PROVINCIAL NEWS. NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21734, 27 August 1932, Page 16

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

NORTH OTAGO.

(Feom Oua Special Cobbespondenx.)

SHIPPING NOTES The Waimarino is expected on Monday morning to load for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton, - The Kaikorai is expected on Monday morning from Lyttelton to discharge 1200 tons of wheat from Geelong. _ The Pool to is expected on Wednesday morning to load for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Opihi is. dud bn Thursday morning to load for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Kini arrived at 7 p.m. on Thursday and sailed at 2 p.m. yesterday, after discharging 200 tons of coal from Westport. The fairoa, after discharging cargo at Auckland and Wellington, is expected to arrive in Oamaru on September 3 to load meat and general cargo. MAJESTIC PICTURES Elissa Landi, who scored so successfully in “The Yellow Ticket,” portrays a different type of role in '‘Devil’s Lottery, the Fox picture which will be screened today and to-night. She appears as a woman Who has been careless in the selection of her company and has become a social'outcast. Already established as an actress of splendid capabilities, 'Miss Landi in this picture gives what is unquestionably the best performance of her career. “Devil’s Lottery,” based on Nalbro ■ Bartley’s most successful novel, embraces the elements of romance, mystery, struggle, pathos, and comedy. It is a powerful drama; depicting what happens to people who become suddenly rich as the result of gambling! The running of the English : Derby: and drawing of the Calcutta sweep help to make the picture all the more interesting, Others in the cast are Victor M'Laglan, Beryl Mercer, Ralph Morgan, Alexander Kirkland, Paul Cavanagh, and Herbert Mundin. The comedy work of Mundin stand's out in bold relief. CHURCH SERVICES At the morning service in St, Paul’s Church to-morrow, the' Rev. Brian Kilroy will speak on “ The Ministry of Solitude,” and at the evening service he will deliver the monthly lecture on “Unanswered Prayer.” The anthem will be “ The Sun Shall Be No More Thy Light.” AUCTION SALES The North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association, will hold an auction sale under instructions from Mr Joseph Judge, of land, stock and implements at Enfield on Wednesday next. RUSSIA AND OURSELVES An opportunity to obtain first-hand impressions of conditions in Soviet Russia will be given to those interested on Tuesday evening, .when Dr Fisher, of Otago University, will give an address in the county chambers. Dr Fisher has but recently returned from a visit do Russia, and widespread interest has been aroused by the opinions he has expressed upon the future of the country. For good or ill Russia is certain-to exert a great influence upon the world, and any information which can be obtained on the subject will be very welcome. NORTH OTAGO KENNEL CLUB Very large and representative entries have been received for the first annual show to be held under the auspices of the North Otago Kennel Club on September 2 and 3. The total number of dogs entered in the various classes is 121, the entries coming from as far afield as Wellington and Invercargill. In all 80 fanciers are exhibiting, ,the:; largest, class being the' Alsatian class .with 25 entries, while the Cocker clais, with dogs from the best kennels of the South Island, numbers 15 entries.' In at least two prominent breeds big winners will meet for the first time, and their meeting will cause much interest. - ■ . OAMARU MARKETS Oats.—The oat market remains very slack, but on the other hand there is a good inquiry from farmers ' for oats for spring sowing, and this quality is becomrag very limited. The general quotations may be given at 3s'7d, f.0.b., s.i., for A Gartons and 3s 3d, f.0.b., s.i., for B Gartone. It. is considered that there are much larger areas going in in bats, and Wheat in the various districts than last year. Many farmers having paddocks which need renewing are, sowing them in cereals instead: of in grass seed. In Southland there is. a report that much lower quotations for bats will rule next season. ■ , ■■■.■•■ . Wheat. —Good whole fowl wheat is firm at 4s lOd, f.0.b., Lyttelton, 4s 9d Timaru and 4s BJd Oamaru, Following last week’s North Island deputation to Cabinet in regard to the Australian wheat, protests have been made from the South Island against the further tion of wheat, it being claimed that after allowing for 850,000 bushels of milling wheat, for which permission to import hag already been granted, and the usual importation of flour and wheat, there is more than sufficient New Zealand wheat available to cover requirements until the next harvest materialises. In the meantime the Government has decided not to move until the stocks available are more definitely ascertained. When these are compiled and considered an- announcement will probably follow. It is the general

