PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20586, 8 December 1928, Page 10

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION.. A meeting of the North Otago Provincial Executive .of the Farmers’ Union was held in Oatnaru yesterday, there being present Messrs D. J.. Rosa (president), J. G. Ruddenklau, E. S. Bruaton, J. Newlands, W. Macdonald, D. Rodger, W. Forrester, J.- E. Tallentire, E. Dick, and R. B. Meek, , On the motion of the chairman, a vote of condolence was passed with the relatives of the late Mr Liudley H. Murray, of Tokarahi, a former member of the executive. The chairman stated that the late Mr Mufray had taken a keen interest in the affairs of the, union. ■ Letters were read from the Waitaki County Council and other local bodies, offering their co-operation in entertaining the British farmers next year. A communication was received from the commercial agent of,- the Railways Department in Dunedin ,stating that it .was proposed to run farmers’' excursions for the Waikato Winter Show.—The president stated that this excursion would clash with the Dunedin Winter Show.— The secretary said this point had been brought under the notion of the commercial agent. It was now proposed that the excursion take place before the Waikato Winter Show, and that it include visits to. Waitomo, Auckland, and Rotorua!—Air Dick thought it 'a great idea to include the North Island in one of these .excursions.' They would he. able to gain some idea of the North Island farming methods.—The president agreed with Mr Dick, and it was decided to express sympathy with the project. The Dominion secretary advised that Mr Harris would he available to organise North Otago as soon as he .had finished Otago. A further letter was received to the effect thkt Mr Bruce Gillies would be available as organiser almost immediately.—The president stated that he had interviewed Mr Harris at Dunedin, and had ascertained that, with the consent of the Dominion secretary, he would be -available for a few weeks after the holidays.—Mir Meek said he had learned from president that Mr Harris would be required in Otago for at least sjx or seven months.—After some discussion, it was decided to ask the Otago Executive if it is willing tliat Mr Harris should come to North Otago for a few weeks, and, failing a i favourable reply, an effort. be made to secure the services of Mr Bruce, Gillies after the holidays, A circular letter from Mr' F. S. Bowen, of the. Poverty . Bay Executive, dealing with the question of wool prices, was received from the Dominion secretary. Mr Bowen maintained that growers were not getting full value for the if wool, and that Bradford forced down the prices. He urged growers to hold out for at least IJd per pound better prices than last year—Mr Dick thought the charges for handling wool were altogether too high. He thought the farmers should do something in this direction,—Mr Newlanda agreed with Mr Dick. He stated that the charge for handling had been increased without any apparent reason.—The president suggested that the matter be sent forward as a remit to the Dominion Executive.—Mr Meek said the question had already come before the-Dominion Executive, hut it had not got very far with it. He though they should go .further and circularise the whole of the Dominion executives upon the subject.—lt was eventually , decided, on the motion of Mr Meek, that the different executives be. circularised upon the, subject, with the view, qf bringing the; question before the Dominion conference, 1

' A communication was received from the Dominion secretary, covering a series of resolutions proposed by different executives, The first resolution asked that trading departments of the Government be subject to taxation, and that properly audited balance sheets he submitted.—The president did not think any advantage would be derived by carrying the resolution, It would only mean that the Government would pass the taxation.on to the consumers. At the same time, he thought balance sheets should be published showing-the cost of the different, trading departments.—lt was decided that in view of the scant information supplied, no action he taken in the matter.—The second resolution asked that the various .executives submit their ideas on the pork export question to the Dominion Executive. —The president said some Of .the newspapers considered the subsidy on pork for export was. not in the best interests of the Dominion.—lt was pointed out that there was little pork exported from the ■South Island.—Mr E. S. Brewster did not think the producers’ could subsist if the weight of pigs for export were restricted to 801b. —The' president stated that 801 b .was the weight of the pigs required by the British consuming public.—On the suggestion of the president it was decided that the secretary write the" Meat Board, asking for information as to the prices obtained for jugs locally and on the London nnarkeh last year, and as ,to the amount of subsidy paid on the shipments— Other resolutions asked for the setting up. of-a committee of experts to submit recommendations for a uniform and equitable system of the valuation of rural lands, and dealt with the valuation of land, generally.—The president said Sir Joseph Ward had stated that he was going to give about £8,000,000 a year. to the farmers at the cheap rate of interest. He did not disagree with this proposal, .but unless they took sleys to prevent trafficking in land there would be another, boom —Mr Dick thought it a good idea that local farmers should accompany the Government valuers when they were valuing the land.—The president thought the question of valuations was very important. He stated that if he could get twice the value of-his land he was prepared to sell. He asked whether the Government should permit him the opportunity to sell on these conditions.—Mr W. Macdonald said the whole of the farmers were opportunists. They would all sell when it suited them to so.——The president thought they should take steps to endeavour to get men to remain upon the land, and not engage {n trafficking.—Mr Tallentire said they had a right to go to the Assessment Court if he considered his land was valued too high.—Further discussion took place upon the subject, but no finality was reached. KAKANUI NOTES. The Kakanui Presbyterian Church annual social was held in the hall on Thursday evening of last week, when there was a large and appreciative audience present. The Rev. P. C. Rennie presided, and welcomed those present, after which a verse of the National Anthem was sung. Mr Naylor brought gut a party from Oamaru, and the various items were encored, Tlie following contributed vocal items:—Misses Fraser, Couch, Gray, Hunter, and Tempero, Mrs . Familton and Messrs Knight, Mackay, and Denholm. Miss Hill gave recitations, and Miss Ritchie piano solos. .Miss Ritchie and Mr Naylor acted as accompanists. At the close of the programme Mr Rennie called for hearty cheers for the performers and those who so kindly placed their cars at their disposal, and these were lustily given. Miss Southgate during the evening gave an interesting resume o£ the work

