NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21242, 24 January 1931, Page 18

NORTH OTAGO.

(Fbom Oca SPSciAi Coeeespondent.)

COUNTY HALF HOLIDAY. At the Waitaki County Council meettug yesterday, the statutory half-holiday for the county was fixed, as in previous years, for Thursday in each week. WAITAKI COUNTY COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Waitaki County Council was held yesterday morning; present—Mr William Gardiner (chairman), Crs J. Rodman, J. D. Ross, j. D. Rutherford, H. MTnnes, R. B. Meek, J. M. Smith, and T. A. Munro. '< Cr Munro gave notice of motion that the resolution passed at last meeting—that a remit concerning the council’s liability where care had been taken to protect the public, to be forwarded to the New Zealand Counties’ Association, ,-be rescinded. Treasury notes were received for £7 7s Sd, goldfields revenue £4, railway bus licenses £722 I6s Bd, and £690 Highways Board subsidies. Mr Thomas Cunningham wrote stating* that he considered the council’s'offer of £SO for the required strip of land for ■widening-Waitaki avenue an absurd one, but if ,it was the best offer the council could make he would just have to submit to it. Mr D. MTntyre wrote accepting the council’s offer of £SO for the land required for the same purpose.—The position was regarded as being very satisfactory, and the tender of Messrs Maynard and Armstrong to alter portion of a building for £lO was accepted. The clerk was directed to write the Waitaki High School Board of Governors, and Mr F. Milner (rector), advising them that the council’s offers had been accepted. ( Mr T. K. Howard was granted permission to install a septic tank at Mr Padkin’s residence. North road, and Mr G. W. Cleverley was granted a similar permission in respect to his property at Kakanui. The Town Planning Institute forwarded the current number of the journal, Community Planning, and suggested that the council join the institute or subscribe to the journal,—lt was decided to become a member of the institute.

The Minister of Public Works acknowledged the council’s request that his department take over the control and maintenance of the main highway between Kurow and the Waitaki Hydro-electric Works until the completion of the works, adding that the request was noted and that he would discuss the matter with the Main Highways Board and give the request careful consideration.—Received. The Standard Insurance Company wrote suggesting that the council request the company completing the public risk indemnity to reinsure one-half with the Standard.—Received. The Public Works Department forwarded an Order-in-Couneil exempting portions of roads in'the Rosebery Settlement from the, provisions of the Act. — Received. On the application of Messrs Lee, Grave, and Grave, portion of the Abattoirs road between Hedges and Beach roads, was exempted from the provisions of the’Public Works Act. The Hampden Borough Council forwarded £3O in payment of tar-sealing the main road through the borough, and advising that the payment of £lO had been held over in the meantime, pending negotiations on the apportionment of heavy traffic fees and' drivers’ licenses due to the borough, as an offset to 'maintenance. —Cr Ross and the clerk were authorised to go into the matter, and advise the Hampden Borough Council. The Oamaru Chamber of Commerce wrote advising that an Industries Week would be held in Oamaru shortly, and requesting a financial contribution towards the expenses.—The request was declined. The dog tax was fixed at 2s 6d for rabbit and working dogs, and 10s. for other dogs. The following accounts were passed for payment:—General £3579 18s Id, Papakaio water race £77 4s, land fund account £75 19s sd. and contractors’ account £3l. Two building permits for £BOS were approved, and licenses issued for two taxis, s billiard saloon, and a hawker. The Standing Committee recommended that the Kurow Creek reserve be leased to owners of adjoining properties.— Adopted. The following tenders were received for 900 cubic yards of Moeraki gravel:—J. W. Bradfield £345,- and. John M'Cone £360. The lower tender was accepted. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer for the month as follows: —Moeraki Riding: The contractor for gravelling Kartigi Beach road expected to make a start next week. Otepopo Riding; The banking of the corners between Maheno and Herbert, on the Main road, was completed, and they had been covered with Ngapara gravel. Incholme Riding: The contractor had just about finished the metalling on Allan’ road. Kakanui Riding: The approaches

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT,

