PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21524, 22 December 1931, Page 13

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

NORTH OTAGO.

PLUCKY ACTION -At the conclusion of the coroner’s' inquest on the death of John Scales Norton yesterday afternoon, counsel, in turn, referred to the courageous action of Messrs Scott and Dugdale in entering the building filled, with ammonia gas fumes in search of Mr Norton. Mr Scott had the protection of a gas helmet, but they knew the dangers of , a defective mask, but Mr Dugdale was without protection, Their clients thoroughly appreciated the plucky action of these men. The coroner (Mr VV. H. Frith) said the men’s courageous action deserved special mention. When he went out a considerable time afterwards and went into the storeroom, breathing was difficult, as the fumes were still strong. It was very courageous to go into the building immediately after the explosion, as the men faced the danger of death themselves. He recognised it was a brave and laudable action. THE PUKEURI FATALITY An inquest touching the death of John Scales Norton, who lost his life as the result of the bursting of a liquid ammonia receiver at the Pukeuri freezing works on December 14, was held by the coroner (Mr W. H. Frith) yesterday morning. The relatives of the deceased, insurance company, and the Waitaki Farmers’ Freezing Company were represented by counsel, and Sergeant Hall conducted the inquiry. Dr Butler gave testimony* that he went out to the works in response to a telephone message, and saw deceased in the yard. Artificial respiration was applied, although there was no sign of life, and was continued for some time without success. Death was due to asphyxia due to inhalation of ammonia fumes. David Bell, of Oamaru, inspector of machinery for Otago, stated that on December 15 he made an examination of the liquid ammonia receiver, which was linked up with the freezing system at the work, the system being regulated by the outside temperature, the pressure decreasing as the outside temperature fell and' increasing as it rose. At 70 degrees the pressure was at 1151 b, and this was, approximately the temperature .when the explosion occurred. A container of similar type, and properly made and in good order, would be equal to a strain of 310ib to the square inch. On examining the receiver he found there was a faulty weld in the longitudinal seam, the rupture being 21 inches in length. This would be assisted by fatiguing owing to the age of the metal. He did not know how long the cylinder had been installed at the works, and it did not come within his duties to test such cylinders. He had never heard of an accident of a similar nature. It did not come under the same heading as steam, gas, or air cylinders. He had never had the experience’ of a blow-out, only leaks. The ammonia pipes and containers were usually tested at installation at 4001 b, and the life of an ammonia cylinder was quite safe at 30 years. In his opinion, these cylinders should be periodically examined, though they were not under any recognised authority. The ammonia cylinders were not always housed outside. He understood they were outside at Burnside, and he thought it would be much safer to have them outside. In this cylinder there was a forged weld with a lap of scarf 13/16 inch, but the weld had only caught on the outside corner. On the main body of the scarf there was no sign of it having taken hold It was a faulty weld from the start. In all probability the' new type of cylinders would be solid drawn with no joint or wejding. The weld was quite safe if properly done. The faulty weld was intact right along the edge of the scarf, but the fault could not be detected by _ examination. There was no examination of that cylinder so far as the Government was concerned, and no test would be required in the case of a person putting in such a plant. It was impossible to detect the flaw in the cylinder prior to the explosion, and he understood the cylinders were under observation by the engineers on watch, but, however old, there would be no test by a Government department. There was another cylinder at the works, not so old. he thought, as the cylinder in question, as it had been erected since the first one. In' his opinion, the other cylinder was safe, as it was originally supposed to test 3101 b. A cylinder, however, deteriorated with age. The broken cylinder probably was tested originally, but had it been tested a month or six months ago the flaw should have been detected. In his opinion, any other cylinder there should be tested periodically. The rigorous test at the installation was all right at the time, but, in his opinion, it was dangerous not to have the cylinder periodically tested. The cylinder was defective from the start. He examined periodically the other parts of the plant—boilers, machinery, etc.—but not the ammonia cylinders. Properly to test the cylinder it would have to be taken down and tested with water. There was no other means for the engineer to test it. There was no deteriorating effect or corrosion by ammonia liquid on the steel of the cylinder. The staff at the works would soon detect any leak in the system, and he would recommend the housing of all such cylinders outside.