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT. (JTaoM Otftt Special Correspondent.)

of the Sunday school, and hoped that, with the co-operation of the parents; of the district, the Sunday school, would function even better in the future than, it had done in the past. A splendid supper was provided by the ladies, and much enjoyed by all. The influx of summer visitors has 1 already begun, and several cribs are now occupied. Present indications point to a busy summer season at Kakanui this year. The beach at present is in capital order and good baskets of trout are being got from the river. Fairly large quantities of new potatoes have been dug during the last few days, and as the crop generally is above 'the average, and as the price has been good, the local growers are having a good season. Owners of vineries are very busy just now. The grape thinning is about finished and the crop promises to he a good one; Tomatoes are doing well and are colouring nicely. Large quantities will soon he on the market, PUBLIC HALL TRUST. A very successful and fully attended meeting of members of, the Ardgowan Public Hall Trust was held recently, Mr H. E. Watson presiding. Satisfactory arrangements were made for the painting and lighting of the new hall, which is nearing completion. Other business was also discussed in connection with the hall. - A FAVOURABLE WEEK. The week just ending has bean highly favourable to farming pursuits in North Otago. Thg good rain, of Saturday wee followed by fine days, hut as a cold wind blew from the south, there was scarcely sufficient warmth. The conditions had much improved on Thursday and Friday. Hay-making is in progress in all directions, and an excellent supply of winter fodder is assured. The crops, generally speaking, are looking strong and vigorous. Both oats and autumn-sown wheat ore now headed, and some of the oat crops should bo ready for cutting in the course of. a fortnight. Shearing on the low country isvery nearly completed, and the clips ,are reported to be wall up to the standard. Buyers are actively scouring the district for lambs for the opening of the freezing works on Monday. Some fairly good drafts are expected to be taken off the mothers.. The local dairy factories are still very busy, and the supplies of cream are being well maintained. • \. * , SHORTAGE OF SHEEP TRUCKS. At the meeting of the Farmers’ Union in Oamaru yesterday, the secretary stated that a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce, Auctioneers’ Association, A. and P. Association, and Farmers’ Union, was proposed to wait upon the railway station master in regard to the shortage of sheep trucks. The chairman stated that there had always been a shortage of trucks about weaning time. . | Mr ■ Dick said they had their own , freezing works, and it should not be necessary to truck sheep from Oamaru. Mr J. Newlands mentioned that Mr Clark intended conveying lambs to the works in lorries. ' ' It was decided that Messrs Ruddenklau and Forrester join in the deputation to wait upon the station master. DRUIDS’ LODGE. At a meeting of the Druids’ Lodge in Oamaru on Thursday night, the following officers were installed: —1.P.A., Bro. MTI- - A.D., Bro. A. E. Kearns; V.A., Bro, E. S. Martin; secretary, Bro. J. M’Jennett; treasurer, Bro. H. Granfell; M.S., Bro. W. G. Bain, sen.; 1.G., Bro. W. G. Bain, jun.; 0.G., Bro. E. Beaman; A. Bro D Hammill; V.A.D.8., Bro.' J. Fraser; V.A.8., Bro. R. A. Waring; M.'p., Bro. A. Eddington. The installation ceremony was performed by Bro. B. J. M’Nulty, in a most efficient manner, Visiting brethren were present from' Duntroon, Temuka, Timaru, and Otago.) Bro. L. A. Appleby, P.D.L., was made a presentation by Bro.’ A. E. Kearns on the occasion of his recent marriage. The evening was brought to a close with a supper and dance. MORTALITY IN LAMBS. A letter was read from the Chamber of Commerce at. yesterday’s meeting of the Farmers’ Union in Oamaru, suggesting the setting up of a joint committee to deal with the question of the mortality in lambs. •• The chairman thought the Agricultural Department was doing all it could in the matter of the mortality. He did not think a committee would be of much Service. Mr W. Forrester considered a committee would be of value. They would cooperate with the department, and show' that they were in sympathy with the department’s officers. Mr Dick endorsed the view of Mr Forrester. , It was decided that Messrs Dick and Ruddonblau be appointed the delegates of the executive to the committee. THE BLIND. INSTITUTE. The Oamaru Rotary Club has been enabled as a result of the recent concert to send a cheque for £59 Iss to the Jubilee Institute for the Blind in Auckland. MUSIC EXAMINATIONS. OAMARU'S, HIGH STANDARD. The annual practical examinations of the Associated Board of- the Royal Academy and Royal College of Alusic, London, were held jn Oamaru on December 1, by Air Russell Chester, examiner for the board. Commenting on the work Air Chester stated that the standard of teaching and preparation of the candidates were excellent. The following secured successful posses, the names being in alphabetical order! The board does not publish marks awarded, but details are sent to evory candidate:— LOCAL CENTRE EXAMINATIONS. Intermediate Grade. —Honours: Dawson, Isabel (Aliss H. Cartwright, L.A.8.). SCHOOL EXAAIINATIONS.

