NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20643, 15 February 1929, Page 14

NORTH OTAGO.

(From Qua Special Coeees«,wdenx.)

THE REGIMENTAL BAND. The Fifth Mounted Rifles Band, assisted by local talent, gave a concert in the Oamaru Opera House last night to a large audience. The band, which is competing at the Wanganui contest gave the quickstep march, the two test selections, and its own choice hymn in fine style. Bandsmen W. Thomas (flugal horn) and A. M'Neil (tenor horn), rendered solos, and vocal numbers were given in pleasing style by Madame Winnie trasc-r -(soprano), .Mr Johnson Mayfield, and Mr J. Weir, while Mr A. Stanley Warwick and Miss D. Catto contributed elocutionary items. Dancing by tlic pupils of Misses Sparr and Bee added variety to what was a very attractive programme. BUILDING SOCIETY. At a meeting of provisional directors of the Waitnki Permanent Investment and Building Society, the rules that had been prepared by a sub-committee were considered and approved. THE "BIG THREE" FETE. All arrangements have been' completed for the "Big Three" Fete, which is to b e held in the Oamaru Public Gardens tomorrow in aid of the funds of the Municipal Band, the Pipe Band, and the North Otago Caledonian Society. The programme for the occasion is most attractive, and includes a number of unique features. The fete will proceed throughout the afternoon and evening, and will provide entertainment for both old and young. A trial illumination of the gardens is to be made this evening, when a large crowd is cxp-ected to be present. LAWN TENNIS. The following are the Meadowbank Juniors to play Morven at Morven tomorrow:— Botting Hintz, M'Quade, For* rest, Rutherford, MacdOnald, Misses D Miller, 0. Rutherford, N. and M. Macpherson, P. Robins, and Hartlev; emergencies, M. Lamont and Miss W.'Slater. GRASS FIRES. The country to the west of Oamaru is very dry at the present time, and grass tires have occurred at various places along the railway line between Pukeuri and Kurow. Hundreds of acres have been swept bare by grass fires, which are almost of daily occurrence. A SETTLER'S FUNERAL. The whole countryside turned out yesterday to pay tribute to the late Mr William Sutherland, one of the oldest settlers in the Duntrqon district. The cortege of motor cars was more than a mile in length. The casket was covered with beautiful wreaths The ceremony at the house and at the graveside was impressively performed by the Rev. A. C. Wedderspoon, who paid a warm eulogy to the deceased settler, and expressed the sentiment of hundreds of friends when he said that Mr Sutherland had spent a happy hfe and had used his utmost endeavour to make his neighbours happy. He was one of the few who could make merry even in advereity. CRICKET. The draw for th e cricket matches to be played at Oamaru to-morrow is as follows: Second Grade.—School A v. St. Kevin's, at School; Union v. Oamaru, at King George's Park; School B v. School C, at School; Albion v. Country, at Takaro Park. Third Grade.—School A v. School B, at School; St. Kevin's' A v. Union, at mi v '' St - Kevin 's B, a bye. The 6enior matches commenced last Saturday are to be concluded. OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of the Oamaru Borough Council was held last evening, there being present the Mayor (Mr Frank Crawshaw), and Crs J. M. Forrester, W S. Crombie. H. J. Jenkins, H. G. Deal F. Goorrsy, W. Wright, H. Abbott, E. A *ox, J. A. Macpherson, J. T. Calder, K. i'anulton, and J. M'Diarniid. The manager of the abattoirs reported that during the month of January there were slaughtered at the abattoirs 187 head of large cattle, 871 sheep and lambs, two pigs, and one calf, of which one cow and three sheep were condemned. the borough inspector (Mr Whyte) rp. ported that during the past fortnight dog registration fees amounting to £32 10s had been collected. Overhanging trees in certain locahties had been removed, and nve petrol pumps had been erected on private property. The total number of motor lorries now licensed was 38, being 10 more than lor the corresponding period last year.

M hen the outward correspondence was being rend Cr M’Diarmid took exception to what he described as the “pessimistic tone of a letter address&d to the member tor the district in regard to the sink- , of the borough loans Tile solicitor of the Municipal Associatmn forwarded an opinion that shops and olhces that were imtenannled -were not ‘entitled to rebates of rntes iv* ? ve r of nb I s ? nce was wanted Inspector Whyte for his annual holidays next month.

Several applications for joint sewage connections u*ere granted. Permission was granted Mr J, Robertson to turn storm water into a drain. Miss Trebles tendered her resignation as a member of the office staff, and this was accepted with regret. Mr Stanley Warwick complained of the danger ot a crossing in Greta street, on winch he had tripped and injured his toot, ihe matter was referred to Cr Fox and the engineer to attend to. The resignation of Miss Joll as cVire taker or the rest room was accepted with regret, and it was decided to advertise tor a successor.

