PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21363, 17 June 1931, Page 12

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

{Fbou Our Spscial Cobbebpondint.)

WAITAKI HOSPITAL BOARD

the monthly meeting of the Waitaki Hospital Board was held yesterday morning. Present: Messrs H. Grenfell (chair), A. MTnnes, G. Pringle, J. D. Boss, J. Hodman, J. C. Kirkness, T. A. Munro, and W. Forrester. Mr Grenfell was appointed the board’s representative on the Waipiata Sanatorium Committee. The chairman reporter that there were only nine patients waiting for admission to Waipiata at tht last meeting, compared with 4C last year This went to show that' the treatment was arresting the disease, and it was likely that there would soon be vacant beds. He made the comment to show that the position was very satisfactory.. The Department of Health advised that the board’s estimates for 1931-32 had been approved, and that in view of the necessity of the board’s keeping within its estimates and carefully watching its financial position, the secretary should prepare a financial statement each quarter for the information of members of the board and the department; —Received. The Department of Health advised that the board’s application for subsidy op £ls given by the Hydro Medical Association had been declined.—Received. Mr Munro stated that he had been informed that it was the intention of the Hydro Medical Association to_ give a wireless set to the Oamaru Hospital. Correspondence was received from tae Hospital Board’s Association and Minister in reference to unpaid fees by Native patients. The association also forwarded a lengthy report on the business transacted at the annual conference. —Received. The medical superintendent of Oamaru Hospital reported that there were 72 patients in hospital at the beginning of the month, 89 were admitted, 88 discharged, 2 died, leaving 71 remaining at the end of the month. The number of operations during the month was 49. Gifts were acknowledged from the Phoenix Bowling Club, Mr Stringer, sen., Mrs a. Cradock, Miss Christie, Miss Banks, Mrs Rutherford,- Miss A. Greave; Mrs Cox (Maheno), Mrs M’Gillivray, Miss Hewat. Mr Davies, Dead Letter Office, Miss A. Bruce, Mr H. Williams, Mrs Shalders, Mr Parker, Miss Christie, Mrs Atkinson. The matron of Victoria Home reported that there were. 21 inmates at the beginning of the month, 22 had been admitted, 23 discharged, leaving 22 inmates in the home. The health of the inmates was fair. 'Gifts were acknowledged from the Burlington Tea Rooms, Mrs Preslamh and Mrs Smith. The Columba Church Choir gave a concert and provided supper, which were much appreciated by the inmates. The matron of the Kurow Maternity Hospital reported that 11 patients (six maternity cases and five general cases) had been admited during the month, nine were discharged, four out-patients, and four remained at the end of the month. UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF . Mr W. Forrester referred to the suspension of the unemployment scheme No. 5 on June 20 at the monthly meeting of the Waitaki Hospital Board yesterday morning, stating that the local bodies were protesting against such suspension, with, he believed, good reason. The men receiving relief, stated” Mr Forrester, were on the border line of starvation, and the suspension of the scheme meant that within a week there would be serious distress. The local committee had purged the relief list by order of the Unemplayment Board to such an extent that only men actually in want were receiving relief. The suspension of the scheme would cause acute distress. The Hospital Board would be swamped with applications for relief, and the board did not have the money to give relief. They should add their voice in protest against the suspension of the, scheme, and /ask the Prime Minister to provide relief until Parliament met. The Mayor had stated that the representations. made by the local committee, were receiving vvery, earnest consideration; ’The amount of agitation foing on was having an effect on the ’rime Minister. Mr Forrester moved NORTH OTAGO ADVERTISEMENTS 'COUNTY ELECTIONS. TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE PAPAKAIO RIDING. In accepting nomination as a candidate for the election of a representative of the above riding, I would like to state my views on certain questions. In my opinion, the question of deepest concern is the heavy rates and taxes imposed on the men on the land, a number of whom cannot pay at the present time. Nearly all produce and grain is being transported by motor lorries, which, with the motor buses, run in opposition to the railways, and;. I consider, are making business out of the Highways Board. The farmer has to pay the petrol tax, and has also to pay for' the upkeep of the roads, which others make use of. I consider that men employed on the roads should, with all others, be subject to a cut in wages. The cost of the upkeep of hospitals and buildings should not fall on the men on the land. The Government should be careful in dealing with the question of wheat duties, for if farmers cannot make wheatgrowing a paying proposition, they will not produce wheat. Money would then be sent to other countries to obtain supplies. This money should be retained in this country to give employment to our own people. It is therefore the duty of the Government to protect the wheatgrower.

