NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20288, 22 December 1927, Page 5

NORTH OTAGO.

{Vaou On Spbczal CobbuToarafESX)

CONSUMERS OF COAL.

The Oamaru Burgesses’ Association recently passed a resolution expressing the view that household coal consumers were not adequately protected by legislation or otherwise in regard to weight. This resolution was sent to the Minister of Labour, who has replied stating that Part vXI of the regulations under the Weights and Measures Act, 1925, provides measures for the protection of householders against the sale of short weight of coal or coke. Xne principal provisions are: (1) Ooal or ooke must be sold by correct weight; (2) ooal must be sold only by standard weight, viz., Icwt 1 2-3 cwt, or multiple of lowt or 1 2-3owt, net weight; (3) every seller o£ cool or ooke must provide on his premises a correct stamped weighing machine; W every seller of coal or coke must attach to each sack & motal label showing tn© weight of coal or coke contained in such sack, or in lieu thereof provide a docket showing the quantity of coal or coke to be delivered to each purchaser.

BOWLING

A number of Oamaru bowling teems intend travelling during the Christmas holidays. One is going to Invercargill, another to Central Otago, a third to Christchurch, and two to Timaru. For those who remain at home, the local greens will be available during the holidays, but only club matches are to be played.

PROHIBITED PERSON,

Robert C. Cleghorn, of Hampden, was charged in the Magistrate ft Court at Oamaru yesterday with a breaoh_of the terms of bis prohibition order. The defendant pleaded guilty Senior Sergeant Shanahan stated that the defendant went to Dunedin on Saturday, and on his return he had a bottle of brandy m his possession. His Worship imposed a fine of 20ft ana costs, and ordered the brandy to be oonfifloated.

THE “MESSIAH.”

There was a large gathering a* SL Luke’s Church, Oamaru, last evening, to listen to the rendering of Handel s Messiah” by St. Luke’s choir, which had been augmented for the occasion. . The solos •were ably rendered by Madame Winnie Fraser, Mrs Hoskin, Messrs Williamson and James, and the whole production was most successful. Mr F. C. Burry presided at the organ in his usual efficient manner.

THE HAY HARVEST. -

The harvesting of hay is now in progress in all parts of North Otago. The yield t» a heavy one, and the weather is all mat could bo desired for cutting. In some cases boys of various high schools are assisting in the harvesting. The occupation is both healthy and remunerative.

PERSONAL.

Mr A. C. Hanlon, of Dunedin, was » visitor to Camara yesterday. Mr William Milne, of Oamaru, us at present on a visit to Palmerston North. Mr John Eadie, who has for some years been resident in Oamaru, is leaving this week for the Gore district, where he intends to follow farming pursuits. Mr J. Denholm is about to leave Oamaru to fill a position in Australia.

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

No civil business was transacted at the sitting of the Magistrate’s Court at Oamaru yesterday. At a sitting of the Warden’s Court, on© application was dealt with.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING.

Fine weather has been experienced hi Oamaru during the last few days, and this has induced hundreds of country people to come to town for their Christmas shopping. Tradesmen report considerable activity in business since Monday.

SERIOUS CHARGES,

Frank Murray, of Hampden, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court at Oamaru yesterday on three counts • with committing criminal offences upon a female under the age of 16 years. Detective Nuttall prosecuted, and Mr A. G. Hanlon, of Dunedin, appeared for the accused. About a dozen witnesses were called for the prosecution, after which the accused was committed for trial at the sitting of the Supremo Court to be held in Oamaru on March 8. Bail was allowed—the accused in £IOO, and one surety of £IOO.

OTEKAIKE SCHOOL.