to the Waiareka bridge, on the Main road, had been widened. Papakaio Riding; The Highways Board had approved of the specifications for sealing the main road from Redcastle to Pukeuri, and he had called tenders for the necessary pea gravel from Moeraki. Good progress was being made with reforming the road, and tenders should be called right away for the sealing to take advantage of the fine weather. ■Waiareka Riding: Various roads had been run in with the grader during the month. A light stock bridge had been erected on Windsor Park road. Awamoko Riding: The grader had been engaged on the main road and various by-roads. Otekaike Rising: The public works engineer had approved of Hoad’s tender for the approaches to Dansey’s Pass bridge, and the creek diversion at the double ford, The contractor expected to have the bridge completed shortly. Crs 'Munro and MTnnes and himself met the various settlers interested in the Kurow Creek reserve, and it was decided to let the various portions of the creek bed to the owners of the adjoining land, under conditions to be approved by the council. At the request of the Commissioner of Crown Lands he made an inspection of the road through the Maruwenua commonage, and he found that Mr Charles Adams had sluiced too near the road in one place,and he sent him word to fence off the portion of the road affected. He also found an unauthorised wire gate across Simpson’s road which would be dangerous at night time. Ahuriri Riding: The contractor was still engaged in forming the worst portions of the Kurow-Omarama road. The Public Works Department had approved of Messrs Hamlyn Bros.’s tender for the Temple and Maitland bridges, and the contractors ■ had cabled Home for the rolled steel joists. The engineer stated that he intended to call tenders for tar sealing, to be in by February 3, the acceptance of the tenders being referred to the Standing Committee. It was decided to write to the owner to remove the unauthorised wire gate.— The report was adopted. FINANCIAL STRESS. Several matters relating to the economic depression and to steps to be taken to meet the situation came before the Waitaki County Council for discussion yesterday. The Waihemo County Council advised that the following resolution had been carried: —“That the adjoining county councils be asked to join in a protest against the payment, as suggested, of 14s per day for unemployment relief, and if this suggestion met with the approval of the respective councils, a resolution on those lines be sent to the Government." — A similar resolution was carried at the last meeting of the council, and it was decided , to support the resolution. The Westland County Council forwarded the following resolution:—“That the present economic condition of the Dominion demands the immediate attention of the Government of the day, and that a respectful memorandum be sent to the Prime Minister urging the Cabinet to (1) seriously consider the necessity of reducing the honoraria of all Cabinet Ministers, members of Parliament, and civil servants whose salaries exceed £350 per annum; (2) that special attention be directed to the ever-increasing cost of Government, and that a genuine attempt be made to curtail the departmental expenditure now going on in the Dominion.” The support and action of the Waitaki Council was solicited for the resolution. — The chairman said it was a very good resolution, though he would like to see the salary* of the general manager of the railways included in the list,—Or Rodman stated that he might be carrying out economies. and Or Smith stated that the raising of fares and freights was a step in the wrong direction. When the question of contract was raised, it was contended that a contract could be broken. — Cr Ross said resolutions had been carried asking for a reduction in the employees’ wages, and they should support the Westport resolution.—A motion to do so was carried accordingly. The Waitomo County Council forwarded a circular letter in connection with the burden of highway taxation, stating that the present economic position demands definite action, and urging that it is reasonable, equitable, and just to ask to be relieved of the burden of contributing towards the cost of highways. This subject had been referred to the Standing Committee at last meeting, and in reference to the circular letter from the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, Auckland, on the question of derating of farm lands, the Standing Committee recommended that the New Zealand Counties’ Association be asked to call a conference of county representatives early next financial year to discuss such matters as de-rating legislation, maximum speed limits, hospital rating, and cost of education. The recommendation was adopted, and the clerk instructed to advise the Waitomo County Council, and to circularise all county councils accordingly. When the question of fixing the date for the imposition of the 10 per cent, penalty on unpaid rates came before the council the chairman urged that the Government be asked to allow the date to be postponed for two months. —Cr Smith also spoke in favour of doing whatever they could to help the ratepayers. He quoted instances of the reduction of 1J per cent., and from 6 to 4 per cent, in interest being made by mortgagors.