PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21773, 12 October 1932, Page 10

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

(Fbo/i Oufi Spjecial Coueespondent.)

SHIPPING NOTES ♦ The Poolta is expected this morning to load for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Opihi is due this morning to load for Wellington, Nelson, New Plymouth, and Westport, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Kini is expected on Thursday, October 20, to load for Timaru, Lyttelton, Wellington, Nelson, New Plymouth, Westport, and Greymouth. The Waimarino is expected on Monday, October 31, to load for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Poolta is expected on Tuesday evening, October 25. to load for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. MAJESTIC PICTURES The names of Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn have become synonymous with humour humour so rich that it has done more than anything else in the last few rears to give British films a place in the kinema. A 'Tom Wall’s and Ralph Lynn picture is now an event. It is doubtful yet if even the British film industry realises how much it owes to these two comedians. They 'themselves may not be aware of it. Last night’s audience which saw them in “,A_ Night Like This,” voted them superior to American comedians when it comes to producing healthy laughter. Mary Bronph and Winifred Shotter are also in this picture, which will be shown finally to-night. RAINFALL The rainfall has been general throughout North Otago, and coming at a time when it was required for crops and pas- - tures, has been of great benefit to the district, the prospects for a good season now being exceedingly bright. Reports from the country give the following recordings of rainfall up to yesterday morning:—Awamoko (Mr E. S. Brewster). 0(5 points; Hakataramea (Mr N. Hayes), 120 points: Otiake (Mr A. MTnnes), 80 points. The rainfall in town recorded by Mr W. Forrester amounted to 91 point* up to 9 o’clock yesterday.

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

KITCHEN EVENING AT OTIAKE A kitchen evening, was held in the Otiake Hall in honour of Miss A. M'Cone, who is shortly to be married to Mr G. Neil, of Rosebery Estate. The hall was filled, settlers from all parts of the district attending to do honour to Miss M'Cone, the gathering being the largest held in the hall for many years. , Miss M'Cone’s popularity was shown by the numerous useful and valuable presents which were handed over by Mr iA. M'lnnes, who appropriately expressed the felicitations of the residents for Miss M'Cone’s future happiness and welfare. A very happy time was spent in dancing to excellent music by .Mr James Robertson’s band, the duties of M.C. being carried out by Mr T. Taylor. OAMARU PRESBYTERY The Oamaru Presbytery held its monthly meeting in St. Paul’s Church yesterday, the Rev. J. C. Harkness (moderator) presiding, and constituting the meeting with prayer. The Rev. J. T. V. Steele (Duntroon) was present for the first time, and received a cordial welcome. It was agreed to meet at the Enfield Church on October 18 for the purpose of licensing Mr A. K. Warren as a preacher of the Gospel, the presbytery to meet at 7.30 p.m. and the public worship to be conducted at 8 p.m. The moderator will preside, the Rev. W. W. French preach, and the/Rev. J. E. Adams address, the licentiate. The of the recent meeting of the Advisory Hoard were discussed, and various views on the business of the meeting were expressed. The question of the sale of the manse glebe at Palmerston was discussed, but no action was taken, the. congregation not yet having given an opinion. It was decided to commend to congregations the appeal for financial help for the placing of religious workers in unemployment camps. ' MEETING OF/ SHEEPOWNERS A large and representative meeting of sheepowners, convened by the Farmers’ Union, was held , in the Hakataramea Hall to discuss rates of pay to shearers and kindred workers. Mr J. K. M'Kenzie occupied the’chair, and on behalf of the Sheepowners and Farmers’ Union extended a hearty welcome to Mr H. D. Acland (Dominion president) and Mr W. H. Nicholson (secretary of the Sheepowners’ Union). In his opening remarks Mr Acland referred to the position of the sheep men to-day as compared with past years. The price received for wool i and lamb was lower and the cost of production higher than formerly. If costs. were not further reduced or prices raised the sheepowners would soon be wiped out. The speaker traced the history of the Arbitration Court and its influence on the cost of production. The owners were now free to make their own arrangements with their workers, and he thought that the rates of pay as suggested by the Canterbury Sheepowners’ Union were fair and reasonable in view of the price of wool to-day. (The rates are as follow: Shearing: Flock sheep, 18s per 100 (any extra payment above this rate to be by way of bonus). Shed Tiands; Cooks, £2 10s per week; cooks’ mates and presaers, £2 per week, or Is 2d per hour; other shed hands, £1 15s per week, or Is per hour; youths under 18 years, £1 per week, or 8d an hour. All employees wilrbe found in rations, in addition to the above rates of pay. . •’ Mr Nicholson said that the great need of the day was to readjust costs. In the past the Arbitration Court had bated its awards on the cost of living without regard to the ability of the particular industry to pay. Mr Nicholson considered that the price offered was a fair one generally, and in special circumstances, such as hard sheep, the owners might see fit to pay a little more by, way of bonus. The speaker stated that the award tor Otago expires on October 21. After a general discussion, the following resolution was carried unanimously; • “That this meeting of sheepowners recommends the adoption of the rates of.pay as set out by the Canterbury Sheepowners’ Union.” The speakers were cordially thanked for the valuable information supplied, and Mr Acland suitably replied. •