ACTIVITIES GF THE DISTRICT.

opinion that if Australian fowl wheat is allowed in, the cost would be, very little below landed cost of fowl wheat from the south. , . Potatoes.—This market hardened temporarily owing to the waterside strike, which fortunately lasted only a few days. To-day’s value of f.a.q. Whites range from £6 to £6 2s 6d, f.0.b., s.i., south, equal to £4 15s to £5 per ton on trucks to growers. Seeds.—There is very little movement in the wholesale market, although there are indications of a better demand with the improvement in the weather. There is a mor.e active retail trade, and delivery of grass seed, etc., has commenced to farmers. - WOMEN’S DIVISION, FARMERS’ UNION The monthly meeting of the Maheno-Incholme-Kauru Hill branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers Union was attended by 24 members. The president (Mrs Kelcher) occupied the chair. The competition for the afternoon was “The Most Useful Article Made out of a Sugar Bag.” A large assortment of varied articles was displayed by members, Mrs Kelcher being adjudged the winner with a beautifully-worked “ hold-all. _ Several members entered for the_ baking competition, the following being the prize winners:—Oven scones- —Mrs Innes 1, Miss Souness and Mrs Cox (equal) 2, Miss Mary Shaw 4. Girdle scones —Miss Newlands 1, Mrs Milne 2, Miss Souness 3. Pikelets-r-Miss Souness and Mrs Innes (equal) I, Mrs Cox 3, Mrs Kelcher and Miss Mary Shaw (equal) 4. The highest number of points was secured by Mrs Innes. Prizes were kindly given by Mesdames Marshall, W. French, D, Clark, and Kelcher. An enjoyable afternoon tea was provided. MAYORESS’S RELIEF COMMITTEE The Mayoress’s Relief Committee acknowledges with thanks the following gif ts to' the depot:—North Otago 1 Women’s Club entertainment, £24 2s fid; Incholme, Kauru Hill Euchre'Club (per Miss Glen), £2 15s; Maheno-Incholme-Kauru Hill Committee; £4 11s fid; Messrs M. Austin (Maruakoa),-5 lambs; W. S.,Stevenson (Incholme), 9. lambs; J. Newlands (Ifacholme), 2 sheep; Herbert Women’s Division, Farmers’ Union, eggs,- jam, vfruit; vegetables, clothing, shoes, and cakes; relief boxes, per Messrs Crombie, Milligan, and Bond, and W. Smyth; Brown and Burlington Tea Rooms, buns, etc.; \ Haka taramea and Kurow Relief Fund, Miss Goddard (Hakataramea), Miss Lindsay, Mrs Watson, Mrs Robertson, • Mrs Sewell, Mrs Welsh (Hakataramea), Miss Williamson (Wharfe street), clothing; Mrs Earl, two dresses and supper cloths; “ Anonymous,” shorts; Mrs Firmant '(Her bert), sewing; Mrs M‘Dowell, child’s clothing; - Mrs Williamson, new children’s garments; Mrs M'Kellar, groceries; Mrs Russell, rice; Miss Lindsay, jam; " Anonymous,” jam and shoes; collected by Mr Markham,Jun., one large box of groceries; Mrs ,R. W. James .(Hilderthorpe), soap and vegetables; Mrs W. H. Ross (Hakataramea), Mrs Innes, dripping; Mr T. Direen (Windsor), one sack seed potatoes; from the Majestic pictures, 620 parcels of groceries and fruits. An appeal is made for men’s underclothing' and for seed potatoes. MINIATURE RIFLE ASSOCIATION The following are the detailed results of the fourth round of the North Otago Times Shield Competition:— Enfield C.