PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20354, 10 March 1928, Page 7

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

{From Our Special THRESHING RETURNS. Inquiries made from the owners of threshing mills show that the harvest in North Otago this season will be a particularly good one. In the Waitald district Hie crops of wheat have not been heavy, but some very good yields of oats have been obtained. For instance, Mr J. Ilolb'.mby has threshed 3149 bushels from SO acres, which represents nearly 40 bushels to the acre. The yields of oats in the Herbert and Mchcno districts have been remarkably good. From an area of 94 acres, 6380 bushels were obtained, which averages about 68 bushels to tho acre. The biggest yield .so far reported is that of Mr W. M’Alillan, of Herbert, who obtained 3452 bushels from 44 acres. ibis equals about 79 bushels to the acre, which would be hard to beat. Mr J. M'Lcod, of Alaheno, threshed 900 bushels from 20 acres of wheat, which represents 40 bushels to the acre. In the Tokaralii and Island Cliff districts the crops have been very heavy. Mr Arthur Gardiner threshed bushels of oats from 100 acres, or slightly over 62 bushels to the acre. At Tolaratahi Mr J. B. Dewar secured 1181 bushels of cats from 16 acres. In tho Peebles district both the oat and wheat crops have been most prolific. Mr William Gardiner threshed 5745 bushels of Tuscan wheat from an area of 60 acres. This works out at 63 bushels to the acre. Mr D. Borrie, of Papakaio, threshed 1201 bushels of oats from 16 acres, or 75 bushels to the acre; and Cameron brothers, 1426 bushels from 21 acres, or 67 bushels to tho acre. One of the biggest wheat-growers in the Peebles district is Mr L. MThoe, who was quite satisfied with his return of 6780 bushels of Tuscan from 145 acres. ’Die average in this ca.so is 46 bushels to the acre. Mr E. S. Brewster, of Awamoko, obtained the exceptionally find yield of 71 bushels to tho acre of Tuscan wheat. Unfortunately, however, he had only eight acres in this crop. The best yield of wheat so far recorded in tho Hllderthorpe district is that of Mr J. Duncan, who received 4612 bushels of College Hunters and Velvet from 85 acres. ' The average for this superior quality wheat is therefore 54 bushels to the acre. A BROKEN WEEK. The past week has been a broken one in North Otago, rain having fallen on tw r o days. This, being followed by bright sunshine, will stimulate root crops and pastures, and will have no serious effect upon cereals. It was just what was required by the fanners. Harvesting is now well advanced, and the mills are active in all directions. Some of the spring-sown crops have yet to bo cut, but these will all be in stock or stack in the course of a week. The digging of potatoes has commenced, and the yields are said to be farily satisfactory. Lambs have been fattening well during the last week or two, and the number of second quality lambs reaching the freezing works has been reduced to a minimum. The summer fallowing of land is still in progress ?.i agricultural areas. With the restoration of tho pastures the demand for store stock is expected to improve. The dairy season is beginning to draw in, and supplies of cream to the local dairy factories are diminishing every week. EXPORT OF SHEEP. Mr T. S. Little, of Corriedale. is shipping by the Manuka from Dunedin a oneshear Border Leicester ram for Mr Griffiths, of Lyndhurst, Victoria. He is also shipping a stud Border Leicester ewe for the same buyer. This ewe won first and champion prizes at Oamaru and Dunedin Shows last year, and first prize at the Southland Show. Mr Little is also slapping two ewes to Mr Greaves, of Lyndhurst. One of these took first prize in its class at the Dunedin Show and second at Invercargill. The other stood second to