NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21444, 19 September 1931, Page 18

NORTH OTAGO.

(FaoH Oub Special Cobbespondenx.J

WOMEN’S DIVISION FARMERS’ ' UNION The monthly meeting of the Herbert branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on September 9. There were present Mesdames Mar- ! shall (president), Aitchison (secretary), Wilkie, A. Budge, Barry, Oldham, King, Reid, W. Wilson, Campbell, J. Budge, J. M'Millan, A. M'Millan, Thomson, Davis, James, Hore, Misses Ross and Williamson. The meeting was opened by Mrs Marshall, who read the creed and extended a welcome to Mrs Walker (Oamaru), who had come to give a travel talk, and Mrs Tait (Oamaru), a lecture on gardening. CorrespondAice in connection with the rest home was read and held over until next meeting. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to Mrs Walker and Mrs Tait for their addresses. Mrs Walker has promised to give a further talk on her tour of Europe on October 14, and Mrs Tait a further lecture at a date to be arranged later. . On Wednesday Mrs Marshall gave a very instructive demonstration of ; ho alteration of paper patterns, at which there were present Mesdames Marshall (president), Aitchison (secretary), Barry, Trotter, J. E. Hill, Davis, E, _H. Ross, Thomson, James, W. Wilson, Reid, Campbell. Hore, A. Budge. King, J. Budge. A M’Millan. J. M'Millan, A. Wilson, Misses Hill, A. Wilson, M. Irvine, M. Irvine. A vote of thanks to Mrs Marshall closed the meeting. CONCERT AT HERBERT A large crowd assembled at the Athenceum Hall on Thursday evening to hear a concert given by the Columba Church Choir, which proved a huge success. The Rev. P. C. Rennie presided, and those contributing to a very enjoyable programme were Mesdames T. Ovens and M'Whirter, Miss R. M'Kenzie, Messrs J. Weir and E, Brown (songs), choir (glees); Mrs M'Whirter and Mr R. J. Hinkley, Messrs Weir and Hinkley, and Mrs Ovens and Mr Hinkley (duets); Mesdames M'Gregor, M'Whirter, and Miller (trio); Mrs M'Whirter, Miss Gibb, and Messrs Tonkin and Hinkley, Messrs Wise, Hinkley. Miller,, and Tonkin, Mrs Ovens, Miss R. M'Kenzie, Messrs Hinkley and Tonkin (quartets); ladies of the choir (Lullaby); Mr L. Barsdell (violin solos); Mr Ninian (recitations). All the numbers were well received, and encores were the order of the evening. Mr Wilkinson played the accompaniments. The Rev. P. C. Rennie, on behalf of the ladies of the P.W.M.U., in a happy speech thanked the performers for the excellent concert they had given, and_ Mr Wilkinson acknowledged the compliment on behalf of the choir. Subsequent to the singing of the National Anthem supper was handed round by the ladies. HAMPDEN DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB A meeting of the Hampden Defence Rifle Club was held on Tbursdayevening in the Gymnasium Hall, Mr W. Ford occupied the chair. The chairman reported that since last meeting it had been found that the range site on the Kaka ridges was not available, but that a site on Target Flat, on the Australian and New Zealand Land Company’s property was available, and permission had been obtained from the adjoining farmer as to firing rights, It was resolved that the target Flat range site be accepted. It was decided that Gymnasium Hall be covered by a fire policy as required by the Education Board. The secretary was instructed to write the deputy-president (Mr W. Cooper) _ wishing him a speedy recovery from hia serious A working bee was organised for the purpose of getting the range in order. The secretary reported that the membership now stood at over 40 members, , / A SAVAGE” SHOW One. of the .most flourishing institutions in .Oamaru is the Savage Club, which, modelled as it- is on the pattern of the big clubs in the centres, has obtained a most enviable reputation for the quality of the entertainment its members are able to provide. Some people wonder what a Savage Club’s objects really arc. Well, to foster talent ofl all kinds —-musical, literary, and artistic —and to promote good fellowship are its chief aims. But there are Others, including the supporting of any movements to improve the lot of those in need of assistance. That is why the Savage'Club has decided to stage a big entertainment on Thursday and Friday nights : of next week in aid of the Mayoress’s Relief Fund. The club has already made substantial donations to the fund from its own members, and now it seeks the co-operation of all citizens. But more than full Value will be given in the entertainment to be provided. It includes an original “Digger” show, written, arranged, produced, and acted (with one exception) by Savage Club members. The