Walter Scott, senior shift engineer, stated lie was in the condenser house when the explosion occurred. He came down immediately and found the fitting room full of fumes. As soon as he learned that Norton was missing, after consultation with Mr Dugdale, he donned a gas helmet and made a search for Norton in the fitting room and storeroom, where he found him huddled in a corner at the far end from the door. He got Norton to the storeroom door, when Dugdale came on the scene and assisted him to carty Norton outside. Artificial respiration was carried out for 25 minutes, but without success. The only test thej> had of the cylinders was visual test, and his last inspection of the receiver was about a week previously. It was impossible to detect a faulty weld by visual inspection. The last replenishment of ammonia to the system was at least 12 months ago. On the day in question his attention was not drawn to any excessive smell of ammonia in the fitting shop, nor had there been a smell of amnnoia of recent date. He agreed with Mr Bell as to the periodical examination of the ammonia plant. They gave it strict attention, relying on their sense of smell.. He had been employed at Burnside where the cylinders (covered) were stored just outside the engine room door. He thought they were the same kind of cylinders as those at Pukeuri. He had never seen that kind of cylinder tested, and had never heard of a similar explosion. There was no corrosion on the inside of the burst cylinder, and only very little on the outside, which would have practically no effect. He had had experience with these cylinders at sea. where they were stored in the engine room. John Ellis Dugdale, chief engineer, stated that he was in the office of the engine room at 2 p.m. on December 14, when he heard an explosion. He saw white ammonis gas cloud in the fitting shop, which adjoined the engine room. He endeavoured to ascertain if any men were missing, as he knew there had been men working in the fitting room. A gas helmet. always kept ready for use and handy in the engine room, was procured without delay. On account of the lack of visibility, in the fitting room, due to ammonis gas clouds, it was not possible to go in, so he sent men around the windows to see if any men were inside. A check of the employees was made, when it was ascertained that Norton was missing and could not be located. It could not be ascertained positively where Norton was. In the meantime some men, who were in the fitting room, had come out, and three of them were badly gassed, and artificial respiration was used to bring them around. One had to be removed to the hospital suffering' from ammonia burns, and the other two were later able to be taken home. Mr Scott put on the gas helmet and madle a search of the fitting room. He was inside for some time, and, thinking something had hap-

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT. (Fbom Ocb Special. CosEKßPos>o«»ra.j