its paddock mate at Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill. These sheep are being sent to the Victorian buyers as repeat orders, which shows the popularity gained by Mr Little’s stud on +he other side. OAMARU COMPOSER. Mr Eric Mackenzie, of Oamaru, has received advice from London that his latest song-waltz, entitled “Honolulu Sweetheart,” has been accepted for publication on a royalty basis by a well-known firm of music publishers. DAYLIGHT SAVING. Mr R. B. Meek introduced the question of daylight saving at yesterday’s meeting of the North Otago A. and P. Association. Ho stated that the matter vitally affected the producers, and as they had now given the thing a trial they should be prepared to express an opinion. Tho matter was to be discussed by the Farmers’ Union. Ho mentioned the ease of children who had to walk through paddocks and go to school with wet feet. The New Zealand Exporter had taken a vote, and 97 per cent, were against daylight saving. Mr J. G. Macdonald said he was personally not in favour of daylight saving, but ho thought the matter would ultimately come to a vote of the people. The Secretary: I like it at night, but not in the morning. On the motion of Mr Cant, seconded by Mr W. Macdonald, it was decided that a vote of the meeting be taken upon the subject. A show of hands was taken. There was not a single hand held up in favour of daylight saving, and the whole 2-> present held up their hands against it. It was decided that the result of the vote be sent to the member for he district and the Minister of Internal Affairs. NORTH OTAGO A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. • A meeting of the General Committee of tho North Otago A. and P. Association was held yesterday, Mr D. Clark presiding over an attendance of 25 members. A motion of condolence was passed with the relatives of the late Mr Alfred Keith, cf Ashburton, who was an old member of the association, and who had been an exhibitor and judge for many years. Accounts amounting to £320 17s 6d were passed for payment. The North Otago ’Society for ihe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wrote thanking the association for its patronage, and asking for a donation towards its fund.— It was decided that a donation of £1 Is be made. 'lhe Otago S.P.C.A. wrote stating that its attention had been drawn to the fact that freak a.nmiuis were exhibited at show's, and asking tho association’s assistance m discouraging such exhibits. —The Secretary stated that freak exhibits had not been made at Oamaru for maim years.—Mr J. G. Macdonald mentioned that a bon with three leas had been shown. He did not think this objectionable.—lt was decided that no action be taken in tho matter. Advice was received from various associations concerning the dates of their rain fairs and show;.' Mr G. P. Johnston wrote, that at the last ram fair held bv tho association five rams entered by him had disappeared and had not since been traced. 1 ho agents had repudiated responsibility. Ho wanted to know what would be tho position for (lie next ram fair, as tho decision of the association would influence his entries. It was slated that the rams bad been passed bv the auctioneer, and bad disappeared after the sale.—Mr G. Livingstone stated (hat after ihe fair five qr six ram« had ben seen on tho Papakaio road. —Mr T<B. Meek thought it was the duty of tho auctioneers to accept responsibility for the rams until they wore delivered. If owners were liable to losses such ns that of Mr Johnston, the. ram fair would be killed.— Mr J. G. Macdonald stated that neither the association nor the auctioneers were responsible in law. Owners took their sheep to tho yards at their own risk. It was unfortunate that such a good exhibitor as Mr Johnston should have lost his sheep.

