PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21600, 22 March 1932, Page 13

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

NORTH OTAGO.

(Fmm Ova Spscul Co»Bs«?o»cr?rr,j

WAITAKI COUNTY COUNCIL The monthly meeting of the Waitaki County Council was held yesterday morning. Present: Crs A. MTnnes (chairman), J. Rodman, D. J. Boss, J. D. Rutherford, E. S. Brewster, R. B. Meek, W. E. Aubrey, and R. Dick. The following Treasury notes were received in respect to maintenance of main highways:—Waitaki River-Shag Point, £423 Is 7d; .Pukeuri-Kurow, £27 4s 6d; Waiareka-Ngapara, £B2 13s 7d; KurowOmarania, £l6 8s 7d; Waiareka-Duntroon, 1 via Ngapara, £4l 12s sd; Whitstone-Five Forks, £ll ss; Maheno-Kauroo, £ls 7s 2d; Oamaru-Waianakurua, £29 16s 3d; Timaru-Queenstown, £9O Os sd. Goldfields revenue amounted to £lO 18s 6d. The Minister of Public Works (Mr J. G. Coates) advised that the financial position necessitated a review of all road authorities held by local bodies, and cancelling all such authorities held by the Waitaki County Council. Where contracts had been let or definite commit-ments-made the Government would consider issuing fresh authorities for the works. —Received. The Main Highways Board advised that a certain type of weighing machine for traffic inspection was wholly unsuitable and'not to; be used in connection with the ■ board’s traffic inspection schemes. A further letter was received from the board’s representative on the question of the purchase of a set of loadometers under the hire-purchase system.—The clerk reported that a loadometer had been hired from the Main Highways Board in the meantime. —His action was approved, and he was instructed to obtain the consent of the joint councils to purchase a set. The agreement in connection with the \ purchase of a motor grader was received i from the Main Highways Board. —Re- ' ceived. . , . The county solicitors advised that the application for a water race of two heads for the Kurow water supply bad been granted by the Warden’s Court. Received. The North Otago Irrigation Committee applied to the council for a financial grant towards the preliminary expenses of the committee. —It was decided to grant £lO 10s to the committee. —Cr Rutherford : asked if a mistake had been made with the 1 survey, as the irrigation scheme, if the race came through his property, would be useless. It was pointed out that the grant was for preliminary expenses only, and no steps would be taken without making the details of the schemes public. An application was received from a ratepayer for the remission of the penalty oii rates—The application was held over meantime, and the question of arrears of rates was referred to the Standing Committee for consideration and report for next meeting. • , . . The Mackenzie County Council advised that a grant of £ll would be made towards the Upkeep of the Lake Station road. The contribution offered was accepted. The Waitemata County Council again wrote in connection with the appeal case ; jn reference to the removal of power poles ; on county roads, and made a, further appeal for financial assistance towards the 1 cost, for which a favourable response had been - received from 25 per cent, of the counties approached.—lt was pointed out that the Waitaki Electric Power Board had always met the council fairly in respect to the removal of power poles on roads, and after a brief discussion the letter was received. . The New Zealand Counties’ Association forwarded a memoramdum as to the

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

amendments to be made to the model bylaws. —Received. .

The commissioner of transport forwarded a copy of the heavy motor vehicles regulations 1932, which replaced the motor lorry regulations 1927 and all amendments thereto. —The clerk was empowered to carry out the instructions and obtain the necessary plates for lorries. The South Island Motor Union wrote expressing the opinion that if the recommendations of the Economy Commission were adopted by Parliament, it would practically mean scrapping the Main Highways Act and going back to political control with its attendant evils.—Referred to the Standing Committee with power to act.

The clerk reported that four building permits _to the value of £554 had been issued since last meeting. Cr Dick was appointed to the Standing Committee to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Gr Munro.

Accounts totalling £I4OO 19s 4d were passed for payment. The clerk reported on the state of the council finances and the rates collected, a_s recently published, which was considered by councillors as very satisfactory indeed. Appreciation was expressed of the work of the staff during the rush time in the collection of the rates. ENGINEER’S REPORT. .