—The chairman said a reduction in the. rate of interest should be made compulsory by Act of Parliament.—Cr Ross pointed out that on account of the bank overdraft nothing could be done this year, though they might be able to arrange matters tor next year.—After further discussion, the date for imposition of penalty was *V ce( L or - It was agreed that the Government be requested to give effect to the representations of certain members of Parliament for the postponement of the 10 per cent, penalty, and that Messrs J. A. Macpherson and J. Bitchener be advised accordingly. Cr Rutherford brought up the question Oi horse work on the county roads, and moved that the rate of pay for a horse be reduced to _ss per day. It was mentioned during the discussion that some of the farmers had been so mean as to charge for water for horses working on the roads, and that before the hard times. An amendment that the pay remain as at present was carried on the casting vote of the chairman, the voting being:— For—Crs MTnnes, Ross, Rodman, and Gardiner; against—Crs Rutherford, Smith, and Munro. G'r Gardiner commented that these men should be the last to have their pay reduced, and that a start should be made on the high-salaried men. COMPLAINT AGAINST COUNCILLORS. The chairman (Mr William Gardiner) reported to the Waitaki County Council yesterday that he had listened to Dr Watt for an hour on complaints made against Crs Munro and MTnnes. It was a reflection on the whole council, and the answer he gave Dr Watt was that if he had any complaints he should wait on the whole council. Cr MTnnes stated that if Dr Watt came to the council he would be very glad to receive him. He did not think anyone had been more fairly treated than Dr Watt, who now wanted the council to take the blame. The clerk was directed to notify Dr Watt to the above effect. . WAIPIATA PATIENTS. At the Waitaki County Council meeting yesterday, Cr Rutherford stated that there had been considerable correspondence in the paper about the Waitaki Hospital Board and patients at Waipiata, and as the subject was of interest to the council, he would be glad to hear from the members. Cr MTnnes said he was loath to speak on the subject, but the Hospital Board was doing more than its share. At the present time there were 13 patients at Waipiata, and they were entitled to only 11. There

was not another board in New Zealand doing more than the Waitaki Board. Ho was sure Mr Rodman would bear him out in that. They would like to send inore, but they had not got the funds. Cr Rodman commented that he did not like to say anything just then. Everyone regretted what had happened. COUNTY INSPECTOR. The Standing Committee reported to the Waitaki County Council yesterday morning that it had nothing to recommend in respect to the appointment of a county inspector in conjunction with the North Otago Motor Association’s patrolman. The chairman stated that he did not recommend the appointment because of the council’s financial position.— (Several members: “ Hear! hear! ”) That was why he voted against it. The voting of the Standing Committee had been two for, and two against, and he had given his casting Vote against it. The clerk read out the schedule of duties of the inspector, and the correspondence received on the subject from the Motor Association. * To put the position clearly before the councillors, Cr Rodman reviewed at some length the negotiations that had taken place, on a basis of a contribution from the council of £2OO an annum. He spoke of the moral effect in respect to the payment of license fees, etc., and added that it would be an experiment well worth, while. Mr Gardiner pointed out that if the council thought the committee had made a mistake the matter could be referred back to the committee. Crs Smith and Munro both stated that they could not support the appointment on account of the financial stringency. Cr Ross stated that by their remarks the chairman and Crs Munro and Smith had cast a slur on Cr Rodman and himself. (Voices of dissent.) Not intentionally perhaps, but they had cast a slur. They had not considered the saving to. the ratepayers. The chairman: You have not shown us the saving yet. Cr Ross stated that they had ventilated their opinions, and he thought it only right to hear the other side. Cr Smith had said that a few months ago he would have supported the appointment, but it was not wise now until they saw if they got some return for it. They might say the same about the rangers. The council was paying out money, but was getting a service. They had discussed the appointment on many occasions, and the suggestion had been