NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20892, 5 December 1929, Page 13

NORTH OTAGO.

{Faou Oub Special Coebmpondiht.)

HERBERT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. During his visit to Herbert the moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Kcv. Professor Hewitson, 8.A., preached in the Herbert Church, gave addresses at the annual congregational, socials, and also spoke to the pupils of the Herbert School. At the morning service held at the Herbert Church on Sunday, a memorial tablet of the portrait of the Rev. John Ryley was unveiled. Professor Hewitson preached on “ Leadership,” emphasising the fact that great leaders of thought and action were needed to make the history of a people. He epoko of the man who struggled to achieve, and remarked that the world needed only two kinds of men —the earnest thinker and the honest toiler. The moderator stated that the Rev. John Ryley was a pioneer, and had been a builder of churches, Herbert, Hampden, Kakanui, Port Chalmers, and Tarras having been built under his leadership. Mr Rodman read the steps leading to the erection of the tablet, and presented the memorials in the name of the officebearers. The Rev. P. C. Rennie accepted them as a sacred trust, and thereupon unveiled the tablet. The moderator then offered the dedicatory and . coramemorative prayer. The inscription on the tablet is: “To the Honour and Glory of God, and in Honoured Remembrance of "P? -Rev. John Ryley, First Minister of f" l ® Charge, 1864-1881. A fine Preacher, a Devoted Pastor, and a Strong Friend. A good minister of Jesus Christ. Erected by the Congregation,” The choir sang an appropriate anthem, and the service was then brought to a close by the moderator, "‘•jo Pronounced the benediction. There was a large gathering at the annual social held on Monday evening, when, the various session reports were read. Among the speakers were the Revs P. C. Rennie, W. French, A. Watson. Maclean, and Professor Hewitson. During the evening the choir rendered several anthems. Earlier in the day the moderator visited the primary school, and was introduced by Mr Saunders, headmaster, to the children. Mr Hewitson gave an address on training for services, and of the several ways by which children were trained that their bodies, minds, and souls might be made serviceable. They were to be great scholars, good' sports, and .strong citizens of Now Zealand through obedience and love. BOWLING. Ph« I nii C p?*; inß rI o J T rs , wiil represent the Phoenix Club on Saturday;—Phoenix No. at Awamoa: D. Reid, H. f- b. .familton, Hear. Littlejohn; Crisp, Ironside, J. Mitchell. Dunbar; John Reid, K. Familton. Dumbleton. G. Mitchell; PnnK Gr A? fell> Hamilton, A. Thomson. Pollock. - Chase, C. Robertson, Bedford, Bastings; J. H. Grenfell, Stewart, A. Gilchrist, Panckhurst; W. James, Forrester, Adams, J. Reid; B. Easton, J, Robertson. a dcr b, eme r ee ’l ci f 8 > L. Williams and l-reebury. Phoenix No. 2 v. Meadowbank. at Phronix: Ivibblewhite. J. Robertson, H. Watl™’ | lat p r; Gl M’Donald, Matson, E Grenfell; Duncan, Simkin, Weavers, A. Robertson; Brownlie. CagT.Mni lnook ' r A -, Wr . iß,1t , : Crai B' O’Sullivan. Armstrong. Aikenhead; Rre inner, Common, J. M'Donald, J. Grant; Forrest, ?r“f S i C n Brcnvu. T. Herron; W, W. Mitchell, H. Easton, Ogilvie, Humphries l emergencies, Kirkness and Couper. Ihe following will represent Awamoa:— Crombie, Burry M'Narry, Buist; Thomson, Ralph, Tisdall, Cook; Tomkins, Benson, M Jennett, Crawshaw; Wilson, Gcrm, Robertson. Hewat; Grant, A. Miller Dunbar Hodge; Ferguson. Shepherd. Adamson. Molhson; Russell. Rusbatch. .lenkins. Soriey; Stichman, Moss, M’Donaid, NValton, Pi^ e : team iw° J rcpi ; esent Awa *noa against flinenix on Wednesday next are as follow: Mullm, Kinder. Adamson, Buist: Crom- , , L P p - Jenkins, Cook; Russell, Rusbatch, Dunbar, Crawshaw: Kennedy, Tomkins. M Earry, Hewat; Thomson, Stubbs, M Donald. Hodge; Stringer.' Robertson, .MJennett. Molhson; Vernor. Main, Tisdnll, Sorley; Excell, Brown, Christie. Walton* BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL. At the anniversary services of the Baptist Sunday School the children represcutecl ths choir at both the wiorninc and evening services. The celebration was continued on Tuesday by a tea for the children, which was followed by an entertainment in the evening. The following contributed to the programme:—Recitations—Edna Ward. Joy Hughes. Nellie