OTEKAIKE NOTES A very welcome rain commenced to fall at mid-day on Monday, and continued well into the night. This will do a great deal of good to both the grass and cereal besides giving a start to mangel and turnip seeds. The district is looking particularly well at the present time, the large areas" of lucerne, having come away well and presenting a very pleasing sight. . , -rr Recently' performers from Kurow provided a very enjoyable entertainment at Otekaike, in aid of the relief funds. The hall was well filled with an appreciative audience. The many clever topicalities were well received. As a result of this effort the relief funds will benefit to the extent of about £9. At the conclusion Mr J. S. Adams, on behalf of the Relief Committee, thanked the Kurow performers for the very fine entertainment, also Mr Stevens and the school children for their good work in selling tickets. The Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer suitably replied on behalf of the performers. MAHENO LAWN TENNIS CLUB The' Maheno Lawn Tennis Club has now commenced operations in real earnest and there is every promise that the season will be a most successful one. The courts are in excellent order, and the _ shelter fence now in the course of erection will be an acquisition, and will also add to the general appearance of the grounds. There was a good attendance of members at a tournament held by the club, and there were 21 entries. In the earlier part of the afternoon a disagreeable wind prevailed, but weather conditions were more favourable later on. The winners in the finals were as follow: —Ladies Doubles, Misses M. Dewar and V. Souness; Men’s Doubles, Messrs D. Grant and D. Yorston; Mixed Doubles, Miss Myra Newlands and Mr Allan Clark. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. It, is anticipated that more of these club tournaments will be held when the association matches are completed. During the afternoon tea adjournment, the annual drawing for the repayment of debentures took place, and resulted as follows: —Miss V. Squness, Messrs Allan Clark, L. Kelcher, W. Muldrew, M. Muldrew, and G. L. Thorby. miniature~rTfleshooting On Monday night the proposed match between Weston and Totara was rather lacking in *nterprise, as only five of the most enthusiastic of Totara’s members ventured out. However, a very pleasant evening was spent, and the supper provided was much enjoyed. Mr W. Laney thanked the Totara members who had turned up to the match on such a wet night, and hoped that they had enjoyed their visit. Mr J. Richardson suitably replied on behalf of Totara. The result of tlife shoot was an even break for the

first five riflemen down, which was. a desirable conclusion to the season. The following arc the scores: — Totara. —W. Smith 80, M. Sinclair 76, J. Richardson 75, D. Seaton 72, A. Harper 69; total, 372. . Weston. —W. Laney 77, A. Howell 76, W. West 75, L. Wilson 75, A. Pierce 69; total, 372. The Oamaru Club held a shoot for H. Benson’s trophy, C. Carroll proving the winner. The following are the scores-. — C. Carroll 79 (4), 80; W. Munro 79 (3), 80; A. North 79 (2), 80; T. Kennedy 77 (2), 79; J. Beardsmore 72 (7), 79; J. Hollow 72 (6), 78; G. Doran 75 (2), 77; W. Gemmell 72 (4), 76. The final shoot of the season of this club was for a consolation. prize presented by Mr W. S. Crombie for members who had not won a trophy during the season. G. Doran won the handicap button, and O. Glynn the trophy and also the Pallieer button. The following are the results: —G. Doran 79 (2), 80; W. Munro 79 (3),-■80; J. Robertson 78 (2), 80; J. Leslie 77 (4), 80; O. Glynn 76 (4), 80; J. Beardsmore 72 (7), 79; T. Kennedy 76 (2), 78; A. North 76 (2), 78; A. Doran 73 (5), 78; C. Carroll 75 (2), 77; J. Hollow 71 (6), 77.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ RUGBY SHIELD