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

Correspondent.) —Mr G. Bruce was of opinion that tho association was morally responsible.—Mr i. Cuthberlscn moved that the association reply to Mr Johnston that it can accept no responsibility, and while regretting die loss, point out to Mr Johnston that the mailer is one between himself and the auctioneers.—Mr IV. Macdonald seconde-i the motion, which was carried. —Mr Lillie moved that Mr Johnston’s letter fce referred to the block and Station Agents Association,—Mr R. B. Meek seconded. —Mr G. Bruce was of opinion that somebody shouiu take responsibility, otherwise they would not get entries for tho ram fair from a distance.—Tho motion of Mr was earned, and it was decided that the Sheep Committee interview tho auctioneers in connection with the matter. The Secretary stated that tho association had a credit in the bank of £364. Against this, they bad passed for payment accounts amounting to £520 17s 6(h Members’ subscriptions amounting to £193 wero still outstanding.—lt was decided that the question of drawing debentures bo hold over until next meeting. Mr J. Trotter brought up the question of providing hot water for patrons of tho show. He stared that exorbitant charges had been made for hot water at the last show.—The Secretary stated that the gas manager had undertaken to put in a gas ring.—The matter was held over for consideration by the new committee. Mr P. W. Borrie mentioned that there was a lot of old material on the showgrounds. He would like to know what was to be done with this. —Air Cowan suggested that it he sold on the day of the ram fair.—On the motion of Mr _ Meek, the Yards' Committee was authorised to dispose of the material to tho best advantage. A letter was road from Mr Wilkinson, drainage engineer, stating that the most economical method of draining the showgrounds was to connect with the Lynn street sower. He recommended that a pipo bo laid through Mr Robertson’s property The Secretary staled that, on the authority of tho chairman of the Grounds Committee, a connection had 1 been made through Mr Robertson’s property.—After some discussion, the action of the secretary was approved, and it was decided, on the motion of Air Cuthbcrtson, that the question of draining the grounds be referred to tho Grounds Committee, with power to act. THE WORKLESS. A man with a swag called at a farm house in tho Kurow district, and unburdened himself to a brawny individual who was engaged in a laborious occupation, whom he did not recognise as the owner of the farm. He stated that these “ cockios ” wore parasites crawling on the face of the earth. One of them had had the audacity to offer him £2 a week and found. This, he said, would not keep him in tobacco, let alono beer. He declared that ho would rather “ swag it ” all his life than accept £2 per week. COUNTY RATES. The rate notices sent out by the Avaitaki County Council intimate in one of the columns, ns required by law, that tile period for which the rate is payable is from April 1, 1927, to March 31, 1923. Some ratepayers consider that this intimation means that the rates may he paid at any time before Alarch 31. This is ■ntirely a mistake. The rates have to bo paid within 14 days of the making of the demand, or, will be liable to recovery by legal process. NORTH OTAGO RAM FAIR. The question of having a ram fair was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of < he North Otago A. and P. Association, when Air T. S. Little moved—” That a fair bo held on Wednesday, April 4.” Air Little said be had ascertained from the auctioneers that this date would bo (ho most suitable. Tho motion _ was seconded by Mr Cuthbcrtson and carried. THE RAINFALL. The rainfall during tho past week has varied a good deni in different parts of the •district. Air William Forrester reports that the registration in Oamaru has been 1.74 in, which is the heaviest fall for two days since July, 1927. At Awamoko Air E. S. Brewster registered only 67 points, but at Tokarahi and Kia Ora nearly 2iu was recorded. PERSONAL. Air Frank Marshall has returned to Oamaru, after spending several week’s holiday in Christchurch. Another old identity of North Otago -i Mr Archibald APNcill, passed away at the Victoria Homo in Oamaru yesterday in his eight-seventh year. He was formerly a resident of Enfield. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE. The Oamaru division of tho St. John Ambulance Brigade has becu advised that his Alajosty the King has approved the appointment of Mr H. Grenfell as a Soiv big Brother of the Grand Priory of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Headquarters has aiso approved of the registration of the Oamaru Railway Division as from August 9, and Dunedin Railway ns from August 21. SCOIT MEMORIAL PRIZES. The Prime Alinister (Air J. G. Coates) has very generously consented to deliver the speech and distribute the Scott memorial prizes to the winners on Alonday next. Mr Coates will arrive from Dunedin by the first express. The function will take place in the Opera House at 1.30 p.m., and the Prime Alinister will depart for the north by the second express. CRICKET. The following will represent the Albion Cricket Club to-day: Juniors v. Maheno, at King Georges Park, at 2 p.m.—Stichmaii. Alay (2), Davey, Hammill, Jones, Brooks, C. Granger, Jeffery, Falloon, Weaver Cawley, Skirving. „ , , , „ Thirds v. School B, at School, ac 2 p.m. —J. Brooker, Butts (2), Palmer (2), Sampson, Jacob*?, Scoon, Bracken, Andrews, Brosnahan. Crawshaw. Sutton. The following will represent the Albion juniors against School at School. Jackson Robins, Paterson. Kent Richardson. Sims, Stoekwell, Sumpter, Hunter, Hall, Arnott; emergency, Lee. A COMPETITION. A competition was held in connection with the recent garden fete in Oamaru in which prizes were offered for those who answered the largest number of intricate questions that were put through the souvenior programme. The judge (Air James Alitchell) has awarded the first prize to Mr Stanley C. Roberta, of Thames highway. The second and third prizes are divided between Airs A. M. Glynn, Miss J. C. Smyth, Air Archie G. de Joure, and Mr Hugh Sumpter, who gave an equal number of correct answers. OAMARU WEDDING. A wedding of interest to Oamaru and other parts of Otago was celebrated in St. Luke’s Church. Oamaru. on Wednesday, when Air James Thorp Preston, elder son of Air Joseph Preston, of Ou=e street, was united to Miss Rita Maude Roxby, only surviving daughter of Airs and the Into Mr IT.‘ U. Roxby, of Avon street. The church was . beautifully decorated by friends of the bride. The Yen. Archdeacon Russell officiated and Air F. C. Burry presided, at the organ. There was a large gathering of friends of both families.