—A. M'Naughton 78, W. Falloon 77, R. Paton 76, H. M'Naughton 76, D. Elliott 68—375; handicap 32—400; previous score, 1191—1591; Volunteers C.—S. Robbie 75, A. G. Robertson 74, R. Hedges 73, J. Herron 72, A. Mahan 71—365; handicap 29—394; previous score, 1196—‘1590. Totara D.—A. Harper 77, D. Clark 76, D. Seaton 75, H. Blair 72, Joe Carrig 64 —364; handicap 29—393; previous score, 1190—1583. Oamaru B.—W. Gemmell 77, A. North 76, G. Doran 76, J. Leslie 75, O. Glynn 74—378; handicap 13—391; previous score, 1181—1572. Totara B. —V. Perry 77, D. Lawrence 75, W. MTntosh 74, G. Malcolm 74, J*. Richardson 71 —371; handicap 17 —388; previous score, 1182—1570. Diintrdon C.—A. Fyfe 77, H. M'Cully 75, G. Brown 74, M. Francis 70, J. Grant 62—358; handicap 37—395; previous score, 1174—1569. . Awamoko A.: —A. Gibson 79, W. Gibson 78, R; Fillingham 78, D; Borrie 77, R. Gibson 75 —387; handicap 6—393; previous score, 1175 —1568, • Oamaru F.—C. Davey 75, substitute <75, J. Hollow 73, W, Collins 7,0, H, Rawson 67 —360; handicap 40—400; previous score, 1166—1566. _ Weston A.—H. Stevenson 79, L. Campbell 78, G. Campbell 78, C; Carlson 76, L. Clark 74—385; handicap 8—393; previous score, 1169—1562 .■ -Railway A.—G. Bnghtwell 77, C. Andrew 77, G. Ward 76, R. Laurie 75 A. Brown 74—379; handicap 11—390, previous score, 1172 —-1562. . , Oamaru A.—J. Dunn 79, I. Swmar 76 J. Caldwell 77, H. Koppert 76, i. Kennedy 75—383; handicap 14—397; previous score, 1164—1501. „ , wn Railway C.—W. Wilson 74, R. J. Wilson 73 A. Wilson 72, D. Williams 72, EG* Wilson 67—358; handicap 16—374; P ‘S) V S«oTAVH B D;™y 76, W. Rutherford 78, G. Manley 78, J. Dovey, inn., 7" J. M'Cully 74—882; handicap 13-395. Pt TotoT-D’“kr'h“ i 79,, S. Wilson 76 G Lawrence 75, W. Smith 74, M. Sinclair 74—378; handicap 12—390; preV t. S n.“r" e o.-E:S.rd 74 J. Robertson 73, J. Lindsay 72, W. Munro 71, js. Pile 70—360; handicap 21—387, previous “croiK-W. Webb 79, A . Dewar 77, A. Hughes 76, F Middleton 72 J. O’Neill 70—374; handicap 12—386, pre ViO We S Gn 8.-A 9 ioweli 80, J. Howell 79, W West 76, W. Sewell 75, B. Campbell handicap 15-391; previous score, A. —V. Ueimison 77, T Kopnert 77 R. Dickson 76, E.' Necklen 74, A. Smith 73-377; handicap 17-392; previOU Enfi o eldA l .-GrAll s an7B, A. Anderson 77, T Allan 76, A. H. Gibson 73, A. M'Naughton 73—377 ; handicap 21-308; previous “rrAmwerTße-H. Colquhoun 76, W. Veint 74, D. Cahill 75, J. E- 2 2 V 393. 73 p re - Bove 73—371; handicap 22—393, pre ”■ W Hcllewell 71, J. Hellewell 67, N. Allan S-illf handicap 35-386; previous eC WesIJS°C.-K: Brightwell 74, L. WilSO n V 72 G. M‘Latchic 73, W. Cottingham 71, W. Laney 67-357; handicap 28-38,.. previous score, 1160—1545. . , P Maheno 8.-A. King 74, G Davis 73, 1 Lindsay 73, H. Davis 72, R. Richardson 69—361; handicap 23-384; previous Brodley 75 W. Ally 75 B Johnstone 74, K. tnay A * Yilm 70—367; handicap 25-392; previous —368; handicap 28—396; previous score, n Cromweli C.—J. Parcell 76, R. B ram Icy 74 L Paterson 72, \. Saundeie 72, D Austin 58—352; handicap 27—079; previous score, 1109 1538.