The presentation of the Primary Schools’ Rugby Shield to the Oamaru North School took place yesterday afternoon at the school. Mr W. Atkinson (president of the North Otago Rugby Union) made the presentation and congratulated the team on its success. The team had an excellent record for the season, winning all nine games without a point being scored against it. The team also met with success against the country schools and in the seven-a-side tournaments. Mr J. Melkle also added his congratulations, and said that he had a double interest in the team, as he was a member of the North School Committee as well as the Rugby Union. J. Harrison (captain) accepted the shield on behalf of his team. Cheers were heartily given for the successful team, Mr Dimick (coach), and the North Otago Rjigby Union. OAMARU HARBOUR BOARD The monthly meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board was held yesterday morning; present —Messrs R. K. Ireland (chairman), R. Milligan, R. A. M'Dowell, E. S. Brewster, H. Ruddenklau, J. Duncan, C. J. Marshall, N. Hayes, A. M'lnnes, and J. M'Culloch. A special meeting of the board was held, at which an amendment to the bylaw relating to wharfage charges on goods landed on or shipped from the wharves of the board was carried, to come into force on November 1. The Waitaki Farmers' Freezing Company and Messrs Dalgety and Co. wrote expressing appreciation of the board’s action in renewing insurances.—Received. The Otago High Schools’ Board wrote thanking tne board for its action in remitting the rates on section 16, block X, Oamaru.—Received.

The Audit Office acknowledged the board’s protest against the scale of fees charged for auditing local body accounts, pointing out that the scale was fixed by Order-in-Couneil, and was at the rate of' £3 3s per day, inclusive of travelling expenses, compared with £7 7s, exclusive of travelling and other expenses, charged by the New Zealand Society of Accountants. —Received. The Public Trustee forwarded a statement of account of the board’s sinking fund for the year ended September 30, 1932. The balance brought fprward was £73,818 11s, instalment received £2150. interest £3339 18s sd, leaving a balance of £79,308 9s sd. By Orders-in-Council the rate of interest were reduced from 5i per cent, to 4| per cent, on December 18, 1931, and from 4| per cent, to 4 per cent, on April 1, 1932.—Received, the chairman pointing out that the board was in the fortunate position of receiving the same rate of interest as was paid on the board’s loan. The position was considered to be very satisfactory. The Unemployment Board forwarded circular letters in connection with the payment of unemployment levies, and with workers’ compensation insurance for relief workers. —Received.

The North OtagoFarmers’ Co-operative Association wrote in respect to the dust nuisance in Harbour street_ caused by a seed cleaning machine, advising that alterations to the blowing apparatus had been made which would reduce to a minimum the quantity of dust discharged through the exhaust pipe.—Received. The Oamaru Unemployment Committee forwarded a copy of the conditions of a scheme under which No. 5 scheme labour might be used on private property and subsidised by the board on the same basis as operated in the case of scheme No. 2. —Received.