exception is Miss Betty Butterfield, who takes the part of a French girl. Some Waimate Savages will be in the cast. The Savage Orchestra, which has now become one of the strongest musical organisations in Oamaru, will, be heard in selections. The Waimate Savages are staging a one act comedy, “Kitty on the Keys, which “ brought down the house ” when it was given on the occasion of the Waimate raid on the Oamaru Savage Club. Plantation songs, including unaccompanied Quartets, are featured in the minstrel show, with plenty of fun from the cornerman. So keen'have the members been at rehearsals that those who attend at the Opera House next Thursday and Friday will be astonished at the wealth of talent which has been unearthed. HAMPDEN DETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION Mr J. Joyce presided at the monthly meeting of the Hampden Returned Soldiers’ Association. Accounts amounting to £1 4s lid were passed for payment. It was resolved that a sub-committee consisting of Messrs J. Joyce and H. Mursell interview the Rifle Club in connection with the employment of unemployed returned soldiers in the -erection of the rifle range. One new member and one honorary member were elected to the association. MAJESTIC THEATRE Perhaps the biggest matinee the Majestic will have this year will take place this afternoon, when Mickey the Mouse will have a birthday party there, and every child attending will have a piece of cake. There will also be a cake weight-guessing competition, and every child attending will have a chance in this. A specially-selected programme will be screened, including a Mickey Mouse cartoon, a Laurel-Hardy comedy, and a Ken Maynard feature. To-night and Monday Greta Garbo with Lewis Stone will appear in “ Inspiration.” Attached to this programme is also a Laurel-Hardy comedy and Mickey Mouse cartoon. NORTH OTAGO TEAM | , •- : Gillies, Spillane, Newlands, and Matheson are not available for the North Otago representative team to play Ashburton today, and the vacancies will be filled V Loder. Sullivan, and Grocott. MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING The selectors' (Messrs H. Koppert, W. Barnard, and, D. Williams) have chosen the following North Otago representative teams to compete against Timaru and Waimate for the Lewis and Faulkner Shields; — Lewis Shield. —G. Gibson, W. Gibson, IR. Gibson* A. Gibson, R. Fjllingbam

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

(Awamoko), H. Koppert (captain), J. Caldwell (Oamaru), W. Falloon, A. Howell (Weston), G. Ward (Railway). Faulkner Shield. —W. Smith (Totara), E. Sinclair, J. Nimmo (Oamaru), C. Carlson, W. Barnard (captain), H. Stevenson, D. Park, G. Campbell (Weston), A. Brown, G. Brightwell (Railway). Emergencies—E. Symon, T. Kennedy (Oamaru). The Timaru teams are as follow: — Lewis Shield.—W. Bradshaw, W. Duncan, I. Blackwood, C. Blackwood, J. Stevenson (Timaru), J. Bennett (Fareora), L. M'Keefry (St. Patrick’s), W. T. Taylor, N. Patrick, H. D. Roberts (Pleasant Point). Faulkner Shield.—P. Foden, J. Murpfiy W. Malcolm (Timaru), B. Jefferson, J Batchelor, B, Leydon (St. Patrick’s), J. Moore, A. Hooke (Fire Brigade), 0. Thoreau (Pleasant Point), R. Moore (Washdyke). , Emergencies.—J. Hull (Glen-iti), H. Gledhill (Fire Brigade), F; Black (Claremont). The following are the results of the weekly shoot of the Railway Club:—W Wilson 79 (4), 80; E. Wilson 78 (3), 80; J. Larcomb 76 (0), 80; A Byars 76 (4) 86; J. Waterworth 76 (5), 80; C. Tempero 75 (5), 80; W. Aitken 77 (2), 79; A. Brown 77 (2), 79; M.'Mulhern 77 (2)-, 79; D. Williams 75 .(4), 79; G. Brightwell 77 (1), 78; F. Jones 75 (3). 78; G. Frame 75 (3), 78; B. Dobson 73 (5) 78; A. Donaldson 74 (4), 78. W Wilson won both the rifle and handicap buttons. MEETING OF- WHEATGROWERS There were over 100 farmers at the meeting of wheatgrowers held, in the Wear Street Hall yesterday morning. Mr R. B. Meek was elected to the chair, and he introduced Messrs Mulholland and Macpherson, who had come to Oamaru to address growers on the, wheat situation. Mr Meek briefly outlined the position as affected by the sowing of an area of 300,000 acres of •wheat, and the proposed scheme set up to deal with the coming season’s crop. Mr Mulholland, in addressing the gathering, asked those present to consider the position from the point of view of the individual wheatgrower. not because he was an apostle of selfishness, but because if they did that they would arrive at a decision in the interests of the industry and of the country as a whole. He asked them also to consider the position as wheatgrowers, not as a “ pool ” or “ free ” grower, for the position demanded that