Cromwell D.—G. M'Lachlan 78, A. Hyndman 74, R. M'Felon 73, W. Campbell 71, G. Siumbles 65—361; handicap 34 —‘395; previous score, 1143—1538. Railway B.—W. Aitken 79, F. Jones 72, C. M'Donald 71, A. Gumming .69, M. Mulhem 70 —361; handicap 18 —379; previous score, 1157—1536. Volunteers B. —Cardno 74, J. Carlson 72, P. Skirving 69, W. de Joux 63, P. Smith 69 —347; handicap 44 —391; previous score. 1142—1533. Oamaru D. —C. Carroll 76, J. M'Veigh 75, A. Doran 73, substitute 72, H. Brant 71—367; handicap 24—391; previous score, 1138 —1529. Maheno A.—D. Grant 78, A. Lindsay 76, J. Clark 74. T. M'Lay 74, G. Taylor 73—375; handicap 12—387; ' previous score, 1142 —1529. Awamoko C.—A. Ludemann 78, S. 'O’Dell 76, J.'Ludemann 75, D. Ludemann 73, L. Willetts 72—374; handicap. 27 400; previous score, 1125 —1525. Awamoko 1 B.—L. Bruntbn 77, T. Smith 77, E. Williams 76, N. M'Phee 74, J. Brunton 71—375; handicap 19 —394; previous score, 1129 1523. Cromwell E.—R. Berryman 73, W. Wallis 69, R. Hughes 69, A. Beaton 68, A. Fraser 66—345; handicap 53 —398; previous score, 1117 —1515. _ Duntroon B.—R. O’Connor 75, E. Ravenwood 74, substitute 70. J. Dovey, sen., 68, E. Knight 65 —352; handicap 30 —382; previous score, .1128—1510. Oamaru B. —H. Stringer 78, A. Dick, jun., 73, E. Lee 71, J. Bearsmore 68, G. Roney 58—348; handicap 30—378; previous score, 1122—1500. Duntroon D. —J. Slater 71, A. MPherson 71, A. Ravenwood 69, J. Carlyon- 59, R. Cox 50 —320; handicap 67 —387; previous score. 1109 —1496. Highest team scores off the rifle.— Awamoko A 1541, Weston A 1528, Railway A 1516, Oamaru B 1509, Oamaru A 1508, Cromwell A 1508. Highest individual score off the rifle.— W. Gibson 313, A. Gibson 313, G. Campbell 312, D. Grant 312, D. Borrie 311, A. Dewar 310. OVERSEAS MAILS Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Oamaru, as under: — ; ■■ Thursday, September I', at 2 p.m. (late fee 2.20 p.m.).—Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa (per Waipahi, from Auckland). Australian States, South Africa,_ and the East (per Zealandia, from Wellington). Great Britain, Ireland, and Continent of Europe, also Central and South American States (per Rangitata, from Auckland). Correspondence must be specially addresses. Monday, September 5, at 11.15 am. (late fee 11.35 am.). —Rarotonga, Tahiti, Canada, United States of America (Canada and United States of America air services, extra 4d per ioz). Great Britain, Ireland, and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco (per Makura, from Wellington). Due London about October 5. WAITAKI COUNTY COUNCIL The monthly meeting of the Waitski County Council was held yesterday; present—Mr A. MTnnes (chairman), Crs J. Rodman, D. J. Ross, W- M. Cooper,, J, D. Rutherford, E. S. Brewster, R. B, Meek, J. M. Smith, and W. E. Aubrey. The special order abolishing the riding i accounts was confirmed. Cr \ Ross ■ reported that the Waihemo Council had also abolished riding accounts, and Mr MTnnes reported that the Waimate Council also wished to do so, but could not for some, years on account of a loan. Mr MTnnes reported briefly on the visit ot inspection in company with Waimate County councillors to the Wharekuri bridge, at the invitation of Mr R. H. Packwood. . The clerk reported that he had conferred with Mr Collins-(clerk of the Wdimate County Council), and had agreed to pay another £l4 in full : settlement of the allocation of heavy traffic fees between the two counties. There were two cases of which he was unaware, and the settlement had been arrived at on that basis. The action of the clerk was approved. Three permits were issued for £350. £BO, and £ls, or a total of £445. In connection with the 12£ per cent, subsidy on rates, the clerk reported that he had written to the Valuer-general, pointing out that as the subsidy was payable only on general rates collected he contended that the amount of the hospital levy should not be deducted in full, but should be reduced to a figure representing the amount of hospital levy collected, By treating this matter in thd way indicated, the council was placed on the same basis as a county council .striking a separate hospital rate.—The action of the clerk was approved. The following Treasury notes, were received: —Main highways maintenance, £340 16s 7d and £346 ,14s 3d; goldfields revenue, £24 7s 6d; fines collected at the .Oamaru Magistrate’s Court, £6 17s 9d; hypothecated thirds. 2s. The Minister of Employment advised that in respect to the council’s submission that men incapacitated through injuries received on' relief work should be maintained by the Unemployment Board until' they were well enough to resume work, the board could not agree that this was a reasonable charge on the Unemployment Fund. The board held that its function was to provide relief to all those men fit and able : to do the class of work made available by local bodies and other employers operating under the various relief schemes. Causes of sickness or physical incapacity were outside the provisions of the board’s relief schemes, and in the case of men injured while working on such schemes, the'board had taken up the attitude that it would not accept liability for workers', compensation, and that attitude must be strictly adhered to.—Received. The Waitaki Electro Power Board advised that the street lamps requested by the County Council had been erected, but that the board had decided that a further reduction in the charges for street lighting was not possible, a reduced charge having been made last year for all suburban lighting.—Comment . was made on the excellence of the fittings, which were New Zealand made, and the letter# was received.

