NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22051, 6 September 1933, Page 10

NORTH OTAGO.

(Fbom Oub Special Correspondent.)

MAJESTIC PICTURES The haunting and appealing notes of the famous melody, "The Blue Danube, •will be heard at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow and Friday nights, when the picture bearing that name will be screened. A picturesque story revolving around the famous waltz features both Dorothy Bouchier and Joseph Schildkraut in roles specially suited to their types of dramatic abilities. Another feature of the film is the fact that the world-renowned Royal Hungarian Tzigane Band renders the musical and operatic airs that are judiciuosly dispersed throughout the film with all the charm that is such a feature of the old masters. The story, which is but the foundation for the film, is one that will hold the audience's interest to the very last. TARANAKI TOURING TEAM On Monday night the members of the Taranaki Rugby touring team, accompanied by Mr J. M'Leod, made the trip to Waitaki Hydro, where they were the fuests of the Boxing Association at the oxing tournament, at which some excellent contests were witnessed. On Tuesday morning they paid a visit to Elderelie Stud, where they were shown over the property by the managing director (Mr K.en Austin), and a very instructive and interesting morning was spent. The weather was all that could be desired for such an outing, and great interest was shown by the visitors_ in the horses, including 6uch noted sires as Iliad and Nightraid. Nightraid sired Phar Lap, and special interest was taken in hie progeny, including a full-sister to Phar Lap. and a very promising yearling colt by Nightraid out of Zany. An IliadEpitaph filly also engaged special attention, and on leaving deep appreciation was expressed, and-thanks conveyed to Mr and Mrs Austin for their courtesy and hospitalitv in enabling the visitors to spend such a delightful and instructive morning. WAIAREKA SALE There was a good yarding of all classes of stock at the Waiareka sale yesterday. In the fat cattle medium fat steers realised £6 ~125"6d and £6 15s; light fat steers, £4 12s 6d to £5 ss; light-weight heifers, £4 to £4 10s; heavy cows, £6 ss; light cows. £3 17s 6d to £5. Extra fat wethers made to 275; prime wethers, 20s 6d to 235; medium wethers, 10s 6d to 18s; extra eood ewes, 235; prime ewes, 16s 6d to 18s 6d; light ewes, 13s 3d. In the store sheep failing-mouthed ewes brought 13s 5d to 17s; and wether hoggets, 14s to 14 9 6d. :'.-.V. , . There wag poor demand for dairy cows, end young cows coming to profit broughr. from £2 to £3, heifers 20s to 30s, and aged cows 109 to 20s. , There was a large yarding of pigs. gtores realising 15s to 18s 6d, slips 14s to 15s, best Weaners 12s to 13s, medium weaners 10s to lis. small weaners 7s to

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

PETITION TO POWER BOARD TEXT OF THE REPLY The following is the text of the reply forwarded by the secretary of the Waitaki Electric Power Board (Mr J. Denford) to Mr Andrew Hamilton, who forwarded the recent petition to the board:— " 1 am directed to acknowledge the receipt of a petition from you on behalf of 568 electors, consumers, and ratepayers of Oamaru and the surrounding districts requesting the board to reconsider its decision in the matter of a reduction in the staff which wag determined upon in June last, and to procure a report from the Department of Public Works on the advisability of effecting such reduction, and I have to reply as follows: — " The grounds of the petition appear to be anxiety on the part of the petitioners for the continued efficient supply of electricity to the board's customers, and it is suggested that on the two members of the staff involved leaving the board's service the efficiency of the system will be seriously impaired. While this is stated to be the motive actuating the petitioners, and while the board believes that the majority of them had this in mind, the board is satisfied from information in its possession that this was not the motive of at least a number of the promoters of the petition. Quite frankly, it was stated by them in asking for support in a number of cases that the real reason was a desire to retain in the town one of the two men for reasons unrelated to the public interest. This, notwithstanding, my board deems it advisable to take the petition at its face value and give the petitioners reasons for the board's decision, and supply information which should make it clear that the staff will not be a depleted one, but will be ample for all requirements without any such risk being involved as the petitioners believe will be the case. "Probably the most convincing course to adopt in order to establish the board's claim is to compare our staffing with that _of neighbouring boards, not only relative to the respective volume of business in each case, but having regard also to the nature and extent of each board's system. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that the conditions under which boards work are not alike in any two cases. It is perfectly futile, for example, to reach any conclusion as to the number of the staff required or its disposition without a close knowledge of the various conditions that prevail. The two nearest boards named in your covering letter are Ashburton and South Canterbury, as well as our own, are rural boards. Yet the conditions are different in each, and more particularly in the two northern boards as compared with our own. Generally speaking, these conditions are more favourable in the case of Waitaki than in that of the others, which should reflect itself in lower working costs. In the case of Ashburton,- in particular, the lines in that district are subject to severe north-west gales during the season, which often cause serious damage involving the re-erection or replacement of poles and feeder lines. One storm involved the re-erection of 160 poles, while in the South Canterbury district, in addition to north-west winds, sections of the lines are subject to snow conditions in winter.