The engineer reported for the month as t Mows;—Waiareka Riding: The stone ami bridge on Joyce’s road near Hampden had been renewed by building a wooden superstructure over the arch and independent of it. The stone in the bottom of the creek was being built up where it was washed away and would be concreted over. Otepopo Riding: The contractor made a start with the sealing of the Maheno-Herbert stretch of main highway on Friday. The road surface was in excellent order and credit was due to the men who had worked well towards that end. Incholme Riding: The surfacemen had been engaged in repairing fords and other flood damage. Kakanui Riding: Maintenance in the shape of hard crushed limestone from the Oamaru Lime Company’s quarry was being used to repair the Kakanui Beach highway, as the road was worn right through. It would require rolling when finished and meantime the traffic could use the old road. Waiareka Riding: The unemployed had been doing good work on the roads and would be shifted on to work on the farms as soon as arrangements could be made. Papakaio Riding: Ordinary maintenance work and grading had been carried out during the month. Awamoko Riding: The new grader arrived and was now in commission, doing good work. Otekaike Riding: Some damage was done to the lower bridge approaches on Dansey’s Pass road by the flood, but repairs had been effected. The groyne recently put in the cut at the double ford was partly damaged by the flood', but would be easily repaired. Judging by the amount of rock shifted from the new cut the water must have been very high. Ahuriri Riding:_ The new roads to the Temple and Maitland bridges were completed except for some gravelling that was still to be done.—The report was adopted. TRAFFIC INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The traffic inspector reported he had given attention to service cars and heavy lorries, end had warned owners of unlicensed lorries' and given a reasonable time to- register. Four trucks in Waitaki and two in Palmerston were involved. Under his instructions seven dairy cows (Waikouaiti), one horse (Waihemo), and nine cattle (Waitaki) had been removed from the main highway. The mileage travelled was 613 miles.—The report was adopted. The next, meeting of the council was fixed for April 29. Crs Brewster,, Meek, and Dick were empowered to support the request of the Farmers’ Union for a. railway siding at the Waiareka Sale Yards.

It was decided to procure an enlargement of the late Mr T. A. Munro to hang in the County Chambers.

HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES The clerk reported to the Waitaki County Council yesterday that the heavy traffic fees collected to February 29 amounted to £753 11s Bd, less refunds £35 15s 6d, expenses £4 12s Cd and 5 per cent. £35 17s lOd, leaving £677 os lOd to he divided as follows:—One-quarter to the Oamaru Borough Council (£169 6s sd) and three-quarters to the County Council (£507 19s sd). Of the latter amount the yearly contribution of £SB was due to the Waimate County Council. He pointed out that Messrs Appleby and Sons, the principal operators of motor vehicles in Waimate, had laid up several of their lorries this year,, so that their fees, which last year amounted to £74 16s, were reduced to £39 6s 8d this year.—The clerk was directed to communicate with the Waimate County Council offering payment pro rata with the reduced fees. The clerk was authorised to pay the amount due to the Borough Council, he reporting that £698 18s 4d was due from the borough to the County Council.

KUROW WATER SUPPLY The Kurow Water Supply Committee wrote to the Waitaki County Council yesterday acknowledging the council’s communication on the Kurow water supply scheme, stating that the only definite specification in the engineer’s report was in regard to the capacity of the reservoir, 56,250 gallons, which appeared much too ambitious to the committee. It was possible that the size of the reservoir compared with the one the committee had in mind might account for the difference between £IOOO and £ISOO. The committee had asked the engineer to supply details of his specifications, and in consideration of these details the committee would advise whether or not the Kurow people desired to proceed further with the project It was the intention of the committee to explore the possibility of a pumping scheme. The committee suggested that a committee of the council of four members be empowered to meet the Kurow committee to discuss aspects of the scheme.

The engineer stated he did not intend to supply details. The council had been asked to carry out the scheme, so why did not the Kurow residents allow the council to carry it out? The Kurow people had been hawking the scheme around the country, and if they had no confidence in the county engineer why didn’t they take it to another engineer? They had hawked it around to engineers and “ halfpie ” engineers. They were only 8000 gallons out in the reservoir capacity, and that showed that they did not know what they were talking about. He (Mr Cuthbertson) would not have them hawking his details around the country. They had said there must be some mistake over the prices for the pipes, but he had based the figures on indent prices from reputable firms. The trouble was that they had fixed the cost of the scheme at £IOOO. It could not be done for £IOOO, but they carried on with the £IOOO while ignoring the council’s scheme for £ISOO on actual loan and £4OO for labour. He (Mr Cuthbertson) had carried out *he council work and prepared estimates for 15 years and had given satisfaction.