they should deal with it ns wheatgrowers, and not as sections of wheatgrowers. If not. there was the possibility of not arriving at a decision, and failure would mean disaster. Probably very few of them realised that they had had recurring surpluses for the last four years. Last year they did not have an actual surplus for requirements, hut after the harvest they had more than could be absorbed because of the difficult financial situation. They would realise through the period of recurring surpluses and difficult period of marketing experienced they had no difficulty in disposing of their wheat at satisfactory prices, and the reason was because the Wheatgrowers Association took the surplus and placed it so that it did not affect the market. The fact that the surplus of last year did not-affect the actual selling of wheat had probably deadened their minds as to the effect of a surplus, which was quite acute a few years ago, but when they considered factois in the situation they would find that it would be quite impossible for the Wheatgrowers’ Association to stabilise the market. He was not going to act as a prophet or deal in speculation as regards the future, for it was . impossible to prognosticate what the yield would fliis senson. Ho could* however, deal llth f"£ &V h.d 300,000 sown down in wheat this season, khe association was largely responsible for the figures, though the estimate was largely agreed with, The extra areai was based on figures actually fu ™?shed by farmers. From that information they were able to apply a percentage -basis to the Government Statistician s as it was 'known that on a niinffier of farms considerable acreages had been put in wheat, where none had been grown before, while others had increased the area sown in wheat. They also collected from several hundred wheatgrowers similar information to that supplied by-their own members. The figures indicated that the sowing or inteiided of w-hcat up to last June was 290,000 to 300,090 acres. The publication of the figures as a guide to farmers in late sowing might possibly have had the effect of inducing farmer’s to swing to other crops, wffiicli might otherwise have been put jn wheat. The barley and linseed contracts had not materialised, and these, areas had swung into wheat, and in the North Is cl wheatgrowing districts there had been a considerable increase in wheat, and they wore quite justified in assum ing the figures to be as stated until the Government statistics were furnished next month. During the last 10 years they had had an average yieldl ot 31.47 bushels, and during the last five years 33.98. If they applied the lessei of these averages to the 300,000 acres, they would have a crop bdyond requirements. That was the position they were faced with. At the present time wheat was worth less than 2s, sacks in, at London. Cost of shipping from here would absoib the whole of the two shillings, so that on the farm the wheat was worthless. They could only hope that such a state of affairs could not continue very long. They had to go back 350 years to get a quotation as low as the London quotation to-day. They could only consider the position to be a grave danger, not only to the wheatgrowers. but to everyone in the Dominion. It was up to them to meet the situation. Pooling this year was out of the question. It was impossible. The scheme devised by the association had become possible very largely through the conferences at Wellington, at which the millers agreed as to the cost of converting wheat into flour. inat wiped out the point on which they might have split, and made it much easier to deal with other angles of the position. The millers had met them very fairly in exploring a number of ways in arriving at a solution. The scheme proposed was in their opinion the best means of arriving at a solution, and was designed to deal with one or two other points of importance to wheatgrowers. There was a reduction of 10s in the cost of conversion, and the millers bound themselves to buywheat on the cost of conversion basis. Should bran and pollard rise, then the growers would get the benefit, but should they fall, then the millers would get the benefit. The operation of the scheme was based on the users of wheat signing _ a contract to buy wheat under terms including a certain minimum price, the grower authorising the purchaser to pay into an equalisation fund a levy which would be determined when they knew what the yield would be. In operation it would work just as smoothly as the Wheat Board’s scheme in 1923 and 1924, and with just as little alteration so far as the business ivas concerned. If there was a