The Bank of New Zealand advised that the council’s applications for overdraft limits for the county fund account, and Papakaio water race district account had been approved.—Received; Mrs Ellen A. B. Cairns applied for permission to take water across the road from the water race at Kurow. —Permission granted subject to the approval of the engineer. . Mr Allan Cambridge applied for permission to install a small hydro-electric plant at Dalrachney Station, Omarama. — Permission granted. Mr John M'Nair forwarded a parcel of 63 kea beaks.—The payment at 2s 6d per beak (£7 17s 6d), was authorised. Mr J. Hell and, of Clearburn, Kurow, applied for permission to erect a cattle stop on the main , road between his property and Benmore.—Permission granted. Twenty-seven ratepayers at Fernbrook and the vicinity of the Municipal Abattoirs requested the erection of a.street light at the corner of Thames highway and Abattoirs road—Referred to Cr Brewster and the engineer.

Thirty-nine ratepayers drew the attention of the council to the urgent necessity of dealing with the flood waters that sweep across the Papakaio plains at frequent intervals, causing heavy damage and loss to the settlers. They asked that a channel of sufficient capacity, be opened up to take this flood water direct to the Waitaki River.—Cr Brewster and the engineer were empowered to arrange a meeting of the ratepayers concerned and the public works engineer (Mr Evans) on the gound to investigate the matter, and report to the next meeting. Dr M'Millan (Kurow) wrote complaining that the water pipes from the reservoir had become silted up, and asking that this be remedied, and also that the fence around the reservoir be strengthened to prevent animals getting in and polluting the water. —Referred to the engineer for attention.

The sanitary inspector advised that lie had discovered defective drainage at the doctor’s residence, Dnntroon, and asked that the council have it remedied. He suggested that unemployed labour could be used, and stated that he would give every assistance possible.—Referred to the engineer for attention. Mrs B. 801 l advised the council that she would claim royalty on all gravel taken off her property at Dnntroon by Mr M'Cone. who was gravelling the road at present. It was not a gravel reserve, and permission had not been asked or granted.—The engineer reported that the travel was on (lie river bed. and the fence had been repaired and the matter was left in the .hands of Or Rutherford. It was pointed out that the council’ had