Mr William O’Leary wrote asking foj relief work in order that be might be able to pay his rates. Cr Fox stated that to employ Mr 0 Leary would be to establish a dangerous precedent. The letter was received.

An inquiry as to whether a portion ol the gardens would be available for croquet was referred to the Reserves Committee. An application for the transfer of the lease of the municipal offices from Messrs Wright.' Stephenson and Co., to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company was granted. Tiro manager stated, in answer to a question, that R was proposed to expend £IOO in renovating the offices. A report was received from the curator of the gardens (Mr Tait), in which it was recommended that certain improvements be effected to his residence. He stated that it was bis desire to make the res'dence one of the attractions of the gardens —On the motion of Cr Deal, it was decided that • improvements be effected', to the value of about £23. It was also decided that the spouting round the residence and band rotunda be renewed., and that new tubs be provided. Inspector Fischer reported on the Medway street drain, and the report was considered satisfactory. The Finance Committee reported the following balances:—District fund account (credit). £2863 ICs lOd; loan account. £744 6s; deposits. £SOIO The,committee recommended for payment the following accounts:—General. £1369 16s 7d; loan. £66 4s It also stated that the town clerk had been authorisced to advertise for an office assistant at £l3O per annum (commencing salary), to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Peebles.— Adopted.

The Waterworks Committee recommended that D. Fraser and W. Godsail

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT,

be each granted a half-inch, supply from the race (one pipe to supply both), at a charge of £1 10s per annum. It also recotnmgended that J. Rawcliffe be appointed to the permanent staff, and stated that a copy of the engineer’s report in regard to_ leaky joints on the highpressure service had been forwarded to Mr F J. Williams for his report.— Adopted.

The By-laws Committee reported that both Messrs Frickleton and D. Courtney’s leases of the pie cart stands had been renewed for 12 months provided the rent was paid half-yearly in advance.— Adopted. The Works Committee reported that the petition for improvements to Witham street had been held over for consideration with the estimates. It recommended that the Boptist Churcbh trustees be permittee! to erect a stone building against the dividing wall, the plans to be” submitted to the engineer before the work was commenced, and that the road in Wansbeck street, at the intersection of Ure street, be repaired, and a large grating be provided at the channel.. The comnuthtee stated that Mr E. Grenfell had been asked to discontinue using the fountain his property (section 7, block XXXVIII) for one month, in order to ascertain if it was the cause of the water flowing over the footpath.— Adopted. The Reserves Committee recommended that a sign be erected at t\e main gates of the Gardens directing motorists to the Chelmer street entrance, and that .he “Big Three Fete” Committee bo granted the use of the Gardens on the evening of the 15th inst. It also recommended that G. Martin be appointed to the permanent staff.—Adopted.

The Baths Committee recommended that the swimming club be granted the use of the baths on Tuesday evenings instead of Wednesdays, and also ou the evening of the 19th inst, for the purpose of holding a carnival. —Agreed to The engineer reported a shortage of water at Waiareka since last Monday, and recommended that a restriction be placed upon the use of water in gardens during the remainder of the summer months. —In answer to Cr M'Diarmid, the Mayor stated that it had been found impossible to deliver water to the residents of Waiareka at all times on the existing terms.—Cr Forrester pointed out ‘‘bat the water from the Cape reservoir was t ot available to the residents of Waiareka. It was never intended that it should be. —Cr M'Diarmid said he thought some arrangement might be .made whereby the residents of Waiareka could receive the water they required.;—The engineer stated that the main reservoir was overflowing with water. —Cr Calder suggested tlat water be supplied to Waiareka at certain hours of the day.—Cr Familton said the whole thing was one of policy. He thought if they took the money f-nm Waiareka residents they should supply them with water. —On the motion of Cr Jenkins, seconded by Cr M'Dianuii, it was’decided that the question be referred to the Waterworks Committee. The borough engineer reported on the work done in the borough during the. past month. He stated that the Avo.. street water pumps had delivered 1,641,412 gallons r water to the high-level reservoir. and the Greta street .sewage pumps had delivered 787,465 gallons to the sewage gravity system. The repair gang had completed repairs at the intake, and it ■ is at present engaged 1 on minor repairs to the small flumes on the water race. The number of men employed on the staff at the end of January was as follows: Town maintenance, 22; sanitation and water, 5; water race supply, 10. The total, wage expenditure in the three accounts for the month of January was £712 19s 9d.

Cr Jenkins, as chairman of the Baths Committee, stated Jiat a capitation grant had been made to scholars who _ took a certain number of lessons in swimming. He had granted permission for primary school children to have extra hours at the baths.— T he action of Cr Jenkins was approved. On the motion of Cr Familton, it was decided .that Inspector Fischer be attached to the Works Committee, and that be report, that committee, .