surplus of wheat the board would take it over on an agency basis, and out of the equalisation fund and the proceeds of sales these growers would be paid an , advance equal to that received by the growers who sold direct to the millers. Therefore all those growers fortunate enough to place their wheat with the mills, and those unable to sell, would be dealt with equally, and everyone would bear the burden of dealing with the wheat. All milling wheat would be assured of equal treatment, and all would beai the burden of preventing the market from suffering from a disastrous collapse that would attend a surplus. Mr Mulholland dealt with the provisions of the contract, and said the scheme had been outlined to 1000 growers, and no objection had been raised _ to the scheme. The only objections raised had been as to the constitution of the board and to their not consulting free growers. They were there to consult all growers, and. as to the other objection, the association had brought forward the scheme . and appointed representatives to the board. The board consisted of eight mem-

bers, four being appointed by the millers and four by the growers, with equality ot voting power. Consequently the board could only function by agreement by negotiation. They were quite prepared to reopen the question of representatives of the wheat growers, and to explore any revenue that promised to give satisfaction. By so doing the association was surrendering a great deal, and was throw ing itself on the reasonableness of wheatgrowers not to appoint representatives to the board who would act unfairly to the association. Mr Mulholland answered a number of questions put to him by wheatgrowers present, and, on the motion of Messrs E. S. Brewster and L. Kelcher, who referred to the good work done by Mr Mulholland in the interests of the wheatgrowers, a motion was carried unanimously approving of the scheme. Votes of thanks to the chairman and the managers of St. Paul’s for the use of the hall concluded the meeting. LOYAL ALFRED LODGE There was a good attendance of members at a meeting of the Loyal Alfred Lodge, over which Bro. S. Redmond presided. The syllabus for the next term was drawn up and approved of. An invitation was received from theM.U.I.O.O.F. to be present at a social and dance. P.G. Bro. Harwood gave notice of motion that all officers be elective. MEN’S HOCKEY The following players have been selected to represent the Oamaru Club in its match against the South End Club (Timaru) at Timaru to-day:—L. Blair, H. M'Lardy, B. Tonkin, Tait, M'Gillivray, Soally, B'. Blair, I). Taylor, H. Willett. G-. Webb, D. Beswick. The bue will leave the Co-op. corner at 12.30 sharp. This match is the first of a series of matches to be played between the leading teams in Geraldine, Ashburton, Timaru, and Oamaru for the Walker and Hall shield presented for annual competition by the winners of the competition games in each.ot the four centres named. Mr H. Thomas will accompany the team as manager, and Mr, W. J. Chappell has been appointed the Oamaru referee for the match.. LADIES’ HOCKEY The following players will represent the Pirata Club (Oamaru) in a friendly match against the Stafford Club (Timaru), to be played at Timaru to-day:— W. Berry, E. Bedford, R. Clare, J. Palmer, E. Berry, R. Lowan, I. Cox, J. Watterus, K. Weavers, J. M'Leod, M. Winslade; emergency, E. Wilson. Mr H; W. Thomas will acompany the team as manager, and Mr N. Pinder has been appointed the Oamaru referee for the match. MANCHESTER UNITY At the quarterly meeting of the Loyal Oamaru Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., Bro. P. Hicks presided over a good attendance of members. An invitation was received from the Rose of Oamaru Lodge to attend a social evening to be held soon. One candidate was initiated into the Order, and one brother was accepted into the lodge by clearance. P.S.P.G. Bro. Couper and Sis. Pinder were elected delegates from the lodge to the district meeting. P.P.G.M. Bro. Robson was also elected as a delegate. Several brothers reported on the sick members of the lodge. It was reported that a question box will be held next meeting. FARMERS’ UNION The monthly meeting of the executive of the North Otago branch of the Farmers’ Union was hold yesterday afternoon. Mr R. Walker presided over a good attendance of members. Accounts totalling £3 3s were passed for payment. The secretary reported on-a meeting of the Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs Association, when it was decided to form a sub-association in North Otago. Mr W. Forrester, who acted as president at the meeting, then outlined the steps leading to