The secretary (Mr T. J. Guthrie) reported on relief works as follows:—Week ended September 17: 47 men, wages £B7; September 24: 48 men, wages £B7 19s 9d; October 1: 47 men, wages £B6 13s 9d. The total wages paid to date amounted to £4205 18s Bd. The reclamation had been built up with spoil from the quarry. On the lighthouse reserve men had been engaged in grubbing noxious weeds and clearing round trees and firebreaks, and planting ice plant. Two thousand two hundred trees had been replanted, and another 800 would be replanted during this week, which would then complete the replanting. At the slipway 120 tons, of stone and 160 tons of spoil were used on the slipway during the month. Stone had been placed in position over the breakwater apron and at the foot of the breakwater towards the lighthouse steps. The total quantity of stone used during the month ibis 400 tons. • Accounts totalling £4520 10s lid (including £4300 for interest) were passed for payment. The following statement of imports and exports for the port for the year ended September 30 was submitted, the figures for the previous year being shown in parentheses:—lmports: General merchandise, 3630 tons (4882); wheat, 3324 tons (nil); coal, 2436 tons (4705); fuel oils, etc., 319 tons (359); wool and skins, 3 bales (50); timber, 26,359 super feet (210,067); cattle, 1 (nil). Exports: General merchandise, 1821 tons (1898); agricultural produce, 13,434 tons (14,351): Oaniaru stone, 20 tons (113); sheep and cattle, 122 (3); wool and skins, 6202 bales (4985); frozen carcasses, 412,757 (284,585). The statement for the wharf revenue for the year was as follows, the figures for the previous year being shown in parentheses:—Wharfage, £2550 4s Od (£2145 17s 4d); tonnage, £2756 16s Id (£2193 17s 8d); warps. £865 9s lOd (£049 5s sd); sundries, £289 17s 6d (£174 19s Bd);—total, £6262 8s 2d (£5163 19s lid): an increase of £IO9B 8s 3d. A comparative statement of the overseas shipping for the past two years was brought forward, the figures indicating the gross tonnage:—l93o-31: Turakina 8565, Port Dunedin 7463, Ruapehu 9018, Tairoa 7983, Gallic 7912, Raranga 7956, Westmoreland 8999, Port Dunedin 7403, Matakana 8048; 1931-32: Tongariro 8719, Port Hunter 8430, Westmoreland 8999, Maimoa 8011, Kia Ora 8031, Gallic 7912, Rarauga 7956, Coptic 8281, Tongariro 8719, Kent 8694, Tairoa 7983, Maimoa 8011. The harbourmaster reported that there were two overseas and 12 coastal vessels, of a total tonnagg of 70,757 tons, during the month. The departure of the Tairoa marked the last of the overseas steamers for the 1932 season. There had been 10 meat ships in the port during the year, which was the largest number to visit the port during the year. These steamers had been berthed on arrival, and despatched as ’soon as loading was completed, and there had been no delays on account of rain or weather conditions. Messrs Milligan and Hayes referred to the efforts being made by the local committee to find work for unemployed boys, urging that this laudable work should be supported, and it was decided to grant £lO to the funds of the local Unemployed Boys’ Committee. An offer of the use of the Timaru dredge for two months was discussed, but after discussion it was decided that no action be taken at present. The chairman reported on visiting the work of improving the breakwater, and said they were getting excellent work done. The secretary was empowered to obtain a further supply of explosives. In speaking of the position of the boad, Mr Ireland said the year’s operations had been very satisfactory. The loan was for £215,000, and all interest ■and sinking fund payments had been made, the sinking fund standing at

£79,308 with the Public Trustee. The harbour improvements fund stood at £30,083, which sum had all been invested. In March he and the secretary had prepared an estimate, but they had been cautious, and the revenue was much more than they had estimated. The receipts and expenditure were swollen by payments to and receipts from the unemployment fund, but the amounts balanced. .During the last two years there had been a gain of approximately £4400 in each year, or say £13,000 in three years. The dredging cost £IO,OOO in three years, leaving a net gain in three years of approximately £3OOO. The position was quite satisfactory, and if they could maintain that revenue, although the rents were back £694, they would still maintain their good position on account of increased revenue on wharfage. The interest and sinking fund amounted to £11,135, and the rate collected £8938, being short of requirements by £2192. This balance was made up by offsetting against the general account. He had heard from people that the board should cut out the rate or do something heroic, but he strongly urged the members to do nothing heroic, but to go carefully as revenue might decrease. The board had already reduced the rate 10 per cent., and probably another reduction would be made next year under the National Expenditure Reduction Act. Then, the board had made a reduction in wharfage charges, from which ratepayers and producers would benefit. The harbour was in a better position to-day than ever, the electric capstans facilitating loading of vessels, there being more depth in the harbour and entrance, and a larger swinging basin. The board had to provide facilities so that they would obtain regular loading. The shippers of meat must have a regular service, as they had had during the last two years. In 1931 nine overseas vessels visited the port and this year 12. Not only were these overseas boats larger, but they were working the port easier. Boats were leaving the port drawing 19ft 6in depth. The coastal vessels visiting the port in 1931 numbered 172, and this year 168. There had been 180 visits to the port this year. Summing up the position they could take a certain amount of credit for the provision of facilities at the port, but they they must not overlook the fact that without a good harbour master the facilities would not be made use off. They had a first-class man in Captain Cox.— (“ Hear, hear.”) Mr N. Hayes endorsed the chairman’s remarks, stating that they owed thanks to the chairmen of the boards in the past, and credit was due to Mr Milligan for J the consolidation of the loans.— (“Hear, hear.”). It was only a matter of a few years when the consolidated loan would be paid off when the Oamaru HaTbour would be in a happy position. It was pleasing to know that during the last year there had been an increase in the number of frozen carcasses leaving the port by 128,000. That showed that the freezing company had done its best for the farmers, and farmers were supporting the company. There was also an increase of 1217 bales of wool, and it was pleasing to see this export of wool going from Oamaru instead of Port Chalmers or Timaru. The rates might be high, but they were getting an indirect gain of 30s a ton, as it cost 30s a ton from Timaru. The usual wheat crops had been put in, and on the top of the splendid rain the previous day, the board could look forward to benefiting from the export of wheat and potatoes, and if prices improved the board would not look back.