peued to him, witness went inside and found that he had located Norton, and assisted him to bring him outside. Artificial respiration was continued for some time without success. He had made inquiries, but was unable to ascertain how long the receiver had been in use. In all probability, it was installed when the works were bu'lt about 1913. lie corroborated the evidence of Mr lieli as regards the cause of the rupture in the cylinder. Some days previously Scott mentioned that he had been up to the cylinder and tightened the gland of the inlet/ valve. Ammonia gas was very searching, and the slightest leak made itself known. The last time they replenished the system was at the beginning of the season Inst year. The only way to test the receivers was to empty them — a risky thing, and much better left alone if possible—and they would need a special plant to test them. It would not be practicable to blow the fumes out of the whole system and subject the system to a water test. He had been employed at Burnside, and had bad considerable experience at sea—seven years on land and eighteen at sea—and lie did not know of a cylinder having been scrapped or thrown away. He had never seen ammonia cylinders tested, nor had he known one to be tested after it had been installed. Liquid ammonia bad no corrosive effect on steel. If they suspected a defect in a cylinder they would take it down and make an examination, and, if necessary, report it to the Government inspector. The other cylinder had been brought down, and it was identical with the cylinder that burst. It would probably be tested before it was put back. Such an accident was a very rare occurrence. Liquid receivers were not under impulsive pressures. The change of pressure was very slight, and what wag more important, very slow. It would appear from what had happened that it might be advisable to put the cylinders outside, though he thought they were quite safe where they were compared with the engine room at sea. The average pressure to the cylinders would be about 120 lb to the square inch. The plant would not be working until the season opened, and they required two receivers. A cylinder of that type should be good for 30 years, and then would probably be quite good for service. He considered it advisable to test the other cylinder before starting the plant. If the inspector of machinery did not think it necessary to make a periodic test he would not eay it was necessary for the freezing company to do so, but in the light of what had happened he considered it was advisable. The cylinder was placed in its position because that was a favourable position, because there was no floatation in temperature, and it was free from interference. Possibly it would be interfered with outside. The present cylinders were not necessarily out of date, but he thought it advisable to keep a record of the installation of the cylinders. The coroner said he could not see why the Government Department for Inspection of Machinery should not inspect all containers containing dangerous liquids or gases. The Government should be requested to test them. He returned a ver-dict-in accordance with the medical testimony, that the death of John Scales Norton was due to asphyxia, due to inhalation of ammonia fumes. It was veryregrettable, and he extended his sympathy to the relatives. FRENCH PRONUNCIATION ,On December 12, at the Otago University, the Dunedin French Club conducted the annual competition in French pronunciation and coversation, comprising recitation of French poetry, reading at sight of French prose, and French conversation. This year the successful candidate was Miss Genie Syverston, of the Waitaki Girls’ High School. The prize is a magnificent illustrated history of France, forwarded 'for this purpose through M. Serre, French Consul at Auckland. BOROUGH FINANCES The details of the figures disclosing the position of the finances of the Oamaru Borough Council will be of interest to ratepayers, showing the position of each department for the eight months to November 30, compared with the average expenditure:— Town Maintenance. Expenditure, £5761 9s 3d; average, £6024 13s 4d; estimate for year, £9037; amount below average, £263 4s Id; balance available for four months, £3275 10s 9d. Waterworks. —Expenditure, £3024 11s 8d; average, £2733 6s 8d; estimate for year, £4100; above average, £291 ss; balance available for four months, £1075 8s 4d. Sanitation.—Expenditure, £936 10s Id; average, £910; estimate for year, £1365; above average, £26 10s Id; balance available for four months, £428 9s lid. Abattoirs. —Expenditure, £996 18s lOd; average, £1000; estimate for year, £1500; below average, £3 Is 2d; balance available for four months, £503 Is 2d.

Town Hall.—Expenditure, £sll 4s lOd; average, £480; estimate for year, £720; above average, £3l 4s lOd; balance available for four months, £2OB 15s 2d. Reserves. —Expenditure, £1470 7s 8d; average, £1486 13s 4d; estimates for year, £2230; below average, £lO 5s 8d; balance available for four months, £759 12s 4d. Returned Soldiers’ Association grants. £190; borough subsidy, £190; wages paid to December 5. £355 12s 7d; balance, £24 7s ad.

Unemployment Relief. —Refund due April 1, £204 0s lOd; wages paid to November 30, £4OOO 10s Gd; refund from Government, £3BOB 7s 7d; refund due, £336 3s 9d. SCHOOL VACATIONS HILDERTHORPE. Standard Vl.—Harry Williams/ dux ot school, 1. Standard V. —N. Barton 1, J. Williams 2, A. Condon 3. Standard IV. —E. M’Carthy 1. Standard 111. —J- Barton 1, J. Dennison 2, D. Barnes 3, G. Robertson 4, M. Williams 5. Standard lI.—P. M’Carthy 1, L, Griffiths 2, A. Brown 3, L. Barnes 4. Standard I. —D. Condon 1, T. M’Garthy 2, M. Griffiths 3, I. Cruickshanks 4. Primer Classes.—J. M’Carthy, J. Dennison, J. Williams, J. M’Cabe. Sewing.—M. Williams, E. M’Carthy, A. Condon, D. Condon, M. Griffiths, I. Cruickshanks, J, Williams. Gardening.—D. Barnes, G, Robertson, J. Barton, J. Williams, J. Dennison. Writing.—A. Condon, N. Barton, M. Williams, J. Dennison, D. Condon, P. M’Carthy. HAKATARAMEA VALLEY. Standard VI. —Marjorie York 1, Florence Cairns 2. Standard V. —Joyce Corrigall 1, Lesly Gillespie 2. Standard IV. —Mavis M’Gimpscy I, Muriel Walker 2. Standard HI. —Elsie Cairns 1, Edna Cairns 2. Standard ll.—Evelyn Walker 1. Standard I.—Nina Cairns 1, George M’Lean 2. Infants. —Alfred Walker 1, Phyllis Cairns. Sylvia Cairns. John Dunstan, Gwen York, Rolalie Hay (prize each). Specials.—Progress (Mr T. Cairns's prize): Marjorie York. Agriculture (Mr J, M’Kcnz.ie’s prize): Ivan Cairns 1: (Mr Fraser’s prize). Charles Cleave. Sewing: Standards V and VI (Mrs Cleave’s prize): Joyce Corrigall. Sewing (Standards HI and IV): Winnie Walker; Standards I and 11. Evelyn Walker. Progress (Mrs L. B. Cairns's prize): Evelyn Walker. Tennis fMrs D. M’Gimpsey’s prizes): Charles Cleave and Joyce Corrigall.