the formation of the sub-association. He stated that it was hoped to form a separate association when the project was in full working order. It was decided that a grant of £5 be given to the subassociation. ... TT A letter was received from Mr H. E. Neill (Bortons), father of the boy who secured first prize in the calf-rearing competition held by the Otago Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs, thanking the executive for its assistance in arranging the entry and the interest taken. The Dominion Fertiliser Company, Ltd., wrote conveying its sincere thanks to the executive for its co-operation during past years, and extended an invitation to the members to visit the works at Ravensbourne, Dunedin. —Received. .... The Dominion Executive advised that the annual conference would bo held on October 28, when various remits would be considered. —Received. , . The district superintendent of live stock, Agricultural Department, Dunedin, advised that a temporary laboratory will be set up at the Pukeuri works tor the purpose of carrying out experiments in connection with pulpy kidney among sheep. He asked that farmers should send sheep to the works that had died of this disease, so that experiments could be carried out. —Received. ... n A circular was received from the dominion Executive pointing out the compulsory obligations to insure under the third party risk; the limitation of cover; obligations of owner of car; miscellaneous points of importance, and statistics relating to the third party risk. A communication was received trom Hr J. A. Macpherson, M.P., stating that the question of highways finance was being carefully looked into, in the interests ot all the local bodies.—Received. In regard to the Highways h inance, Mr R. Dick said that there was no doubt that the primary producers were in a very bad way, and the aim of the legislation should be to give relief to primary producers. One way relief could be given, and that was in the reduction of the highways charges. According to figures, there was sufficient money to do all the work and more to spare. Mr Chapman supported this speaker, and considered it was time that the farm lands should be derated. Mr D. J. Sidey advised that he would be in Oamaru on Monday, September 23, and would be glad to give an address on wool improvement to all members. Heceived. Many suggestions were put forward by members present as to ways and means of studying economy throughout the Gominion. • PERSONAL Queen’s Hotel.—Mr A. Gudgin (London), Mr F. L. Brandt, Mr F. W. Cooper (Christchurch), Mr L. W. Prude, Mr J. A. Peterson, Mr D. Murie, Mr D. Baker (Dunedin). , . New Club Hotel.—Mr C. A. Robinson (Timaru), Mr H. C. Lusty, Mr D. S. Broughton, Mr L. Adams (Dunedin), Mr S. E. Wilson (Auckland). OAMARU VOLUNTEER NOTES By Kit-Bag. The fortnightly parade of B Company was held on Wednesday, September _ 9, when some 50 members attended. The earlier part of the evening was spent in organising the men into their respective platoons and sections, while later some time was occupied with Lewis gun in struction. Those who are attending the n.c.o’s classes were given opportunity to act as n.c.o.’s, and these will be changed around each parade until the appointment of permanent n.c.o.’s is made. In this way each man will be able to show his fitness to occupy other rank. Several trainees have for the past few weeks been spending their spare time at the Drill Hall, where Sergeant-major Cockerell, D. 5.0., has placed the Lewis guns at their disposal. During last parade they were detailed to act as instructors and demonstrated tiie capable manner in which they instructed their squads that their time had been well spent. At the dose of the parade Sergeant-

major Cockerell delivered a very interesting and entertaining lecture in the n.c.o. s clubroom, the subject of the lecture being “Western Samoa.” The lecturer gave a very good account of his experiences with the special police force which' served in Samoa during 1928 and 1929, describing the life lived by the men and their work on the island. Mention was made of the organisation of the Man, and of the police work in dealing with this organisation The fruit and copra industries on the island were topics which interested the listeners very much. Sergeant-major Cockerell has been asked to give another lecture on more of his experiences and has consented to do so at a later date During the course of the evening many interesting photographs and souvenirs were exhibited. At the close of the lecture Sergeant-major Cockerell was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The N.C.O. class held on September 