The following is the prize list of the Otekaiko School: Standard Vl.—Dux: Clem William* and lan Daniell (equal) 1, Elizabeth Wilson 3. Standard V. —Joyce Gibson 1, William Aitchison 2, Violet Goddard 3. ' Standard IV.—Richard # Hogg 1, Anna Russell 2, Lewis Jones 3. Standard lll.—Peter Aitchison 1, Harold Daniell 2, George Goddard 5. Standard II. —Mavis Bloomfield 1, Jean Russell 2, Richard Thomas 3. Standard I.—Mary Hogg 1, Rose Wilson 2, Eunice M'Gregor 3. . Specials.—Sewing, senior (Miss Grimaldi s prize) : A. Peevers 1, Joyce Gibson 2. Sowing, junior (Mrs W. H. Munro’s prize): Mary Peevers 1, Eunice M'Gregor 2. Attendance: Lewis Jones. Gardening: Leslie Ross, Irwin Bloomfield, Elizabeth Wilson, Christina M'Gregor. Most improved pupil (Mrs Ross’s prize): George Goddard. Handwork and writing (Mrs Stringer’s prize): E, Russell and Mavis Bloomfield. Drawing (Mrs Stringer s prize): Richard Thomas. Diligence (Mrs Stringer’s prize) ; Frank Hughes. Reading: Harold Daniell. Navy League Prize: lan Daniell. Proficiencies: C. Williams, L Daniell, C. M'Gregor, T. Peevers, J. Aitchison, I. Harris, 0 M. Harris, E. Wilson, L. Ross.

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC.

The express trains passing through 0 a main for north and south during the last day or two have been well patronised. A further indication that holiday travelling has commenced in earnest may be found in the fact that scores of touring motor cars are now on the roads. Iho roads in North Otago are, generally speaking, in good order fo r motor traffic.

PRICE OF LAMB.

]t, is reported that the price of freezing lamb has advanced i<l por lb in North Ota'-o this week, and that first quality lambs of 561 b weight have been selling at I9d per lb.

CRICKET.

At a meeting of the North Otago Cricket ■Association, a letter was read from the South Canterbury Association agreeing to December 26 and 27 for a representative match at Tiraaru. The Southland Association wrote stating that it preferred home-ancl-homo '•arnes to playing at Dunedin, anti suggested sending a team to Oarnaru, failing a North Otago team making the trip south.— -The secretary was instructed to reply that a team would be welcome durin" January or February, other than on January U and 14, on which dates Otago had been invited to send a team. It was decided that all competition games be postponed next Saturday, as there would be a gap between the two Saturdays for the senior game, and many players would be absent from teams in the other grades.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

A NORTHERN FATALITY.

HIBERNIAN HONOURED,

Several private messages of sympathy have been forwarded from North Otago to Mr W. J. Poison, president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, m the death of his son at Mangawhero in distressing circumstances.

Mr P. J. Duggan, one of the oldest Hibernians in the Dominion, was entertained by the Oamaru Hibernian Lodge last night. It was 50 years ago yesterday since he became secretary of the Greenstone Lodge at Kumar a. In that year the late Mr Richard John Seddon was Mayor of Kumara. Mr Duggan haa had practically an unbroken record as lodge secretary since 1877, and for the last 33 years has been secretary of the Oamaru Lodge. He joined a national school in Ireland in 1868, and became attached to the teaching profession m New Zealand in 1875 in Westland. He was for 17 years teaching at Windsor, and as late aa last month was relieving teacher at Ngapara. Although 72 years of age, ho possesses remarkable vigour, both mentally and physically, and last night, in acknowledging a presentation made him by the local Hibernian Lodge in recognition of his long and valued service, he recounted in humourous vein many of his early and stirring experiences m New Zealand. The toast of his health was drunk with much enthunsiasm, and the hope was expressed that he would long be spared to act as the guide, philosopher, and friend of JJibernism m North Otago.

OAMARU BOATING CLUB

The following two crows are te represent the Oamaru Boating Club at Kantane on December 27: _ Youths.— Roller te). Carrington, Firth, — Hjorring (e), Mulheam, Cnbitt, 8011.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS TREE,

The U.A.O.D Christmas tree parly, held last evening, was a special treat for children, the hall being well filled with children and parents There were also present Bro. R. M’Bcan (Star Duntroon Ladge), and Bro. Cassells (D.P. of Timaru Lodge) A most enjoyable time was spent vdvth over £ll worth of toys were distributed amongst the children by Santa Claus. Special prizes presented b 7 bers of the lodge, consisting o! a watch lor the boys’ prize and a Jopaneso work-box for the girls’ prize were presented. All the children received a balloon, a present off the Christmas tree, and a. packet ot sweets, afte- which they partook of supper. The elder folk were then catered for. During Ihe evening a presentation was made to Mrs Sherwm in appreciation of the services rendered during the year, and aa a token of the esteem in which she Pearl Waring and Martha Eddington.