Cr Ross said that in view of the satisfaction given by the engineer with his estimates they should not go past him. He would support Mr Cuthbertson, and if the council went on with the scheme then they should take the scheme for £ISOO, and they should let the Kurow residents know that.

Mr Cuthhertson pointed out that his estimates would have to go to the Loans Board and engineers, including Mr Purkert, and he was not going to submit any “hare-brained” scheme. It was not a matter for every Tom, Dick, and Harry in Kurow. Cr Rutherford said they should support the Kurow residents in their desire for the water supply, hut the councillors must stick to their engineer. Cr Smith said he considered it unreasonable for the Kurow residents to ask for the co-operation and help of the council and then to be dissatisfied with the engineer’s estimates. If they were not

satisfied witli the county engineer they •should get their own engineer.

Mr Cuthbertson said if there were a deficiency on the scheme who was going to pay, the council or the Kurow residents? Any number of engineers or “half-pie” engineers said the scheme could be put in for £IOOO, but when they went into the details of the scheme it was a very different matter. Cr Brewster asked if it were a question of a smaller pipe or intake, and Mr Cuthbertson stated that such would not be satisfactory if they did get it. The chairman supported the request for a committee from the council to meet the Kurow residents.

Cr Ross said they were evidently using a threat that they would take steps to form Kurow into a borough if they do not lower the estimates. Crs Brewster and Dick moved that the chairman and Crs Aubrey, Rutherford, and Brewster be. a committee to meet the Kurow residents, Cr Rutherford: You must have the engineer. Mr Cuthbertson: You had better leave him at home. You must _ take a firm stand. Either go ahead scheme or else hand it over to the Kurow residents.

Crs Ross and Rodman moved as an amendment that the council abide by the engineer’s estimates. Cr Dick said it would only be courtesy on the part of the council to meet the Kurow residents, who wanted a water supply as cheaply as possible. Cr Ross said they were all agreed that Kurow should get a rvater supply as cheaply as possible. The engineer e estimate was that the scheme would notf- 08 ’' more. If they agreed to anything different they would create a liability on the council. . ... ~ On a division being taken the motion was carried, the voting being: lor Cra MTnnes, Dick, Rutherford, Brewster, and Aubrey; against —Crs Smith, Meek, Ross, and Rodman. ~,, . , , Crs Rutherford and MTnnes pointed out that the committee would uphold the engineer at the meeting.

RECENT COUNTY TOUR Mr R L. Wigley wrote to the Waitaki County Council yesterday expressing his appreciation of the council in nammgtne bridge over the Temple River after him, and suggested that the tours of the combined Levels, Mackenzie, Waitaki, Vincent, and Lake Counties, that were so successful in the past, be t revived. Speaking of the trip, the chairman (Cr A. MTnnes) expressed regret that all the councillors were not able to make the trip. They were greatly indebted to Mr Wigley for his hospitality and generous treatment. Times were not opportune at present for a conference of counties, but he was sure they could meet m conference with great advantage to the payers to discuss various matters. He instanced the kea_ and small birds pest as subjects on which joint action- should be taken. Waimate spent nothing on the small bird pest, while the Waitaki Council had spent £4OO for many years past. Mackenzie County spent an average of £6O, while the neighbouring county to the south spent very little. He thought it would be a good thing if they held a-joint conference in the near future. Cr Rodman expressed regret at being unable to join in the tour. He was sure the information received would be very beneficial. It seemed to him that they might'begin at home with a tour of the Waitaki County to enable _ councillors to see what was being done in the various ridings. Later on a conference of connties would be beneficial. Cr Ross agreed with Cr Rodman s remarks, saying he was amazed at what could have been done for the benefit of the back country settlers, and that rates •in the Upper Waitaki should have been more on a level with the southern ridings. When times were good much good work could have been carried out. and much might have been foreseen for the benefit of the settlers. ; -