Lower Division.—Hon. Mention: Paterson, Audrey (Miss Cartwright, L.A.8.). Elementary Division.—Hon, Mention: M illiamson, Grade (Miss H, Cartwright, L.A.8.).

Elementary Division.—Pass; Brewster, Hazel fMiss M. Cartwright) ; Owen, Mabel (Miss Cartwright). Primary Division,—Hon. Mention; Henderson, Kathleen (Miss Duggan); Lee Sylvia (Miss Cartwright). Primary Division.-Pass; Gant, Edna (Mis* M- CartwrigbtfcU

ST. KEVIN'S COLLEGE, REDCASTLE. , Primary Division.—Hon. Mention: Baird, Allen; M'Cormacb, John; Windle, Harry; Windle, James. Primary Division.—Pass: Morkane, ChftJles. CONVENT, TESOHEMAKBRS. Lower Division.—Pass: Cameron, Violet; Hallien, Madge. Elementary Division.—Pass: CuddonLarge, Dorothy. Special mention was made of -the remarkable performance and excellent preparation of Miss Isabel Daw-eon, who gained honours in the intermediate grade. Mr Chester stated that her’ performance was amongst the finest he had heard in New Zealand. LAWN TENNIS NOTES. ' Another almost perfect week has added much to the enjoyment of lawn tennis players, the local courts being taxed to the uttermost to accommodate - players. Saturday afternoon was the exception, and the matches were, once more postponed. Bad luck seems to be dogging match days this Season, only one day so far enabling matches to be completed. During the week Wesley and Awamoa B completed their match, Wesley running out winners by 14 sets to 10, Wesley players have improved considerably since entering the competitions, and should next season be able to field a very strong team. The next round of the fixtures takes place to-day, Waimate meeting Oamaru at Oamaru, and Awamoa playing Meadowbank at the latter’s courts. The game between Oamaru and . Waimate should prove very interesting, but on past form Waimate should run out winners. Both sides are strong in all departments of the game, but Waimate appear to be stronger from the fourth players down. Awamoa and Meadowbank should also prove a good game, although on paper Awamoa should win comfortably. Meadowbank have a good set of young players, and can be depended upon to put up a good fight. In the Junior Grade Awamoa play Meadowbank, Hill play Wesley, Awamoa B journey to Herbert, Pukeuri travel to Morven, and Oamaru, who were to play Waimate, have a bye owing to repairs to the Waimate court. These are the last club games before the holidays, the next round taking place on the last Saturday in January. The men’s ladder has again seeh a few changes during the week, the: following being the results:—J. Familton beat Deal in straight sets o—2,0 —2, 6—4, G. Henry beat L. Henry 6—4, 6—-3, K. Familton beat G. Henry 6—4, 6—2, Deal beat Swindley B—l, ,6—4, Wilson bear APEwan 6—B, 1 7—5. The latter match was one of the hardest played this season, both players showing signs, of strain at the finish. It was a game of hard hitting followed up-by good net play. Wilson puts a lot of top-spin»on his drive, but for the energy expended does not get the pace he deserves. The game, as the score indicates, could have , gone cither way, Wilson’s smashing being the deciding factor. M’Ewan played a very fine game, his drives carrying good pace and length, while his air work was quite sound. Another tix inches on his height would make him very hard to beat, but what he lacks in reach, he certainly makes up in .energy. The only ladies' match, played during the week was a club ladder match between Mrs Bradley and Mrs Wilson, the former winning 7—4. Conditions were not good for tennis, a cold southerly making it difficult to judge the flight of the ball. Mrs Bradley adapted herself batter to the' conditions than Mrs Wilson, and took the match with more margin than was expected. Word received privately from the country is to the effect that the Country Committee is accepting the date offered it for a match Town v. Country. ' A meeting is being held at Kurow to-night to finalise matters. The town team will probably be picked from the sixth man on the ladder, and thus give ■ younger players an opportunity of extending the country players. This procedure is only being adopted subject to the approval of the sub-association.