the right to go through private property to obtain gravel on the river bed. Miss Grey (assistant- clerk) wrote acknowledging the good wishes of the councillors and applied for an extension of leave to the end of the year.—The extension of leave requested was granted. The Public Works Department forwarded a copy of the Order-in-Council exempting Clark’s dam road and the southern side of Lime street front the provisions of section 128 of the Public Works Act, 1928. —Received. The District Highways Council advised that the hire charges for plant owned by the County Council had been revised, and forwarding particulars of the scale of charges.—Received. The Public Works Department advised that, owing to the limited amount of money available for road construction, all new works which were in mind for inclusion in this year’s estimates, must be carefully revised, and only those items of a particularly urgent nature should now be submitted, showing the relative order of Urgency. —Received. The Waitaki Hospital Board advised that the board had protested against the charge of 9s per hour made by the Audit Department.—lt "was decided to support the protest. The Unemployment Board advised that the council’s request for a supply of seedling trees had been forwarded to the State Forest Service. —Received. . x The State Forest Service advised that the Unemployment Board had approved of a grant of 2000 trees to the council, and that this number, consisting of Pinus ponderosa' (two years old) was being reserved and would be forwarded on receipt of instructions. —The clerk reported that 1000 trees were for Dr M'Millan and 1000 for the Kurow Beautifying Society, the charges for lifting and railage to be met by them.—-The clerk’s action was approved. The Railways Department wrote in connection with the main highway at Deborah, asking if the council was prepared to pay the proclamation fee of £3 3s when requested to do so. —It was decided to pay, the proclamation fee. The Department of Labour advised that the Oamaru Unemployment Committee had appyoved of a questionnaire to be completed by farmers applying for men under scheme No. 4a, and suggesting that the council ask for similar particulars in respect to farmers applying for unemployed men oii their farms under scheme No. o. —Received. _ The Takapuna Borough Council_ wrote that it had forwarded an emphatic protest to the Prime Minister against the action of the Government in not availing itself of the provisions of the New South Wales Interest Reduction Act, 1931, in view of the fact that some months ago both .the Crown Law Office and the Audit Department insisted upon local bodies availing themselves of the reduction. — RGCGivcd.' The New Zealand Counties’ Association forwarded particulars of a booklet on road structure, and a recommendation from the executive to county councils that reserve funds should be created. —The clerk explained that interest , and depreciation were allowed on plant hire, and the idea was to place those amounts into a reserve for renewal of plant. The chairman stated that the council had wished to do this 12 years ago, : but was not permitted to do so. —It was decided to create such a reserve fund as from April 1, 1933. -■ .

The , association also wrote suggesting that a standardised danger signal should be placed at each end of the section of the road' over which graders were operating, where it could be readily seen by approaching traffic. —Received. The association forwarded a circular that had been. promoted by remits from various county councils and executives of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, urging that the rebate of 12J per cent, on rates be continued this year. A further circular stated* that representations had been 1 made to the Minister of Public Works that power be given through legislation to county .councils to allow 12J per cent, rebate on arrears of rates carried forward so as to give some relief to those ratepayers unable to pay. The Minister stated that it had been decided 'to introduce amending legislation to give effect to the suggestion. Representations had also been made to the Minister of Internal Affairs asking for legislation, to suspend section 57 of the Counties Act, and to allow ratepayers whose rates were overdue to the extent of two years to be placed upon the. ratepayers’ rolls, the Minister stating that it had been decided to modify temporarily the,disqualification provisions by amending legislation. In view of a Supreme Court decision the Audit Department had ruled against the agreement between the association and Power Boards’ Association that the cost of removing power poles on roads be borne equally, so that the cost had to be borne by county councils.—The circulars were received. ' . ,

The report of the conference of Government departmental officers, civil engineers, and representatives of county clerks was laid on the table, A number of quotations were received for the supply of oil and petrol; and it was decided to give the business to two companies for six months each, supplies to be in bulk. The offer of the chairman to supply seven drums for this purpose was accepted with thanks. The following tenders were received:— Racecourse road, Duntroon, 750 yards of gravel—E. W. Ward (DunedinL £53 2s 6d; G. Pheloung, £65 12s 6d; J. W. Bradfield, £B4 7s 6d; C. Selman, £BS 8s 9d; J. M'Cone, £B7 10s. The tender of E. W. Ward was., accepted. Docherty’s road, Reidston, 250 yards of gravel—G. Pheloung, £34 7s 6d; J. W. Bradfield. £62 10s; and alternate tender from Clark’s quarry. The tender of G. Pheloung was accepted. The following licenses were issued:— One hawker’s, one petrol pump, one taxi, and one traction engine.

General accounts totalling £4836 6s, and Papakaio water race accounts £4B 17s Id, total £4882 3s Id, including Hospital levy £1049 10s, were passed for payment. It was decided to make a reduction of 2Q per cent, in rent as from April 1, 1932, to A. Robb and W. Shaw. The council was unable to make any reductions in the cases of J. Poyner, A. M'Donald, and W. Johnston. In the cases of J. Poyner and W. Johnston the clerk was instructed to apply to the Land Board for extensions of the leases.

