PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20318, 28 January 1928, Page 9

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF

WAITAKI COUNTY COUNCIL,

The monthly meeting of (he aitaki County Council was held yesterday. There were present: Crs W. Gardiner (chairman), T. A. Munro, A. IvlTnnes, J. Newlands, D. J Ross, J Rodman, J M. Smith, R. B. Aleck, and D Clark. . Treasury notes were received J-Qs fiom the Main Highways Board, and £334 10s vi as -uterest on the Ahnriri special loan. A slate of the land fund was received amounting to £37 4s 6d. Tim Railways Department forwarded a copy of the proclamation giving up railway land at Richmond. A communication was received Irom tilMinister of Railways, expressing regret that, owing to the department regarding the metal traffic as unprofitable, he could not see his way clear to grant special facilities for the conveyance of Ngapara gravel—The Chairman expressed the view that further representations should be made to the Prime Minister upon the subject.— Cr Meek said ho had seen the district engineer in Dunedin on the previous oighl, and he had expressed the hope that traffic would be increased on the Ngapara line. Ho (Cr MeekJ had asked why the officials did not recommend the granting of the council’s request. Cr Meek thought they should interview the Prime Minister when he came south.—Cr M’lnnes asked if metal was carried at reduced rates, and was informed bv the engineer that this was a matter of departmental arrangement. t_,r Ross thought that as the railways belonged to the people, they should be run for the benefit of the people.—On the motion of C Rodman, seconded by Cr Rpss T®; 5 that the Prime Minister he ap preached again upon the subject Messrs K. P. Lee and J. Bitchener, ALP. s. A communication from the Crown Lands Commissioner, in regard to the closing of Wynyard street, in Ivurow, it as lotciroa to ’The Engineer of the Public Works Department (Air Marks) wrote m reference to the council s resolution m rc gard to the expenditure of Government grants for motalHng.-On the motion of Cr Newlands it was decided that the di-n-ict engineer’s stipulations be agreed to. The Town Clerk, Timaru, advised that the annual conference of local «" tl l ‘. for the allocation of heavy traffic licenses would be held in Timaru on lebruary 3. —The Clerk stated that he could not understand why the money from this district should be sent to Timaru, and from there remitted back. The whole thin„ seemed to be a farce, but apparently the regulations required a central autnoiit>. —Cr Alunro pointed out that the \\ aitaki County Council had not been receiving ite fair share of the fees for the Mount Cook road—lt was decided that Cr Alupro, with the clerk and engineer, be deputed to attend the conference. Mr J. G. Woods, of Omarama, was granted permission to erect a telephone from his property to the store at Omarama. , , .. ~ . A letter was received from the Mount Cook Motor Company (Timaru) in reference to the Hermitage-Queenstown road. —ln answer to a question by Cr Alunro, the Engineer read correspondence that had taken place in regard to this road. — Cr Alunro said it seemed strange to him that the Waitaki Council should be placed in an unfavourable position, so far as the subsidy for the road was concerned, compared with the Vincent and Lake Counties.—On the motion of Cr Alunro, it was decided to communicate with the Public Works Department upon the subject. Air J. B. Preston, of Glenlyon, wrote in reference to the Lake Ohau road. He stated that the council was still indebted to him for work done on this road. —It was decided to reply to Air Preston that arrangements had been made with a road contractor to do work on this road. Cr Alunro reported upon the conference held at Timaru for the allocation of the petrol tax for subsidiary roads, and was thanked for bis report. It was decided that a 10 per cent, penalty for overdue rates be imposed on Alarch 13. Accounts amounting to £3833 16s lid for December, and £3513 11s 3d for January, were passed for payment. ENGINEER’S REPORT. , The report of the engineer (Air G. L. Cuthbertson) was read as follows: Aloeraki Riding.—The contractor is maklnS good progress with the maintenance gravel cn the Kartigi Beach road, also with Wells’ road. The rnember s of the Alain Highways Board made an inspection of the Kartigi Beach slip on their way s°uth. Some years ago the council purchased from Air D. J. Ross a piece of ground at Kartigi for a gravel pit. The gravel has now run out and Air Ros s has kindly agreed to exchange the unusued portion for an equal area adjoining tho road where good gravel is obtainable. The dangerous corner where M’Kcrrow’a road joins tho Alain road has been im proved. Otepopo Riding.—The men are at present engaged in spending tho Government vote in constructing a track to Alount Aliscry Run. Inclihohno Riding.—Ordinary surfacing has been carried out during the month. Kakanui Riding. A groat improvement is being made on tho Main road with Ngapara gravel, which met with the entire approval of the Highways Board. Several by-roads have been run in with the power grader. Papakaio Riding.—Progress with the Pukeun-Waitaki road this month has_ been rather slow, owing to several unavoidable stoppages of the crushing plant. Waiaroka Riding.