ST. THOMAS’S ACADEMY. Form II. —Christian doctrine medal): D. Doyle. Dux of school (gold medal): L. Dunn 1, D. Dwyer 2, T. Blanchard 3. Arithmetic: F. Marshall. Mathematics: D, Doyle. Latin, L. Dunn. Form I. —Class prize (medal): T. O’Brien. Composition and drawing: P. Murdoch. Standard IV.—Christian doctrine: C. Hally. Class prizes (medal): P. Taylor 1, F. M'Kay 2. T. Murphy 3. Arithmetic: D. Marshall. Standard 111. —Christian doctrine (medal): P. Dwyer. Class prizes (medal): F. Curry 1, G. O’Brien 2. E. Woods 3. Spelling: A. Quinn. History and geography: K. Bourke. Reading and writing; M. Woods. Standard II. —Christian doctrine: B. Bourke. Class prizes (medal): J. Finlay 1, B. Bourke 2, H. Geoffrey 3. Arithmetic: W. Mulvena. Standard I. —Christian doctrine: P. Griffin. Class prize; P. Wiudle. Reading; , P. Murray. Grade IV.—Christian doctrine: S. Dunn. Class prize: K. Haughey. Writing: M. St. George. Phonics: J. Perkins. Spelling; F. Quinn. Grade 111. —Christian doctrine: T. Mulvena. Number; K. M’Aughtrie. Phonics: G. Shepherd. Grade ll.—Christian doctrine: J. Griffin. Number: P. Perkins. Phonics: J. Dickson. Writing; J. Jacobson. Drawing: E. Jacobson. Music Prizes. — Violin, preliminary (silver medals): H. Geoffrey, F. Curry (distinction). Piano, preliminary: M. Halley (distinction). Violin, preparatory (medal): C. Hally (honours). Piano, junior; T. Murphy (honours). Physical Drill.—Junior squad: M. Woods. Senior squad: P. Murdoch. Games.—Best all-round athlete (medal): F. Marsall. Tennis champion; D. Dwyer. Good conduct (gold medal): F. Marshall.

Proficiency Certificates.—T. Blanchard, D. Doyle, L. Dunn, D. Dwyer, F. Marshall. All the boys who sat for the examination were successful in gaining proficiency certificates, L. Dunn obtaining 89 per cent., D. Dwyer 88 per cent., T. Blanchard 87 per cent., D. Doyle 84 per cent., F. Marshall 83 per cent. Scholarship Successes. Master L. Dunn won first place in the Sacred Heart College Scholarship, Auckland. This scholarship is valued at £66 per annum and is tenable for three years. In the St. Patrick’s College Scholarship, Silverstrea’in, Wellington, Master L, Dunn came second, winning a Kennedy Scholarship, while Master 1). Dwyer secured fourth place. Master M. Cooney and C. Goulter both won junior national scholarships in the 1930 examination. The Dominican Nuns desire to thank all those who so generously contributed towards their prize fund.

