NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21390, 18 July 1931, Page 18

NORTH OTAGO.

NORTH OTAGO FARMERS’ UNION The': monthly meeting of the North Otago executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held yesterday after' noon. Mr R. Walker presided over a good attendance of members. ; The chairman extended a cordial welcome to Mr J. B. Chapman, delegate to the executive from the Hildcrthorpe and Waitaki branch. In respect to the remit from the Otekaike branch requesting the Railways Board to carry feed at a reduced rate for starving stock, a reply was received from Mr J. A. Macphcrson, M.P., advising that the remit bad been submitted to the, board, which, after considering the matter, decided that it could not make any concession unless the Government footed the cost.—The secretary was directed to -forward the reply to the Otekaike branch. The Waitaki County Council advised that it had, been decided to charge 5s per day for the use of the County Chambers.—On the grounds that members of the Farmers’ Union were ratepayers, Sir W. Forrester moved that exemption be applied for. Mr J. B. Chapman seconded, end the motion was lost, it being decided to agree to the charge, : John Bullock, Teaneraki, wrote thankihg_ the union for its assistance in enabling him to exhibit his calf at the Dunedin Show,—Received. The. Hampden branch . forwarded the following remit for discussion by the branches of the union:—“That it be a recommendation to the Government that in any future land settlement under the Land for Settlement Act; a clause be inserted in the lease, whereby if a tenant wishes to dispose of his lease, the land revert back to the Crown, the tenant to be entitled ! to full compenaation for his improvements.”

Mr J. D, Rose stated that a good deal of their trouble to-day was due to trafficking in leaseholds. He explained that Mr de la Perrelle at the unveiling of the Sir John M'Kenzie memorial at Pubetapu had stated that nothing had been done to bring, leaseholds back to the Grown, the occupier to be compensated for improvement*, and thus prevent payment for goodwill, i Mr Rodger contended that the position had been remedied, as the goodwill of Crown leases to-day was worth nothing. Mr Chapman also submitted that things would be better se they were. Mr Cowan supported Mr Ross’s remarks, stating that the ®*le of goodwill led to speculation. Hr Dick contended that a good deal of the' present-day troubles was due to land inflation,'

, Mr Walker supported a system ot revaluing Crown leaseholds on their sale. He considered it would be a bad plan to; bass the remit as it wae. ~

H* Ro«<, jn reply, stated that many people had found theras" , ves in difficulties through trafficking in leasehold properties. Experience in North Otago showed that the original settlors were in good circumstance*, but those who had paid for high goodwills were in trouble to-day. Some time ago he had issued a warning that they were living beyond their means, and ha should be given credit, for that. Something should be done tomdet the situation, and he thought the principle suggested should be adopted in all future settlements. ,

H was decided to forward the remit to branches of the union in Otago and Southland for an expression of opinion. The Otekaike branch forwarded remits urging the Government to employ the unemployed' at procuring fencing posts on the West Coast for distribution at a cheaper rate amongst farmers in the sparsely, timbered districts, and urging the Government to reduce the rate ot interest on Post Office Saving Banks’ deposits.—The remits were received.

The secretary reported that he had arranged withMr-Tennent to give an address at Nggparaon July 29, Mr W. J). Lysnar forwarded a copy of the Meat Export Control Amendment Bill before the House and asking the union’s-opinion on it.—Held over for a later meeting. The Meat Producers’ Board acknowledged; the nomination of Mr D. J. Ross, of Hillgroye, at candidate for election as delegate to the Electoral Committee,— Received. AMALGAMATION OF LOCAL BODIES At the Farmer*’ Union meeting yesterday afternoon, Mr R. Dick stated that he had suggested that there should be an amalgamation of the Waitaki County Council and Oamaru Harbour Board. At the present time rate demands were sent out to ratepayers for each body. One demand would be sufficient. It would make for economy not only in postage, but if carried to its final conclusion would mean one building, wjtb one office to beat and light. During certain times of the' year the clerical staff were not very busy, while when the rate demands were being sent out the staff was exceptionally busy. If carried out to its logical conclusion there would be need for only one secretary. So far as he could see one secretary, one rate demand, and one building would be sufficient for all the business in the town. Mr Dick said he would be glad of an expression of opinion from the union before he brought the question before the Waitaki County Council.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT. {FXOK 008 SVXCIA& OOBBMPOWP»H*.J

Mr Chapman asked if Mr Dick could give some definite amount of the economy expected. Mr Forrester said it would be necessary to have an office near the harbour to transact harbour business. Mr Walker asked if Mr Dick proposed the amalgamation of the two boards, but Mr Dick replied that it would be necessary to have the two boards. Mr Dick said it was quite obvious that there would be a very considerable saving, but the project could only be brought about through a conference. Mr Rodman suggested that they hold a special meeting to discuss the matter. It was a big subject, as there was a great deal of the Harbour Board district outside the county.