made to appoint a foreman to do the work that would be done by the inspector. He pointed out that the council would probably get very little return during the first two months, but license fees would become due in the first month of the next financial year, and the council should get in as much money as possible. He supported Cr Rodman’s contention about the good moral effect. He did think they should give it a trial for at least six months. They would not get such a . favourable opportunity to test the matter out. They would be trying to save something for the ratepayers, and he thought it a move in the right direction. _ Cr Meek pointed out that the collection of license fees had been due to the reorganisation of .the council office since the adoption of the by-laws which bad not previously been enforced. The fees would be much easier to collect next year. Cr Rutherford pointed out that in making a trip to Waitaki Hydro the clerk had been able to collect £26 in hawkers’ fees in one day. The clerk in a statement to the council said he could quote numerous advantages of such an appointment. If he could obtain £7O revenue in one trip to the country, what could an inspector continually on the job obtain? Personally he considered the appointment would pay. Cr Munro said that surely someone had to do some work for the money received, or did they want an inspector for every tin-pot thing. Cr Rutherford stated the council had never had a more favourable chance to make the appointment. Cr Munro: In the Mackenzie Country the ranging, inspecting, and dog tax collecting are done by one ipan. Waimate did the same. The rangers were doing good work setting aside a nuisance. Or Ross: Does Cr Munro suggest that all the work in this county could be done by one man? Cr Munro: A big portion of the county is in the back country,. which is never touched. Cr MTnnes thanked the Standing Committee for the splendid recommendation it had brought forward. Owing to the financial stringency, he could not support the appointment. Cr Ross moved that an appointment be made on the basis of the offer of the Standing Committee to the North Otago Motor Association under the conditions laid down by the clerk, at a rate of £2OO per annum. On a division the motion was lost, the voting being:—For: Crs Rutherford, Ross, and Rodman. Against: Crs Gardiner, MTnnes, Meek, Smith, and Munro. EEL DRIVE. About 70 enthusiasts took part in the eel_ drive on Thursday night in the Kakanui Rivqr, over 200 eels being'taken from the river. The parties met at Clark’s dam, and were allotted portions of the nver > in which to operate, and, though a brief shower fell at dusk, the night held fine to_ a late hour. The Waitaki Acclimatisation Society had offered prizes for the two best catches, to be awarded on > the tally of tails at midnight, but owing to the rumours, which were apparently only too well founded, that some had spent a night or two on the river previous to the . drive and had tallies of tails varying from 20 to 50 to their credit before the drive commenced, the society’s executive wisely altered the conditions r 1., last moment for a count ot heads instead of tails. The river over a stretch of some miles preseuted an eerie appearance with the lights of the parties searching out every nook and corner in which an eel might be concealed, and lines, gaffs, hoop iron, and spears were utilised from boats and afoot to secure the prey. Every known , lure to attract the eels seemed to be employed, including stale eggs, rabbits, livers, and blood, and generally quite ah exciting time was spent. The best tallies were secured by the parties organised by the following:—Hacquoil 34, T. MNally 31, Dr Orbell 23, I. Swinard 9, A. Watson 6, J. Lindsay 15, T. Church 12, J. Martyn 14, J. Newlandfi 25. The largest fish caught by Mr J. Howlands weighed 1241 b. It is the intention of the society to hold another drive shortly, as in addition to those who attended there are many others keen to participate in the outing. WAITAKI FREEZING COMPANY. The total number of sheep treated at the Pukeuri Freezing Works so far this season is 43,000. The daily tally is about 3300, and the rush of stock continued during the week, but is expected to ease off next week. The total is 7000 more than for the corresponding period last year, which was a record season for the works. FAT STOCK PRICES. A further drop of id per lb is announced as operating next week in the prices of fat lambs and wethers. The schedule is as follows:—Lambs: 30’s 4Jd, 42’s 4id. overs and seconds 4d; wethers: 48’s 2fd, 56’s 2Jd, C4’s Ifd, 72’s l|d, overs lid, seconds l|d; ewes; 48’s to 50’s lid, C4’s overs and seconds Id. OVERSEAS SHIPPING. At the beginning of next week the overseas ship Port Dunedin is due to arrive in Oamaru, while the Ruapehu will load at Oamaru about February 20 for the United Kingdom.