"Another important consideration which must determine the number of staff required is the mileage of lines. While it is a fact that in each of the districts named the number of consumers is approximately the same, being as follows: Ashburton 3644, South Canterbury 3677, and Waitaki 3407, there is a striking difference in the mileages of lines, the figures in the same order being 720, 750, and 367. Quite obviously the working expenses in connection with Waitaki'a 367 miles should be substantially less than in the cases of the others. On the other hand, another aspect that must not be overlooked is the fact that South Canterbury has within its district no peak load reducing plant. Before actually comparing the wages paid by each board it has to be noted in the case of Ashburton that a special reason exists for higher costs, that board finding it necessary to renew every year 1200 bluegum poles as part of the 9000 which had been installed in its system. With a know;ledge, therefore, of these special conditions we may proceed to give the numbers of the respective staffs, the total wages and salaries paid, toaether with the sales of current for a complete year:— Sales of Current Number. Amount. Units Ashburton .. 36 £7972 4,780.878 S. Canterbury 24 £5171 6,269,977 Waitaki .... 30 £7426 4.717,888 "It will thus be seen that Waitaki. with its small mileage of lines —half thai of South Canterbury, and generally with more favourable conditions—pays £2255 more in wages and salaries and employs six more persons than that board, and pays an amount only £546 less than Ashburton, which has six more on its staff and has double the mileage of feeder lines, and is at present penalised by the special expenditure for replacing poles already mentioned. Both Ashburton and Waitaki have peak reducing plants, Waitaki paying £9lO per annum for its power house staff, but being more than recouped for such expenditure by the savings effected as a result of peak reduction. "My board feels justified in reducing its staff from 30 to 28 as compared with South Canterbury's 24 (our board lias precisely the same type of organisation—viz., one engineer and one secretary), thus reducing its salaries and wages bill to £6842. which even then is £1671 higher than South Canterbury, although it is only fair to deduct from this £9lO for Waitaki's peak reduction, also probably £2OO for a different system of car repairs, while on the other hand it must not be forgotten that South Canterbury's mileage of feeder lines is double that of Waitaki.

" My board believes that had the petitioners been in possession of the above facts many of them would have refused to allow their confidence in the board to be disturbed and would not have signed the petition. " The board feels itself justified in expressing surprise that after it was made quite clear to the electors at the most recent election, certain reductions in the staff would be effected, and after the most clearly expressed endorsement by the electors of that policy such strong exception should have been taken to the small reduction of two now being made. The intimate relation that exists between the economical running of the board's business and the charges made for current supplied is so obvious that it should not be necessary for the board to declare that it is in duty bound* not to retain in its service those who are superfluous. "The board is satisfied that the 568 petitioners, comprising 306 in the town, 95 in the Hampden list, and 107 in the Waitaki County, can scarcely expect the board to disregard the expressed will of the. electors in the recent town election, especially when the number of electors on the bcrough roll alone is 4734,_a large proportion of whom recorded their votes in favour of the policy now being given effect to. " In your covering letter sent with the petition the following words occur: 'Your petitioners believe, considering both efficiency and economy, that your board has been one of the most, if not the most, successfully directed power boards in the Dominion.'

