NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21646, 17 May 1932, Page 11

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF

(tmm Ovm Bwk us. MAJESTIC PICTURES Haunting romance, tropic adventure, •omedy, and music are blended in Lawrence Tibbett’s latest starring vehicle, “The Cuban Love Song,” which will be »hown at the Majestic Theatre to-night and Wednesday. The hero of “ The 1 Prodigal ” figures in an engrossing romance ©f Cuba. Lupe Velez, fiery little Mexican heroine of “The Squaw Man,” has the feminine dead, and prominent roles are filled by Ernest Torrance and Jimmy Durante, who last scored as a comic pair in'“Get Rich Quick Wallingford Karen Morley, who played Marie Dressler’s daughter in “ Politics "; and Hale Hamilton. It contains drama, adventure, music song, dancing, and comedy, and a novelty in the shape of a Cuban orchestra. Plans are at the- Bristol for this season. .RELIEF WORKERS’ ASSOCIATION There was a good attendance of members at a meeting of the Relief workers Association. The secretary reported that the benefit dan,ce and euchre tournament had proved very successful, and it was decided to hold tourneys every Saturday evening in the Strand Tea-rooms. Inc association acknowledged with thanks gifts of cakes from the various bakers and tea-rooms for the dance. A vote of thanks was passed to the shopkeepers and others who so willingly responded in buying tickets for the funds. It was decided to ask the Unemployment Committee to endeavour to get better allocation of work and abolish the stand-down week. A vote of thanks was passed to theAortn Otago Rugby Union for its gut of tree passes to the unemployed. The workers representation on the Unemployment Committee was discussed, and a sub-committee was set up to report at the next meeting. It was reported that several distressed families Had been_ assisted by direct giving, and this action was much appreciated by the association. It was decided that efforts be,made to secure increase in pay and obtain better conditions for the winter for the single men s camp at Uxbridge. The secretary pointed out that garden 'plot.? were available for allocation, and that the Mayor had stated that further assistance in the way of seeds would be given. A vote of thanks was accorded the Mayor for his interest shown in the scheme. OAMARU LADIES’ TRAMPING , , CLUB Nineteen members of the Oamaru Ladies’ Tramping Club.met on Saturday. They set off up Eden street, and tramped some distance along the Ardgowan road, and then went over the paddocks past the reservoir. They soon had a fire going in th# plantation, where they boiled the billy. After tea they continued along the Reservoir road and down Buckley’s hill, from where they had a bird’s-eye view of the races. Though the distance covered was only about six miles, every member had a most enjoyable afternoon, KAKANUI NOTES During the afternoon service, at the Kakanui Presbyterian Church on Sunday, the Rev, R. Scott Allan made feeling reference to the great loss the community had sustained by the death of the . late Mrs Watson. The deceased lady, whom he first met 40 years, ago, was widely known and highly respected by all who were privileged to come in contact with her, her kindly and sympathetic disposition during her long sojourn here endearing her to all. The congregation paid its tribute to the memory of the deceased by standing in' silence. The heartfelt sympathy of the residents of the .district is extended to .the family in its bereavement. , The Kakanui School Committee held a euchre tournament in the. Athenaeum Hall on Saturday night, when there was a good, attendance of residents,, who spent a very happy time. The prizes were kindly given by Messrs R. C. Wilson and H. C. Jeffery. After playing off, the first prize was won by Mr J. Love, and the second by Mrs E. Jones. Mr W. M. Cooper returned thanks and intimated that after euchre at the next tournament supper would he provided and a dance held if desired. The ladies of the Kakanui P.W.M.U. held , their monthly meeting in the church on May 12, the vice-president presiding. There were also present Mrs Hogg and three visitors from . Oamaru, and many ladies of the Kakanui Church congregation. The vice-president opened the meeting with a hymn, and Mrs Andrews led the gathering in prayer. The recommendations from the conference were read by the secretary, and Mrs Hogg gave a very interesting and helpful address. The meeting closed with a hymn and the Lord’s Prayer, and a dainty afternoon tea was- served by Mesdames Maffey and M'Ghcc. , . UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE The weekly meeting of the Oamaru Unemployment Committee was held yesterday morning, the Mayor (Mr J, M. Forrester) presiding. The following applications under scheme No, 4a were granted; Kakanui, 1 man, wages ss; Awamoko, 1 man, wages £1; Waimate, 1 man, wages 6s; Airedale, 1 man, wages 2s 6d; Waiareka, 1 man, no wages; Ngapara, 1 man, wages 10s;’ Herbert, 1 'man, wages 10s; Papakpio, 1 man, wages ss; Omara'ma, 1 man, wages 10s; Otiake, 1 man, no wages; Duritroon,. 1 man, no wages. Extensions ■were granted to applicants from Kurow for 1 man for 18 weeks; Livingstone, 1 man for 14 weeks; and Enfield, 1 man for lour weeks. I The registration figures were as follow: —Previous week 467, new applications 28, sent to private employment 2, removed 4, pending 489, which is the highest for over 12 months. ’ The Minister of Public Works (Mr J. G, Coates) wrote that the workmen whose services had been dispensed with recently a£ the Waitaki hydro-electric works, were being, allowed to remain in occupation of hutments if they so desired, but a large number of them left the works immediately they were paid off. Unfortunately, the Waitaki hydro-electric works was not the only public work on which it had been found necessary , to curtail expenditure and consequently make a reduction in the number of men employed, and, although he would be happy to provide further employment for these men, he regretted this was impossible at present owing to the much smaller amount of loan money which is available for public works this year than formerly.—Received.