Yours faithfully, MAJOR ORBELL,

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

the following resolution: —“The board views with alarm the suspension of unemployment scheme No. son June 20. The majority of the recipients of relief work are on the border line of starvation, and the suspension of the scheme will bring about a very serious state of affairs. The board would be inundated with applications for charitable aid, and, owing to the severe pruning of the board’s estimates, they 'have no funds for the purpose. The members consider it imperative that funds be provided to keep the men continuously employed, and not delay for parliamentary sanction.” It was pointed out that there were 23 men employed by the board on relief work. Mr J. D. Ross seconded the resolution, which was carried, a copy to be sent to the Prime Minister. PRESBYTERY OF OAMARU The Presbytery of Oamaru met in St. Paul’s Church yesterday morning, the Rev. P. C. Rennie (moderator) presiding. The meeting opened with devotions. The Rev. H. T. Blair land the Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer were re-elected clerk and treasurer respectively for the next 12 months, and the Rev. A. H. Chisholm, compiler of statistics. Certain League of Nations matters were referred to the Public Questions Committee to report at next meeting. The treasurer submitted the annual balance sheets of the presbytery and evangelistic funds, and they were adopted. Church rally grants were passed for payment from the evangelistic fund. Interesting reports were given by the representatives who attended the recent meetings of the General Assembly, all the reports being of a most hopeful nature. The moderator thanked the speakers for their reports. The Rev. A. B. Kilroy was appointed to represent the presbytery at the Columba Church jubilee celebrations. It was agreed to recommend a grant of £3O from the home mission fund for Dunback. It was decided not to meet in July. The meeting closed with the benediction. S.P.C.A, ' At the monthly meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mr Tomlinson presided. On account of his transfer to Dunedin, Mr F. G. Williams tendered his resignation as a member of the committee. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Williams for his past consistent interest in the welfare of the society. A motion of condolence was passed with the relatives of two former keenly interested members of the society, Mrs Howell and Mr Clark. A letter was received drawing attention to the state of Severn street and Holmes Hill, as no width had been left untarred for horse traffic, and it was cruel for horses to come down such roads. The committee recommended that a strip be left on both sides of the roads tor horse-drawn vehicles. The inspector reported that three cases had been attended to during the month, the freeing of two cows whose heads had been tied to their legs, and a horse in the pound had been destroyed. In discussing humane slaughter it was -reported that the humane slaughtering of animals was already compulsory in Scotland, Switzerland. Germany, and Sweden, and that the British Cabinet this session proposed placing before Parliament a similar measure for England. The Bill is known as the “ Humane Slaughtering Bill.” It was decided to hold a bring and buy sale at an early date to raise funds for the society. MANCHESTER UNITY The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Star of the North Lodge was held on Monday evening, N.G. Sister G-. Abel presiding over a large attendance of members. Two candidates were initiated into the Order, and two were proposed _ for membership. An invitation was received from the Loyal Oamaru Lodge to be present at its meeting on June 25. The following nominations for the various offices for the ensuing term were received:—N.G., Sister E. Oats; G.G., Sister E. V. Finder; E.S., Sister C. Jenkins. , N.G. Sister G. Abel reported that a number of the members attended the annual ball held by the Loyal Ngapara Lodge, and a very enjoyable time was spent. . • ' ■ MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING A friendly match fired between the Enfield and Totara Clubs on the Enfield range resulted in a win for the home team by 16 points. The following are the detailed results:—Enfield—A. M'Naughton 78,, W. Allan 77, J. M'Veigh 76, R. Paton 76. A. H. Gibson 76, G. Allan 75, J. Allan 75, J. Gibson 74, T. Allan 74. R. Wilkinson 73, A. Anderson 73, W. Gibson 73, W. Fallon 72;—total, 975 points. Totara —D. Marshall 78, G. 77, W. Smith 76. J. Richardson 76, D. Lawrence 75, S. Perry 75, D. Seaton 74, J. Carrig 73, W. M'intosh 72, S. Taylor 72, V. Perry 71, V. M'Donald 70. S. Wilson 70: —total, 959 points. The weekly shoot of the Totara Club was held on Monday evening, the following being the highest scores: —W. Smith 80, W. MTntosh 79, D. Marshall 77, C. Hollow 76, D. Seaton 76, D. Hollow 75, V. Perrv 75, G. Lawrence 75, F. Wharton 74, J. Robinson 73, G. Malcolm 73, D. Lawrence 72, V. Perry 72, S. Wilson 71, J. Cooper, jun., 71, V. M’Donald 71, D. Richardson 71, T. O’Donnell 70, H. Blair 70. The following were the best scores at the weekly shoot of the Awamoko Club: —W. Gibson 80, G. Gibson 80, D. Willetts 79, J. Brunton 78, T. Geddes 78, L. Ludeman 78, N. M‘Phee 77, A. Gibson 77, D. Borrie 77, J. Hall 77, J. King 77. S. O’Dell 76, T. Smith 76, H. Geddes 74, R. Fillingham 74, E. King 74, W. King 74. J. MThee 74. W. Gibson won the rifle button, and the following secured the fern leaf badges:—N. MThee. T. Smith, J. Brunton, S. O’Dell. The best scores at the weekly shoot of the Maheno Club were as follow:—A. Weir, 79 (5), 80; G. Davis. 77 (3), 80; D. Grant, 77 (3), 80; G. Clark. 76 (7). 80; E. Nicholson. 76 (5), 80: H. Davis, 76 (4). 80; R. Richardson. 76 (4), 80; W. Stringer, 75 (5), 80; H. Rapson, 74 (G), 80; T. MTay,- 76 (3), 79; G. Cassells, 73 (6), 70; R. Rawson, 70 (6). 76; E. Taylor, 70 (7), 77; R. Yeoman, 72 (2), 74. A. Weir won the rifle button, and H. Davis the handicap button. The following secured the fern leaf badges:—G. Clark, G. Cassells, G. Davis, and H. Davis. PERSONAL At the Waitaki Hospital Board meeting yesterday the resignation of Dr A. L. Hanson, as second house surgeon at the Oamaru Hospital, was accepted. Dr Hanson has received an appointment at the Auckland Hospital, and the board congratulated her on passing the examination. The resignation of Nurse A. Molloy from the nursing staff was also accepted. Queen’s Hotel.—Mr W. B. Reilly (Melbourne), Mr A. Trenwith (Auckland). Mr J. C. Wilson, Mr E. J. Preen, Mr F. W. Manning (Christchurch), Mr R. Watson, Mr S. Houston (Timaru), Mr S. P. Eaton, Mr S- Lynn, Mr L. H. F Browne, Mr A. Hudson, Mr D. Gain, Mr G. Vial, Mr J. Duncan, Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., Mr and Mrs T. Shannon (Dunedin), New Club Hotel. —Mr J. Martin (Auckland), Mr C. E. Hibberd, Mr H. V. Prichard. Mr A. E. Dennis. Mr H. S. Levey (Wellington), Mr J. East, Mr J. Mason, Air and Mrs T. W. Vickery (Christchurch), Mr D. Gunn (Timaru), Miss G. Fischer (Invercargill), Miss E. Butel (Mataura), Mr J. A. Paterson, Mr D. L. Poole (Dunedin).