Mr Marshall said he was not a pessimist, but he sounded a word of warning that they would have to continue expenditure in providing further facilities at the port. The alteration of the by-law for charges meant a difference of £SOO a year to the shippers in the district in lieu of reducing the rates, but they must not overlook the fact that other improvements were required to maintain and facilitate the despatch of vessels from the port. The extension of 200 feet on Holmes’s wharf gave no further berthage, but a further addition would give full advantage of the 200 feet extension, and would enable the berthing and better working of steamers up to 500 feet. Up to the present vessels only up to 475 feet were berthed, but with this improvement they would be able to berth two small steamers or two larger steamers, say, the Waikouaiti and Waimarino, at the wharf. Improvements with the rails could also be made, and the public should know that they must spend more to provide facilities for working the port. He was not asking for these things immediately, but they should keep them in view. Mr R. Milligan expressed gratification at the facilities provided by the board, and the maintenance of the strong financial position established by previous boards. It was very satisfactory indeed. He thanked Mr Hayes for his remarks in connection with the consolidated loan. They would remember that he had urged the establishment of a harbour improvements fund, which had resulted in the provision of many harbour facilities. It was good to know the board had reserved this fund in case of emergencies such as the disaster in 1882. _ The harbour-was never in better condition, and the board was carrying out its work efficiently, and doing what was expected of it. The ratepayers had been very loyal to the board providing the .jfunds, and it would only be a matter of 18 years when the harbour would be free of debt. That was a consummation to be looked forward to, and he hoped to live to see the day.— (“Hear hear.”) Mr M'lnnes paid a tribute to the services given by the secretary (Mr T. J. Guthrie), whose excellent work was commended by the members.

MAGISTRATE’S COURT The weekly sitting of the Oaniaru Magistrate’s Court was commenced yesterday afternoon, before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M. Eeginald Francis O’Meara was charged with obstructing Constable Murphy in the execution of his duty. Sergeant Hall conducted the police prosecution, and Mr C., Zimmerman appeared for defendant, who pleaded not guilty to the charge. Sergeant Hall stated that on September 15 a motor vehicle crashed into the Severn street bridge, smashing the handrail, and next morning he instructed Constable Murphy to make inquiries at the garages for the damaged car. The constable located the car, and while speaking to the driver he was obstructed by the defendant. * Constable Murphy deposed that he located the car at Boaden and Clark’s garage. He ascertained that it belonged to Wright, Stephenson, and Co., and that the driver of the car was G. Al'Leod, who volunteered to give witness a statement of what had happened. When halfway through the statement, the defendant came along and told M'Leod not to make the statement; that he was not compelled to as no one was hurt. Witness said he was not encouraging M'Leod to make the statement, but was simply doing as he was told. He asked M'Leod to sign the statement, but the defendant told him not to sign. Up to that point, M'Leod was quite content to make the statement. Cross-examined, witness said he went into Wright, Stephenson’s office during office hours, but did not ask anyone in authority for permission to interview M’Leod. There was no obligation on M'Leod to make the statement. M'Leod told witness all the facts, but on the facts witness was not able to say if M'Leod had committed an offence. M'Leod had said that he had come down Severn street keeping to the correct side. It was raining heavily and his lights did not show up on the wet bitumen. At. the interview the defendant came in- but did not speak to witness. He said as no one was hurt and the company was assuming the responsibility for the damage the Borough Council had been, informed, there was no need for M'Leod to make a statement. M'Leod informed witness that the Borough Council had been informed. Witness did not speak or protest in any way, and did not insist on M'Leod making the statement. He did not ask him to complete the statement. Constable Tretheway gave evidence of interviewing the defendant when Constable Murphy’s report was read by Sergeant Hall. The defendant added that he endeavoured to get the statement in order to tear it up, but there was no implication of force used by O’Meara to get the statement to tear it up. Witness commented to the defendant that it was a foolish thing to do as there was a chance of a charge being laid for obstructing the police. Sergeant Hall corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. Mr Zimmerman submitted that the police had not established a prima facie

