NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 17

NORTH OTAGO.

ITnou Oca Special Coaszsrmniimv.)

A CLOUDY WEEK,

The past week in North Otago has been one of cloudiness, with occasional showers of warm rain. There has been more sunshine in the country districts than in Oamaru, and haymaking operations have everywhere been in progress. The cereal crops look strong and healthy, but at this stage, when they are coming to ear, sunshine is badly needed. Reports show that “ take-all ” has appeared in only a limited number of wheat crops. The turnip and rape crops have made a splendid sjrike, and farmers have been busy during the week in thinning their turnips. Shearing is now being actively prosecuted on the out-stations. A number of good drafts of lambs have been received at the freezing works, but slaughtering will not be on a large scale until after the holidays, the lambs generally being more backward than last year. The local dairy factories are still very busy, and the cream supplies are being well maintained.

CALEDONIAN SPORTS

Keen interest is already being taken in the North Otago Caledonian Society’s sports gathering, which is to be held on the Oamaru show grounds on January 2, and entries for which close on Tuesday next. The cycling events will be a big attraction this year. Already several of the crack riders in Christchurch have sent in their entries. In addition to the programme printed, a youths’ 440 yards running event, for ages from 13 up to 16 years, will be held, for which post entries will be received.

ANOTHER FREAK,

Another vegetable freak has been unearthed in Oamaru, and is on view in a shop window. It takes the form of a potato plant upon which 12 tubers have appeared on the stalk above the ground. One of these is four inches in length, and the others from an inch upwards. This strange product of the vegetable dominion has been submitted to various horticulturists, but none of them can explain the cause.

COUNTY DOG COLLARS,

The Waitaki County Council registers several thousand dogs every year. It has just called for tenders for the supply of collars for the coming year. There were three tenderers, and the tender of Messrs J. E. Watson and Co., of Invercargill, has been accepted.

PALMERSTON SHOW,

The Palmerston and Waihemo A. and P. Association’s forty-seventh annual show, to held at Palmerston on January 20, promises to be very successful, as entries are already being received. Although no class has been scheduled for Ryeland sheep, these will be exhibited by Mr P. Walker, of Palmerston, and other breeders. The following are the judges: Draught horses, Mr J. Young (Allanton); hacks, Mr G. S. Maze (Kakapuaka); ponies, Mr A. Campbell (Milton) ; shorthorn cattle, Mr J. W. Blair (Outram); Ayrshire cattle, Mr C. J. Cowan (Kia Ora); Jersey cattle, Mr N. Moore (Tapanui); Fresian cattle, Mr H. Allnutt (Morven); Merino and Corriedale sheep and dogs, Mr John M'Kenzie (Ngapara) ; Border Leicester and Romney sheep, Mr A-. S. Murray (Clydevale); fat stock, Mr A. Mathewson (Dunedin); dairy produce and baking. Miss Kempshell (Maungatua); poultry, Mr Spence (Palmerston).

A ROTARY INCIDENT.

The secretary of tfle Oamaru Rotary Club has in his possession a report of a Rotarian conference recently held in Scotland. Apologies for non-representation were received from 12 clubs. Eleven of these apologies were sent by wire, and one by letter. The latter came from—Aberdeen ! The significance of this intimation will be appreciated by all but Aberdonians.

CHRISTMAS EVE,

Yesterday, being the late night for the tradespeople, was to all intents and purposes Christmas Eve in Oamaru. The streets were thronged with merry shoppers in the afternoon, and in the evening the crowds wore larger than have ever before been seen in this town. Bands were playing Christmas carols, and the explosion of crackers was everywhere to be heard. Tradesmen were kept exceedingly busy until the very moment of closing. To-day will be a comparatively quiet day, and if the weather should be as fine as yesterday, a good start should bo made with the lawn tennis tournament.

PERSONAL.

Captain and Mrs A. Godwin, of Christchurch, are spending the Christmas holidays in Oamaru. Miss Gray, assistant clerk of the Waitaki County Council, left yesterday on a holiday visit to tho North Island.

FRENCH TURKEYS.

An Oamaru resident yesterday received a largo crate of French turkeys. They had arrived at Wellington on the previous day in the cool store of the Tamaroa. To all appearances the birds had been killed only a couple of days. North Otago is known to bo admirably adapted for the breeding *of turkeys, and it seems strange that local breeders should have competition from so great a distance as Franco.

CHRISTMAS CHEER.