MAJESTIC THEATRE Well worth going to, if one can get in for attendance will be more than ordinarily heavy for “The Middle Watch, which will show at the Oamaru Majestic Theatre to-night and Thursday. It will hold the audiences enthralled as the story and talking film unfold themselves, for more than one hundred minutes good value for the admission money that will be paid. An English picture, it is produced and directed by British brains, played by British actors and actresses with fine English voices with a theme as British as “ Britannia rules the waves. The clever dialogue is of high comedy quality, as might be expected from such witty authors as the famous lan Hay and the equally well-known Admiral Stephen King-Hall. The comedy is clean and provides most excellent fare, while the settings are well laid, the action all being on a British man-o’-war. Heading the cast is Owne Nares, who is ably assisted by Jack Raine, Frederick Volpe, Jacqueline Logan, and Dodo Watts. This picture had the unique experience of running for three weeks in the Princess Theatre, Dunedin, a fact that speaks volumes. It also played to capacity houses for two weeks in Wellington’s largest theatre. The box plans for Taihape arc filling rapidly and big business is assured. O HOSPITAL HILL ROAD Yesterday morning a deputation consisting ‘of the Mayor (Mr J. M. Forrester), chairman of Works Committee (Mr Frank Gvawshaw), and the borough engineer (Mr B. T. W. Owen) waited on the Waitaki Hospital Board in connection with the proposal to form a road around Hospital Hill, thus giving suitable work to unemployed men. Mr Forrester pointed but that the local authority had charge of the unemployed scheme, and one scheme was the formation of a road from the top of the rise in front of the hospital, along the east side of the hill, to join the unused road line on the south, and eventually taking it through the reserve. The proposed road would open up some sections, and migh£ prove of gerat value to the Waitaki Hospital Board in time to come. There was also the suggestion of continuing the road around the hospital block, returning on the; north side, passing the nurses’ home, and back to the point of commencement. They asked the Hospital Board to give permission to put the road through, as the road would pass through an area of steep ground of no value for building, but which might be planted with trees to advantage. Mr Crawshaw supported the Mayor’s request, and the borough engineer explained more fully by means of a plan the position of the suggested road. In reply to the chairman, it was pointed out that the cost of the work would be borne under the unemployment scheme, without liability to the Hospital Board, and the question of maintenance would be a matter of arrangement. ‘The road would give access from both sides to the front of the hospital and to the rear.— It was decided by the members to view the situation with the deputation during the afternoon. After an inspection yesterday afternoon the board decided to grant the necessary strip of land to the Borough Council for the formation of the road. WAIAREKA SALE There was a good yarding of both fat sheep and fat cattle at the Waiareka sale yesterday, and the prices were on a par with those of last week. Fat sheep consisted principally of ewes, prime ewes realising 9s to 10s 6d; medium ewes, 7s Od to 8s 9d; light ewes, 5s 6d to 7s; prime lambs, 15s; good lambs, 13a to 14s 6d. Only one pen of medium rafxed-eex hoggets was yarded in the store sheep section, and these realised 6s 9d. Fat cattle comprised 20 head, handy-weight steers bringing £7 10s to £8 7s Od; light-weight heifers, £4 15s; cows, £5 ss; light cows, £3 15s to £4. In the store cattle section two pens of store cattle were passed, while of the dairy cows one good Jersey heifer brought £10; cows close to profit, £6 to £7 12s 6d; aged cows, £4 10e to £5; heifer, £5. MAGISTRATE’S COURT The weekly sitting of the Oamaru Magistrate’s Court commenced yesterday afternoon, before Mr. H. W. Bundle, S.M. Sergeant Hall conducted the prosecutions for the police. James Alexander Campbell was charged with using indecent language within the hearing of persons in Esk street, Oamaru. Mr R. D. H. Swindley appeared for the defendant, who pleaded guilty.—Sergeant Hall stated that Campbell went home, where an altercation ensued with his father and blows were struck.—Mr Swindley said that an unfortunate situation arose through the over-indulgence of liquor.—The magistrate said the defendant deserved little consideration, and convicted the defendant and admitted him to probation for six months, on condition that he abstained from drink. Ashley Bent was fined £2, and costs (10s), for driving an unregistered car, 14 days being allowed for the payment. The defendant was convicted for driving without a driver’s license. William Middleditcli was fined 10s, and costs (10s), for riding a bicycle on the footpath.