As is pointed out in an advertisement in this issue, entries for the local Christmas tournament close on Saturday next, and intending entrants are asked to have their entries in early. There is no need to state the popularity of this annual event, one has only to ask past participants in the tourney to get the right answer. ■ As in most small .tourneys the holiday spirit prevails, and as, is shown in past years, players always come back for more.

The programme for this year is the same as last, with the addition of junior events for boys and girls. This year, as will bo seen by the programme, the committee has decided to take advantage of the Saturday aftern'oon prior to the holidays in order to get off some of the local entries,-. and thus save 'any rush that may happen owing to wet weather. This applies to local entries only, visitors are not required until the Monday, and even 1 then they may be excused if arrangements are made. The Otago Daily Times Cup should add interest to the men’s singles event, and the tournament should be one of the most successful yet Ijfcld. WAITAKI FARMERS’ FREEZING ' COMPANY. The annual meeting of shareholders of the Waitaki Fanners’ Freezing Company, Ltd,, was held in the Oamavu Opera House yesterday aftex-noom Mr J. E. ‘ Austin, chairman of directors, presided over a small attendance. The report and balance sheet were taken as read. In 1 moving their adoption, the chairman said: “ The profit and loss account for the year shows a profit of 15065 12s 9d, and this amount, less £SOO written off preliminary expenses, has been transferred to the appropriation account, ' The result of the year is'very pleasing, and I am sure will be good news to you all. When you look at our balance sheet you will see that if the present conditions continue for a few yeax-s, we shall be in the happy position of having recovered our losses in the past two years. An analysis of our accounts will show that our wages and ovex’head expenses have been reduced by over £3OOO per annum. This has resulted from the loyal support given us, larger outputs, good management, and the hearty coopei ation of all our staff. The arx’angeinent with the debenture holders, the New Zealand Refrigerating Co., that debentures due be postponed, has been renewed. The company is thus enabled to [ offer to its shareholders and clients the highest market x'ates for their mutton and lamb, and at the snmo time to incur no speculative risk. This arrangement Jinp worked very satisfactorily. During the past year, it enabled us to handle and in- • creased quantity of stock, and has assured us a resonable profit. Pukeuri being a modern works and well handled, is able to show results, which, we believe, areequal to, if not better than, those of any other in the Dominion. I am glad to be ' able to say that for the period 0 f two j years during which X have been acting as ! your chau-man of directors, those arrange- ' meats have been in force with the New Zealand Refrigerating Company. I can say with confidence that the Waitaki I armors breezing Company is now assured of a safe and prosperous future, and I will only add that in any negotiations \- llr ./ conduct with the -New Zealand Refrigerating Company I , have been met in a fair and reasonable spirit. It is no doubt clear lo you that at one time we wex'e faced with the possi- 1 bility of disaster, but thanks to the above factors we have now turned the corner,