Mr M'Tnnes contended that Mr Dick was on the right lines. In Timaru the rates were collected satisfactorily on the lines indicated by Mr Dick. The subject was held over for discussion at a special meeting. V LADIES' HOCKEY Teams for to-day’s matches: — Arawa Club. —A team: E. Kidd, A. Campbell, 0. Campbell, B. Campbell, G Campbell, M. Weavers, R. Hannah, L. Doran, A. Downing, I. Falconer, MMushett. B team: M. Steele, E. Paterson, E. Symons, Mrs Mather, G. Jardine, D. Harper, V. Barsdell, R. MTvor, A. Doran, H. Campbell, 0. Downing; emergency, J. Wooclgate. Athletic. —Hanley,. Richardson, Rawson, Madden, Winsloe, Todd, Hedges, Sparks, M‘Lay, Orlowski, Mather; emergencies—Hart and Wilson. UPPER WAITAKI DENTAL CLINIC

The annual meeting of the Upper Waitaki Dental Clinic Association was held on Thursday evening at the Kurow School. The meeting was well attended, there being present Messrs Pavleticb (chairman), Davidson (secretary), Cairns, Shanks, M‘Caw, Williams, Lister, Mcneieg, and Jackson. In his opening remarks the chairman emphasised the importance of the clinic as an asset to the district. By its operations the residents were assured of skilled treatment for their children at the minimum cost, ond were spared the expense of travelling to a large centre. Since the opening in July, 1929, the nurse had stopped 2093 teeth, extracted 382, and performed 501 miscellaneous operations. Reckoning each unit of service at 2s 6d, this represented a saving to the people of the district of £372. On behalf of the parent* of the district, Mr Pavletich expressed warm appreciation for the valuable services the secretary (Mr Davidson) had rendered to the clinic. Regarding the *3O levy made by the Government, and the expense of upkeep of the clinic, it wae decided that each school committee be made responsible for its quota of money on a pro rata basis according to the roll of each school participating in the benefits. The secretary was instructed to make arrangements for the election of three delegates from the Waitaki Hydro, as representatives on the association. Members whole-heartedly supported the proposal that the treatment be extended to embrace all children attending the primary schools of the district. Mr Pavletich was elected chairman for the ensuing 12 months. Messrs Pavletich, Menzies, Jackson and Davidson were appointed delegates to confer with the committee at the Waitaki Hydro.

MAJESTIC PICTURES Marie Dressier, who made such a hit in “ Ret Ua Be Gay ” a few weeks ago, appears with Wallace Beery in one of the outstanding successes for 1931, “ Min and Bill," to-day. at the matinee and also to-night and Monday night. So far where shown in the Dominion, extended seasons have been the order on account of its entertainment value, and no doubt Dunedin will also have an extended season when it arrives there. Though comedy predominates in this production there is pathos a-plenty to leaven matters. Patrons are well advised to book. An attendant will be on the telephone (1385) from 1 to 7 p.m. to book seats without extra cost. MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING The following were the best scores at the weekly shoot of the Railway Club:0. Brightwell 79 (1). 80; J. Waterworth 77 (4), 80; J. Watkins 76 (4), SO; E. G. Wilsoh 75 (6), 80; J. Larcorabe 75 (7). 80; G. Frame 75 (5). 80; W. Budd 75 (5), 80; R. Jory 74 (6), 80; C. Hansen 72 (8), 80; J, Farquharson 71 (10), 80; A. Brown 78 (1), 79; R. Wilson 77 (2), 79; D. Williams 76 (3), 79; R. Laurie 75 (4), 79; E. Latimer 73 (6), 79; A. Wilson 71 (8), 79; G. Ward 75 (3). 78; F. Jones 75 (3), 78; D. Munro 75 (3), 78; P, Fellows 71 (7), 78. G. Brightwell won the rifle button and W, Budd won the handicap button. The best scores at the weekly shoot of the Glenavy Club arc as follow: —D. Brown 80, V. Niven 80, D. M’Culloch 80, C. Dugdale 79. N. Gibson 79, J. M‘Cnlloch 79, J. Purdie 79, D. Cochrane 78, J, H. Andrews 78, N. Fleming 78, D. M'Lean 78, D. Nimmo 78, J. Paul 78, N. L. Andrews 77, J. Brown 77, T. Fleming 77, R. S. Grant 77, H. Jackson 77, T. Nimmo 77. William Devlin 76, B. Duff 70, A. Kilworth 76, D, M’Naughtou 76, W. M'Culloch 70, R. Cochrane 70, W. Devlin 75, T. Devlin 75, C. Fleming 75, J. Nelson 75, B. Stanger 75, G. Searle 75, G, Wilson 75, W. Berry 74, S. Maiharoa 74, B, Chapman 73, J. Hollamby, jun., 73, J. Taylor 73, R, Hollamby 71, T. Maiharoa 70, R. Searle 70. ECONOMIC PROBLEMS There was an attendance of over 30 members of the North Otago Farmers’ Union yesterday afternoon at the County Council Chambers to listen to an address on economic problems affecting the farming and business communities given by Mr A. C. Cameron (president of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce). Mr Cameron was accompanied by Mr H. B. West (secretary of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce), the chairman (Mr R. Walker) extending a warm welcome to these gentlemen at the meeting. •Mr Cameron delivered a very instructive address, which was listened to with deep interest and attention. At the conclusion Mr_ Cameron devoted some minutes to answering questions. He was congratulated on his address and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks with acclamation.