William E. Woodham was fined 30s, and costs (10s), for crossing the railway line at Selwyn street, Christchurch, when the crossing was not clear. William M. Scott, of Ardgowan, was fined 20s. and costs (12s). Joseph E. Ewing, 20s, and costs (12s), George Bugdcn was fined court costs (12s), and Peter J. Hughes was fined court costs (l2s) for failing to pay the unemployment levy by the due dates. The magistrate treated the first two cases as cases of carelessness in imposing fines of 20s. CLAIM FOR KEEP. Alfred Ernest Wright (Mr A. R. Tait) claimed £3O from Peter William Borrie (Mr C. Zimmerman) for keep of the plaintiff’s son George Wright, agreed to be paid by the defendant to the plaintiff during his employment of the plaintiff’s son for 30 weeks on the defendant’s farm at Waihao Downs. Tait stated that wages at 30s a week had been paid, and the claim was for keep according to the arrangement alleged by the plaintiff. The plaintiff gave evidence that he was farm manager in charge of the defendant’s farm at Waihao Downs. His son was engaged by the defendant at 30s and keep, the keep to be paid to the plaintiff. They left in December. _ when the wages were paid but not his son’s keep. The defendant, in evidence, denied agreeing to pay for the keep of the plaintiff’s son. but stated that he had agreed to pay 30s a week Wright to keep his son. He dismissed the son on December 6 because he was not competent or reliable. The magistrate reserved his decision till this morning.

OAMARU SOUTH SCHOOL Mr J. A. Macplierson, M.P., has received advice from the Minister of Education approving of a grant for improving the light and ventilation in the Standard IV room at the South School. The work, which is now almost completed, will prove very beneficial to pupils and teachers alike.