Cr Smith also expressed regret at being prevented from joining the tour.. He thought councillors should meet more frequently in conference when times improved. • 1 , Cr Brewster said the members of the council were greatly indebted to the chairman for his attention on the tour. Cr Meek endorsed Cr Brewster’s remarks, adding that the time was opportune to congratulate those responsible for the arrangements made for the tour. Cr Rutherford said he had greatly enjoyed the trip, for which he thanked the chairman. He was sure the late Mr Munro had done his best for the back country roads and bridges. Cr Aubrey said the late Mr Munro had made good, steady progress with the back country roads and bridges. These bridges should have been erected years ago. They should have been there when the country was sub-divided before asking the settlers to go there. The chairman said the councillors saw the roads under the very best conditions. There had been great improvements made there recently. Conditions were very bad three years ago, and improvements were still necessary. The councillors thought it would be a compliment to Mr Wigley to name the Temple River bridge after him, as they were under a debt to Mr Wigley for urging the Government to erect the two bridges. On the tour they met the Mackenzie county councillors, who invited them to dinner at Fairlie, after whicli they had a very instructive discussion on various matters.

Motions dedicating the Maitland and Temple Rivers bridges to the late Mr T. A. Munro and Mr R. L. Wigley were carried, appreciation was expressed of the catering by Miss Boyle and the arrangements made by Messrs Cuthbertson and Gardiner, and the clerk was instructed to write thanking Mr Wigley and the Mackenzie County Council for the hospitality extended to councillors.

It was decided to write Mr Wigley thanking him for the invitation to hold a conference, which it was hoped to take advantage of later on. The engineer and Cr Aubrey were empowered to thin the trees in the Omarama experimental plantation, and it was decided to repair the flood damage at the double ford, Dansey’s Pass road. It was decided to grant a subsidy of 2s fid for kea beaks.

Cr Dick said Lake Ohau was one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, surrounded by alpine scenery, and steps should be taken to preserve the piece of native bush known as Centre Bush. It was left to Crs Dick and Rodman to take steps to have this bush declared a scenic reserve.

MAJESTIC PICTURES Mrs Paul Haddon, wife of a financier, voluntarily served a term of imprisonment in order to be on level terms with her husband. This extraordinary situation was brought about by her husband’s fixed opinion that unless all things were level marriage could not he a success. So strong was his conviction that this young woman sacrificed her honour and pride by undergoing a term of imprisonment for a crime which she did not commit, while her husband himself was serving a sentence for fraud. She was convinced that her husband would not return to her upon his release Tinder the stigma of prison, but considered if she herself suffered the same fate, they could both start level again without a barrier between them. This is, briefly, the story in that fascinating and enthralling picture, “ The Shadow Between,” which will be shown to-night and Wednesday. It is a British production with uodfrey Tearle playing the leading role

MOTOR CYCLE ACCIDENT Through his motor cycle skidding on some loose gravel on Saturday morning, Mr George Gibson, aged 18, of Peebles, suffered severe injuries, and was admitted to the Oamaru Public Hospital. When admitted Mr Gibson’s condition was regarded as serious, but on inquiries being made at the hospital yesterday the injured man had shown a slight improvement. OVERSEAS SHIPPING The overseas steamer Maimoa. which sailed direct from Newcastle, via the Cape of Good Hope, berthed at the Oamaru Harbour early yesterday morning. During her stay in Oamaru she will ' load 19,500 carcasses of frozen mutton for the West Coast of England. 400 bales of wool, 150 casks of tallow, 70 casks of casings, and 180 sacks of peas for London.

ANGLING Anglers visiting the Waitaki River over ths week-end experienced good sport, and several good catches were made. On the south side of the river one fisherman landed a beautiful salmon of 321 b, while another secured two fish weighing 221 b and 171 b. The salmon are running freely and are in fine condition. Another angler was also fortunate in landing a 121 b trout. The Kakanui is also reported to be in good condition, and fairly good catches were made. BOWLING The following are further results of the Awamoa Club’s competition games:— Champion Singles.—C. J. Mollison 21 beat Excell 13, Tomkins 18 beat W. J. M'Donald 13, G. P. Mollison 17 beat Tisdall 12, C. J. Mollison 1C beat Tisdall 14, Tomkins 19 beat Cook 18, G. P. Mollison 25 beat Barr 12, Cook 19 beat G. P. Mollison 16, Cook 19 beat Barr 13, C. J. Mollison 19 beat Cook 13, G. P. Mollison 19 beat Excel! 7, Excell 18 beat Tomkins 15. Final; G. P. Mollison 19 beat C. J. Mollison 18. Champion Pairs. —Tomkins and Rusbatch 20 lost to Stubbs and Cook 24. Wilson and W. J. M'Donald 19 beat Woodward and Hewat 17, C. J. and G. P. Mollison 24 beat Jones and Jenkins 11, C. J. and G. P. Mollison 23 beat Grant and J. G.'M'Donald 22. Champion Rinks. Final: Excell, M'Dinrmid, M'Jennet, Cook 24 beat Reid, Kemp, Kennedy, Christie 22. HAMPDEN v. SEACLIFF. The interelub match between Hampden and Seacliff, held at Hampden on Saturday, resulted in a win for the visitors. The scores are as follow (Hampden names mentioned first); —Aitcheson, Harris, Burns, Mursell 13, Ryan, Anderson, Lilly, Law 27; Prain, Sprague, M'William, Lang 24, Miller, Thompson, Lucock, Edmonson 20; Allison Harkness, Dick, Douglas 20, Oxley, Stevens, Cain, M'Arthur 17. Totals: Seacliff 64, Hampden 57. The final of the Meadowbank Champion Singles was won by Blacklock, who defeated Berry by a fair margin. In the final of the Handicap Singles A. Robertson defeated Denholm after a very keen game.