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

Hawton, James M‘Cafiery, Noelen Smyth. Muriel Carrad. Mary Hughes, Peggy Sutherland, Muriel Campbell, and Joyce Smyth; songs—kindergarten children, Miss Palmer’s girls. Miss Old’s girls, and junior Bible class girls; songs—Miss Eva Fawcett, Jessie Cunningham, Kathleen Campbell, and James M’Caffery; pianoforte solos—Azalia Brown, Averil Smyth, Dorothy Green,, and Mavis Foss; pianoforte duet. Mavis Foss and Averil Smyth; dialogues—junior Bible class boys, junior Bible class girls; violin solo, Miss Alice Olds; violin duet. Miss Alice Olds and Master Bertie Olds. Votes of thanks were passed to Mrs Brown, who had trained the ‘ children in singing. Miss Mavis Foss (pianist), and Miss Smyth, who put in a great deal of work in training the children for the concert. YOUNG PEOPLE’S ANNIVERSARY Services in connection with the Salvation Army Young People’s anniversary was held on Sunday last, and were conducted by Brigadier Gray, of Wellington. At the afternoon service a short programme was contributed by the children, after which the brigadier presented the prizes. There was a large and enthusiastic audience at the annual social on Monday evening, when a very enjoyable programme was submitted by the children under the direction of Mrs W, Tonkin. The evening’s entertainment consisted ol recitations, dialogues, company songs, vocal and instrumental items. WESLEY CHURCH FUNCTION. There was a large gathering at the Wesley Hall to do honour to Miss Ironside, the new organist, and the Rev. 0. Leadley, assistant minister. The Rev. J. Harris presided, and extended a hearty welcome to Miss Ironside and tire Rev. Mr Leadley. In his remarks -the Rev. Mr Harris spoke of the friendship between the Rev. Mr Leadley and himself, and. knew him n% a mon with a very fine spirit. Ho also remarked that tjie Rev. Mr Leadley was fresh from the seat of learning, and so was fully equipped for service. He also gave a. hearty welcome to Miss Ironside, and said he know that she would soon feel at home among the members of the parish. Miss H. Beech voiced the. welcome of the young ladies, and Mr Sim of the Sunday school and Junior Endeavour, and among others who spoke were Messrs Williams, Knight, Dalmer, G. H. Bridgman, and A. Miller. The Rev. Mr Leadley suitably replied, while Mr Grocott responded oh behalf of Miss Ironside. During the evening a very enjoyable programme was submitted, the following contributing to the programme:—Songs—Misses M. Rae, W. Slater, Common. P. Familton, and Messrs Tweed and G. Mitchell; pianoforte solo, Miss Ironside; pianoforte duet. Masters E. Howell and F. Mitchell. NORTH OTAGO BEEKEEPERS. A very interesting afternoon was spent by members of the North Otago branch of the National Beekeepers’ Association on the occasion of the field day. Owing to the unfavourable weather conditions, the demonstrations were carried -out indoors. Mr Wylie, president of the branch, explained the different systems of swarm control. Mr S. C. Rhodes, apiary instructor, answered many questions, and also read a paper on the possibilities of the honey industry in Otago and Southland. A demonstration was then given by Mr Paterson on his system ofi dealing with old combs and' the sterlising offrames by steam. Afternon tea was kindly provided by Mr and Mrs Paterson. EDUCATION COMMITTEE. The Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, accompanied by the Minister of Education (Mr H. Atmore) and the Director of Education (Mr T. B. Strong) arrived at Oamaru ■ yesterday morning, beinjr met by Mr J. A. Macpherson, M.P. The visitors were entertained at luncheon at the Rotary Club, where they were welcomed by the Mayor (Mr Frank Crawshaw), and Mr Atmore delivered an engrossing address to Rotanang on the ideals of education. The afternoon was occupied in visiting the Waitaki Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, and in the evening evidence -was heard, which, following parliamentary procedure was taken in committee. To-morrow the committee will visit the Otekaicke Special hchool before leaving for Christchurch in the afternoon, DEPUTATION TO MINISTER OF EDUCATION. Yesterday a deputation from the Uamarii South School was received by t . h ® Minister of Education - (Mr H.’ Atmore) in connection with the erection ot an open-air classroom in place of one ot the intant rooms, and also in regard to. the grading and staffing of decapitated schools. The deputation was introduced by Mr J. A. Macpherson, M.P., who expressed himself in hearty sympathy with the request for an open-air classroom as the present room was certainly defective ™ a health point of view. Mr D. Jackman (president of the School Committee) stated that the Otago Ji,(location Board was in favour of the open-air classroom, and he ako asked the Minister to consider the question of dccapitated £choola and the effect ou the Srofimg and staffing of such .schools. • it Familton pointed out that during the past 10 years the parents had given £2OOO, which had been spent in imErovements on the department’s propertv, year they gave £250, the greater part of which was spent in the purchase a s s ctlon - The school, the board, and the department contributed one-third each. The.infant room was not a good ■one for children, and if they could obtain a grant from the department they would like to build an open-air classroom and remodel the front at a cost of £6OO. He was sure the Minister would admit that when the parents gave £l5O they were in earnest. Mr J. M. Wilson maintaned that because the school was a decapitated school a large percentage of the pupils were infants. The room.in question was to the south, and no snn got into that room during school hours. North Otago was certainly in the south, but medical people assured them that an open-air room would be just as successful in North Otago as in the North Island. He asked the Minister to give very careful consideration to the position of decapitated schools. Unfortunately, the average attendance of the South School was considerably below the roll, and he asked that the grading and staffing be fixed on. the roll. The school had gone down a grado,_ although the board had been very good in giving temporary teachers. A former director of education (Mr Caugliley) had given a definite promise that decapitated schools should not fall a grade, but the South School had. Mr Caughley assured them that the grading would not be affected in any way. Dr Fitzgerald (president of the newlyformed branch of the Open-air League) stated that there was a very fine climate in North Otago, approaching Hawke’s Bay and Nelson, but still they had far too much sickness among the school children. Colds ran through the schools. He was speaking of both the North and South Schools, and recently they had experienced an epidemic of bronchial and chesty colds. The old building was badlv ventilated and badly heated, the heating system causing catarrh in noses and heads and rendering the children susceptible to colds. In the last five years they had had one epidemic after another—whooping cough, measles, and chicken pox. and laid year scarlet fever, and the children seemed to get their infection in the schools. He recounted the effect ot an open-air room building for his own children, and added that it was the best in-