"In acknowledging this compliment, my board considers that it may modestly claim that success of the scheme has been largely due to the sound working principles laid down both before and on the establishment of the board, and faithfully carried out by the staff and most loyally supported by the residents of North Otago, who have appreciated the service of electricity. It is probably not out of place to mention these principles:— 1. The insistence that the scheme should be a combined one of town and country. . 2. That no district would be reticulated that did not guarantee an adequate return for the expenditure m- .. volved.

"The adoption of the first meant that from the very commencement a payable couuccted load was available with the prospect of considerable extension in the borough, and the lessening of the average distribution costs due to the closer reticulation of an important section of our district. The adoption of the second principle by the board meant the saving of large capital expenditure—to the extent of many thousands of pounds—resulting in permanently small annua] capital charges, from which consumers are reaping such substantial advantages to-day in reasonable charges for current, and the generous support of the policy by country settlers prevented initial losses which would otherwise have been a charge on the scheme. "We think, therefore, that all parties concerned may congratulate themselves that the mistakes from which some other power districts are suffering were avoided by the Waitaki Board through the foresight of the promoters of the scheme, the lovalty of the staff in carrying it out, and, above all, the most generous support of the people of North Otago." ST. LUKE'S CHURCH There was a large attendance at St. Luke's Hall on the occasion of a very interesting address by Captain D. Kee, F.F.G.S., of the Church Army, on the 51 years' work of that vigorous organisation, which does so much social and evangelistic work on behalf of the Anglican Church. The lecture was illustrated by a fine set of lantern slides, and was greatly appreciated, a good collection being taken up. Archdeacon Russell presided, and said how much Captain Kees sermons on Sunday, and his conduct of the community singii g had won the hearts of his hearers, and they looked forward to the mission of the Church Army Column next year. Captain Kee was one of the six captains and two sisters who arrived from England two months ago, and had won golden opinions in every parish to which they had already gone. Captain Kee gave a breezy and happy lecture, in which he first sketched the life of Prebendary Wilson Carlile, the honoured founder of the Church Army, who is still at the head of the work in spite of his 86 years, and is still full of fire and zeal. The lecturer then went on to tell something of the many activities of the Church Army. There are 1200 captains and sisters regularly at work in the British Isles, America, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Jamaica, and China, and two or three captains have been at work in New Zealand for some time. The column recently arrived, hoped to establish the work throughout the Dominion. The income of the society now neared £250,000 per annum, and a vast amount of social work was done amongst the poor and the fallen. In the war time the Church Army had 2000 hunts for the benefit of the soldiers, and New Zealand contributed £86,000 towards them. A great deal was done for disabled ex-service men, and they had built 400 houses for the accommodation of poor families. The care of children and the medical and rescue ■work were other valuable activities. MINIATURE RiaE SHOOTING The best scores at the weekly shoot of the Totara Club are as follows: —W. Smith 80, M. Sinclair 79, D. Marshall 79, J. Carrig 78, S. Taylor 78, S. Wilson 77, J. Richardson 76, S. Perry 75, D. Clark 75, D. Seaton 73, H. Blair 72, L. Rathbone 72, A. Richardson 72. The Oamaru Miniature Rifle Club held its weekly shoot on Monday night for a trophy presented by Messrs James Craig and Co. In the shoot-off T. Kennedy proved the winner and he also won the handicap button. In the shoot-off for the Palliser button H. Koppert again won the trophy. The highest scores were as follows:—H. Koppert, 79—1—80; J. Robertson, 79—1—80; J. Caldwell, 79—2 80; G. Doran, 79—3—80; T. Kennedy, 78 -4—80; A. North, 77—3—80; W. Munro, 77_3_80; S. Pile, 76—4—80; J. Taylor, 76—5—80; W. Collins, 76—6—80; P. Luisetti, 76—7—80; A. Doran, 75—5—80; S. Weston, 75—7—80; W. Lavender, 73 8—80; E. Lee, 71—9—80; J. Millin. 