PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20451, 4 July 1928, Page 4

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

(Fboh Our Srsci** OAMARU HARBOUR BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board was held yesterday, there being present Messrs N. Hayes (chairman), C. J. Marshall, G. Livingstone, R. B. Meek, R. K. Ireland, 11. Ruddenklau, A. M'lnnes, J. A. Macpherson, J. R. M'Culloeh, and J. Gerrie. The Oamaru Power Board wrote stating that the Dennis fire motor would be available for use on the wharf on condition that an indemnity is given against damage.—The secretary stated that the acceptance of the Power Board's offer would involve a considerable risk. He suggested that the board provide its own fire-fighting appliance.—Mr J. R. M'Culloch was of opinion that they should have both services available. —Mr C. J. Marshall thought a retainer should be paid to the Fire Board. The risk of fire on the wharf and ships was very considerable. — Mr R. K. Ireland agreed that the board should make adequate provision to meet the risks of fire.—Mr J. Gerrie moved that the terms offered by the Fire Board be accepted.—Mr R. B. Meek seconded the motion, which was carried. The secretary of the Waitaki High Schools' Board of Governors forwarded details of the cost of managing the techical school, for which a grant had been applied for. It was pointed out that the number of pupils attending the school was 113. —Mr G. Livingstone thought the school should be supported, as children attended it from all parts of the district. —Mr J. A. Macpherson said the paucity of attendance made it necessary for the managers of the school to apply for outside assistance. —Mr Marshall moved that the usual vote of £5 5s be made. —Mr Macpherson seconded. —The chairman stated that there was a feeling that the education imparted at the school did not benefit country children.—Mr Livingstone said the ;zirls were taught sewing.—The chairman •' But are they taught shearing or ploughing? " —Mr Macpherson replied that the classes were open to country children. —Mr Meek said the classes were held at night, and country children could not attend.—Mr Marshall stated that the technical school was available to adults as well as children. He did not think they should raise the question of town versus country.—Mr Ruddenklau asked if wool classing was taught, and Mr Livingstone replied in the affirmative. —Mr R. K. Ireland supported the resolution. He considered the school offered facilities for country children to secure education. — Mr M'lnnes said he had opposed the making of a grant by the County Council, but he supported a grant by the board on the ground that it was the wealthiest body.— Mr Gerrie supported the remarks of Mr Ireland, and said he was in favour of making a grant.—Mr Meek stated that he was not opposed to technical education, but he opposed the method of financing the institution.—Mr Macpherson said they should ascertain for certain whether the whole of the classes were held at night time. He was of opinion that day classes were also being held. —The motion in favour of making a grant of £5 5s was then put and carried. The Timaru Harbour Board forwarded a resolution containing the terms upon which dredge 350 would be available to the Oamaru board.—The secretary stated that he estimated the increase in charge, compared with former charges, at £2 per day. The total cost of dredging would, he thought, be about £IO,OOO for six months. HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT. The question of improving the wharf accommodation at Oamaru was considered at the meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board yesterday. The harmour master (Captain Cox) furnished a report in which he stated that the present harbour accommodation was insufficient for vessels" larger than those which at present visited the port. He suggested that the harbour be dredged to a minimum depth of 20ft. and that Holmes's wharf be extended. This would make provision for the largest vessels now visiting the Dominion. He stated that at the present time, when the was bad, he experienced some difficulty in swinging the larger steamers. —Captain Cox. who attended the meeting, explained th.e reasons which had prompted his report. In answer to a question he stated that, with the extension of the wharf he would be able to accommodate two steamers of the Wingatui class. He would be able to bring in vessels 500 ft in length. He suggested an extension of the wharf by 200 ft, though he felt that 300 ft would be better. The secretary stated that an extension of 300 ft had originally been suggested with the object of concentrating the whole of their offices on the wharf. The chairman said the problem was a somewhat serious one. He thought the time had arrived when they should cater for the trade of the port. Unless thoy lengthened the wharf and deepened the port they would not be • able to retain the shipping that was essential for the carrying of their frozen meat, etc. The question of finance did not concern them very much. After they had made the necessary provision they would still have £20,000 or £25,000 available for further improvement. Mr C. J. Marshall said they had been marking time for 20 years. He thought the time had now arrived when, they should make a forward movement. Previous members of the board were deserving of thanks for having provided a nest egg. He thought the ratepayers generally would support the present proposals. Mr J. A. Macpherson did not think the proposed expenditure would impoverish the board. He thought it undesirable to do too much for posterity. With the improvements proposed they would be able to build up their nest egg at a greater pace than formerly. In answer to a question, the secretary stated that the cost of extending tha wharf by 200 ft was estimated at £SOOO. Mr J. R. M'Culloch said he had previously been of opinion that they should husband their resources for a larger scheme. He was now satisfied that it was necessary to extend the wharf. Replying to further questions, the secretary stated that the cost of extending the wharf a further 100 feet would not be more than £2OOO or £3OOO. He was of opinion that the work of extension could be proceeded with almost at once. He considered the board's staff could undeitake the work. After further discussion it was decided, on the motion of the chairman, that the dredging be carried out according to the plans proposed by the harbour master, and that plans for the proposed additions to the wharf be submitted to the Marine Department. On the motion of Mr Macpherson, the question of securing the Timaru dredge was left in the hands of the chairman and engineer. OAMARU SHIPPING. At the meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board yesterday the harbour master (Captain Cox) reported that during the i past month one intercolonial and 13 coastal vessels of a total tonnage of 8198 tons had entered and left the port. MUNICIPAL LIBRARY. The question whether the Oamaru j Athenaeum should be taken over by the l Borough Council and made a municipal i library and reading room is being discussed iin certain quarters. As the Athenaeum Committee experiences some difficulty in making both ends meet the project to hand the institution over to the ratepayers is not regarded unfavourably. The question arises, however, whether the ratepayers would be prepared to accept a further financial responsibility.