MAHENO PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE CLASS The Sunday School Hall was well filled for the weekly meeting of the Maheno Presbyterian Bible class, which took the form of ajiterary evening. The Rev. W, W. French occupied the chair, and expressed gratification at seeing such a large attendance. The play “Thirty Minutes in the Street ” was well presented in character, those reading the parts being Misses I. Henry, E. M'Qucen, M. Paton, H- Paton, R. Rawson, I. Souness. T. Townsley, Doris Taylor; Messrs J. Hunter, J. Henry, J. Currie, W. Currie, J. Paton, H. Souness, G. L. Thorby, F, Todd, and D. Yorston. Messrs L. Clarke, W. M'Leod, and D. Yorston played guitar selections, and the Rev. Mr French gave a short recital with extracts from “The Merchant of Venice,” “ Othello,” “ A Midsummer Night's Dream,” and “ Much Ado About Nothing.” The concluding number was a scene taken from Sheridan’s “School for Scandal,” which was well presented by Misses I. Souness, E. M'Queen, T. Towneley, V. Souness; Messrs G. L. Thorby, S. Hunter, J. Currie, and D. Yorston.

ENDEAVOUR LODGE At the fortnightly meeting of the Endeavour Lodge of Druids J.P.A. Bro. J. Gerrie presided. Sick pay amounting to £l6 13s 4d was passed for payment. There were also present Bros. M‘Leod, Johnston, Rushton, G. and M. Thompson, members of the board of management of Grand Lodge, who gave valuable information on lodge business. During the evening items were rendered by Bros Rushton, Johnston, Drummond, and Thompson, SEVERE GALE A gale of great severity passed over the North Otago district at about 8 o’clock yesterday morning, and is the worst experienced for a few years past. It lasted only for about five minutes, but during that time it did much damage, although only of a minor nature. Several trees were blown down and damaged the electric wiring, with the result that shortly after the big blast the electric lights failed in Oamaru, but they were soon restored. The force of the wind was indicated by the fact that roofs of houses were lifted, while two garages are reported to have been blown down. At Ardgowan three pigsties were destroyed, while a tank containing 100 gallons of water was lifted and deposited several yards away. Several chimneys in Oamaru were blown down by the force of the gale, while a big macrocarpa tree_ at the seventeenth hole at the golf links was levelled to the ground.

PERSONAL Queen’s Hotel.—-Mr and Mrs Gow (Sydney), Mr J, Balmer (Wellington). Mr F. W. Cooper (Christchurch), Mr R. S. Brown, Mr R. J. M'Laren (Timaru), Mr D. Marie (Dunedin). REGIMENTAL BAND The members of the Regimental Band have been rehearsing assiduously for the broadcasting concert to be given on Sunday evening, August 9. Bandmaster G. M. W 7 hale has in hand the preparation of a very-fine programme, including Verdi’s selection “La Forza Del Destine,” and Toselli’s celebrated “ Serennta.” The band will be assisted by Madame Winnie Fraser, Messrs Stanley Hook (elocutionist), and Robert Jackson (banjoist), and is arranging further numbers. Mrs Donaldson will act as_ accompanist, and everything points to this, the first concert to be broadcast from Oamaru, being exceptionally successful.