The bride was given away bj her undo, Mr Raymond Appleby, of Hindis Pass, ami was attended by Miss Dorothy Wright, of Wharle street, as bridesmaid and by lilt io Miss Palricia M'Douall, as (lower girl. The bridegroom was accompanied hy Air Douglas (j. Thonison, of “ Brookstead,” as best man. After the church service a reception was hold by Mrs Roxby at her residence in Avon street, when the toast of the happy couple was proposed by Archdeacon Bussell, who remarked that he had now officiated at the marriage of Mr and Airs Preston’s two sons and two daughters, and ho trusted that this union would be as happy as the other three had been. The bridegroom responded in a few well chosen words, and his toast of the bridesmaid was neatly acknowledged by the best man. The happy couple left by ear for Iheir honeymoon in the north before settling down at their sheep station «t “ Longlamis,” Kyeburn. The bride looked charming in a dress of ivory georgette, with an accordionpleated timed skirt, the long-sleeved bodice appliquod in delicate shades of pinks and mauve outlined in gold. Her handsome veil, worn off her face, was arranged with a coronet of orange blossoms. She carried a shower bouquet composed of pink and cream flowers with asparagus ferns. The bridesmaid wore a dress of rose pink georgette, with double tiered accordionpleated skirt, and a headdress of pink tulle swathed, and finished with a large rosette The little flower girl looked sweet in apple green georgette with a head band of flowers. It was altogether a very pretty wedding.

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE,

The following is the annual report of the Oamaru Ambulance Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade:—Your committee has pleasure in presenting its twentyeighth annual report for the year ended December 51, 1927. In addition to the amount mentioned in the last report as being collected towards the cost of a new motor ambulance, a further sum of £29 14s 6d was subscribed during the past '-ear. Delivery of the- new ambulance was made in July, and we now have available a vehicle that is thoroughly up-to-date and comfortable. The Ford ambu.ance is still being retained as a standby. During the year tho motor ambulances have mads 123 trips (eight accidents and 115 removals), as well as being in attendance at all public gatherings. Members have also been on duty at ail' town football matches where their services have been much ap predated. During the year his Excellence Sir Charles Fergusson, presented two service bars to District Superintendent Grenfell. and one each to Divisional Suoermtendent Davies and Sergeant Rnsoatch, Earlv in tho Year Sergeant Rusoatcn. who" has been an active member for the past 20 years, loft us to reside in the country, and his name has been placed ou the reserve list. Our secretary,. Mr W. A. Bain was transferred to Christchurch later in ' the year. We can ill afford to lose such members, but fortunately have been able to enrol four new members. Lrer assistance given us during the year we hare again to thank our divisional surgeon. Di Fitzgerald the Hospital Board, the press, and'" Mr H. Robertson, for auditing the accounts. The balance sheet shows a cash balance of £lll las 6d.