DUNTROON SCHOOL. Standard Vl.—Brian Neale 1 (dux), Elizabeth Peterson 2, Lucy Crisp 3. Standard V.—Bobbie Cox 1, Nancy Neale 2, Olive Smith 3. Standard IV.—Elizabeth Haugh 1, Edna Russell 2, Lily Muirden 3. Standard lll.—lris Muirden 1, Margaret Mills 2, Ivan Craig 3, Standard ll.—David Russell 1, Joyce Wills 2, Bill Priest 3. Standard I. —Joyce Haugh 1, Lorna Haugh 2, Noel Elliott 3. P.4.—Margaret Smith 1, Vera Francis 2, George Muirden 3. ■ Special Prizes.—Writing—Standard VI: Lucy Crisp (Mr A. Fraser’s prize). Standard V: Olive Smith. Standard IV: Edna Russell. Standard III; Allen Francis, top in weekly class places. Standard VI: Brian Neale. Standard V: Bobbie Cox. Standard IV: Lizzie Haugh. Standard III: Iris Muirden. Sewing—Standard VI: Elizabeth Peterson. Standard V; Nancy Neale. Standard IV; Lily Muirden. Standard III: Iris Muirden. Standard II: Joyce Wills. Standard I: Elvia Haugh. Scott Memorial essay prize: Elizabeth Peterson.

LIVINGSTONE. Form I.—Lex Kennedy. Standard IV.—Eric Hutton 1, Peter King 2, Ella Smith 3, Mabel Blanchard 4,. lan Blanchard 5. Standard lll.—Grace Samuelson 1, Eleanor Cook 2, Dick Wright 3, Sylvia Kennedy 4. Standard ll.—Robert Speirs 1. Standard I.—Graham Samuelson 1, Kathie Samuelson 2. Primer 4. —Jack Cook 1. Douglas Blanchard 2, Donald M’Quade 3. Primer 3,—Charles Somerville 1. Primer 2.—Hazel Somerville, Douglas King. Specials.—Gardening: E. Hutton, R. Speirs. Sewing: M. Blanchard, S. Kennedy. English: P. King. Drawing: E. Smith. Arithmetic: C. Samuelson. Progress: E. Cook. Attendance: H. Somerville, G. Samuelson.

WOMEN’S RELIEF COMMITTEE At a meeting of the Women’s Relief Committee there were present the Mayoress (Mrs J. M. Forrester), Mesdames M’Lean, Cooney, Kilroy.Familton. Ashcroft, Fox, Misses Russell and M’Veigh. ft was reported that the total receipts to date were £376 6s 9d. and the accounts paid were £292. If there was any surplus when the accounts owing were paid the committee considered that it might manage to spend a little on men’s working trousers and boots, as men on relief work were finding it difficult to save sufficient to purchase these articles of clothing. One hundred and thirty Christmas parcels were sent out to various places. Mr Johnstone'bad given 10 sheep, and Mr Simkin had offered to cut^ these up ready for distribution. Messrs Easton and Co.i Meikle, M'Quade, and J. J. Johnstone were going to give meat for Christmas parcels and Miss Thwaites had promised 10 gallons of milk. Mr G. M Pherson had given a large cake, and this had been cut up in blocks and distributed. The committee also wished to thank the following:—Westport Coal Company, three tons of coal; Mr D. Borrie. roll of bacon; Burlington Tea Rooms, Christmas cakes; National Mortgage, potatoes; Mr Cooney and Messrs J. D. Familton and Sons, potatoes and onions; Messrs Atkinson and Mullins, offer to deliver parcels on Christmas Eve. Numerous letters were received from parents who had received Christmas gifts. A minute of appreciation was passed to the Mayoress (Mrs J. M. Forrester)), and also the Mayor, for the splendid services they had rendered in organising and controlling the work of the committee. The undoubted success of the depot was largely due to their self-sacrificing efforts and organising abilities. At a meeting of the Oamaru Relief Workers’ Association, appreciation of the good work carried out by the Mayoress (Mrs J. M. Forrester) and her workers was recorded, including all those who assisted in supplying gifts. ■.