and hope to continue in these safe trading lines. The larger our killings the larger will be our profits, and I appeal to you to make it a condition of sale t}iat your lambs must be killed at the Pukenri works. Great credit is due to our chairman, Mr Milligan, who in London has rendered invaluable service to the company in respect to past due tills. Your directors 'appreciate the support accorded in the past year, in which the killings of the factory were 294,676, carcasses, the largest killings since we took over the works. While some part of the expansion is no doubt due to an increase in stock in the district, the greater part, I think, is due to a recognition of the' fact_ that our works provide all the requisite facilities for preparing meat for export, that we can give the highest ruling rates, and that every lamb killed with us is of benefit to the district. It is the policy of the board to ship all our meat from the local port, and only one consignment was shipped from Timaru in the past year. Greater killings mean moif.e work, for workers, both at our works and at the wharf. This results in a greater spending power with a consequent , increase in business. We main-j tain, rightly, I think, that our operations benefit' both country and town. ’ V"cry pleasing reports have been received from- Home concerning the quality of our products. I might mention that woo] carrying our brand . topped the market at the July sales. Last season wag a very* poor one from a fattening point of view, and the quality df the lambs treated Was not as good as that of the previous year. I would hgain draw your attention to the loss occasioned by the careless handling of lambs. Many ■prime lambs are reduced to. second grade, and some rejected through bruising caused by wool pulls, and careless trucking. The works have been maintained in good repair out of revenue, and will be opened for the killing of stock on Monday next, December 10. The prospects for the commg season are bright. There has been good lambing and the country 'is looting well. With your loyal support the coming year should result in a' good profit again being shown.”

4- Sheat, ia aeconding the motion, congratulated the directors upon the result of the year’s operations. He con. sidered the management of the works was excellent, and he did not think it necessary to appeal to the farmers for loyal support to Pukeuri, He pointed out that these works were of great value to the poet of Oamaru, and to local business people. The facilities at the port had Seen greatly improved since'the company came . into existence. Mr R, Hedges, at one of what he termed the "dry*' shareholders, endorsed the remarks of Mr Sheat and stated that 'the better shipPing facilities were in themselves a divianddh w-tt” J ‘ E ‘ Austin ’ A - MTnnes, and D. Williams were re-elected directors without opposition, and on the moton of Mr Hedges the directors’ fees were fixed Vr® 1 rate 83 kst rear. Mr D. V- G. Smith was re-elected auditor at b jj am iV em “ neration fl s previously. Mr Ruddenklau, jun„ asked if buyers were °° the foot - the chair“tV*? l ?? d ln the negative. Mr Sheat' asked if 14was possible to send lambs to 111 w° b T y , ,o! T yi 88 waa being done in Sff^ r h |, lß i and - The secretary stated that they had an arrangement with the Kailways Department in regard to shipping facilities, and it would not be in the interests of the company to start in opposition to the railways. He understood, however, that a private lorry service was being started on roads that did not compete with the.railways., A shareholder .asked if the company would compel shareholders to pay up their arrears in share capital.- The chairman replied that they were doing this by summons and otherwise. Some of the shareholders were paying 6 per cent, interest. Another shareholder suggested that defaulters who supplied stock should have the value of their shaves .deducted from the price of their stock. The chairman said the position of every shareholder was thoroughly investigated. They were nursing some of them in the hope that they would be able to pay. Mr A. MTnnes stated that when the whole position was dealt with, they hoped that there would not be more than £IOOO unrecoverable. On the. motion of Mr L. Kelcher, hearty votes of thanks were passed to the chairman, the directors, and the staff. In responding, the chairman said that excellent .arrangements had been made for the future, and the directors were very hopeful. The whole matter rested with the farmers themselves. He trusted that the nest season would be a record one. If it proved so, he had reason to think that the value. of their shares would go up to par. He could not understand why farmers should go past their own works for the disposal of their stock. At a subsequent meeting of directors, Mr J. E. Austin was re-elected chairman for 'tKo ensuing year. - FARMERS ANXIOUS. Farmers in North Otago are displaying some anxiety just now,'owing to the shortage of rain. Crops that promised well a few weeks ago. have gone off, and will be a failure. Particularly 'is this the case on the lighter country. Many of the pastures are brown and bare, while turnips have failed :to strike owing to the lack of moisture. The situation ji not nearly as bright, from the point of view of many farmers, as it was last month. CONFIRMATION SERVICE, * A confirmation service was held in St. Luke’s Church last evening by the Bishop of Dunedin (Dr Richards). A fair number of candidates was presented. ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. At a meeting of the council of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society, over which Mr Joseph Martyn presided, the resignation of Mr Raymond Smith, owing to his removal from the district, was received and accepted with regret, and the secretary was instructed to inscribe on the minutes a motion of appreciation of Mr Smith’s valued services to the council, and to write congratulating him on his promotion. The -Department of Internal Affairs acknowledged a letter in which it was stated that 'the society wished the same regulations for deer stalking as in the previous year, and advised that the matter would-receive the department’s consideration. Copies of the fishing licenses with regulations thereon were received from all South Island societies and an opinion on the legality of certain baits and lures was received from Mr L. H. Sumpter. The editor of the Now Zealand Fishing and Shooting Gazette reported the destruction by fire of their premises and apologised for the delay of the next issue. The New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies Association advised that a conference of curators of fish hatcheries of the Dominion would be held in Wellington at the end of February. The chief inspector of fisheries (Mr A. B. Hefford) had promised to attend and invitations would be issued to Mr C. Ayson (conservator of fish at Rotorua), and Captain Phillips (research fellow for the Wellington Society), and others. Applications for blocks for deer stalking were received and were decided by ballot and permits authorised for parties to cull ou Birchwood Station to the Canyon mouth.