case of obstruction as there was not a scintilla of wilful obstruction. Further, the police must be obstructed in carrying out an actual or positive duty. The only excuse for obtaining the statement was that public property had been .damaged and the constable was told that the Borough Council had been informed. Sergeant Hall submitted that the case resolved itself iuto two issues—whether the constable was carrying out his duty and whether he was obstructed. In so doing there was no need for M'Leod to report the collision, as no one was injured, but public property was damaged. Mr Bundle said that a person was not bound to make a statement.

Sergeant Hall replied that if he refused to maice a statement it was possible that he might have been prosecuted for negligent driving. In reviewing the evidence Mr Bundle said that the defendant did nothing active ,in any way to obstruct the police. There was no suggestion of physical force. The only thing was advice liy the defendant to M'Leod that he was not bound to do the thing which he was not in fact bound to do. On the facts before him, he was unable to find any obstruction to the constable in the execution of his duty, and the charge was dismissed. i i DEBATE AT WAITAKI SOUTH j An interesting debate was held in the hall at Waitaki South in aid of the Mayoress’s Relief Fund, the subject being “la the Douglas Social Credit System a Sound and _ Practical Remedy for Our Existing Economic Difficulties? ” Owing to inclement weather conditions there was a small attendance, though several sup- ; porters of the Douglas system were present. Messrs Max Whatman and George Barclay took the affirmative, and Messrs Lloyd Ross and J. B. Chapman the negative side. After a very spirited debate the audience was invited to ask questions to be replied to by the leaders. At the ; conclusion, the decision was given by vote, j the affirmative winning by a email majo- | rity. Unfortunately the amount from ■ this effort will be very small. Mr J. C. | Kirkness, secretary of the Mayoress’s Ad- i visory Committee, occupied the chair, and | thanked the speakers for their assistance. | CRICKET In the cricket match between a team \ from the single men's camp at Steward Settlement and the Waitaki High School team, the latter secured a win by one run. The team from the camp batted first and compiled 127. while School replied with 128. j WESLEY CHURCH The Rev. A. Ashcroft presided at the i quarterly meeting of Wesley Church. | Messrs Knight* and Barrell were appointed auditors, and Mr A. Slater was j elected synod representative, with Mr Wylie and Mr W. Common as substi- j tutes. j Mr C. Barrell jjSunday school superintendent) reported on the work_ carried on, nine haying enrolled during the quarter. Mr W. Knight reported that steady work was being carried on by the young men’s Bible class. ' An invitation was extened to the Rev. J. F. Jack to labour in the circuit in 1933. A motion of thanks and appreciation of the valuable work carried on by the Rev. A. Ashcroft was passed. Mr A. Slater said that good progress was being made with the enlargement of the hall, which would be opened on October 27. PERSONAL Queen’s Hotel.—Mr and Mrs W. Prescott, Mr R. King, Mr R. E. Voller, Mr 1 Scrimshaw (Christchurch), Mr J. Gregg, Mr J. Downes (Timaru), Mr and Mrs T. Cameron, Master H. Cameron (Ben Avon), Mr A. W. Taylor (Alexandra), Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., Mr C. W. Birss, Mr J. H. Mirams (Dunedin). New Club Hotel. —Mr and Mrs V. M. Pike and child, Mr S. Wood, Mr N. M'Connell, Mr D. Hill, Mr W. .Patrick (Dunedin), Mr T. M. Wise, Mr T. Bick, Mr S. S. Marshall (Wellington), Mr William B. Cook, Mr A. B. Black (Auckland), Mr A. V. Croul (Napier).