—Good progress is being made with the gravelling of the Alain road from Enfield to Elderslie. The contractor for widening and strengthening the three motor bridges on the Ngapara road has completed the work satisfactorily, and the bridges are now painted white. The repairs to the county crusher £re ncxirly completed, and when it it ready, tenders can be called for metmling the Parson’s Creek and Saleyard roads. The road from Waiareka Junction and Weston was scarified and rolled. A light coat of quartz gravel would be a big improvement on this length as soon as fund s arc available. „ , Awamoko Riding.—’lho power gradei has hern engaged on the JDuntroon-Boitoos road, ami lias made a great improvement During the mouth tenders were called for 2000 yards of maintenance gravel, and C. R. Hoad's tender of £433 6s Bcl was cepted. He expects to make a start this "otekaike Riding.—The gravelling on the Earthquake roau is completed, and a claim can no’ be made for the Government subsidy. Alainteuance gravel is being put on the road leading to Mr W. Smith’s runs. I understand the kerbmg. channelling, and asphalting in the Ivurow street has u been satisfactorily completed, but I have not yot bad an opportunity of inspecting it. Ahuriri Riding—The Public Works engineer advises me that the vote for improving the Lindis Pass road will soon be available. I inspected the Ohau b* .go, and with regard to the repainting required bv the Public Works Department, most of’the paint is in very .air order, and I think it is a work for which a < ’ (vorumeut grant could be asked tor next > n - . The question of replanking the j id"e could also bo included. 1 consulted the Alackenzie County engineer, and he approves of the idea. The contractor is busy putting the cut in the Ahuriri River to hi Ing the water under the bridge to save erosion in time of flood. General—The whole of the roach asked for by this county as secondary highways under the petrol tax, amounting to 734 miles, were approved by the District Highways Council for recommendation to the Alain Highways Board, but it remains to be seen whether that board approves of the lot. The council expressed its appreciation of the action of Air Ross in providing a gravel pit in the Aloeraki Riding. On the motion of Cr Alunro. it was decided that application be made for a Government grant for repainting the Olmu bridge. It was decided that the next meeling be held on Alarch 2. Cr Aleek was authorised to treat lor the sale of the horse grader in his riding, with a view to the purchase of a motor <um.de];.

IFsoes One Special Coas? sspojrßfßßQ.g

THE DISTRICT.

Cr Ross gave notice to move at the next meeting that the council take into consideration the question of purchasing a motor grader from the general account for use on the main highways in the comity. Cr Ross briefly explained the object of his resolution. —Cr Roi.man stated that ho intended moving at the next mecti ' that the whole of the main highways be maintained from the general account,- —Cr Ross stated that in view of Cr Rodman's statement, he would withhold his notice of motion for a month. Cr MTimes mentioned the matters of Mulvaney’s Crossing and the Kurow bridge, and the engineer was instructed to take action in tho matter. Cr Aleck referred to the dangerous condition of the Waianakarua bridge, whore tho engineer met with an accident on Alonday last. I twas almost a miracle that the council now had a car and an engineer. —The Chairman stated that the Highways Board had shown a very bad example in travelling over the roads at the pace it did. The engineer was trying to keep pace with the members of the board when he met with the accident.—Cr Rodman concurred in the remarks of the chairman. He. stated that the bridge was a narrow one. It would take a mint of money to remove all the danger spots on the road. —The Chairman congratulated the engineer upon his escape from serious injury. THE HALF HOLIDAY. At a special meeting of the Waitaki County Council yesterday, it was decided that Thursday continue to be the statutory half-holiday in the county. Cr Ross pointed out that in Hampden and the surrounding district Saturday was observed as the half-holiday. Ho would like to know if uniformity would not be desirable throughout tho county. Cr M Times stated that Duntroon had selected Saturday for a period, but found the dav inconvenient, and had gone bacu to Thursday. Cr Rodman said there did not appear to be a desire for a change. The Hampden Borough would not be affected by the decision of the council to observe Thursday as the closing day. A SULTRY WEEK. Although light showers of rain have fallen on two days during the week, the conditions in North Otago have generally been warm and sultry. Practically no ram has fallen since Christmas, and in the country districts the ground is parched and drv. As a result of the warm weather, a number of tho oat crops aro now ready for cutting, and wheat crops aro rapidly changing colour. The large quantities of binder twine that have been going out, indicate that harvesting will be general in the course of a few days. The farm operations during the week have been confined chiefly to haymaking and the harvesting of cocksfoot and other