PERSONAL Mr and Mrs J. M'Diarmid intend to leave Oamaru next month on an extended world tour. After visiting England, Scotland, and Ireland, Mr M'Diarmid will go to the Rotary Conference at Vienna, and under the Rotary organisation will visit various Enropean countries. In view of his lengthy absence from Oamaru, Mr M'Diarmid will not seek re-election as an Oamaru Borough councillor, and will therefore retire from municipal affairs after a service to the town of over 20 years. Brother Magee, rector of the St. Kevin's College, and Brother Furphy returned to Oamaru yesterday after having attended a conference of Catholic schools at Wellington. Queen’s Hotel.—Mrs J. H. Coster', Mr A. R. Coster (Wellington), Mr J. Hensley (Invercargill), Mr G. Avery (Dunedin). New Club Hotel. —Mr J. L. Milne, Mr P. Rundlo (Dunedin), Mr L. C. Pearcy (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs H. Christie (Timaru), Mr G. Lawrence, Mr H. Richards, Mr F. A. Fedde (Wellington), Mr H. Yock (Auckland). BOWLING. The following will represent the Phoenix Club in its match against Timaru, at Timaru to-day:—Calder, Joe Reid, Buist, Bedford, Pollock. A. Smith, Adams, Forrest, Crisp, J. Mitchell, Foster, Armstrong, Hartley, D. Brown, J. Robertson, Bremner, ’Williams, Sebo, I. N. Grenfell, I. Robertson, Eskrick, W. W. Mitchell, James, Forrester, Ironside, M'Donald, Stewart. Simkin, Cooper, Brownlee, Littlejohn, Slater, Bastings. CRICKET. The following will represent Albion in its match against Oamaru, at School, today;—A. Brooker, L. Brooker, Jacobs, Davey, Geddes, Taylor, M'Laren. Sampson, Rackley. C. Palmer, Ottrey. MANCHESTER UNITY. At the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Oamaru Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., N.G. Bro. R. Arnott presided over a good attendance of members and officers Conductor P.G. Bro. Gregory gave final remarks and read the balance sheet in regard to the Christmas tree. P.G. Bro. Pinder referred to the work done by Bro. Gregory, and P.G- Bro. Couper also spoke ou the good work done by the sisters of the Loyal Star of the North Lodge. Several brethren reported on the sick members and wished them all a speedy recovery. During the evening Bro. C. Millar sang a song, while recitations .were given by G.M. Bro. Richardson and N.G. Bro. Arnott. Sick pay amounting to £36 15s 4d. and accounts £22 Is 4a, . were passed for payment. The N.G. drew the attention of the members to the question box which is to be held next meeting. SEVERN STREET CROSSING. Mr J. A. Macpherson, Oamaru. has received advice from the Minister of Railways that in connection with the representation on behalf of the North Otago Motor Association regarding the Severn street crossing arrangements have been made to install automatic flashing light signals at this crossing.' FARMING CONDITIONS.