vestment ha had made. He suggested that the infant room should be. an openair room to build rip the physique of delicate children, and also suggested another open-air room for the other classes, so that each class could attend at least one of the school hours in it. Each day the open-air classroom gave adequate wormth and fresh air. and sunshine.

Mr Ironside (headmaster), in supporting the request, said that the one room was a menace to the health of the children, and spoke at length on the grading and staffing of the school. Out of 440 on the roll about 160 were in the infaut department. The school was graded 88, and it was seen that it could not be worked under a staff of grade 6A. Mr Mitchell confirmed the statements that the promise had been made by a former director of education, and had been fulfilled. The lowest ■ average attendance in any department of a primary school was in the infant department, and a school with one-fourth in the infant .department had to suffer, ■He strongly advocated basing grading and staffing on the roll. • He urged the Minister that if he_ could not see his way to introduce the principle of grading to roll numbers, then he ought to do it for the' decapitated schools.

Mr Macpherson corroborated the statements as to a definite promise being given, adding that he had also received a definite assurance from Sir James Parr to the same effect. He hoped the Minister would provide the staffs necessary to the schools. He hoped the Minister would recognise the splendid efforts of the parents, particularly in regard to the two schools which had been hit so hardly by the-introduction of junior high schools in Oamaru.,

Mr Atmore, in reply, spoke of the Fondalton and Tetnuka type of open-air classroom, and also of the open-air rooms with vita glass at Waitara and Hawera. This type was attracting a great deal of attention. One of the purposes of his tour was to get first-hand knowledge of the way in which the boys and girls were being educated. He felt admiration for the parents who had paid £2OOO in 10 years for the school, and recognised the food work done by the school committees le quoted figures of the deficit grant for education, unemployment, and the restoration of roads in the earthquake area, and regretted that they simply did not have the money to give move to the school committees than had been allotted. In the .Auckland district, the contributory school, which term he liked better than decapitated, were doing better than before the two standards'were taken away. The whole question would be inquired into, and nt this request Mr Ironside consented to furnish comparative figures for the different quarters. Mr Atmore added that he would visit both the South and North Schools to-day and fjive his decision in respect to the open-air room then. He realised that they wanted all the benefits of the teachers’ and commitmen’s experience to evolve the finest system of education which could not be too good for the boys and girls. Messrs Macpherson and Jackman returned thanks to the Minister for his courtesy in receiving the deputation. MAGISTRATE’S COURT. 0 ' " At the weekly sitting of the Oamaru Magistrates Court, before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., the following cases were dealt with:—William Chalmers, for driving a car without a sufficient rear light, was fined 5s and costs (12s).— — William Webb, for exceeding the ‘speed limit on Thames street, was fined 20s. Robert Alexander Nees, for driving a car without a sufficient g-ear light, was fined 5s and costs (12a). —; —The maintenance officer proceeded against Charles W. Glasson for arrears amounting to £2B 15s under a maintenance order. —Defendant was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment; the warrant to be suspended so long as defendant paid 25s on or before December 11 and 12s Od a week thereafter until the arrears were paid. In the Warden’s Court Alfred Adams (Mr Pollock) applied for a' watcrrace of five heads