THE DISTRICT.

ObftRSIPOVDIXT.) The Oamaru Painters’ Industrial Union of Workers forwarded the following resolution which had been passed at a meeting of members;—That as the result of the deputation from the allied building trades to the Unemployment Committee and local bodies, this meeting of the Oamaru Painters' Union emphatically protests against any resolution being passed to prevent a tradesman on relief work from tendering for contracts. —Received. The Relief Workers’ Association wrote submitting that there was inadequate allocation of relief given to workers in Oamaru, and asking the Unemployment Committee to endeavour to procure better arrangements, particularly the abolition of the stand-down week now that the Hospital Board had cancelled all relief to the unemployed. Many families, said the letter, were in dire distress, and were in urgent need of more sustenance. The association strongly urged the committee to give the matter urgent consideration. While not placing any blame on the local committee, the association believed that measures should be taken to enlighten the Unemployment Board of the men’s condition.—lt was decided to write to the Unemployment Board asking that the new scheme be put into operation. A circular letter was received from the Unemployment Board in connection with scheme No. 5 for work on private property, stating that farmers should not be provided with free labour at the expense of the unemployment fund unless he is definitely unable to find any cash contribution. Committees and county councils were asked to arrange for farmers to bear some of the expense,' if they could afford it, even to the extent of a portion of the wages cost.—lt was decided to make inquiries. RELIEF WORKS _ The following relief works were carried out last week under the control of thfe Oamaru Borough Council: —North End outfall drain, 13 men, wages £lB 19s 9d; stripping at quarry and excavating South Hill reservoir, 15 men, wages £25 63 3d; street repairs and formation Stour street, 15 men, wages £24 6s; limbing trees Glen street plantation, raking leaves at Public Gardens, 74 men, wages £79 12s 3d; mowing grass, digging plots’ Chelmer street and Awamoa, battering creek bank, 23 men, wages £36 .3s 6d. Marine Parade Society: Formation of track, 6 men, wages £7 4s 3d. Friendly Bay Society: Improvements at foreshore, 7 men, wages £lO 5s RUGBY MANAGEMENT “Delegate” writes :-v-“ Your footnote to my letter questioning the eligibility of C. Yeitch to play for the Old Boys’ Club was, indeed, doubly welcome owing to the continued reticence of the North Otago Rugby Union Committee of Management, But the addendum did not go far enough, and instead of explaining how the rules—notwithstanding their repeatedly proved elasticity—were made to fit the case, Vas confined to pointing out how the programme containing the reference to the player in question was printed for the previous Saturday’s games, which inclement weather caused to be postponed. Your Rugby critic, in His mid-week notes, stepped into the breach and further laboured the point, adding the confusing palliative that, according to an ‘ authority,’ it did not matter if a player lived in Timbuctoo, he could still play in Oamaru, Rather a tall order, to be sure, but no doubt he intended it to be interpreted figuratively. His defence of the union is to be commended, but how can he reconcile his statement with the rule setting out the boundaries.? It would be interesting to know what is the Waitaki Sub-union’s opinion on this point. Your writer concluded his remarks by saying that everything was in order and that I should have made sure of my facts before rushing into print, thereby creating- a wrongful suspicion in the minds of pl.ayers. But, if everything was