76 3—79; R. Hinkley, 74—5—79; G. Honey, 69—10—79; J. Nimmo, J. Hollow, 73—5—78; J. Dunn, 73—5—78; J. Leslie, 75—2—77; H. Brant, 74—3 77; W. Gemmell. 73—4—77. At the weekly shoot of the Enfield Club, H. Ellery won the rifle button and J. Gibson the handicap button. The results are as follows:—H. Ellery 80—0—80. J. Allan 79—4—80, J. Gibson 76—5—80. B. Johnston 76—4—80, A. H. Gibson 79 —o—79, g. Allan 78—1—79, A. Anderson 74—4—78, J. Hellewell 72—6—78. W. Allan 75—3—78, D. Elliott 72—4—76, J. Kerin 72-5—77, G. Yuill 72—3—75, W. Fallon 71—4—75, H. Bradley 70—2—72. The best scores at the weekly shoot of the Awamoko Club are as follows:—O. Gibson 80, W. Gibson 79, A. Gibson 79. J. Brunton 79, A. Fillingham 77, D M'Leod 77, L. Willets 76, E. Williams 76, S. O'Dell 74, L. Brunton 74, L. Knight 74. D. Willets 73. PERSONAL Messrs P. Harvey and A. Adams (South Island Rugby selectors) arrived in town yesterday, and are staying at the New Club Hotel. They will be present at the Taranaki-North Otago match this after noon. Queen's Hotel.—Mr G. H. Luke (Auckland), Mr J. R. Todd. Mr J. W. Brodie. Miss S. C. Brodie (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Arlow, Miss E. Arlow, Mr H. Woods, Mr C. Pefers (Christchurch). Mr A. C. Henderson. Captain T. W. White, Mr J. Downes. Mr J. P. Knott (Timaru), Mr D. Gunn, Mr J. H. Clements. Mr R. D. Welsh, Mrs Forsyth, Miss Forsyth, Miss MncDonald. Mr J. D. Knowle ß , Mr E. D'Arcy, Mr D. Murie, Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M. ( Dunedin). Mr J. Wilson (Timaru' New Club Hotel.—Mr E. J. Preen, Mr E. C. Armitage (Dunedinl, Mr H. Roads (Auckland), Mr and Mrs W. Butcher (Ida Valley), Mr and Mrs G. Milline, Mr P. Harvey (Christchurch), Mr J. M. Wilkie (Wellington), Mr and Mrs J. A. Roberts (Invercargill), Mr J. Brandon (Timaru). Mr A. A. Adams (Greymouth). RUGBY FOOTBALL The following will represent Taranaki in the match against North Otago at the Show Grounds to-day:— Full-back, Collins. Three-quarters Hill, Rutherford, Ross. Five-eighths, Mace and Sangster. Half-Kick, Dymond. . Forw 8 Is —Burke, R. Young, Wetere, Clark (captain), E. Murphy, D. Murphy, Fowler, R. M'Leod. Emergencies Edwards, Crawford, Wills. Fookes, Gargan. The curtain-raiser for to-day's representative fixture will be played between the North School fifteen and a combined team from the Oamaru South and St. Patrick's Schools. WAITAKI GIRLS' SCHOOL CONCERT On Wednesday and Thursday, September 13 and 14, the Waitaki Girls' High School will present an entertainment by the junior girls in the Opera House. The concert will be an exceptionally fine one, and a great amount of work has been put into the whole production, which includes an operetta, dramatised history, massed singing, drill, and amusing novelty items. Prices for admission are only 2s and Is, and the box plan opens at Begg's to-day. KAKANUI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH There was a large gathering at the Kakanui Presbyterian Church when Mr Hamilton, of Oamaru, who is home on furlough, gave a very interesting and instructive lecture on the work of the China Inland Mission, which was illustrated by beautiful views of the various places of interest. The Rev. E. E. Andrews presided and introduced the lecturer. At the close of the address a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Hamilton and to Mr Hamilton's brother; who manipulated the slides. Those present then adjourned to the social hall, where the ladies of the church served a very enjoyable supper and a pleasant half-hour was spent.