A canvass of Oamaru tradesmen and others has been made by Mr N. H. Colquhoun during tho last few days, for funds with which tn provide Christmas cheer for the inmates of the Victoria Home and the poor people of the town. The response has been quite liberal, and there is no reason why any family in the borough should he without, the special fare that is common to this period of the year.

THE SPENDING POWER.

Inquiries made from various sources indicate that tho spending power of the people of North Otago is quite good if not better than that of last year. r I he butchers of Oamaru report that there has been quite a keen demand for poultry and lamb while drapers and clothiers stale than in the buying of Christmas presents, 3 pref(?ron<*n has hppn shown for the more utilitarian form of goods Even in the matter of toys, fancy goods, and jewels, there has been a deposition to purchase articles of value that will prove a permanent addition to the home.

THE WHEAT QUESTION. \ n Oamaru miller told the representaI live of the Otago Daily Times yesterday j that he had purehr.scrt the product of 310 acres of wheat in Canterbury, for delivery in February, at as Sri per bushel, lie | said be had no doubt that a few millers would be buying at a higher figure than this for prompt delivery, in order that supplies would be forthcoming for mixing with last season's wheat. He did not think any large quantities would he purchased at over os 9cl per bushel, in view of the uncertainty of the'market. The miller pointed out that consignments of Canadian flmtr w ri re reaching tin? Auckland market, and these would have a bearing upon the market for wheat.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

LODGE MEETING

COUNTRY PICTURES,

FAREWELL TO SETTLERS,

ARDGOWAN SCHOOL,

The fortnightly meeting of the U.A.O.D. was held in the Oddfellows Hall, A.H* Bro. L. Applebe presiding over a fair attendance. Sick pay totalling £l3 11s Bd, for the assistance of 13 members during the month, was passed for payment. The balance sheet for the past six months was' read and adopted. Bro. J. Genie complimented the secretary (Bro. J. M'Jennett) upon the able manner m which the books had been kept, and a vote of thanks was passed to the auditors. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Bro. E. A. Waring for the able manner in which he had compiled the syllabus for nest year.

“What Happened to Jones,” the biggest comedy special on the screen, from the world-famous stage play, is the “ movie ” attraction for country folk next week, together with So This Is Pans ’ (comedy) and “Buster’s Nose Dive” (comedy).

A most enjoyable evening -was spent in Mr Elder’s barn at Airedale on Tuesday evening, when the settlers entertained Mr and Mrs H. Forrest and family at a farewell social. The function opened with a euchre match, for which Messrs A. Forrest and James Frew captained sides, the latter winning by three games. The floor was then cleared for dancing, to music supplied by Mr J. Ramsay (violin) and Mrs West (piano). Messrs G. Forrdst and Ducker played extras. Mr W. Burdctt, as M.C., set a merry pace. After supper was disposed of Mrs West, with a few appropriate remarks, presented Mrs Forrest with a complete xylonite toilet set, and Master J. Forrest with a wallet. Mr Janies Frew eulogised Mr Forrest’s sterling qualities ns a settler, neighbour, friend, and toiler in the interests of the community, and presented him with a case of pipes, tobacco pouch, and silver match box. All rose and sang “ For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” Mr and Mrs Forrest suitably responded. Miss Betty Stephens, in a neat little speech, presented a handbag to Master Forrest for his sister Helen, on behalf of her schoolmates, who wi'-.> very sorry she was leaving them. At the conclusion, the master of ceremonies, proposed a vote'of thanks to Mr and Mrs Elder for the use of their barn and their valued assistance, Mrs Elder having attended to the supper arrangements.— (Cheers.) Cheers were also accorded the musicians, vocalists, and M.C. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

The annual break-up of the Ardgowan School took place on Saturday, December 17. The following is the prize-list; Standard VI. —Dux _of school: Jeffrey Joyce (Mr Fraser’s prize), Frank Amies 2, Douglas Joyce 3, Alia Amies, Kenneth Sparks. Standard V. —Margaret Sparks 1, Hilda M’Gee 2, Vida Calder 3, Leslie Scott 4, Lennie Birtles. Len Smith, Clifford Brown,, Arnold Sparks, Margaret Murphy, Gordon Shalders.

Standard IV. —Ray Joyce 1. Will Lorrey 2. Standard 111. —Kathleen Shalders. Standard II. —Jessie Scott 1, Bottina M‘Gee 2, Jean Joyce 3, Mavis Sparks, Alice Gilchrist. Minnie Shalders, Fred Little. Standard I. —Willie Gibson 1, GlaSys Coffey 2. Jeannio Isbister 3, Mavis Robb, Albert Shalders, Allan Smart. Preparatory IV. —Alec Lowery 1, Maisie Isbister 2, Tom Herd.