grass seed. The yield of cocksfoot is a good one, and as prices are fairly satisfactory, growers should be well satisfied. Shearing is now practically completed, and Jambs are reaching the freezing works in much larger numbers than earlier in the month. As a consequence of the praotracted spell of dry weather, the cream supplies to. the local factories are diminishing. The quality of the cream, however, has been much improved by flic bardoning-off of the pastures. PERSONAL. The news that appeared in morning’s Otago Daily Times that Mr S. C Dovle was being superseded as raiwa, station master at Oamaru was received with expressions of sincere regret. During the comparatively short period he has been stationed here Air Doyle has, by his courtesy and attention to the details ot his official business, made hosts of friends. Nothing has been too arduous or too trifling for him to undertake, and ms regard for the interests of those doing business with the railways has become a matter of general comment, particularly in commercial circles. Mr Doyle is a popular member of the Phoenix Bowling Club, and has also figured prominently in musical circles. His departure will be sincerely regretted by all sections of the community. Air Doyle has been transferred to the position of assistant station master at Dunedin. He is being succeeded by Air A. Miller, who is at present goods agent at Dunedin. OAMARU RAILWAY STATION. Under the new grading, the Oamaru Railway Station has gone up to second grade, and now occupies the same position as Timaru. This is the reason why, in the new appointments just made. Air S. G. Doyle has had to give place to Air A. Aliller as station master. Air Doyle has, unfortunately, not the length of service necessary for a second-grade station. OTEKAIKE FRUIT. The stone fruit from the Otekaike orchards is now reaching Oamaru in larger quantities, and in excellent condition. Much of it is sold in the local auction marts, and a special motor vehicle has been procured to convey it to various depots. THE HOTTEST DAY. Yesterday was the hottest day experienced in Oamaru during the present summer. The thermometer registered 80 degrees in the shade at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board was held yesterday, there being present Alessrs J, A. Forrester (chairman), W. H. Frith, A. AlTnnes, T. A. Alunro, E. Mahan, A. B. Lang, J. M’Diarmid, and J. Newlands. The Finance Committee recommended for payment accounts -amounting to £5331 12s 2d. The balances, after the payment of accounts, were reported as follows: — Power fund (credit), £3637 14s; power fund fixed deposit account (credit), £5000; capital account (credit), £4OB 13s Id. The committee had no recommendation to make in regard to the A.AI.P. Society’s letter regarding insurance. It recommended the board to support any action taken to object to the amendment to the Power Board Act passed last session, by which charges for installations, etc., are not a charge on the land unless the consent of tho mortgagee is first obtained. Tlie board was also recommended to strongly protest against the new wiring regulations, by which the board is held responsible for all defects in installations. —The report was adopted. It was decided, on the motion of Air R. Mahan, that the proposal of the A.AI.P. Society for the insurance of board employees be referred to the Power Board Conference for consideration. After some discussion, the manager was authorised to draw up a protest against tho new wiring regulations on the linos of tho Auckland protest. AIANAGER’S REPORT. The Engineer-Manager (Air I. Dalmer) reported as follows: I have to report generally since last mooting as follows: —■ “ The holidays, of course, caused a break in our operations, and not much new construction has been carried' out. The main work in progress since the gangs recommenced is the reconstruction of the main line between Weston and Ngapara, heavy wire being substituted for the original wire. This, of course, to supply the demand contracted for by the Government for the Waitaki works, tbo heavy cost being recouped to the board under special guarantees. “ Negotiations are still proceeding regarding the proposed Hakataramea supply, and a number of other lines are being investigated. Several large indus-

trial leads are also under negotiation, and fresh fields seem to open up for investigation from time to time. “ A Conference with the Minister of Finance was attended at Timaru on the 4th instant, arranged by the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, and a sympathetic reply given by the Minister, but it would seem that the matter of further early supply being assured must be persistently pressed for. _ From the assistant engineer’s report attached it will be seen that very soon a large district will be supplied with power, including Duntroon, while work will then proceed towards Kurow. The reference to earth testing may be enlarged upon, and I would state that the Public Works Regulations provide for a great amount of testing and recording of all kinds, and it will be necessary to spend a considerable amount each year on this work. The power house engineer reports that 212,541 units were received from the Public Works Department during December, the