at Mncrewhenua, which was granted. -•-- . CIVIL CASES, Judgment by default was given in the following civil cases:—Waitaki Supply Stores, Ltd_. y. J. H. Taylor, f 1 3s (costa 8s); Waitaki Supply Stores, Ltd. v. J. S. Rae, 17s 3d (costs 10s); A. G. H. Robertson v. L. Jenkins, £3 2s Id (costs 8s). In the Judgment summons case, .Grave and Grave (Mr Pollock) v. John Rosa (Mr Hjorripg), judgment debtor, a stonemason of Oamaru, said that he was earning- £6 5s a week. He drew £8 10s a week for three months on the Severn street job. and at', the same time lie was also putting in work bn a contract job on the convent wall, for which he was drawing no wages, but which might or might not be of future value. The debt was due on the balance of. costs and disbursements in connection with the purchase of a property in Tees street, which was abandoned to go into a better property. ■ The Hull street • home was purchased by Mrs Ross, but he was quite sure the money was not paid by him to her. He had put in the drainage and electric light. He had had the telephone for five or six years, and he needed it to assist him in procuring work.— Counsel for judgment debtor produced n deed of assignment, and asked the court to look at the list of creditor’s, and the amounts. This deed was not signed by the judgment creditors. Mr Pollock said the judgment creditors were not satisfied with the conduct of the judgment debtor’s affairs. Mr Bundle intimated that it appeared'• to him a judgment summons should not be used for proceedings of that nature.- Mr Pollock asked was it fair that acreditbr who was dissatisfied should be bound by the deed of assignment. and suggested that the deed should not upset a judgment of the court.—The magistrate stated the court had to take all the circumstances into consideration,* which showed that the judgment debtor's financial position was involved, . In 1920 he entered into a composition with his creditors, and the judgment creditors did not see fit to enter into the deed. After heai’ing the evidence of the judgment debtor he "thought it would be improper for the court to make any order on a judgment summons. SEQUEL TO MOTOR COLLISION. ~T rl lx S - t -Staniford. saddler, cf Oamaru {Mr Hjornng), claimed £44 14s 8d from David E. E. Jone*, carrier, of Waipiata (Mr Main), alleging that defendant was negligent in driving on the Main oouth road on July 28, whereby his car was forced against plaintiff’s car, which was damaged.—Defendant counterclaimed, for £47 7s 6d on the grounds that the colhsion was due to the negligence of the plaintiff.—Plaintiff stated that he was almost over the road at the intersection when defendant's car struck his car in the rear, turning hip, car right ™ u ' ul - The defendant travelled on for 42 feet after hitting his car. Constable Marshall and witness measured the dietance. Witness stated that defendant said after the accident that he did not see plaintiff’s car at the time. Defendant would not give his name, and witness took the car number. The left tear wheeled Ins oar was hit by defendants car.—Cross-examined plaintiff said he was out for a pleasure drive, and was going out to Kakanui Beach. He. was doing about 20 miles an hour before he reached the intersection, when he slowed down to 15 miles an hour M hen lie came to the cutting he. looked .*'>« r'Kkt. and then to the loft, and decided that the intersection was clear for anjonc travelling at a reasonable speed. He sounded his horn three times. Ho. did not think he was running aiu risk in crossing the intersection at 15 miles an hour, as he could have pulled up at any time. He was on the correct side of the road when the impact took place. Defendant must have come up at a great speed. He knew nothing of the accident until the collision took place when his car was turned right round. The evidence of witnesses taken at Ranfurly that witness was travelling at 25 miles an hour and accelerated to pass in front of defendant's car was not true. Witness

