evening last to a congregation that' taxed severely the seating capacity of the church, Wesley Choir rendered a programme of Christmas music. The Rov. G. F. Stockwell was in the pulpit, and gave a suitable address, basing his remarks on Simeon’s song. Vocal solos were rendered by Miss D. Taylor (“ Come Unto Him ”), Mrs W. Kinder (“The New Born King”), and Mr Johnson Mayfield (“ Star of Bethlehem ”k The anthems wore ” Let Xjs Now Go Unto Bethlehem,” “Come Ye Gentles,” and “ Adeste Fidolos.” Portion of Finley Lyon’s tuneful cantata, “The Great Light,” was also rendered, the soloists for this being choir members, Mrs G. F. Stockwell, Miss E. Fraser, ami Mr _G A. Mitchell. The congregation joined in tho singing of Christmas hymns; the organ offertory was “The Pastoral Symphony,” from the “ Messiah.” 'An inspiring service concluded with “ The Hallelujah Chorus, rendered on the organ by the organist and choirmaster, Air George E. AA ilkinson.

DUNTROON SPORTS. The following handicaps have been declared for the Duntroon sports: Maiden Race. 130 \ arris.—A. Grant, C. Diver, A ? . Allen, C- Hampton, 11. J. Brocket scr. 103 Yards Handicap.—E. M. Burns srr, J F. Boekct, F. Maynard Iyd, H. J. Strachan, C. Ha ugh 4, *J. R. Linwood 4i, A. Grant. A. MTvor, N. Alien 7. Duntroon Handicap, 150 Yards.—;E. M. Burns syds, J. T. Brocket, F. Maynard 4. R. E." Dimiek 6, J. R. Linwood 8, H. J Strachan, C Plaugh 9, A. Grant, A. MTvor. H. -T. Brocket 12. 440 Yards Handicap.—E. M. Burns scr, J T. Brocket, F. Maynard 4yds, J. N. Fiddcs. J. R. I.inwood' 14, G. Grant 15, R Cooper 20. C Hampton, A. Harris, J. Sim 21. W. Divc r 22, J. G. Adams, 11. J. Brocket 23. Half-mile Handicap—E. M. Burns srr, .1 Sim 12vds. AV. Diver 17. G. Grant 23. C Hampton J. R. Linwood 30. .A. Harris, j" r. Adams. R, Cooper 35. M Bu-soll. I! .1 Jsr' -Tret 38.

CRICKET. to North Otago in its match again.-t Smith Canterbury on December 2f> and 27: —W. LTtlec. F. Jones, L. Sumpter. R. APDonald. F. Carrington, J. Catto, J, Robertson. A. Brookev. -I. Granger. W. Inder, A. Keith, and ],. Hubbard.

PERSONAL. Mr J. H. Cnnly, of the staff of tho Waitaki Boys’ High School, has accepted a position at the Napier Boys’ High School. Mr S. M. Kinross, who has accepted an appointment at the now Rongotai School, Wellington, left Oaniaru yesterday. Miss Hayward, librarian at the Athenaeum, who has been on a visit to England, has returned to Oamarn. WAIAREKA SALEThe offering of sheep at yesterday's sale at the Waiaveki yards wn's on a very limited scale. Fats of all classes were small in number, a notable fact being the paucity of fat lambs, only one representative being forward, and it brought 31s. A pen of extra prime shorn wethers realised 35s 3d, while lighter sorts sold at from 26s to 28s. Prime fat ewes brought up to 25s 3d, and others from 16s to 17s 3d. A pen of shorn store ewes wont at 9s sd.

A feature of the sale was an exceptionally good yarding of fat cattle, which were apparently in excess of the demand, as a couple of pens were passed. The yarding consisted for the greater part of cows and heifers, with three pens of steers. The range of prices was as follows;—Best steers, to £l2 12s 6d; mediumweight steers, £ll 5s to £l2; light steers, £8 10s; best cows, £8 to £8 10s; good cows, £6 10s to £8; light cows, £4 10s to £6; best heifers, £9 ss; other heifers, £6 15s to £B. Store cattle were few, and the only sales made were a two-year-old steer at £6 5s and a two-year-old heifer at £4 ss. Some 15-months-old steers wore withdrawn at £4 2s 6d, as were also yearling hoifers at 37s 6d.

Fewer pigs wore offered, but prices remained at about last week’s level, the range being as follows:—Stores, 20s 6d to 255; slips, 17s Gd to 19s; best-weaners, 14s to 16s; medium weanrrs, 10s to ]2s; small woaners, 6s to 8s 6d.