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

OOKBESFOMDBK*.} PERSONAL. Bishop Liston, of Auckland, who has been visting friends at Hakataramea, was in Oamaru yesterday. PRIZE MANGELS. Mr Smith, of Alma, carried off first prize at the Waimate Winter Show for Red Globe mangels, and second prize for the heaviest mangels. PROPERTY CHANGES. Several property changes have recently taken place at Hakataramea, and it _is reported that a run near Kurow has also been acquired by Mr Cameron, of Hakataramca. OAMARU ATHEN/EUM. At a meeting of the Oamaru Athenffium Committee the report of the librarian showed that 58 books had been placed upon the shelves during the month, and the number of subscribers was now 840. The credit balance was reported to have dropped to £lO9 Is lid. Only £lO 0s 6d had been received, while the payments totalled £l6B 10s 9d. It was decided that Messrs Macky, Logan, Ltd., be granted a three years’ lease of their sample room at a rental increased to meet the cost of electric light installation. Two suggestions were received that the library and reading room be transferred to the ground floor, but the committee decided that as the first floor was revenue-pro-ducing it could not agree to the proposal. A suggestion w-as also received that the rest room be attached to the athenaeum and that a handrail be placed on the stairway. It was decided to refer the question of a handrail to the Visiting Committee. VANDALS AT WORK. It was reported at yesterday’s meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board that some of the trees planted recently on Cape Wanbrow had been pulled out by the roots by boys or larrikins. It was decided to take puniti% T e measures against the offenders should they be identified. NOXIOUS WEEDS. At the meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board yesterday it was decided, on the motion of Mr C. J. Marshall, that the Fennel and other noxious weeds on the board’s properties be destroyed, and that the Railways Department be requested to follow the example in respect to its local reserves. HILLGROVE RAINFALL. Mr W. S. D. Trotter, of Hillgrove, reports that the rainfall recorded at Hillgrove for June was 164 points. It has been an average winter month with a scattered rainfall, and not many severe frosts. MINIATURE SHOOTING. Following were the best scores at the weekly shoot of the Railway Miniature Rifle Club:—M. Mulhern 78 (2) 80, A. Bradley 77 (5) 80, G. Brightwell 76 (4) 80, E. Latimer 75 (6) 80, J. Prosser 74 (6) 80, W. Eunson 70 (12) 80, J. Waterworth 70 (9) 79, A. Brown 77 (1) 78, J. Hamilton 76 (2) 78, R. Wilson 75 (3) 78, A. Earley 75 (3) 78, E. Parker 75 (3) 78, F. M'Auley 72 (6) 78, D. Collins 72 (5) 77. G. Ward 72 (5) 77, D. Holland 70 (7) 77, A. Byers 72 (4) 76, D. Williams 74 ( —) 74. M. Mulhern won the button for the highest off the rifle, and G. Brightwell the handicap button. The following members were selected to represent the club at the South Canterbury championships:—A. Brown, D. Williams, M. Mulhern, J. Hamilton, and G. Brightwell; emergencies, R. Wilson and A. Earley.

