NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20322, 2 February 1928, Page 13

NORTH OTAGO.

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A FALSE ALARM. About 10 o’clock on Tuesday night consternation was caused in town by the discovery that two supposed burglars had been parading on the roof of the North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association’s premises, with torches in their hand. A police constable and the manager of the association were summoned, but no indication was found of any attempt to enter the premises or of any goods being missing. The whole affair was a profound mystery, but yesterday morning the mystery was solved. From advice received, Constable Tretheway interviewed two young men, and gathered that they had been on _ the roof of the building with torches in search for a pigeon that had been missing from their loft. BOWLING. Following is the draw for the fourth round of the championship pairs in connection with the Phcenix Club: —Panckhurst and E. Grenfell v. Crisp and Kibblewhite; Bradshaw and Bedford v. Aikenhead and M’Donald; Humphries and Brown v. Calder and Malcolm; Adams and Gilchrist v. Robertson and Familton; Joe Reid and Kear v. John Reid and Chase; Armstrong and Craig, a bye. The women’s club formed this season at Awamoa is making good progress. ,It has selected the following team to represent it in a match against the Palmerston Ladies’ Club, to be played on the Awamoa green on Thursday, February 16: —Mrs M'Narry, Mrs Benson, Miss Cowan, Mrs Crawshaw; Mrs Mollison, Mrs Gerrie, Miss Day, Mrs Bridgman; Mrs Wilson, Mrs Tonkins, Mrs D. Thomson, Mrs Kennedy: Mrs Twose, Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Pygall, Mrs Sorlcy. The Meadowbank Club is making good progress with its club ties. On Tuesday evening H. Martin defeated A. Slater in the club rinks, after a most keenly contested game by five points. In the club singles, A. Crichton defeated D. Bee, after a close contest. A champion pairs match was played between Blacklock and Campbell and H. Donald and Smith, the former winning by a substantial margin. MAGISTRATE’S COURT. In the Magistrate’s Court at Oamaru yesterday, before Mr H. W. Bundle, SM. judgment was given by default for plaintiffs in the following oases:—H. Cross and Co v James White, claim 18s (costs il 3s); R. J. Collis and Co. v. William brew, claim £ls 12a 3d (costs £2 ss). MAINTENANCE CASE. James Sutton was charged in the Magistrate’s Court at Oamaru yesterday with failing to comply with the terms of a maintenance order for the support of his child. Tlie arrears were stated to be 842. Mr H. Grater, for respondent, stated that his client had started work after Christmas at Pareora, and waa earning only io per week. His Worship sentenced the defendant to six months’ imprisonment m the Pareora Gaol, the sentence to be suspended on the payment of 12s 6d weekly and 7s 6d per week off the arrears, the defendant to report to the police any change in his address. MOTOR CAR CASES. For speeding round a corner in Oamaru in a motor car, Arthur Watson was fined 20s in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Ivan Swinard pleaded guilty to allowing a car to be used without having the registration plates affixed. lan Catto was charged with driving the car without plates.—Senior Sergeant Shanahan stated that a demonstration car had been leased from Swinard by Catto, and had boon II J use for about a fortnight. The defendant Swinard said be had let the car out by mistake.—His Worship fined _ Swinard 40s and costs, and entered a conviction against Catto. DRILL EXEMPTION. In the Magistrate’s Court at Oamaru yesterday, Melville H. Hintz applied for exemption from military training, His manager of the Union Steam Snip Company (Mr Humphries) stated tl Hintz was in the employ of the company. Owing to a rearrangement of the staff it was inconvenient for Hintz to attend drill. His Worship stated that the exemption would be for the benefit of the company, and not of the applicant. The application would be refused. THE LICENSING ACT. Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., gave his decision in the Magistrate’s Court, at Oamaru yesterday in the ease in which Hugh Wilson and William Fraser were charged with being found on licensed promises during prohibited hours. The defence relied upon was that the defendants had not been “ found ” on the premises bv a police constable. His Worship referred to the decision of Mr Justice Sim in a case in which the word “ found ” was employed. He said tbisj case was not on all fours with the present. He held that Fraser and Wilson had both been found on the premises, and that there was insufficient excuse. Fraser would be fined 10s and costs (32e), and Wilson would be fined 20s. WORTH OTAGO ADVERTISE MENTS. JjJ’OTICE TO FARMERS. To give farmers of North Otago value for their money, we .have Opened Business in H.B. Buildings, Oamaru — FARMERS’ AND GRAZIERS’ SUPPLY SERVICE, Local Representative, J. B. Miller (’nhone 1690). Office hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. _ t*. 