LAWN TENNIS,

The following is tho draw for the Oaniaru Christmas tournament: Mon’s Handicap.—First round; L. and J. Henry scr, Gamble and H. Familton owe 15. Second round; Bryan and Gal laghcr —ls 2-6, Reid and Barnett —ls 2-6, Chisman and Webling —4O, G. Hen in and Swindloy —ls 1-6. Bockctt and Bates —ls 3-6, Duthio brothers —4O, Pearce brothers —ls 4-6, Rawlinson brothers —3O 4-6, M'Ewan and M'Donald —3O 4-6, M'Leor! and Mcldmm —ls 2-6, Mollison brothers —3O 2-6, Croft and Staniford scr, Caldor and Sonntag —3O, M’Kinnon and Collins —ls 1-5, and K. Familton —3O 4-6 Doubles Handicap. —First round Webling and Mrs Wobling 15 4-6, Mollison and Dr Eastorfield 30 1-6, M’Kinnon and Miss Lowo 5-6, L. Henry and Miss Komp 5-6, Collins and Miss Collins 5-6, Russell and Miss Russell 1-6, Duthie and Mrs Duthic 40, C. Rawlinson and Miss —, G. Henry and Miss Paterson 5-6, M‘ Lood and Miss M’Lcod 2-6, A. Rawlinson and Miss —, H, Familton and Miss Lindsay 2-6, Reid and Miss M‘ Cono 5-6, Cnldcr and Miss D. Duthic 15 2-6, J. Familton and Miss V. Nicholls 30, J. Henry and Miss M’Donald 2-6, Chisman and Miss Lister 15 5-6, Barnett and Miss Hughes 5-6, D. Sumpter and Miss Sumpter, 15 4-6, M'Ewan and Miss M'Pherson 5-6. Second round: W. Duthio and Miss Duthie 15 5-6, Swindley ana Miss R. Humphries 1 4-6, K. Familton and Miss B. Humphries 15 5-6, Sonntag and Miss Sonntag 15 1-6, G. Gamble and Miss M. Gamble 5-6, D. Mcklrum and Miss Beardsmore 5-6.

Men’s Doubles Championship.—First round: Duthie Bros., L. and J. Henry, Meldrum and M'Leod, Rawlinson Bros., Reid and Barnett, Mollison Bros.. Chisman and Webling, Pearce Bros., Gamble and H. Familton, G. Henry and Swindley, Calcler and Sonntag, M’Kinnon and Collins, M'Ewan and M'Donald, J. and K. Familton. Second round; Brocket and Bates.

Ladies’ Doubles Handicap.—First round: Miss Sonntag and H. Reid —ls, Miss Russell and Hewat —ls 4-6, 'Misses Kemp and D. Duthie —ls 2-6, Miss Williams and Mrs M'Pherson —3O, .Misses Hughes and M’Cono —ls. Misses Paterson and M'Donald —ls 3-6. Mrs D. Duthie and Miss N. Duthie —4O, Misses Low and Collins —ls. Second round: Miss Lester and Mrs Webling —ls 3-0,. Misses Nicholls and Finch —3O 4-6, Misses Humphries and Lindsay —ls 3-6, Misses M'Lay and Beardsmore —ls 3-6.

Men’s Singles Handicap, Best of 17 Games.—Gamble —ls 2-6, Russell —ls 4-6, M'Donald —152-6, A. Rawlinson —3O, Barnett —ls 4-0, N. Mollison —ls 4-6, J. Henry scr, C. Mollison —4O, Howatt —3O, Brockett 3-0 15, Bates 4-6 15, Sonntag 15 4-6, Webling —3O, Chisman —-15 3-6, G. Henry —ls *2-6. W. Duthie —ls 4-6, Swindley —ls, L. Henry -2-6 15, M'Kinuon —ls 3-6, K. Familton —3O, Gallagher 16 2-6, Colder 15 5-6, G. Pearce 15 2-6, H. B. Reid —ls 4-6, Meldrum —ls 2-6, Feathers —ls, Collins —ls 1-6, E. D. Duthie —4O, M'Leod —ls 2-6. Bryan'—ls 2-0, E. Pearce —ls 4-6, J. Familton —3O 2-6, M'Ewan —ls 4-6, C. J. Rawlinson —3O 3-6. Ladies’ Singles Handicap, best of 17 games.—First round; Mrs Duthio —3O 2-b, Miss Williams —ls 4-6, Miss D Duthio —ls 4-6, Mrs M'Pherson —ls 4-6, Miss Darling —4-6 16, Miss V. Nichols —4O, Mrs Wobling —ls 1-6, Miss Collins —ls, Miss M'Cono —ls, Mis? Paterson —ls, Miss M'Lay scr, Miss Russell —3-6 15, Miss Bcardmoro —ls. Miss Hughes —ls. Second round : Miss Duthic —ls 2-6, Miss G. M'Donald —3-5 15, Miss B. Humphries —3O 2-6, Miss Sonntag —ls 4-6, Miss Hewat -4-6 15, Miss Kemp —4-6 15, Miss Lister —ls 2-6, Miss Low —ls, Miss Collins —ls.

Ladies’ Doubles Championship.—First round: Misses B. Humphries and Lindsay, Airs D. Duthie and Miss N. Duthie, Misses V.. Nichols and G. Finch, Misses Hewat and Darling, Misses Hughes and M'Cono, Misses M'Lay and Beardsmore. Second round: Misses Paterson and M'Donald, Miss M. Williams and Mrs M'Pherson, Misses Sonntag and Eastorfield, Miss Liter and Airs Wobling, Misses Komp and D. Duthie.

Alon’s Singles Championship.—First round; E. D. Duthie, Caldcr, W. Duthie, Wobling, Swindley. Gamble, L. Henry, E. A. Pearce, A. F. Rawlinson, E. Barnett, Chisman, J. Familton, C. J. Rawlinson, M’Leod, M'Ewan, Bates, Sonntag, Brockott, Collins, G. Henry, M'Donald, N. Mollison, H. Reid, C. Mollison. Second round: D. Aleldrum, J, Henry, K. Familton, L. M’Kinnon. 4 Ladies’ Singles Championship.—Dr Eastorfield, Miss AFLay, Miss Sonntag, Aliss Lister, Aliss D. Duthie, Mrs D. Duthie, Aliss V. Nichols, Aliss M'Donald, Miss Beardsmore, Miss Kemp, Aliss Paterson, Aliss B. Humphries, Miss M’Cono, Mrs Webling.