The following were the best scores at the Awamoko Miniature Rifle Club's shoot on Saturday:—M. Carsou 77 (10) 80, T. M'Lennan 77 (7) 80, S. Willetts 76 (4) 80, J. Sutherland 70 (0) 80, W. Gibson 76 (—) 76, I. Hall 75 (0) 80, A. Gibson 75 (8) 80, R. Fillingham 75 (8) 80, G. Gibson 75 (3) 78, E. Dickson 74 (7) 80, J. Foley 73 (7) 80, H. Simpson 72 (0) 78. S. Strachen 72 (7) 79, R. Reed 72 (6) 78, N. M'Phee 71 (11) 80, H. Geddes 70 (14) 80. M. Carson won the button off the rifle and also the M'Lay Button. CADETS HONOURED. The Oaniaru Cadet Company which recently gained an enviable reputation for itself by winning the Campbell Statuette, was entertained at a civic dinner in the Queen's Hotel last evening. The Mayor (Mr Frank Crawshaw), presided, and he was supported by General Young, Colonel Gardner, Msjjr Hunt, the mayoress, Miss Wilson (principal of the Waitaki Girls' High School), Mr F. Milner (rector of the Waitaki Boys' High School), territorial and cadet officers,and the chairman of various local bodies. There was also an attendance of about 120 cadets. The toast of " The King was honoured, after which the company dispersed, and the cadets marched in procession to the Drill Hall, headed by the sth Mounted Rifles' Band. There was a large attendance of the public on the raised platform, and the general officer commanding and other officers, with the Mayor and mayoress, occupied seats on a specially constructed dais. A squad of the company was put through physical exercise by Lieutenant D. Kennedy (company commander). After musical items had been given the Mayor read apologies for absence from the Minister of Defence (Mr F. J. Rolleston), Sir James Allen, Mr E. P. Lee, M.P., Bro. Magee, Captain Passmore (Dunedin), Major Huggins (Nelson), and Colonel H. M. Campbell, M.P., the donor of the statuette. The Mayor thanked the public for attending in such large numbers and those public spirited citizens who had provided a sumptuous dinner for the cadets. He stnted that it was something to be proud of to have in their midst the champion night parade company in the Dominion. The Bauchop Shield, which was given in honour of a great soldier (the late Colonel Bauchop), had been won in Otago for the best night parade. The Passmore Shield, for the best night parade company in the South Island, had also been won, and, finally, the coveted Campbell Statuette, for the best company in the Dominion, hail fallen to the company. It now remained for,the company, by strenuous effort to retain the statuette. The Mayor paid a warm tribute to Lieutenant D. Kennedy for the work he had done for the corps, and also referred, amidst enthusiastic cheers, to the excellent services of Sergeant-major Wright, the drill instructor. He also congratulated Major Hunt upon having the champion cadet corps of the Dominion under his control, and extended a cordial welcome to General Young, commander of the forces. Mr Crawshaw concluded by mentioniug the fact that they had in Oamaru the champion territorial shot of the Dominion, the champion miniature shot, the champion cadet shot, and the champion regimental band of the li Grade. General Young, who was received with applause, said it gave him the greatest pleasure to come to Oamaru to present the Campbell Statuette. It gave him the opportunity of personally congratulating the company upon being the champion night parade company of the Dominion. The company must have had keen, energetic officers and enthusiastic non-commis-sioned officers and cadets who had done 1 their very best. The cadets could n&t

have won the statuette without diligent work. There were only four points dividing the two leading companies—Oamaru and Wanganui. He was glad that Oamaru had won, which was chiefly by its physical drill. General Young stated that he was very pleased to hear the kind things said by the Mavor in regard to the local officers. Speaking to the parents present, the general stated that he could not understand the opposition that had been raised in certain quarters to military training. He pointed out that the cadet movement produced good, loyal, well-disciplined citizens. He did not wish to see any of the lads go to war. If there was to be a war he would rather go himself than send his son. If he thought for a moment that the. cadets were of no value he would hand in his resignation and his “ tin hat at once. t , .. General Young then presented the statuette, and called for three cheers for the company, which were enthusiastically given. Genera! Young then thanked trie public-spirited citizens of Oamaru who had provided dinner for the boys. Lieutenant Kennedy, in reply, thanked General Young for being present. He pointed out that the aim had not been to create soldiers for war purposes, but to create good citizens. He felt that the winning of the statuette meant they had the makings of real good citizens. Lieutenant Kennedy thanked those citizens who had entertained the boys. He also thanked Sergeant-major Wright and Instructor Stevenson for their assistance in instructing the company. In conclusion, he called for three cheers for the citizens who had supplied the dinner, and these were lustily given. A congratulatory and humorous speech was given by Mr F. Milner, in which he said that after what he had seen at the dinner table that evening he would back the Oamaru Company for its gastronomical feats against anything in the Empire. He emphasised the value of military training in moulding citizenshp and of the cadet movement in creating discipline and loyalty. The proceedings were terminated with the National Anthem. During the evening musical items were rendered by the Fifth Mounted Rifles Band, a very fine solo was given by Mr E. J. Mee, and Mr and Mrs Mee also gave a most acceptable duet, both numbers being encored. The by-election to fill the vacancy on the Oamaru Borough Council caused by the death of Cr Mahan took place yesterday. The number of votes recorded was 1005, which is about one-fourth of the total on the roll. The result was very close, the figures being as follows: — H. Abbott 363, N. H. Colquhoun 341, W. H. Frith 301.