NORTH OTAGO MOTOR ASSOCIATION The monthly meeting of the North Otago Motor Association was held last night. Captain H. S. Cox presided. The secretary of the Kurow School Committee advised that a new school building had been erected at Kurow. and requested the association to erect warning signs.—It was decided to forward two sign boards as requested. After a brief discussion it was decided to write to the Prime Minister urging the appointment of another motorists’ representative on the Main Highways Board. Six new members were elected to the association. The resignation of Mr Carrodus tßeidstonl as a member of the executive was deferred to the annual meeting. Accounts totalling £l7 6s 6d were passed for payment. The question of applying for a subsidy on the erection of sign posts throughout the district was referred to a sub-com-mittee. with a view to reaching finality.

MAHENO ORANGE LODGE At a meeting of the Maheno Orange Lodge arrangements were made for the lodge to visit Ngapara Lodge on Saturday. It was decided to hold a ball, and the secretary and the committee were appointed to make the necessary arrangements. It was also decided to hold a church parade at the Maheno Presbyterian Church on July 19 at the evening service. ST.'jOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION At the opening of the classes of the St. John Ambulance Association a lecture was given by Dr Liddlc on “ Anatomy and Fractures.” There was a good gathering of members present, and the address was listened to with keen interest. OBITUARY The death occurred yesterday morning of an old Oamaru identity, Mr John Cunningham, aged 79 years. Mr Cunningham, who was a highly respected resident, was born at St. Andrews (Scotland), and came to New Zealand at an early age, being apprenticed on his arrival to Messrs Watson and Gow, wheelwrights, Dunedin. He later entered the employ of Mr Mark Sinclair, of Dunedin, and then went into partnership with Mr W. Glaister. He came to Oamaru in 1882 as manager of a branch of Mr Mark Sinclair’s business, but after some years he took over a business of his own, which he continued with his sons until his death. He took an active part in the affairs of the Church of Christ, of which he was a staunch adherent. He had a wide circle of friends, and was noted for his business integrity and quiet genial personality. He is survived by a widow and three sons—George and Thomas Cunningham (Oamaru), and John Cunningham (America) —and three daughters—Mesdames Chalmers (Auckland), J. S. Duncan (Oamaru), and S. Clark (Dunedin). BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS , BILL The annual meeting of St, Luke’s parishioners passed a resolution strongly supporting the Religious Instruction in Schools Bill, and asking the member for Oamaru to support the Bill when it comes before Parliament. ST. LUKE’S CHURCH The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Luke’s Church was held last night in- the parish hall. The Yen. Archdeacon Russell presided. The annual reports and balance 1 sheet, showing a satisfactory result on the year’s working, were adopted. The election of office-bearers resulted ns follows: —Parishioners’ warden, Mr A. Bloch; vicar’s warden, Mr G. M. Procter; synodsman, Mr G. M. Procter; auditor, .Mr A. W. Woodward; vestry—Messrs W. Tomlinson, Newson, Williamson, Lightwood, Jenkins, Simkins, Markham, M'Douall, Branthwaite, and Finder. The superintendent of the Totara Sunday School (Mr E. Tayles) submitted a report of the progress achieved during the year. The Newborough Ladies’ Guild’s annual report stated that the guild had worked to improve the heating of the churchroom, which had been a great comfort to the congregation, and outlined other activities during the year. The receipts totalled £73 Is Id, including the proceeds of sale of work (£6l Is 6d) and expenditure (£7O 7s), leaving a balance of £2 14s Id. The annual report of the king’s messengers referred in glowing terms to the work of ex-Leader Miss Deal, and reported that a branch of 14 members had been formed at Newborough, as well as other activities of the organisation. The balance sheet showed receipts amounting to £6O 13s Id and expenditure £3B 11s lOd, leaving a balance of £22 It sd. The church wardens’ report showed that the work of the parish had gone on very smoothly. Many necessary works had been carried out. The report placed on record the great service rendered to St. Luke’s by the Revs. S. J. Cooper and A. W. Stace, and Messrs W. Tomlinson (treasurer), and H. Williamson (secretary), and the organist (Mr F. C. Burry). , , . , The choir, ’ Sunday school teachers, ladies’ guild, and other workers of the vestry were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the way they had carried out their duties, as also wore the parishioners for the generous support accorded during the year. All the reports expressed the deepest regret at the great loss the parish had suffered through the death of Mrs Russell, and also the death of the Rev. J W Foster. Thanks were expressed to Mr, Mrs and Miss Deal, Mr Whitcombe, and Miss Webb, who had removed from Oamaru. Votes of thanks were passed to the auditor (Mr A. W. Woodward), the organist (Mr F. C. Burry), the choir, and the verger (Mr Frew).