CRICKET UMPIRES’ ASSOCIATION

On account of the poor attendance, the annual meeting of the North Otago Cricket Umpires’ Association was adjourned indefinitely. Umpires were appointed for senior matches on Saturday as follow: Albion v. School, Messrs G. Todd and Borrows; Oamaru v. Union, Messrs Brown and Brooker.

WOMEN’S DIVISION. FARMERS’ UNION i .

Mrs Durward presided over an excellent gathering of members at the monthly meeting of the Kia Ora branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. An interesting talk was given by Mrs R. Dalziel on the preparation of sheepskins for mat making* a hearty vote of thanks being accorded her. A social half-hour was spent, and afternoon tea was handed round, the hostesses being Mrs Kennedy and Miss B. Allan.

UNEMPLOYED BOYS’ COMMITTEE

The fortnightly meeting of the Oamaru Unemployed Boys’ Committee was held last night. The Mayor (Mr J. M. Forrester) occupied the chair. The Minister of Defence (Mr J. G. Cobbe) wrote regretting that he could not see his way to waive all question of rental for the use of the Drill Hall for training unemployed boys and that a reduction of the charge to the nominal figure of 2s 6d per hour represented a very substantial concession to the committee. The Minister stated that he realised that the undertaking deserved every encouragement. It was true that when the Drill Hall was built portion of the funds expended for this purpose was raised by a local entertainment, but. the Government had expended a considerably greater sum on the building since the Defence Department had assumed control of it. The statement that when the hall was taken over by the department it was agreed that when not required for defence purposes the hall should be made available free of charge for public or patriotic purposes was not in accord with facts. It was agreed that the hall should be made available for public purposes subject to the defence requirements, but no question of waiving rental was raised at the time. The Mayor stated that the hall cost £2200, the Oamaru people finding £ISOO. He could not imagine that the department had spent £BOO on the hall. The whole thing was misleading. Mr Kirkness said he saw the ActingMinister of Employment (Mr A. Hamilton) when he was passing through Oamaru on the question. Mr Hamilton was very sympathetic towards the committee’s request and promised to take up the matter with Mr Cobbe. Mr Hamilton had had great difficulty in getting the Defence Hall at Riverton for a similar purpose, but he eventually got it. Mr Kirkness said he felt that the Government was treating the committee harshly, and he hoped that strong representation would be made to the Government on the subject. The Rev. W. Mac Lean said that the charge was unreasonable. They were paying an unemployment tax and were now asked to pay the Government for the work of training the boys, which was the responsibility of the Government. The Mayor Mr Kirkness, and the Rev. Mr Mac Lean were appointed a committee to continue the corrsopondcnce to the Minister on the subject. The Oamaru Harbour Board forwarded a grant of £lO to the • committee’s funds and Mr E. Reid forwarded a second contribution of £3 to the funds, both grants being acknowledged with thanks. The Rev. Mr Mac Lean reported that 28 boys were attending the technical classes. and work was proceeding smoothly. 15 boys being engaged on woodwork. He acknowledged the loan of enuipment from Messrs Craig and Co., gifts of material from Messrs Bnlleid and Co., and Messrs Arscott and Smith. Mr J. T. Calder reported that a new scale of award was now in operation and prospects were better for placing boyg in shops. Shopkeepers had been employing 25 per cent, more staff than was required, but business was improving, and with the summer months there should be more positions for the boys. Mr M. J. Hanley handed over £2 2s collected by the sub-committee, reporting

that all moneys collected would be handed I over to the Central Committee. 1 Mr B. B. Walton reported that this was the slackest time of the year in offices, and no positions were available in this direction. Appreciation was expressed of the action of Mr G. W. Lee in taking charge of the class during the instructor s absence. Mr Kirkness reported that registrations to date numbered 119, and posil tions had been found for 55 boys, 39 being at present in employment on farms I and in shops. There were 33 awaiting ! employment, 28 in technical classes, and 119 had found private employment. The difficulty was to get boys suitable for and willing to do farm work. Seven far- * mers were waiting for suitable boys, but of the 33 boys waiting there was only I one willing to go on a farm. Contributions to the fund to date totalled £lO6 5s 6d and expenditure £l6 4s.