notified the police, but they did not take any action.—-Esther Caroline Stamford, wite of the previous witness, corroborated his evidence. —Eric Swinard, foreman of the Royal Garage, gave evidence of the extent of damage done to plaintiff's car. The details of the counter-claim showed that defendant’s car struck plaintiff’s car. If plaintiff’s car had been travelling at any speed it must have capsized. The fact that defendant travelled on 42 feet showed that he must have been travelling at a fair speed. He thought £25 was reasonable for depreciation.—The right to call Constable Marshall, who. is at present in hospital, to give evidence at a later date,was reserved,—Mr Main submitted that the intersection was not readily discernible to a motorist travelling on the main road. The crossing was well known to plaintiff, but not to defendant, who was a stranger to the district. Defendant was travelling on the correct side of the road at 25 miles an hour.—Defendant said that he was following a Mr Hill to Dunedin, and when he saw plaintiff’s car he immediately applied the brakes, but plaintiff seemed to him to go faster. He veered a little to the left to give plaintiff a little more room to pull mp, and if he had’ done so there would _ have been no collision After the impact his car did not travel more than five to six feet. Witness detailed the conversation which followed after the collision, stating that plaintiff said he was doing 45 miles an hour when he came to the intersection, and that he accelerated to pass in front of witness in order to avoid an accident. Plaintiff .said be sounded the horn, and though witness did not hear it he'may have done so, as it was very windy. Had plaintiff come out slower there would have been .no collision, as witness would have been past. He was not aware of the cross road, and was keeping a good look-out. —Cross-examined: Witness said the monument did not convey any meaning to him of the danger of an inter-section. He suggested that plaintiff was travelling faster than witness, and it wan the speed of plaintiff’s car which caused it to turn right round. ■ He would swear he did hot travel further than six feet after striking plaintiff’s car. He had skidded his wheels about two car leugths away, and the wheel of plaintiffs car was smashed because of a rut. He did not know there was a road there, and gave no warning at the inter-section, —Mr Main addressed the court on points of law, quoting the case of Ulack v. Macfarlane, and pointing out that a motorist on a side road should proceed carefully and prudently.—Mr Hjorring submitted that on defendant’s own admission be saw plaintiff’s car two lengths away, and had the opportunity of pulling up or passing behind plaintiff’s car.- —The case was adjourned to enable the magistrate to view the scene of the collision. SERIOUS CHARGES.