16 was very well attended. Each member present was given an opportunity to instruct the parade in platoon drill. A short while was then spent at musketry and the latter part of the parade was taken up with Lewis gun instruction. Before the close of the parade a few minutes were occupied with communication drill, and never before had such shouting been heard of in a dry area. Recruiting is still progressing steadily, and our numbers are being added to each week. It may interest some young men to know that official advice has been received from the Public Service Commissioner to the effect that leave to attend military camps will be granted by their departments. This leave will not be deducted from annual leave, and pay will in no way be interfered with. This applies to all civil servants without distinction. N.C.O. Club. —On September 7 the Scottish Hall was the scene of much activity, being the occasion of the annual ball of the N.C.O.’s. Nearly 100 couples attended, including Colonel Falconer. D. 5.0., M. Officer Commanding; and Captain Satterthwaite, adjutant of the Otago Regiment. The catering for the dance was in the capable hands of Mr Whittaker, while the music supplied by M’Combe’s Orchestra left nothing to be desired. During the evening Colonel Falconer congratulated the North Otago N. on their very successful ball, and expressed his pleasure at being present. SOUTHERN LAWN TENNIS SUBASSOCIATION In presenting the first annua! report of the Southern Sub-associaticin, the executive states it has no hesitation in affirming that the association has fully justified its existence in fulfilling a longfelt want among the country clubs under its jurisdiction. Formation. —The proposal to form an association originated from the Maheno Club, which communicated with neighbouring clubs, and after obtaining their opinions a conference of delegates, two from each of five clubs, was held at Maheno on August 27, 1930. At this meeting there were present by invitation members of the North Otago Lawn Tennis Association (Messrs H. M'Dowell, P. Mulligan, and G. Meikle), who gave the delegates the benefit of their experience and enthusiasm. The sub-association ie under a debt of gratitude to those gentlemen for their kindly assistance in furthering its interests. •• As a result of this meeting it was decided straightway to form a subassociation affiliated to the North Otago Lawn Tennis Association, the constituent clubs being as follows:—Maheno, Herbert, Totara, Five Forks, Weston, and Enfield. At a later meeting a constitution was framed and adopted. Competition.—The sub-association was extremely fortunate in that at the inaugural meeting an offer to donate a challenge cup for interclub competition was made by Mr C. A. Browne, of Five Forks. The offer was accepted, and it was decided that the cup be called the “Browne Challenge Cup.” The sub-association placed on record its hearty appreciation of Mr Browne’s generosity and sportsmanship. The mam work of the association was to conduct the interclub com petition, for which teams entered from each club. Commencing on October 25, matches were played on the home-and-home system on alternate Saturdays for two rounds. At the conclusion of the competition Herbert held an undefeated record of nine matches won, and was declared the winners of the challenge cup. The sub-association offered its congratulation to the winning club on its splendid record and on its gaining the honour of being the first club to have its name inscribed on the cup. Tournament.—A very successful tournament, confined to men’s and ladies’ doubles, and conducted by the association on the Maheno Club’s courts, was held on March 14, and drew entries from each club. The winning pairs were:—Ladies, Misses Loder and Saunders (Herbert); men, Messrs Croft and L. Hollow (Totara), At the conclusion of the day’s play the following teams were chosen to £lay against a North Otago B team: — adies —Misses Lodor, Hill, Kidd, D. Clark, Diver, and Mrs Joiner; men — Messrs C. Clark, A. Clark, P. Croft, L. Hollow, N. Saunders, and J. Mursell. Owing to unfavourable weather conditions, however, this match had to be abandoned after two attempts to play it. General.—The sub-association looked forward with confidence to a successful incoming season, and in the light of experience gained from the initial season it hoped to foster the interests of the small country clubs, to raise the standard of play, and, of paramount importance, to demonstrate the necessity or well and fully-equipped courts. . . , , Finance. —The sub-association had had no heavy items of expenditure, and was able to show a creditable balance.