RELIEF WORKS The following work was carried out by the Oamaru Borough Council under scheme 5 last week:—Stripping at quarry, 19 men, £3O 15s 3d; north end outfall drain and South Hill reserve, 21 men, £35 15s 3d; carting sand and cutting grass, 13 men, £23 11s 6d; cleaning up plantation, 5 men, £3 16s 6d; stripping quarry and top-dressing streets, 23 men, £l4 7s 6d; digging plot, Chelmer street, 43 men, £59 19s 9d; hoeing, railway reserve, mowing motor camp,' cleaning race, hoeing terrace and cleaning Drill Hall shrubbery, 23 men, £35 11s; killing weeds, croquet lawn, hoeing and cleaning gardens, 11 men, £ll 4s 6d; digging Chelmer_ street plot, hoeing terrace, and mowing in gardens, 13 men, £8 2s 6d. Marine Parade Society: Formation of track, 15 men, £2O 19s 3d. Friendly Bay Society: Improvement at foreshore, 6 men, £8 Is.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE A meeting of the Unemployment Committee was held yesterday morning, Mr W. Forrester presiding. The following applications were granted under scheme 4a: —Waianakarua, one man, wages 5s a week; Windsor, one man, no wages; Waianakarua, one man, no wages; Herbert, one man, 5s a week; Kakanui, one man, 5s a week; Enfield, one man, 5s a week; Herbert, one man, no wages; Oamaru, one man, 5s a week. Extensions of time were granted to farmers at Pukeuri for six months, Enfield for six weeks, and another for 12 weeks. It was decided that the Borough Council, Harbour Board, Waitaki High School Board and Waitaki Hospital Board provide permanent supervisors from their staffs tor each gang at work under scheme 5.

Mr F. Simkin reported on the camp at the water race, and stated that all the single men were satisfied with the conditions prevailing. A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Simkin and K. Farailton for the interest taken in the camp. The Unemployment Board advised that it had decided to raise the. Oamaru allocation, and also to base it on the conjugal status of the eligible men to be provided for.

The Labour Bureau officer (Mr S. E. M'Gregor) reported that at the beginning of last week there were 455 registered on the unemployment list. Since then 20 new applications were received, while 14 received private employment and 11 names were removed. This left a total of 450 names on the list at the end of the week.

HAMPDEN SCHOOL PICNIC The annual picnic of the Hampden School was held at Trotter’s Gorge on Saturday. The weather was ideal, and a large number of parents, friends, and children spent a very enjoyable day amid the picturesque suroundings of the glen. Keen competition evinced in the various sports events whicli were supervised by Messrs W.' H. Murcott, C. Woodley, S. Batchelor, 0. Austing, J. Murcott, A. Spears (headmaster), and Miss W. Low (assistant). The following are the results of the various events; —

100 Yards Boys’ Race.—Over 11 years: H. Murcott 1, B. Leith 2, T. Joyce 3. Ten years: L. Spears 1, C. Mursell 2, J. Murcott 3. Nine years: E. Leith 1, K. Craig 2, F. Murcott 3. Seven and eight years: J. Joyce 1, I. Turner 2, L. Ford 3. 75 Yards (boys five and six years).— R. O’Connel 1, M. Meehan 2, A. Andrew 3. 50 Yards (boys under five years),—A, M'Gregor 1, I. Batchelor 2, B. Turner 3. 75 Yards. —Girls over 11 years: D. Murcott 1, D. Laing 2, J. Cooper 3. Nine and ten years: M. Sprague 1, M. Jackson 2, E. Turner 3. Seven and eight years: I. M'William 1, E. Dougins 2, L. M'Gregor 3. 50 Yards.—Girls five and six years: E. Stringer 1, E. Joyce 2, R. Hanna 3. Under five years: M. Joyce 1, B. Stringer 2