maximum demand bn our system being 656 k.w. The increase in units over November was 17,432, and a noticeable increased demand was observed before Christmas, not withstanding daylight saving and the usual light summer load conditions operating. Ther.e were three interruptions in the Government supply, varying from a few seconds to six minutes, several other interruptions occurring on our own system. Four new transformers were tested and delivered, and several large ones substituted for others, including a 50 kva for the public hospital. Telephone arrangements were improved to the Weston sub-station, and part of our switch gear put into operation at the sub-station. The inspector’s department has been very busy attending to holiday requirements, and great difficulty is found in attending to the numerous inquiries and requests in addition to straight out testing and inspection work. A great many demands are made for attention to the most trivial matters, often long distances in the country, and it should be impressed on consumers that a little attention in explaining the nature of the trouble would often save needless journeys, and great expense and time, which must be paid for or involve a loss. Testing of house installations has been practically completed in the Duntroon district, and wiring is now commencing in the Kurow district. It is now noticeable that much business is to be obtained in our supplied districts, and we ai’e finding difficulty in attending to requests for cooking and water heatjsig, pumping, etc., in districts completed. This work we will have to undertake in a comorehensivo manner, • and the business seems to warrant the necessary extra staff and attention immediately. Altogether, it would seem that there is a considerable amount of work ahead, while it is evident that we still have a lot to do oven when all main lines are completed, the future thus being very bright indeed. The assistant engineer’s report was as follows: —“I have to report as follows on the progress of our construction work during the last month. Our wiring parties have been concentrated upon the change over on the Weston-Ngapara line, and, if the fine weather holds out, that work should be finished early next week. The Duntroon-Kurow portion of the work will next be proceeded with, and it is expected to have power available in Kurow about the end of March. The transformer erection in the Duntroon end Kokoamo districts is all but completed, and it is hoped to have power available in these districts early next month. Canvassing is being carried out in many likely quarters for further possible consumers, and although definite results are not yet available, several new consumers have signed on. “ Earth Testing.—Arrangements are in hand for the formation of a special party equipped for testing, and also, where necessary, for making improvements to the earths in order to comply with the Public Works requirements. The Chairman stated that the report of the engineers was entirely satisfactory. Mr W. H. Frith said that in view of the report there was little ground for public criticism. The work undertaken since the inception of the board was simply wonderful, and the staff deserved the greatest credit for its achievements. Whether the progress of the past would be continued remained to be seen. Mr MTnnes endorsed the remarks of Mr Frith. Mr Newlands said there was little doubt' that the progress of linking up was highly satisfactory. The Chairman stated that the cost of administration of this board compared favourably with that of any other board in the Dominion. The Engineer read a report from the assistant engineer, and endorsed by himself, recommending an addition to and reorganisation of the staff, in order to cope with the increasing country business. It was mentioned that a number of the consumers were not using current to the amount of their guarantee. Mr Frith, while admitting the progress made, asked if it was desirable to go too fast. It could not be denied that to some extent electricity was a luxury. It may not pay to induce people to take more than was required for essentials. Mr Newlands contraverted the suggestion that electricity was a luxury. The Chairman: It is not for this board to make the admission, at any rate. The report of the engineer was adopted. Mr Munro asked a question concerning the progress of the line to Kurow, and was given an assurance that it was satisfactory. The Engineer in reply to Mr iTnnes, stated that the current would reach Otiake shortly before reaching Kurow. Mr Munro said a report had been circulated that current would not reach Kurow for two years, but the engineer said this was absurd. The Chairman mentioned that a letter had been received from the department in regard to the superannuation of employees, and he suggested that thi; matter be considered at the next meeting, and finally dealt with.