WESLEY CHURCH Very fine renderings of choruses and solos were submitted to a congregation at the “Messiah” service held in the Wesley Church. The choir was under the baton of the choirmaster (Mr L. Tweed), and much credit is due to him and the organist (Miss Slater)) for the fine interpretations of the various numbers. The soloists, Mrs Laurenson. Miss Doris Taylor, Messrs Laurenson and Johnston Mayfield, maintained a high standard and were heard to advantage in their respective items. The Rev. A. Ashcroft gave his address on “ The Messiah.” in which he recalled some of the incidents of the composition of the oratorio, and then indicated how the Messiahship of Jesus Christ lost none of its worth when submitted to the scrutiny of the modern mind. The officials thanked the choir for its work during the year, and the great pleasure the members and those who had assisted had given at the Christmas, service. MAJESTIC PICTURES Not one, but three noted comedians, are featured in the Pathe comedy drama, “Big Money.” which Russell Mack directed and which will be shown at Hie Majestic Theatre to-night and Wednesday. Eddie Quillan, James Gleason, and Robert Armstrong head the imposing cast. Any one of them in a cast is sufficient guarantee that the comedy situations will be well taken care of and with the three of them together, it is predicted that “ Big Money ” will prove a riot. Others prominent in the cast are Miriam Seegar, Dorothy Christy, Robert Gleck-

ler, Margaret Livingston, Robert Edeson, and Charles Sellou. A “ Gift Matinee ” will be held on Thursday afternoon, commencing at 2.15 p.m., while Bill Rogers will appear on Christmas night in “ A Yankee at the Court of King Arthur.” WOMEN’S INSTITUTE There was a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the Awa-inoa-Alma branch of the Women’s Institute held at the residence of Mrs S. Taylor, Alma. The vice-president (Mrs Taylor) presided. A motion of sympathy was passed with the president (Mrs Ross), who was absent through illness. The Papakqio branch wrote extending a hearty welcome to the branch into the federation. Four new members were elected. It was decided that the proposed picnic in the Gardens be held over pending the president’s recovery. It was decided that the Rev. Mr Hillman be requested to give a lecture on Bristol at the next meeting. Mrs M’Gimpscy gave a very interesting demonstration on French polishing, which was much appreciated by those present. The hostesses for the afternoon—Mesdarnes Taylor, Cooper, and the Misses V. and M. Mar-tin-served afternoon tea during the social half hour. The Christmas gift competition proved very popular, Mrs Cunningham’s handkerchief sachet securing first prize. UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE A meeting of the Unemployment Committee was held yesterday morning, the Mayor (Mr J. M. Forrester) presiding. The following applications from North Otago farmers tor unemployed labour under No. 4a scheme were granted; Kia Ora, one man, wages 10s; Windsor, one man. wages 7s 6d. Extensions of time were granted to farmers at Ardgowan and Waitaki. The Labour Bureau officer (Mr S E. M’Gregor) reported that there were 445 registered on the unemployed list at the beginning of last week. Since then 14 new applications were received, while five were placed in private employment and 10 names were removed. The number registered at the end, of the week was 444. Mr M’Gregor stated that to date 36 applications had been received for unemployed labour under the temporarily revived No. 2 scheme, the total number of days to be worked being 71J. The work provided under this scheme had been chiefly additional to the ordinary relief. Mr • M’Gregor’s action in engaging the men was approved. A circular letter was received from the Unemployment Commissioner advising that after January 1 it would be a condition that, in order to obtain relief, workers were required to show that they were endeavouring to help themselves by cultivating their garden plots for the growing of vegetables, and seeking the co-opera-tion of the local committees, certifying officers, and local authorities to ensure as far as possible that those in receipt of relief who were in a position to help themselves in this way were doing so. Certain lines of action were suggested to ensure that the worker was doing his best to provide for his requirements by growing vegetables, the cultivation of which to be carried out entirely in the relief worker’s own time. —The circular was received, and a sub-committee consisting of Messrs J. M’Nab, C. Robertson, and W. Forrester was set ,up to go into the matter and call a public meeting of all those ionterested early in the New Year. Owners of vacant plots suitable for gardening are invited to notify the secretary (Mr A. Whyte) if they are willing that their sections be used for this purpose. The next meeting of the committee was fixed for January 11. It was decided to forward a requisition to the Health Department for 30 sheep to be distributed among unemployed at New Year. The chairman extended the season’s greetings to the members, which were reciprocated by Mr W. Forrester, who also moved that a minute of appreciation of Mrs Forrester’s work in connection with relief be recorded, and, that the butchers be thanked for supplying and distributing meat for Christmas use. A letter was received from the Farmers’ Union recommending that some measure of relief in the way of provisions be to the unemployed men going prospecting.—lt was decided to forward the request to the board, as the committee had no funds to provide such relief. RELIEF WORK The following work was carried out by the Oamaru Borough Council, under No. 5 scheme, during last week: —Cutting grass and cleaning streets, 46 men, wages paid £74 13s; patching channels and cutting grass, 18 men, £33 8s; cleaning around trees and shrubs, watering street trees, 23 men, £4O 11s; removing couch at railway reserve, 23 men, £33 13s 9d; grubbing and removing tree stumps at Glen street, 4 men, £3 19s 9d; returned soldiers’ subsidy, work at gardens, 7 men, £6 ss; Friendly Bay Society—improvements at foreshore, 6 men, £9 6s; Marine Parade Society—formation of track, 15 men, £2l 2s. LAWN TENNIS In a friendly match between the Friendly Bay and North School teams the former secured a win by a margin of eight sets, after a very interesting game. DEFENCE RIFLE SHOOTING The following were the scores at the weekly shoot of the Papakaio Defence Rifle Club:— 300 500