Preparatory 11. —Walter M’Gee 1, Willie M‘Gee 2, Cyril Coffey, James Shalders. Preparatory I.—Bill Sparks, Gillies Calder, Frank Keane, Dorothy Brown, Ivy Gibson, Muriel Keane.

Special Prizes. Navy League.—Len Smith 1, Jeffrey Joyce 2. Writing and Neatness. —Jeffrey Joyce, (Standard VI) 1, Frank Amies (Standard V) 2 (Mrs Henderson's prize), Jessie Scott (Standard II), Willie Gibson (Standard I). Best Progress.—Margaret Sparks (Standard V), Betty M'Gce (Standard II), Gladys Coffey (Standard 1). Sewing.—Vida Calder (Standard V), Jean Joyce (Standard II).

Highest Marks. —Jeffrey Joyce. Attendance. —Hilda M'Gce (Mrs Scott s prize), Bettina M'Gce, Jeffrey Joyce, Douglas Joyce, "Clifford Brown. Kathleen Shalders, Tom Herd. Gardening.—Ken Sparks 1, Jeffrey Joyce and Bennie Dirties (equal) 2, Douglas Joyce and Lon Smith (equal) 3. Girls Garden: Hilda M'Phee. Best home garden :Douglas Joyce 1, Leslie Scott 2. Garden prizes, donated by Mrs Calder, Mr A. Forrest, senr. and Mr A. Forrest, junr. Proficiency Certificates.— -Jeffrey Joyce, Douglas Joyce, Frank Amies, Ella Amies, Kenneth Sparks.

LAWN TENNIS NOTES

The past week has been rather a quiet one for lawn tennis enthusiasts. Weather conditions have not been favourable, and the Christmas holidays have given most people something else to think about. Ladder matches in all clubs, as well as the North Otago ladder, have been closed till the middle of January, with the result that entrants for tournaments events have been getting a little more practice together. , . Entries for the tournament, although practically as large as last year, are not quite as representative as usual, many of the usual faces being absent for various reasons. The ladies’ events especially suffer in this respect, but, as with the men’s events, several players have been added, with the result that good games should be witnessed as the tournament progresses. In the Ladies’ Singles Chants pionship, Miss V. Nichols appears to be the most likely winner, but she can expect good opposition from Mrs D. Duthic and Miss Humphries, both of whom can always bo expected to put up a good ficht In the Championship Doubles Mrs I)" Duthie and Miss Duthie should be hard to beat. The Men’s Singles Championship should provide some excellent tennis. The draw has come out exccptionallv well, and in the top half it appears that E. D. Duthie has good claims for at least the semi-finals. Welding, Chisman, and Familton are amongst those who may also reach the semi-finals in this section. In the lower half Molhson appears to have claims on this section, although Rawlinson and K. Familton can both be relied upon to make it hard for their opponents. Right through this event good games are assured, and above all tennis, like all sports, always producer, its’surprise packets. The Men’s Doubles Championship should also produce some good games. Chisman and Webling and Duthie brothers, Rawlinson brothers, all look to he handy at the finish, but like the other events, this may produce a surprise pair. Gaines will start at 1.30 this afternoon. The men are requested to be at the Oamaru courts, while the ladies are to proceed to Awainoa. Afternoon tea will be provided at a small charge. Players are particularly asked to be punctual, so that a good start mat be made. The events will be continued on Monday and the following days at 8.30 a.m. _ , , , The match Town v. Country, played last Saturday, showed the town team to be much too strong for their opponents, who seemed to be at a loss against their more experienced players. The match was late in starting, owing to the absence of several of the town players, who evidently thought the weather not suitable for tennis. Country players certainly set an example to the town players, as far as punctuality was concerned. In fact, up till ?. o’clock, Town were short of least three players. The came does not call for much comment. Country were outclassed, the honour o£ win-

BOWLING.

ning their only set falling to Miss Hughes. Everyone enjoyed the game, despite the unfavourable weather, and hopes were expressed that later in the season a return match would be played at one of the country courts. Our contributor concludes his 1927 notes by wishing players the best of all wishes: "A Merry Christmas, and a Bright and Prosperous New Year.”

A progressive pairs tourney is to be played on the Phcenix Club’s green in Oamaru on Monday next.

YOUNG MAN ARRESTED,

An Oamaru young man, who has been touring the Dominion, has been apprehended at Timaru. He is wanted on several charges of obtaining money in the north by means of false representations.