NEW ZEALAND LEGION During the past week the legion's activities have included public meetings nt Ngapara and Dunlroon, and further meetings are being called at various country centres. A meeting of the town area members will be held next week to make appointments of the town representatives on the Oamaru Divisional Council. GOLF NOTES By Niblick. Several competitors in last Saturday's medal match did exceptionally well, and others did not reach form. Twenty-three out of 60 competitors did not return their score cards, which is. tantamount to saying that they are on handicaps flattering to themselves. If their scores had been anywhere near their handicaps there is no doubt their cards would have been put in. It may, therefore, be assumed that most of them were not within ten or a dozen points of their handicaps, possibly earned back in the dark ages of their golfing careers, or earned by a few freak rounds which do not connote a standardisation of play, but rather an assembly of lucky shots with a sprinkling of accuracy in timing and concentration which is usually associated with golf geniuses. There are some brazen enough to claim that their handicaps once earned though cannot now be played to, shall stand to death. However, playing under the L.G.U. as the Ladies' Club do, they would be disillusioned. In the Ladies' Club it is believed that one or two A Grade members have been relegated to B Grade through not being able to fulfil the L.G.U. conditions by playing to their handicaps within a couple of seasons, and it is justifiable. Further, it spurs the members to diligent practice with an endeavour to regain their lost status. The Men's Club has debated the matter in and out of committee, but nothing has been done to rectify the anomalous state of affairs. Those who recognise that their scores for the season are poles asunder from their handicaps should bury their pride and make application to the committee. Members would then 'day with a more definite purpose, knowing that the goal is within their reach, which has not been for many a day, and so their cards would be returned and recorded, which is so helpful to the Match Committee. Reverting to last Saturday's match two competitors played better than their handicaps, three equal, two one over, three four over, three five over, and four six over. J. Domigan, with a card of 82—11—71, played well. He was out in 43, with a six and seven and home in 39 with threes at the eleveuth and fifteenth. His handicap comes down a point to 10, which his play merits, as, if all his medal and stroke cards this season are aggregated and divided by the number of games played, his handicap would be only two over, whilst his best three cards would give him one under. The second best for the day was 80—16—73 by F. W. Humphries, whose round was marred by seven for the fifth and five .for the fifteenth (Creek). J. A. R. Scott with 82—8—74 was decidedly sound and played to his lately reduced handicap. Strange to say, his gross score was the same as Domigan's and each nine holes the same, 43 and 39. His net was the same as P. Skirving's 96—22—74 and A. G. Robertson's 96—22—74, closely followed by E. Tomlinson and A. Robertson with OSIS—7S and 98—23—75. There were three net 76's, R. Nichols, C. R. Hedges, and B. Rogers. There were no other outstanding performances, though several interesting rounds and holes were played. For instance, L. H. Sumpter in the early stages of the came looked like breaking records, starting off with a perfectly played three (a "bridie"). Then followed 4,4, 4,4, the last being at the lone fifth. He dropped his third beautifully on the green and holed with Ins fourth shot. At the sixth he hit a tremendous tee shot almost up to the far fence line, but taking his mashie he plumped it into the left-hand bunker and took five for the hole. At the eighth tee he required two fives for 38, which seemed a simple proposition, but, slicing his drive, he journeyed along laboriously and eventually holed out in seven, and six for the ninth, which was trying to one's temperament. He came home m 40. J. Kilpatrick shaped poorly in the first half with 46, and moderately in the home run with 41, including Rix at "Conway" Stanley Cuthbertson, one of the finalists for the Senior Championship, also fell from grace with 46 and 44, including .eight at " Dynamite," but he gave of his best with a three at the tenth—an "eagle. G. L. Cuthbertson negotiated the first half in 46, hurdling the fifth until nine was written up on his card, but his feelings were assuaged by fours at the second, third, fourth, and sixth. In the second half he put the hallmark on his play by rattling up a good 37, including 3 at the tenth, and 2 at the seventeenth. K. Familton gave promise of an excellent round, going out in 40, and then crashing. He took 8 foi fhe tenth and seventeenth holes (bogey, 5 and 3 respectively), and finished the nine holes in 51. He had consolation in the fact that the great Hagen in a big tournawent last month finished