in order, then why was it that ■ the Management Committee rushed into committee to discuss the matter at its weekly meeting? Within 24 hours it was fairly common knowledge in the street that strong exception was taken to my questioning of the union’s modus operandi, and that coercive measures were adopted against one particular member, which can only be regarded as a high-handed attempt to put a gag on the freedom of the correspondence columns of the press. Quite apart from the impropriety of such duress, the fact that the Management Committee saw fit to avoid publicity—through the newspaper, at all events —is far more likely ,to throw suspicion on its methpds than anything I have written. If it has right on its side, why does it not come out into the open and, in the name of probity and fairness, justify its actions? There is a growing feeling among followers of the game that commercialism is creeping into Rugby in Oamaru. That the law relative to boundaries can be made to suit almost any case is wrong in principle, as no one will deny that it is only reasonable to expect that in a district where a player is gaining his sustenance it should follow that his services as a footballer would he available. After all, football _is a game thar enlists followers who play the game for the game’s sake. Ever since it was elected by what I have repeatedly said were unconstitutional methods, the Management Committee has failed to realise this cardinal principle, and continued desuetude rriajr result in it being forgotten altogether. Moreover, its persistent refusal to enlighten a growing section that is quagmired in doubt, lends colour to the belief that everything is being made subservient to the lust for power. If, therefore, some members at least of the Management Committee would rekindle the belief that they are ‘sports,’ out to foster sport, they will, of necessity, require to be more punctilious if the definition of ‘sport’ is not to be more rigidly circumscribed in its connotation when applied to them.” PUKEURI BOWLING CLUB The closing social of the season was held by the Pukeuri Bowling Club at Pukeuri on Saturday night, when there was a large attendance of bowlers and visitors, Mr H. Ross Clark presiding over the gathering. The past season has been a very pleasant one for members, and all the speakers at the function agreed that for the size of the membership the Pukeuri Club had done exceptionally well. Several of those present intimated their intention of joining the club, so that the prospects for increased membership next season are bright. A very happy time was spent at the function, the toasts honoured being as follow:—“The King,” “ North Otago Bowling Centre ” (Mr W. Restall—Mr H. Hay), “Sister Clubs” (Mr E. Cagney—Messrs Allan Young, Phoenix, Alexander Robertson, Awamoa, W. Chappell, Meadowbank), “Singles Champion ” (Mr H. Ross Clark—Mr B. Easton), “Pairs Champions” (Mr G. Stevenson —Mr E. Cagney), “Visitors” (Mr B. Easton), “Kindred Sports” (Mr A. Miller), “School Committee” (Mr T. Harrison —Messrs Craig and Anderson), “Entertainers” (Mr H. Ross Clark). During the evening songs contributed by Messrs Radcliffe, H. Hay, A. D. Nye, and H. Ross Clark added to the enjoyment of the function, while Mr Allan Young, in lighter vein, caused much amusement with humorous numbers. The accompaniments were played by Mr A. D. Nye. ——— ■, MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING The results of the weekly shoot of the Awamoko Club are as follows: —R. Gibson 80, W. Gibson 78, A. Gibson 77, J. Brunton 77, L. Brunton 77, R. Fillinghara 77, D. Ludeman 77, T. Smith 77, D. Borrie 76, L. Ludeman 76, N. M'Phee 76. D. Willetts 76, E. Williams 76, W. King 75, J. Kins 75, A. Ludeman 75, S. Odell 75, L. Willetts 75.