High Jump—Boys over 11 years: Ron Mansell 1, Bruce Leith 2. Under 11 years: Lloyd Spears 1, John Murcott 2. High Jump (girls).—C. Atkinson 1. May Jackson 2. Sack Race. —Boys over 11 years: H. Murcott 1, 0. Turner 2, T. Joyce 3. Under 11 years: L. Spears 1, J. Murcott 2, L. Cooper 3. Sack Race. —Girls over 11 years: C. Atkinson 1, D. Murcott 2, A. Lamg 3. Under 11 years: E. Turner 1, I. MWilliam 2, J. M'Gregor 3. Three-legged Race.—Boys over 11 years: H. Murcott and B. Leith 1, T. Joyce and M. Gdanitz 2. Under 11 years: J. Murcott and P. Mansell 1, L. Spears and C. Mursell 2, F. Murcott and E. Cooper 3. Three-legged Race.—Girls over 11 years: M. Sprague and E. M'Gregor 1, D. Murcott and J. Cooper 2, C. Atkinson and I. Murray 3. Under 11 years: E. Joyce and T. Lester 1. L. M'Gregor and I. M'William 2, E. Turner and N. Gillies 3. All-fours Race.—Boys over 11 years: B. Leith 1, R. Mansell 2, 0. Turner 3. Under 11 years: K. Craig 1, J. Murcott 2, J. Nicholson and C. Mursell (equal) 3 Girls’ Relay Race. —J. Cooper, A. Lang, D. Laing, and H. Mursell 1. Boys’ Relay Race—H. Murcott, L. Spears, J. Nicholson, and 0. Turner 1. Girls’ Skipping Race. —Over 11 years: J. Cooper 1, D. Murcott 2, I. Murray 3. Under 11 years: M. Sprague 1, B. Sprague 2, L. M'Gregor 3. Wheelbarrow Race. —Boys over 11 years: P. Mansell and 0. Turner 1, R. Mansell and M. Gdanitz 2. Under 11 years: J. Murcott and P. Mansell 1, K. Craig and E. Leith 2. Young Ladies’ Race.—G. Murcott 1, L. Atkinson 2, N. Murcott 3. At the conclusion of the sports programme, Mr W. H. Murcott (chairman of the School Committee) thanked all the parents and friends who by their presence had contributed to the enjoyment and success of the day’s outing.

COUNTRY LAWN TENNIS The following are the results of the Bennett Cup and Sutton Cup competitions played at Kurow: — Bennett Cup.—First round; J. Gray won from A. Sutton by default; F. Corrigal won from A. M'Kinnon by default. Second round: Hay 9, Stuart 5; R. M'Master 9, C. Bateman 7; Gray 9, J. Collins 5; T. M'Kinnon 9. F. Corrigal 5; C. Herron won from L. Pavletich by default; B. Walker won from R, Griffiths by default; B. Collins won from Clarke by default. Third round: G. Christianson 9, Hay 4;