the last four holes in 5,5, 7, 7. The purpose of these comments is to show the uncertainty of golf even amongst the best players. The Kilpatrick-Sumpter game, playing the semi-final of the Senior ship, was not marked by thrilling golf by either contestant, both missing several comparatively easy putts, though Sumpter played his approach shots with skill. Stymies were more than usually prevalent, and not negotiated. They wove all square at the turn. Kilpatrick playing a fine 4 at the ninth. Sumpter played a beautiful 3 at " Butts." At the seventeenth, when the game was all square. Sumpter was stymied for a win in three, the result being a half. At the eighteenth Kilpatrick topped his third, which ran to the hole, and Sumpter stymied himself, and Kilpatrick holed his putt and won the match 1 up. In the Intermediate Grade C. R. Hedges defeated G. Catto 5 and 4 to play, which given Hedges the final in the lower half of the draw. In the Junior match play A. G. Robertson defeated B. Rogers 3 and 2 to play, and in the C Grade W. K. Tomlinson defeated J. H. Treseder. The Knock-out Competition has reached the final stage by E. K. Tomlinson (receive 6) defeating R. Nichols 2 up and 1 to play, and A. W. Woodward (receive 7) defeating F. S. Milnes 5 up and 4 to play. Woodward's play was exceptionally good, and this is the best game he has yet played, his round beinc approximately 85 and Milne's 87. Woodward put on a 4 at the sixth (Valley). 3 at the ninth, his second being nt the pin, fours at the eleventh and fourteenth, the latter being against a strong breeze.

CROWN TENANTS* ASSOCIATION A meeting of the North Otago Crown Tenants' Association was held yesterday afternoon, when the president (Mr J. J. Hore) reported on the deputation which had waited on the Minister of Lands. Mr J. Simpson stated that the Minister had given every assurance that the Crown tenants had nothing to fear in regard to arrears of rents, providing these did not accumulate much further. If the farmers made honest endeavours to pay their rent ho was confident that the Government would be very lenient. Mr F. L. l'ilford considered that representatives from each of the other soldiers' settlements should come forward and state their views in regard to the matter. The president stated that the deputation had proved a success, and it was now up to the. farmers to do their utmost in paying off their rents. If the arrears were allowed to accumulate, however, each case would have to be investigated and judged on its merits. Mr A. 13. Chapman congratulated the members of the deputation on putting the questions of interest to the Crown tenants clearly to the Minister. The secretary (Mr N. H. Colquhoun) said that the deputation had justified itself in meeting the Minister, who had given an assurance that at the present time no Crown tenants need have any worries as regards their arrears in rent. It had been pointed out by the Minister that in some cases arrears were an asset instead of a liability as it prevented trafficking in land, for in the event of a sale the first claim would be on the arrears of rent. Mr Colquhoun stated that no returned soldier would be dispossessed without having an option over his property at the same price as it would be offered to a civilian. Mr Aubrey stated that there was no doubt that if the farmers earned out

their parts satisfactorily, the mortgagees and Crown would render assistance. He considered that a legislation, would in time be passed under similar lines to the Mortgagors' Relief Act. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the members of the deputation. MANCHESTER UNITY The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Star of the North Lodge was held in the lodge room, N.G. Sis. E. KidJ presiding over a fair attendance of members. A number of visiting brethren were also present. An invitation was received from the Loyal Oamaru Lodge to be present at its meeting on September 14. The combined Concert Committee met, and it was finally decided that a concert and dance be held on October 30. N.G. Bro. J. Christie and Bro. Oats responded to the visitors' toast. It was decided to have F.G. Sis. E. V. Pinder's name placed on the merit board and to present her with a past grand's certificate. During the evening some very enjoyable games of badminton were indulged in. It was decided that the members not in office entertain the lodge at its next meeting. OAMARU JOCKEY CLUB The annual meeting of the Oamaru Jockey Club was held yesterday afternoon in the Waitaki County Council chambers, Mr Ken Austin (vice-president) occupying the chair. In his address to members Mr Austin drew attention to the satisfactory state of the club as it stood at present, despite the fact that it did not get the support from townspeople as a whole that it deserved. It was pleasing to know that out of the last 11 meetings held on the new course, 10 had been so successful as to show a profit. The club was lucky in having for its committee men who, throughout the