5 p.m. Head Office, Universal Buildings, Dunedin. 20ja SO.S (SINK OR SWIM) —Why sink, • when Skipper Francis Teaches Swimming in Oamaru Baths? _lf TO LET, SUITE OFFICES, Marshall's Buildings; rent strictly reasonable.— Apply F. G. Marshall, or Messrs Fox and Klrkness. FOR SALE or LEASE, HOUSE, Hampden, four rooms ; washhouse ; one dress 60, Times Office, Dunedin. 2f FOR SALE or LEASE, HOUSE, four rooms; washhouse ; and one acre.—Address 60, Times Office, Dunedin. 31ja THE HAMPDEN PRIVATE HOTEL Is recognised as a home away from home tor holidaymakers.—'Phone 9R. HJa COMB and Inspect new B.S.A. MOTOR CYCLE at Boadon and Clark’s, Oamaru. Repairs by first-class mechanics. 103 a BUY FOR LESS from the U.P.S. Dispensary. the popular pharmacy. Thames street, Oamaru. sja AUSTIN CriRS 1 Austin Cars I All English make. New Agency, New Garage, Tyne street. Oamaru.—W. M'Dowell, proprietor. 14d CRITERION HOTEL, OAMARU.—Best Accommodation Visitors and Boarders; terms reasonable; handy beach. 'Phone 1508. —A. Crulekshank, proprietor. FURS! FURS 1 For Fur Necklets and Fur Coats see Jewell, Londontown,' Oamaru. 12d IQQ ACRES FREEHOLD. 5-roomod XO?/ Dwelling: well watered; good agricultural and sheep-fattening land ; handy to school, etc.; £25 per acre.—Fox and Kirknesa. 7 ACRES' FREEHOLD, situated at Reldston; 8-roomed House; price £6OO. Fox and Kirkness, property salesmen. KERR & CO.—Extra Special Quality ALL-SILK FUJI, In 14 Colours, at 2a lid, ds 3d; Cream, 2a 3d, 2s Gd, 2s lid.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

THE RABBIT ACT. The case in which Thomas Stevens was charged with failing to take sufficient steps to destroy the rabbits on his property at Hakataramea again came before the magistrate in Oamaru yesterday. Mr P. C. Hjorring appeared for the defendant. Inspector Wagstatr stated that he had visited the property on Tuesday, and found it still very badly infested with rabbits. The steps that he (the inspector) had asked to be taken for the destruction of the rabbits had not been taken. One rabbiter was found on the property. He was trapping, and stated that he had killed 9000 rabbits, while another had killed 6000 or 7000. A small quantity of poisoned pollard had been laid. The property was badly infested. There were hundreds of warrens, and very little work had been done with them. Witness had written to Mr Stevens in regard to the rabbits. In answer to a question by Mr Hjorrin , the Witness stated that wire netting would confine the rabbits to the defendant’s property. Chief Inspector Wills stated that he had inspected the property, and found the rabbits numerous. The pastures were also in poor condition. There was little indication of anything having been done to the warrens. One rabbiter was employed, and he said he had killed 9000 rabbits. The official sheep records showed that there were 1500 sheep on the property last year, compared with 1800 the previous year. The rabbiter was being paid £1 per 100 and the skins for killing the rabbits. There was no evidence of intensive steps having been taken. Cross-examined by Mr Hjorring, witness stated that he estimated that there were still 5000 rabbits on the property. It would be as difficult to count the stars as to count the rabbits in parts. In the opinion of witness, the farm was not being properly worked. The, pastures general!” were poor compared with the adjoining _ properties. The number of rabbits killed was not evidence in itself that intensive measures had been taken. To the Magistrate, witness stated that the burrows had not been filled.' There were hundreds of burrows all over the property. Mr Hjorring stated that the defendant could run only 700 sheep on the property when he took it over. Now he was running 1800. The defendant was getting a new manager, and had decided to net the whole place. Unfortunately the defendant was not present that day. His Worship said he was prepared to grant an adjournment to permit of the appearance of the defendant, who had previously been convicted. The case was adjourned for a week. IDLE AND DISORDERLY. In the Magistrate’s Court at Oamaru yesterday, Maude Proctor and Alice Alicia Proctor were charged with being idle and disorderly persons, and with having insufficient lawful means of support.— Both defendants pleaded not guilty.—Constable Coppell, stationed at Duntroon, stated that both the accused had been out of work for the last 12 months, and had no visible means of support.—Hia Worship sentenced Maude Proctor to three months’ imprisonment, and in the case of Alice Proctor an order was mhde for her to be detained at the Borstal Institute for a period not exceeding two years. CRICKET. DRAW FOR SATURDAY. First Grade.—Albion v. Oamaru, second day s play, at School oval. Second Grade.