Cr Rodman and the engineer were authorised to inspect and carry out any necessary work on the Kurehika road. Mr Smith • was empowered to retain a small leasehold property at Moeraki, conditionally on his clearing the African thorn on it.

Reports from councillors showed that the small bird pest was very bad this year, doing very extensive damage.—Cr Cooper reported that the amount of poisoned grain allowed was not sufficient in some cases.— Cr Smith stated that the bird pest was getting beyond control, and on his motion it was decided to supply farmers with the full amount of poisoned grain required. The clerk reported that Mr K. Familton gave a ton of coal to the unemployed relief camp, which was delivered by Messrs Nimfno Bros., and Mr J, S. Johnston (Awamoko) shifted the camp cookshop for Mr Dick, and the clerk was instructed to write thanking them for their services. ENGINEER’S REPORT.

The engineer (Mr G. L. Cuthbertson) reported for the month as follows: Moeraki Riding: Several bad places had been repaired on the Hillgrove-Moeraki road, and arrangements were being made to improve a bad corner at the school with unemployed labour. The Bedford truck recently purchased for the riding was now ready for use. Otepopo Riding: Some maintenance gravel was being put on weak portions of the Main road south of Herbert, and as soon as that was completed the deviation over the railway* line opposite the Phoenix Mill would be gone on with. With Os Copper, Rodman, and Smith, he inspected the dangerous corner at Maheno. Mr Barron had arranged to replace the board fence next his store with a picket fence, which would improve the view towards the south on that side. On the Kakanni side of the road it would be an improvement if the bank on the north were taken away, and the spoil could be used to improve the turn on to the Island Stream on the' north side, then the gravel could be taken off the bridge, as the dead weight was more than should be on it. They also inspected the crossing on the Kakanni road where water lies, and arranged with Mr Watson to clean out the outfall drain. If this were kept open there should be no water on the road except in flood time, when it was impassable for some distance. Tncholme Riding: A short netting groyne had been, put in at the light bridge over the Kanrn River near the homestead, as the approaches were being undermined by