The weather conditions in North Otago during the week have made a decidedly welcome change from the continued dry spell previously. Several downpours of rain have fallen, and arrived in the nick of time, undoubtedly saving the rape and turnip crops from failure, besides doing an immense amount of good to cereal crops. During the past week 64 points of rain were recorded in Oamaru. Rain fell on five days as follows: —18th, 2 points; 19th. 16 points; 20th, 41 points; 21st, 3 points; 22nd, 2 points. The midweek rainfall at Otiake totalled 62 points, generally speaking the fall has been heavier in the country than in town. Now that feed for fattening sheep and lambs is practically assured, farmers will not be drafting so deeply into their light second quality lambs. This will be all to the goq.d, as the marketing of so much inferior quality lamb must eventually have an adverse effect on the good name the brand has heretofore enjoyed on the London markets. With the soil in a warm. condition the growth of all feed crons is likely to be rapid and abundant, making a much more cheery outlook for fai'mers at this time of low prices for all produce. OAMARU MUNICIPAL BAND. The Oamaru Municipal Band will hold a band recital in the Public Gardens tomorrow afternoon, the collection to go towards the expenses of travelling to Weilington for the band contest. The following items are included in the programme:—A grade contest march, “B. B. and C. F.hymn, “Abide With Me”; B grade selection, “Hamlet”; humoresque, “ Sliding Thro’ the Rye ”; fantasia, “ Gipsy’s Warning descriptive piece “A Sunday Parade ”; trombone solo, “ The Jigsaw ”; B grade contest march, “The Flying Squad.” LAWN TENNIS NOTES. The outstanding feature of the Kurow tournament was the success which attended L. M'Kinnon. M'Kinnon, in addition to annexing the singles championship, also won the Men’s Doubles with L. Christiansen, and the Combined Doubles with Miss Burnett. The final of the Men’s Singles between M'Kinnon and G. A. Pearce (Dunedin) was productive of the finest tennis witnessed in Kurow for years, M'Kinnon winning o—o 4 —6, 6—3. In the first and third sets M'Kinnon was in winning vein, driving with accuracy and speed and forcing Pearce into errors. Pearce himself, however, contributed numerous errors. In the second set M'Kinnon eased up somewhat and Pearce pressed his advantage to win the set. The loser played forceful, though erratic tennis, and his powerful service and smashing wore very fine. The Ladies’ Singles title holder is Miss Stuart, of Tokarahi. Miss Stuart, who contested the final with Miss Lawlor, plays with great steadiness, and it was to this that her win must be attributed. Miss Lawlor, who defeated Miss Burnett in the semi-finals, plays more forcefully than Miss Stuart, and though she suffered defeat iu the final she nevertheless gave a very creditable display. Miss Burnett was not at her best, due undoubtedly to her lack of practice this season. The final of the Men’s Doubles was played between L. M'Kinnon and Christiansen (the winners) and Pearce and B. Collins. There will he no interclub matches today, but the North Otago representative team will play South Canterbury at Maori Park this afternoon. Some excellent tennis should be witnessed, as both teams are particularly strong, and a degree of keenness invariably attaches to this representative fixture. Sumpter should be quite capable of extending Robertson and making a bid for the match. Interest will centre on the new North Otago champion, Feathers. Feathers should account for any player in the South Canterbury team other than Robertson. Altogether the team is strong in the men’s division. In doubles, however, South Canterbury should produce two particularly strong pairs at least. Cramond and Innes-Jones being a combination of some standing, while Robertson and Warne Pearse arc fine doubles players. Sumpter and Feathers, good combination though they are, will need to produce their best brand of tennis to defeat either of these pairs, and the same would apply to Gallagher and Bryan, who since they are North Otago champions, will presumably be allotted second doubles pair. Familton and M'Kinnon would pair well together, and might account for South Canterbury’s last pair. The match between Miss D, Miller, North Otago and Otago champion, and Miss Marjorie Gibson (runner-up in the South Canterbury championships and New Zealand championship competition) will, however, be the outstanding meeting of the day in point of local interest. The selection of the ladies in this team, however, is open to criticism, and in view of recent tournament results, it is difficult to reconcile the selection. Mrs Bradley is playing fine tennis at present, and she thoroughly deserves her place, much as the side will miss the services of Miss Gibb. The Awamoa Club has decided to hold a handicap combined tournament iu additurn to the single championships this year.

Players are advised that entries for the Familton and Irvine cups close shortly. OAMARU IN DARKNESS. At 9.45 o’clock last evening Oamaru was plunged into darkness through a break in the electric transmission lines bringing power from Lake Coleridge. The latest news was to the effect, that three or four hours would be occupied in effecting repairs, and in the meantime the Waitaki Electric Power Board’s standby plant is over-loaded in supplying necessary power to the Waitaki Hydro-electric works. Alternate supply was given for periods to the hospital block and the North Otago Times, but no other portion of the town received power. The Waitaki River ,is in flood and it has been necessary to give power to the works to prevent the plant becoming submerged. In the meantime it is reported that •sufficient power has been made available to enable the pumping plant at the works to cope with the leakage of water in the coffer dam and by the morning normal services should be resumed.