At the afternoon sitting of the court, before Mr G. ,T. L. Kerr, J.P.. and W. Sumpter, J.P., George Qallie Millen. aged 74 years, was charged on three separate counts that he did attempt carnally to know a girl under the age of 12 years on November 1; that he did attempt carnally to know a girl under the age of 12 years on September 27; and that he did attempt carnally to know a girl under the age of 12 years on September 14. Mr C. B. Barraclough appeared-for the denfence. and Senior _ Sergeant Scott conducted the prosecution.—Senior Sergeant Scott stated that the. offences were alleged to have taken place at accused’s hut at various dates. Money and sweets were alleged to have been given by the accused. The first ■witness was a child aged 11 years, who gave evidence of visiting accused’s hut where she went for sweets and apples. She described what took-place on the last occasion when she went for some cabbage plants. Before she left accused, gave her 2s 6d and went but to see if anyone_ was looking. She had been there several times, on one occasion with another girl, when he gave them each a shilling. On , another occasion she was there with two other girls, when he gave them threepence each. She had also been there in company with the third girl when he gave them a shilling each. On these occasions she alleged the offences had taken place. It happened nearly every time she went for books and apples. Questioned by Mr Barrowclough witness said the accused often brought vegetables to her mother, and he was a friend, so that it was quite natural for him to give her an apple. One Saturday ne saw her playing in her own garden and gave her some lollies. He did not then attempt to kiss her, and she had never asked him to kiss . her. She knew what ,he had done was very wrong and she did not cry out because he told the other girl and her to keep quiet so. that nobody would hear them. There was a man living next door, and she knew there was a lady in there at the time. It was all one house with just'a wooden wall between. The door of accused's hut was generally open. She did not tell her mother because the accused told her ,not to tell her. Witness and the other -girls had never discussed whether they should tell their parents, though they had-often discussed the whole, matter. • A female witness gavn evidence of the adoption of the previous witness and of her" age, and in reply to Mr Barrowclough said she had always had her daughter’s confidence up to now.— Another girl .aged ninS years gave evidence of going to accused's ■ hut in company with the previous witness, and corroborated her evidence. She said she had often been to accused’s-place, but that sort of thing had not happened before. Witness was also subjected to a lengthy croes-examination by counsel for accused. The objection. of the senior sergeant to a certain ■statement being obtained 1 , under pressure was noted. Witness stated, that she knew it was a very wrong thing to do, but she did not tell anyone because she was frightened she would get a hiding from her aunty. The father of th'e last witness gave evidence as to her age, and the guardian of the girl said that she accused Millen of giving the children fruit, lollies, and money. She gave an apple back to the accused, and warned him against kissing and cuddling the girl. A third girl, aged 10 years, gave evideuce that she had been to the accused’s place twice, and the second time she told, her father. The father, after testifying to the girl’s age, said that some weeks ago, in consequence of what he had heard he went to the accused.—Mr Barrowclough objected to the admission of this evidence, his objection being noted.—Confining, witness said before he left the homo his daughter told him that Millen had tried to kiss her. The accused admitted -she had been in the hut, and said he was fond of children and gave them apples and lollies. Witness warned the accused against inducing children to visit his promises, and also, against giving them lollies and fruit. He' did not accuse him of:' au olfence, and the_ accused did not make any mention of it.—Constable Tretheway .read a statement made by the accused in which he denied the charges.—Corroborative evidence was given by ‘ Senior Sergeant Scott.—The accused was committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court at Oamaru, bail being allowed in self £2OO and two sureties of £l5O each. SCOTTISH SOCIETY. Last evening a social was tendered by the Scottish Society to the volunteer workers who had assisted in the alteration of the old building into the present spacious Scottish hall. Chief A. Crichton presided, and .there wore present a number of friends of the society who had assisted in the work and to whom the society is greatly indebted. Associated with the chief were Messrs A. ,T. Murdock, G. C. Black, and J. A. Macpherson, M.P. The customary toasts were duly honoured, and special appreciation was expressed of the cervices rendered by Messrs J. Wallace, J. Miller, W. Gillies, and C. Sicvwright (members of the society). ami T. Herron, L. Macßae. and Rutherford (outside the society), of'the conversion of the hall, the work having been_ carried out at a minimum of cost. Musical items added to the enjoyment of the evening those contributing: bein'* Messrs C. James. Hesselyn. and H. Donald, the accompaniments being played by Mr C. James.