floods. Some maintenance gravel was required on the Kuriheka road and other roads in the locality, and he had arranged to have the work done with their own lorry. Kakanui Riding: The contractor had completed the gravelling of the Beach road to Kakanui, and also part of M'Donald’s road. Tenders had been called for gravelling streets in Reidston and a short length of road at Tesehemakers. Four lights had been installed in South Oamaru, three on the main road, and one at the street corner on the hill. The gravelling on the Cormacks-Totara road was completed. Waiareka Riding; The contractor had finished gravelling the various roads in Weston district. The bad corner given by Mr G. Stevenson had been rounded off, and a similar one on the main road at Queen’s Flat. Maintenance gravel was put on the Coal Pit Hill, as it was bad in wet weather. The contractor had completed the patching on the Parsons Creek road. Papakaio Riding: A gang of unemployed were cleaning out the ditches on the North road. The contractor had completed the gravelling on Horse Gully and Airedale roads._ A box was required on one of the crossings on Devil’s Bridge road, as it became badly scoured out. It was on the boundary with Waiareka Riding. Maintenance gravel was put on. Sumpter’s Gully road. The race man reported that the river had been very low, and water scarce, but the river had now risen slightly. He reported that the unemployed from' the single men’s camp 'made an excellent job of cleaning out the head works of the race. Awamoko Riding.—The contractor had completed the gravelling on the Duntroon-Ngapara highway. The quantity of gravel Had to be cut down owing to a reduction in the highway subsidy, but the worst parts had been 'done. They were now engaged in the mainta’inance contract on the main Kurow highway. A start had been made with the gravelling of the Tokarahi-Tapui road; Mr A. L. Murray had made a splendid job of concreting the crossing leading to his place. The council supplied the cement and Mr Murray, did the work. Otekaike Riding: Tenders had been called for gravelling the Racecourse road near Duntroon as far as Mr Brown s gate. A few loads of gravel were required between there and Duntroon, and would be put on while the contractors were in the locality. Ahuriri Riding: The unemployed gang was still engaged in straightening the approach to the AAvahokomo bridge. The contractor for putting maintenance gravel on the Ahuriri Saddle had made a start. TRAFFIC INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The traffic inspector (Mr P. Laughton) reported on the month as follows: - During the period he spent 10 days in the Maniototo, Vincent, and Lake Counties. Heavy traffic in the counties mentioned was quiet. While he found the heavy traffic regulations were being complied with, the reverse applied to unregistered private vehicles. A number of prosecutions would follow at a later date. During the period he made use of the loadometers 15 times, with the result that one owner would go from class B to class C. One new lorry was weighed for the unladen weight, and the owner would take out a heavy traffic license with the Waitaki County Council. He had spoken to the owner of a traction engine in Waitaki County regarding fees due under by-laws, and had to advise that the fees bad been paid. Other owners would be approached as opportunity offered. The number of drivers’ licenses issued, particularly in Waitaki County, appeared to be low, and out of proportion to the fall in motor registrations. He should, therefore, pay particular attention to this matter. During .the period under review he bad not encountered any straying stock. UNEMPLOYMENT SCHEME. The county clerk (Mr R. K. Gardiner) submitted the following report regarding the administration of unemployment, scheme No. 5 in the county;— For the week, ended August 20 a total of 177 relief workers were employed, 110 being engaged on farms and the balance Of 67 on various road works. Wages paid totalled £340 6s, farm labour absorbing, £213 13s and road works £126 13s. He was unable to state the supplementary cost to the council through lack of time to prepare the necessary information. Fifteen additional men were placed on road work this week, bringing the, total unemployed under their'control to 192. One hundred and twelve farmers had received labour under this scheme, and 57 applications were held for completion. In some cases the applications could not be granted as there were no unemployed availably, in the vicinity of the- applicants’ farms, and in other, cases the men nominated were already placed on farms. The above-mentioned work had greatly increased their office work, three assistants, including one relief worker, being wholly engaged for two to three days each week. In addition to the recording, and checking of time worked and_ payment of wages, a great deal of their time was taken up with interviewing applicants for labour, explaining the details of the scheme and attending to voluminous correspondence. As a result of this additional work, he regretted to state that tbeir ordinary work, which had also increased through the depression, was being neglected through lack of_ time to attend to same. He was in receipt of numerous complaints regarding the abuse of this scheme, but his informants, upon being asked to stand by him if he took The matter up, refused to do so, stating that they did not wish to be drawn into the matter. While he felt sure abuses were occurring, no action could be taken unless his informants were prepared to substantiate their statements. To assist in overcoming this unfortunate tendency, he would recommend the, council to adopt tbe questionnaire approved by the Oamaru Unemployment Committee, which was placed before them for consideration. He would also recommend them seriously to consider some form of supervision to ensure that relief workers were being engaged on the work authorised and not ordinary and essential farm work. While there was room for improvement in the working of this scheme, it must he recognised that a large amoiint of useful and Dioductive work was being done, ana n farge proportion of the farmers were complying with the rules laid down by Unemployment Board. In conclusion, he would P like to state thatinmany the council insisted on the farmer refunding part of the wages cost of productive and developmental work, either in eash or in the form of a rate spread over a period of vears. The method adopted in one county was as follows:—A eommittee, with the county engineer, inspected the pro posed work and assessed the value it if done in the usual way. ihe tamer was then required to repay this amount to the Unemployment Board. Many cases of complaints were reported by the clerk, and it was pointed out tha. the scheme was for the benefit of relief workers, and .that farmers who contn. buted something towards the workers wages or gave additional days work, received preference. Times had changed a great deal from . whem farmers wei-e asked to take unemployed men, to the present when farmers were asking for men. It was generally agreed that abuses were creeping into the scheme, and it was desirable to prevent such abuses. After a very full discussion it was decided to adopt the questionnaire, all applications for labour to be limited to four weeks when they would come up for review. The chairman and Mr R. L. Banks were appointed a committee to act in cooperation with the clerk to deal with all applications. An amendment by Cr Cooper that no action be taken, but tha„ the present system be continued for this year lapsed for want of a seconder. It was pointed out that the county s administrative costs had increased Owing to the necessity of engaging additional clerical assistance to deal with county matters on account of the time devoted to the unemployment problem. This, it was considered, was very unfair to the ratepayers, and tbe clerk was instructed to request* the Unemployment Board to provide an assistant in the. office to handle the additional work entailed.