PERSONAL Queen’s Hotel.—Mr R. Williams (Khartoum, Sudan), Mr E. H. T. Williams (Nelson), Mr A. G. Justice, Miss A. Redley, Mr D. Murie, Mr D. V. Gain (Dunedin), Mr Scrimshaw, Mr F. Kent (Christchurch) ; New Club Hotel. —Mr L. G. Hughes, Mr 0. Wood, Mr N. Bishop, Mr D. Hill, Mr E. R. Smith (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs C. E. Watte, Mr J. Watts (Invercargill), Mr and Mrs J. G. Leckie (Milton), Mr A. M'Donald, Mr D. H. Burly (Christchurch). PIGEON FLYING The results of the pigeon flying held by the Oamaru Homing Pigeon Club are as follows: — • Christchurch Flock Race. —Vernor and Forrester’s Young Scotsman (1088.3 yards per minute) 1, Vernor and Forrester's Home Brew (1087.8) 2, Vernor and Forrester’s Broadcast (1086.8) 3, L. Webb’s El Tora (1086.1) 4. S. Browne’s Attn (1085.1) 5, H. Day’s Sunny Boy (1084) 6, D. Sparks’s Glenham (1083.1) 7, L, Webb’s,Pal o’ Mine (1082.8) 8. Winning time, 3hr 52min. Also flew: J. Meikle, R. Brocker, Webb Bros., C. Butcher, J. Keen. Parnassus Flock Race. —W. Mersou s Winning Hat (1296.2) 1, S. Browne’s 'Blue Star (1293.4) 2, S. Browne’s Flutter (1292.6) 3, R. Brooker’s Rob Roy (129LD) 4, R. Brooker’s Chairman (1290.9) 5, R. Brooker’s Ben Hur (1290.1) 6, S. Browne’s Picaroon (1290) 7. L. Webb’s Pal 0’ Mine (1289.7) 8, S. Browne’s Gay Star (1289.4) 9, H. Day’s Sunny Boy (1288) 10. Winning time, 4hr 42min Isec. Also new: Vernor and Forrester, D. Sparks, J. Meikle. Webb Bros. FIRST OFFENDER A first offender for drunkenness appeared before Mr W. S. Crombie, J .P., at the police court yesterday morning, and was convicted and discharged. INJURY TO HAND While replacing a truck on the rails, Mr W. G. Hollow, an employee of M'Donald’s Lime Company, had His hand badly crushed. He was taken to the Oamaru Public Hospital, where it was found necessary to amputate a finger. NORTH OTAGO RUGBY UNION The weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the North Otago Rugby Union was held last night. Mr W. Atkinson (president) presided. The programme of the seven-a-side tour*, naraent of the South Canterbury Union was ordered to be distributed to clubs. The Women’s Relief Committee wrote expressing appreciation of the financial result of the union’s benefit match on behalf of the Unemployment Relief Fund. The Oamaru Jockey Club wrote conveying appreciation of the union’s action in postponing the Senior fixtures for the club’s winter meeting. Transfers were granted to Rodger, from Kaikorai (Dunedin) to Excelsior, and G. Sutton, from Awakino to Excelsior. The. Athletic Club advised that as Cleverley had resigned from the club it was no longer interested in Placer. Cleverley was granted a transfer under the hardship clause from Athletic to Excelsior.-, The explanation of the Old Boys’ Club concerning the default of the Third Grade team was accepted. /The New Zealand Union advised that it was unable to increase the grant of £6O towards the expenses of the projected tour of Nelson, Motueka, and Marlborough districts. —Messrs Atkinson, Mollison, Wedde, Crowley, and Wylde-Brown were appointed a sub-committee to go into the matter and report to the next meeting. The New Zealand Union advised that the rule that players must not leave the field at half-time must be strictly adhered to. —Referred to the Referees’ Association. A letter concerning nominations for the South Island team was referred to the selectors. The North School was granted permission to practise on the No. 2 ground on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was decided to write to the Canterbury Union requesting a mid-week match at Oamaru on the team’s southern tour. The draw for Saturday is as follows: — Sefiiors. —Old Boys v. Maheno, at No. 2, at 2.45 p.m. 1 (Mr R. Jl Hinkley); Excelsior v. Athletic, at Oval, at 2.45 p.m. (Mr M, Woodward). Juniors. —Old Boys v. Maheno, at No, 2, at 1.15 p.m. (Mr W. May); Excelsior v. Athletic, at No. 3, at 1.15 p.m. (Mr L. J. Smith); School a bye. 1 Third Grade.—Athletic wins from St. Kevin’s by default; Old Boys v. Excelsior, at No. 3, at 2.45 p.m. (Mr A. Keith); School A a bye. _ - Fourth Grade.—ScHobl C v. Excelsior, at No. 4, at 1.15 p.m. (Mr J. Airey); Athletic wins from St. Kevin’s by default; School D a bye. S.P.C.A. The monthly meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held last night. Mr H. S. Orbell occupied the’ chair. The only business before the meeting was the consideration of the inspector’s report, in which he stated that he had attended to three cases of cruelty to horses. KENNEL CLUB A meeting of those interested in the formation of a kennel club in North Otago was held last night. There was a good attendance, presided over by Dr Smith-Morton. On the motion of Mr G. Donaldson and Mr W. L. Nottman, it was decided to form the North Otago Kennel Club, to be affiliated to the New Zealand Kennel Club. • The following temporary appointments were made:—President, Dr Smith-Mor-ton; secretary, Mr F. Woodward; committee, all present. The secretary was instructed to prepare a constitution and to apply for affiliation to the New Zealand Kennel Club. It was decided to enlist support for the club from the North Otago Coursing Club, The meeting was then adjourned to May 26. OAMARU BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY The annual meeting of the Oamaru Beautifying Society was held last night. Dr Douglas presided over a good attendance of members. The annual report stated that the work of the society had been carried on as usual in spite of the difficulties of the times. The response of the public to the annual appeal for funds was a generous one, and had been regarded by the committee as an indication that it had the confidence of the citizens in providing work for unemployed men which was worth while and beneficial to the town as a whole. It would be noted from the balance sheet that more than half the sum expended had been spent in wages. In accordance with a previous decision of the committee, a portion of the work done during the last 'year consisted in reconstruction of former work done by the society, which had fallen into neglect, such as the zig-zag at Hull street and at the east end of Arun street. The rhododendron area also, near the railway line at the southern entrance to the town, had been thoroughly renovated and freed from couch. The new tree planting in Ain street, Witham street, and Neu street had been very successful. The annual additional improvement to the streets and reserves, which had been going on without cessation for over 20 years, was gradually increasing the value of the town and increasing its good appearance. Much of the earlier work of the society, such' as the -avenue in Thames street or the native bush in Itchen street, was now so established that the cost of maintenance to the Oamaru Borough Council was comparatively small, and every effort had been made by the committee in undertaking new work to keep maintenance charges low. Thanks were due by the committee to Mr J. Tait for the very efficient and helpful manner in which the practical part of the society’s work had been supervised, to Mr D. V. G. Smith for his valuable services as honorary secretary, to the press for its support, and to the large body of collectors who made the work of the society possible.

The curator of the gardens (Mr J. Tait) submitted a report of the work done on behalf of the Beautifying Society during the past season. The planting of 40 silver birch in Witham street and 59 prenas in Ain street was carried out. The prenas in Nen street were replaced by tamarix, which had proved very successful. The zig-zag at Arun and Tees streets was attended to, approximately 50 shrubs and roses being planted. The rock wall was dismantled and rebuilt in a more satisfactory manner. Ivy-leaved geraniums were planted on the top of the wall, but the intention was to replace these with suitable wall plants when available. Part of the Hull street rockery was dismantled and the soil replaced. The rhododendron plantation on the railway reserve was also attended to, new rhododendrons, azaleas, small flowering trees, and shrubs being planted. Additional flowering trees and shrubs were planted in the Severn street plantation. Hydrangeas were planted in the Itchen street native plantation. Banks in Itchen, Lune, Bother, and Arun streets were planted with mesembryanthemum in addition to replacements in Nen street. Eighty-three other street trees were placed during the past year. A considerable number of permanent plants were placed on the Severn street terraces. The society was indebted to Mrs J. M. Forrester, Dr Douglas, and Mr Klapperton for giving plants for the Severn street terraces and the Hull street rockery. In the Hull street rockery there was a total oj 356 plants and 1400 on the Severn 'street terraces. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected tor the ensuing year:—President, Dr Douglas; vice-presidents—Mesdames J. _M. Forrester, Smith-Morton, Miss Reid, Messrs R. Milligan, Freebury. and Dr Orbell; committee —Mesdames Macaulay, Douglas, M'Quinn, Reid, Milligan. Mieses Miller, Maude, and Messrs A. G. Robertson, N. Colquhoun, G. A. Mitchell, C. Church, H. Familton. G. Robertson, F. W. Humphries, and H. H. Dav; secretary and treasurer, Mr D. V. G. Smith; auditor, Mr W. J. Davies. It was decided not to .hold a house-to-house collection this year, and a sub-com-mittee consisting of Dr Douglas, Dr Orbell and Messrs R. Milligan and Freebury, was set up to arrange a suitable form of appeal for the cowing year. Mr J. Robertson reported that he had inspected trees in the north end, and he found that several had been damaged. Mr Stock pointed out that a good deal of damage had been done to the trees in the Warren street reserves through the fences being cut and cows allowed to wander about. —Dr Orbell stated that steps should be taken by the society to prevent damage being done to the trees, as a good deal of money was spent each year towards their upkeep.—On the recommendation of Dr Orbell it was decided to advise the Borough Council that cattle were still being allowed to graze on the native tree reserves in Warren street, and to request that steps be taken to prevent its continuance. The question of co-operating with the Kakanui Improvement Society in planting trees in that district wag left in the hands of the president and the secretary to_ interview members of the Kakanui Society and make the necessary arrangements.