UNION

Gray 9, M'Master 5; T. MTvinnon 9, C. Herron 7; B. Collins 9, B. Walker 2. Semi-finals: Gray 9, Christianson 7; B. Collins 9, T. M'Kinnon 3. Final: B. Colling beat J. Gray, 6 —l, 5 —7, 6 —o. Sutton Cup.—First round: Miss C. Lawlor 13, Miss N. Collins 11; Miss Burnett 9, Mrs A. C. M'Caw 1. Second round: Miss Johnston 9, Miss York 1; Miss Clarke won from Miss Bloomfield by default; Miss Malmanche 9, Miss M'Gimpsey 7; Miss C. Lawlor 9. Miss Murphy 5; Miss N. Lawlor 9. Mrs Sutton 2; Mrs Johnston 9, Miss Whiteford 3; Miss Stuart 9, Miss N. Appleby 2. Third round: Miss Johnston 9, Miss Clarke 2; Miss C. Lawlor 9, Miss Malmanche 5; Miss N. Lawlor 9, Miss Burnett 4; Miss Stuart 10. Mrs Johnston 8. Semi-finals; Miss C. Lawlor 11, Miss Johnston 9; Miss N. Lawlor 9, Miss Stuart 3. The final between Miss C. Lawlor and Miss N. Lawlor is yet to be completed. A fitting conclusion to the country tennis tournament for the Burnett and Sutton Cups was the enjoyable dance held in the Kurow Hall on Saturday evening. About 40 couples were present. During the evening the opportunity was taken to present the cups to the winner. _ Mr M'Master, president of the Waitaki Subassociation. in presenting the Burnett Cup, said that the tournament had been a very successful one, and all the players had shown much keenness. The winner of the cup, Mr B. Collins, who had in previous years run very close in the tournament, was congratulated on his success. The winner of this cup last year, Mr L. M'Kinnon, who was not competing this year, was also presented with a miniature cup.

HOWARD LEAGUE There was a good attendance at the quarterly meeting of the Oamaru Branch of the Howard League, when Miss S. E. Gifford was appointed a delegate to the annual conference to be held at Wellington. Remits submitted by the Dominion Council were considered, one stressing the need for thoroughly organised, efficient social welfare departments as a means Of rehabilitating de.linquients arousing keen interest and discussion. The desirability of non-voca-tional adult training to provide heathy interests for the prisoners was a point made. The adequate diagnosis of the causes that have brought prisoners into trouble with a reasonable classification and treatment was again pointed out as necessary. It was urged that the classification of habitual criminals should be made a separate charge, and examined by a jury, and that such prisoners should be treated in a more discriminating manner. The period of confinement should not exceed 10 years. The greater use and better application of the probationary system again came up for consideration. It was decided to postpone the annual meeting till May, when a report of the conference would be available.

LAWN TENNIS North Otago will be represented by the following players at the forthcoming lawn tennis tournament at Dunedin: —Miss D. Miller, Messrs K. Bryan, F. Gallagher, and A. Feathers.

WOMEN’S DIVISION FARMERS’

There was a good gathering of ladies at a meeting for the purpose of_ forming a branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in Duntroon. Mrs R._ B. Meek presided, and explained the aims and objects of the movement. It was decided to form a branch and the following officers were elected:—-President, Mrs J. D. Taylor; vice-president, Mrs H. M’Cully; secretary and treasurer, Mrs J. Grant. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Meek for her valuable assistance. SUCCESSFUL COMPETITORS Three athletes from the North Otago Amateur Athletic Association competed with a good deal of success at the South Canterbury Centre’s meetittg. A. A. Cameron was responsible for a very tine performance, winning the 120 Yards Hurdles, the 100 Yards Flat, High Jump, Long Jump, Hop, Step, and Jump, and Putting the Shot. By gaining the most points for the he will hold the South Canterbury Centre’s £IOO challenge cup and miniature. H. W. Milner won the 440 Yards Hurdles in the good time of CO 4-ssec, and came second in the 120 Yards Hurdles. W. D. Borrie ran second in the 440 Yards Hurdles, was third in the 120 Yards Hurdles, and second in the High Jump. He jumped sft 6m, which is a very creditable feat for a secondary schoolboy.

PERSONAL At the Waitaki County Council meeting yesterday reference was made to the death of Mrs 0. R. Wise (Oamaru), who with her late husband had been generous indeed and had taken great interest in the welfare of the whole district, and of Mrs Joshua Dungcy (Moeraki), who had been on various local bodies and had taken a keen interest in local affairs. Motions of sympathy were carried with the relatives in the customary manner. Queen’s Hotel.—Mr Charles H. Hobbs (Christchurch), Mr Isaac, Mr J. Houston, Mr J. Wilson (Timaru), Mr A. Ford. Mr D. D. Tucker (Dunedin). New Club Hotel. —Mr and Mrs M. Butcher (Christchurch), Mr A. Black (Invercargill), Mr R. A. Black (Winton) Mr Jackson, Mr 0. Wood, Mr J. R. Bell, Mr L. J. Hughes, Mr A. W. Woods, Mr A. W. Israel, Mr R. Brugh (Dunedin), Dr R. A. Shore (Wellington). Members of the Totara Presbyterian Church Choir assembled at the home ot Mr and Mrs John Reid, of Totara, to bid farewell to Miss N. Sinclair and Mr L Hollow, who are leaving the district. Miss R. Doak and Mr J. E. Ewing made the presentations on behalf of the choir. The Rev. H. Hogg referred to the esteem in which the departng guests were he d, and wished them every success for the future. The evening was spent in games, music, and songs.