The Department of Interna! Affairs wrote asking that the society submit a recommendation for the game season commencing on May I.—lt was decided to reply recommending that the regulations be the same as last year, with, in addition, an open season of two weeks for paradise ducks in the Roborough Downs and Omarama districts; that tiia season for pukeko be a fortnight for the whole district, not more than six head of pukeko or paradise dud: to be shot by any one sportsman in .any one day; and that the total hag for a day be limited to 25 head

in all, of grey ducks, black swan, paradise duck, and pukeko. ’ A sub-committee comprising , Messrs Martyn, Sumpter, Dewar, and Milligan was appointed to go into the matter of local fishing regulations and report at the February meeting. . f . It was decided that no meeting be held till the first Thursday in February. Accounts totalling £43 13s Id were passed for payment. ; THE EGG SUPPLIERS. A meeting of members of the Dunedin Egg Suppliers' Association was held ; in Oamaru yesterday. The meeting was hot open to tbo press, but it is understood that a certain course of action was decided upon in regard to a firm that has been buying eggs in the district. . PERSONAL. Mr J. G, Currie, of the Oamaru postal staff, has, been promoted to the position of postmaster at Hinds (Canterbury). Mr Raymond W. Smith, who has beeb attached to the Oamaru staff of Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. ■ for shine years, has received the appointment of South Island representative for the John Deere tractor. His home will be in Christchurch. Mr Smith has been very popular in Oamaru, and his many friends will wish him every success in his new position. . , MOTOR ACCIDENT. Two motoring visitors to Oamaru who were intending to view the town from the , north end of Greta street had a rather exciting experience; as'their car ran over a steep side of the road on to the footpath. - Mr G. M. Gardiner and Misses Gardiner and Bright, who were standing on the -path, were struck by the car, but escaped with minor injuries. COMPETITIONS SOCIETY The committtee of the Oamaru Competitions Society has tentatively arranged to held next year's festival in the first fortnight of- August. Steps are ■ being taken to select the judges for the three main competitions. ' THE KUROW FIRE. _ Although a detective has been- in the district, no fresh developments have occurred in connection with the Kurow fire, in which there is a strong suspicion of burglary and incendiarism. THE GARDEN FETE. - The garden fete to be held in the Oamaru Public Gardens this afternoon and evening in aid of the contest funds of the sth Rifles Band promises to be a great success, Many novel forma of entertainment are being provided. A SAD CASE - A man named Matthews, who had been tramping the country for weeks in the vain hope of finding employment, walked into the police station at Hafepden in a famished condition, and asked to be taken into custody. The local constable complied with his request, gave him a meal, and charged him with vagrancy.' . Mr W. Murcott; J.P., sentenced', him to one month’s* imprisonment in the Timatu Gaol. . f RELIABILITY TRIAL. A motor cycle reliability trial commenced from Timaru last night. Twentythreo cyclists left Timaru shortly after 0 o’clock. . They will proceed to Palmerston, Dmtback,’ Outram, and Dunedin, and return to-morrow evening.