THE RAINFALL Although the prospects for urgentlyneeded rain looked favourable in Oamar.u over the week-end, only a light shower fell on Saturday night. In some parts of the country, however, much heavier falls were recorded, as, far instance, Totara and Nauru Hill districts, where the downpour of over half an inch has had a very beneficial effect on the crops and pastures. _____ SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S DANCE There was the usual large gathering of patrons at the weekly dance held by the North Otago Scottish Society in the Scottish Hall. A very enjoyable time was spent by those present, and a varied programme of dances was held for the benefit of all. Mrs Sherwin’s Orchestra played excellent music, while the duties of M.C. were carried out by Messrs Craig and Miller. OAMARU POULTRY CLUB ' The following are the South Island, championships to be competed for at the next show of the Oamaru Poultry Club, to be held on July 8 and 9: —Drake or duck (open class), other than an Indian Runner; Old English Game (female), any colour; utility pigeon: utility white Plymouth Rock; black Rosecomb bantam; any other variety fancy nigeon; Norwich self-green or foul-green canary. PERSONAL Mr Walter Rush, who has severed his connection with the Waitaki Dairy Company on account of ill-health, was presented with a substantial cheque from the firm and a leather travelling case from the staff. Mr Bowman, on behalf of the firm, expressed regret at losing the services of Dir Rush, who had been connected with the firm for the past 18 years. Queen’s Hotel.—Mr and Mrs R. 11Martin and children (Nelson). Mr and | Mrs Russell Coodery. Mr J. H. Allan (Christchurch), Mr D. Wright. Mr K. Willis (Dunedin). Mr J. Wilson (Timaru). WATER FOR KUROW On Friday evening an enthusiastic meeting of Kurow residents was held to consider the most feasible scheme for providing tbe town with a high pressure water supply. After Mr T. A. Munro,

the convener, had given an interesting outline of various schemes previously proposed, a motion that “ tins meeting expresses itself in favour of a water scheme for the town ” was unanimously carried. Messrs Muuro, Davidson, Nordmeyer, Dr M’Millan, Messrs M’Phail, Smith, and MTnnes were appointed an Executive Committee to explore the possibilities of various schemes with a view to ascertaining the most economical and efficient, the committee to report to a future meeting.

yds. yds. Hp. Tl. Rfm. VV. Gibson . , 44 49 — 93 Rfm. A. Gibson .’ . 43 47 2 — 92 Rfm. J. Hall . . 40 38 11 — 89 Pres. D. Borrie . . 41 43 4 — 88 Rfm. Don i Borrie . . 45 42 1 — 88 Rfm. H. Norton . . 40 42 4 — hO Rfm, S. Whyte . , 36 42 4 — 82 Rfm. A. Hall . 34 38 10 — 82 Rfm. G. Gibson . . 38 40 1 — 79