S.P.C.A. The monthly meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to. Animals was held last night. Mr W. K. Tomlinson presided. The inspector (Mr i. Green) reported that he had not found any cases of cruelty last month. In discussing conditions in North Otago, the inspector made special mention of the fact that in his travels in the district he found that the farmers in general kept their horse teams and stock in good order, the horses in particular being free from sore shoulders.

OAMARU MEN'S HOCKEY CLUB

The annual meeting of the Oamaru Men’s Hockey Club was held last night. Mr H. W. Thomas, who occupied the chair, referred to the successful season enjoyed last year and to the fine action of Mr E. Brown in forming a Colts’ team. The club had won the Markham Cup for the second time in succession, and had played Albion (Dunedin) for the Gardiner Cup, which Albion won. He referred to the cordial relations existing between the two clubs, and congratulated the winners of the trophies during the season. He hoped the young members would continue to support the club. The balance sheet showed a satisfactory credit, which was gratifying to members. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. Two new members were elected to the club.

The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr H. W. Thomas; senior vice-president, Mr W. J. Chappell; vice-president—Messrs Richardson, Cagney, Cook. Barsdell, Forsctt, and Blair; secretary and treasurer, Mr R. Annott; committee —Messrs Beswick, Brown, Hore, and Blair; club captain, Mr B. Tonkin; selector and coach, Mr H. W. Thomas; delegates to the North Otago Association—Messrs Brown, and Thomas; Social Committee—Messrs Senior, Willetts, M'Callum, and Tonkin: auditor, Mr G. Restieux; press reporter, Mr E. Brown. The president and secretary were appointed trustees of the banking account. The opening day was fixed for April 2.

NORTH OTAGO GOLF CLUB The annual meeting of the North Otaeo Golf Club was held last night. Mr J. M. Wilson was voted to the chair and there was a large attendance of members. In moving the adoption of the report the chairman referred to the excellent season experienced last year and to the

success attending summer golf, due in large measure to Mr M. S. Holmes. An exchange of property near the seaside for a property at the clubhouse had been effected for the benefit of the club and the tree-planting carried out had been beneficial. He expressed appreciation of the services given by members ■working on the links and pleasure at the return of Mr F. W. Humphries, whose place as secretary had been filled so well lest season by Mr H. Familton. The Ladies Club had handed over £l4O, for which the club's thanks were due. The interclub matches had been very enjoyable and also the club competitions, the championship being won by G. L. Cuthbertson, iHth J. Kilpatrick runner-up; the B Grade by H. Bailey, and the C Grade by L. Frame. Thanks were expressed to the press and to Messrs Grave and Ireland for the use of the links at Waianakarua. With good team work there ■were excellent prospects for the coming season. The financial statement showed, a credit balance, which was very satisfactory. _ Mr Cuthbertson reported that Mr B. Sineock had presented a shield for competition between North Otago and St. Clair. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The election of officers insulted; —President, Mr M. S. Holmes; club captain, Mr H. M'Dowell; deputy club captain. Mr C. C. Cook; secretary, Mr R. W. Humphries; committee —Messrs Cuthbertson, Grave, Irvine, K. Familton, Wilson, Ireland, and C. Hedges. The opening day was fixed for April 2. A recommendation to the committee was carried that an extra mixed foursome be played with the Ladies’ Club during the coming season. . A lengthy discussion took place on the question whether or not subscriptions should be reduced in view of the present conditions. A motion was put to the meeting that subscriptions for full members should be £4 4s and for new members £2 2s for the coming season. An amendment was moved that a reduction of 10 per cent, be made on all subscriptions. On a show of hands the motion was carried by a large majority. Three new members were elected to the club. Appreciation was expressed of members in planting trees on the course. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr H. P. Familton for carrying, out the secretary’s work last season; to Mr G. L. Cuthbertson for work done on the links; and to Mr H. M'Dowell for the gift of a sack of grass seed. The secretary’s honorarium was fixed at the same as last year. Appreciation was expressed of the work of the retiring committee.