—-School A v. St. Kevin’sUnion v. School B, at King George’s Park; Weston v. Oamaru, at School; Albion v. Maheno, at Takaro Park. The following will represent the Union Cricket Club juniors in their game with School B on King George’s Park on Saturday at 1.45 p.m.:—Tonkin, W. Hunter, Gregory, Aitchison, Sinclair, Paris, J. Hunter, King, Robbie, Blair, Hill. The_ following team will represent the Phcenix Club in its match to-morrow with the Meadowbank Club, to be played on the Phoenix green:— Armstrong, Bradshaw. Corson, Humphries (s). Kibblewhite, D. Brown. Bastings, Joe Reid (s). Mitchell, Auty, Aikenhead, T. Herron (s). Familton, Craig, Robertson, Panckhurst (s). Malcolm, Crisp, Bedford, Hewat (s). Middlemas, Deal, Pollock, Calder (s). Gilchrist, Kear, Littlejohn. Grant (s). Adams, 11. Grenfell, Weavers, E. Grenfell (s). BOWLING. The following will represent Meadowbank against Phcenix on Thursday evening on Phoenix green:—Crichton, Evans, Christie Slater; Hartley, Fischer, Kent. Blacklock; Carson, Allen, J. M‘Kay, Martin; Cartwright, Archibald, Mollison, Berry; Robertson, Upchurch, Smith, Mitchell; Taylor, Hart, Denholm, Campbell; W. S. Crombie, Self, Atkinson, Bee; J. Crombie, A. Mitchell, Gibson, Donald. WEATHER REPORT. The rainfall as recorded by Mr William Forrester was only 66 points for the month of January, this being the driest month since July, 1926, when only 55 points were registered. Rain fell on six days last month as follows:—January 2, 39 points; 7th, 7 points; 13th, 10 points; 16th. 3 points; 23rd, 13 points; and on the 30th, 4 points. For the corresponding month of last year the rainfall was 85 points, and the rainfall for January, 1026, and 1925 was 133 points and 05 points respectively. PRESENTATIONS. Mr James Grant, a prominent member of the Phoenix Bowling Club, who is leaving next week with the New Zealand bowlers, was given a hearty send-off last night in his club’s pavilion. The Mayor (Mr Frank Crawshaw) spoke on the excellent service that had been rendered by Mr Grant to the game of bowls as selector and green supervisor. He wished him all success on his trip abroad and a safe return. On behalf of the Phoenix Club he presented Mr Grant with a smoker’s companion, and expressed the hope that the New Zealand tobacco which formed portion of the gift would be reserved for smoking in England. The president (Mr H. G. Deal), vice-president (Mr j. T. Calder), and Messrs E. F. Armstrong and W. F. Humphries referred in eulogistic terms to the sportsmans ip of MiGrant, and thanked him for his indefatigable services on behalf of the club. Mr Grant suitably replied. Miss Margaret Bezolt, who has been for some years an employee ; t the Oamaru woollen mills, was last evening made the recipient of a set of stainless cutlery and teaspoons. Mr J. H. Lloyd, on behalf of the employees of the mills, made the presentation. Miss Bczett and Mr 11. Koppert acknowledged the gift.

DISEASE IN MANGOLDS. For some time past i s nas been thought by the farmers of North Otago that mangolds were immune from disease. This season has exploded the idea. Th e representative of the Otago Daily Times was yesterday shown a field of mangolds which is badly infected with blight. In the course of an address to farmers at Borton s yesterday Mr R. B. Tennent, of the Agricultural Department, stated that the disease known a s take-all in wheat was stil! being investigated, and it was hoped sooner or later to isolate it. In answer to a question h e stated that he did not think the disease was introduced in fertilisers. The possible sources of infection were subjected to rigid inspection before leaving England. Th e idea that couch grass was a host for take-all was nof supported by facts. To trace take-all in wheat one had only to pull up a root — if the root wag black it was a sure indication that take-all was present. OAMARU BOATING CLUB. The Oamaru Boating Club held a very interesting evening’s rowing at the Oamaru Bay last evening, when four crews competed. There was a good sprinkling of boating enthusiasts at the Holmes wharf, and the races were very evenly contested. The harbour was in perfect rowing order. Hatton’s and Kim’s crews were the first to take the water. The latter crew obtained a slight advantage at the start, which they maintained till over the entrance, when Hatton’s crew drew level. Kim’s crew was rowing very evenly, and when the half-distance was covered had a slight lead, and towards the finish drew awa • to win by a length and a-half. Time, 2min lOsec. A Lindsay steered a good course for the winning crew—Kim is.), APDonald (3), Muhern (2), Milne (bow). The next crews to take the water were Roller's and Mackie’s, and a very even race resulted. Both crews rowed well, and when across the entrance very little separated them. A good run home saw Mackie’s crew forge ahead to win by half a canvas. The time was 2min 6sec. The winning crew consisted of Mackie is.), H. Carrington (3), Cuthbertson (2), Mansfield (bow). J. M'Lean -was the cox.