—The board adopted this suggestion. T 1 Engineer recommended that a remit be sent to the secretaries’ conference in reference to the increased cost of testing. —The engineer was authorise! to attend the conference and bring forward any subject he might think fit. —Mr Frith protested that two conferences were unwarranted. The engineers’ and secretaries' conference seemed to overlap. LAKE COLERIDGE ELECTRICITY. Reporting to yesterday’s meeting of the Wajtaki Electric Power Board, the Engineer-Manager said:— " We have now had 12 months’ supply from the Public Works Department’s Lake Coleridge system, and the following figures, etc., may be interesting. “ During the first quarter of 1927 our demand on the Government was 276 k.v.a., the units supplied were 332,185. and the cost £652. In the last quarter the figures were 510 k.v.a., 608,777 units, and £ll2O. The totals for the year were 2,120,670 units and the cost £3855 4s. “ in addition, our own plant generated 158,097 units by water, and 8707 units by oil engine. Thus the total units from all sources amounted to 2,287,097, as a-ainst 1,213,089 units for the year ended March 31 last, which included the first quarter of the year just ded. / “ Our total demand was 666 kilowatts, or, allowing for the somewhat low power factor of our system, probably the demand in k.v.a. was over 800. We therefore saved some 200 to 300 k.v.a. charges during the various quarters of the year, and allowing for some £220 water charges and probably £l3O for oil engine running, etc., the saving by peak reduction and power factor improvement with our plant amounted to some £I3OO or £I4OO. Against this there is also, of course, some charge for wages in attendance. This has been carefully considered, and it would seem that it is not possible to dispense with attendance continuously, both on account of propec control of supply and for emergencies. The power-house staff, however, are engaged on other work than shift running, and the portion of wages properly chargeable to attendance and plant supervision ie amply justified.

“ Though the cost per unit received from the Government will be found to be very low, it should be realised that this is only possible by the use of current at low rates through the off peak hours, and by keeping the maximum demand down. As we build up our off peak uses, our peaks may be somewhat reduced, and: more even running achieved, but the value of the board’s plant is evident. “ The revenue ie most satisfactory, and although some loss is apparent by the operation of the Daylight Saving Act, the growth of load and; uses is shown by the sale of current for the nine months or this financial year, amounting to some £17,700, as against £16,186 for the whole of ( the year ended March 31 last. “There have been a number of interruptions in the Government sup. ly, but none of very serious nature, though improvement is being asked for in certain directions. “ On the whole, the Coleridge supply has proved a great success, and a boon to both Oamimi and the country generally.’’ PENGUIN VISITORS. A couple of penguins have been disporting themselves on the Oamaru foreshore during the last day or two. Some irresponsible person, who probably does not know that they are protected birds, has shot one of them. BOWLING. The following will represent Meadowbank m the match at Hampden to-day, the bus leaving at. 2.50 p.m.J. Crombie, Cunningham, W. Denholm, Backlock; Kent, Upchurch, Christie, Martin; J. Robertson, Archibald, Gibson, Slater; J. M'Kay, A. Mitchell, Smith, Barry, Oarson, Taylor, D. Miller, G. Mitchell; Macrae, Hart, Atkinson, Donald; Hartley, Keith, Mollison, Bee; James, Sinclair, Crichton, Campbell; reserve, Evans. THE PUBLIC GARDENS. The Mayor (Mr Frank Crawshaw) is making a strong appeal for public support to the proposals made by the curator of the Oamaru Public Gardens for further improvements to this magnificent reserve. Among the improvements suggested is the erection of a kiosk. A meeting of all interested ha s been called by the Mayor for Tuesday evening next when it is hoped that improvements will be made for the carrying out of a carnival or such other form of entertainment as may be decided upon. The appeal is one that interests country folk as well a s townspeople. The Gardens are largely patronised by residents in the country for picnic purposes. Weather conditions during the past fortnight have been ideal for lawn tennis and players have been making the most of their opportunity. The Awamoa Courts especiall have been well filled, the four courts being kept going all the time. A visitor to the courts on Saturday remarked on the great number of young players in evidence at all the courts, a striking contrast to a few years ago when it was difficult to keep the membership of the courts up to full strength. The formation of the clubs at the various schools in Oamaru must have a good effect on the game generally in years to come. Player s have joined these clubs who never would have started with the stronger clubs in town, but once they have found their strength they will naturally join up where they can get better tennis. Congratulations are due to the Foreshore Committee on its decision to put down lawn tennis courts as one of the attractions of Friendly Bay. That they will be popular goe s without question. _Mr Barnett, the curator of the Gardens, is also to be congratulated on his suggestion (one of many made in his report) that six asphalt courts should be laid down at the west end of the Gardens. _ This would fiill a much-felt need for visitors to Oamaru and would place the town on the same footing as many of the northern