year, at much personal sacrifice, had worked so well for the club. A great deal of the success was due to the untiring zeal of the secretary (Mr L>. V G. Smith), who had this year broken away from the stereotyped form of showing a balance sheet of the club's finances, and presenting it in a way that was very clear to, and popular with, members. He ventured to say that before long they would see other clubs adopting the secretary's lead in this respect. Mr bmitns system of budgetting the income and ex--penditure on each meeting was another point worthy of mention, as it showed the committee immediately the financial position after a meeting was held. Mr Smith was, in his opinion, one of the most up-to-date club secretaries in New Zealand. He had successfully handled the club s appeal to conference on the- Southland date question, the appeal against granting January 2 as racing day to the Oamaru Club being again quashed, as it fully deserved to be. The position of the Oamaru Club was very sound. All expenditure on the new course and recent improvements made had been paid for, including the successful alterations to the totalisator house. The levy payable to the Racing Conference had been paid for 1933-34—a ver» necessary item of expenditure and one which gave a big return to country clubs. The average stakes paid away by the club during the past season was £897 per day, against £844 in 1932, making an increase of the stakes per day of £53 and a total increase of £IOSO. It would, therefore, be seen that the club was doing its best by the horse owners throughout the troublous times. Ihe improvements at the course consisted of the win and place totalisator system, which had proved a successful innovation, and, on the whole, was very popular with the racing public. A sub-committee from the Jockey and Trotting Clubs had done splendid work in beautifying the course, such efforts having his whole-hearted support. Already a lot had been-done in the way of tree planting, and he looked forward to both clubs seeing that this work was carried on. The dates for the coming season were January 2, March 23 and 24, and June 30. The March meeting was only a week before Easter, but they anticipated a good response from owners and trainers if a two days' meeting were held-. The club's present membership totalled 220. It really should be double that figure, and he suggested that a campaign for new members be inaugurated. Mr Austin touched on the short-sighted policy of clubs generally in not endeavouring to cater more for long-distance racing and consequently the production of " stayers." He was sure that the popularity of trotting was due in a great degree to the fact that trotting races were over longer distances than those provided by galloping clubs. They had only to look through the recently published list of entries for the New Zealand Cup to appreciate how very badly off they were for "stayers." There was hardly a horse with any pretensions to staying in the entry, but it was not to be wondered at for racing as it was conducted throughout New Zealand to-day did not try to encourage the staying horse. In order to put their racing house in order in this respect it would be necessary for all racings clubs to fall into line and put longer distance races on their programmes by catering in the first instance for a hack class and finding out budding "stayers" among this type ot racehorse. He was glad to see that the conference did a little towards improving programmes in this respect at Us last meeting, but in his opinion much more would have to be clone unless they wanted to lose the reputation New Zealand had built up as a country for producing highclass staying racehorses. He thanked the officials who had worked so | loyally throughout the year in the club s interests, specially singling out Mr J. O linen for the work he had done at the racecourse itself. He also commented on the extremely cordial relations with the I rotting Club and on the generous manner in which the president aud the committee had met them on the financial arrangements in connection with the proposed erection of a new stewards stand and the installation of turnstiles. Ihe thanks of the club should be extended to Mr M J. Hannou and his committee for the practical sympathy and help shown on every occasion the club had approached them. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. . . The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr Ken Austin; vicepresident, Mr A. Gardiner; six vacancies on committee-Messrs T P. Crawford, B. Gardiner, J. O'Brien W. P. Reid, Dr Fitzgerald, and Dr Butler; auditor. Mr W. M'Combie. , . h Five new members were elected to tne C A recommendation was made to the incoming committee to appoint extra stewards on race days. Mr J M'Leod (Taranaki), a member nf'tlie Racing Conference, was given a welcome by Mr Austin, and he briefly addressed the members. He congratulatedthe club on the clarity with which rs position had been set out in the balance sheet and on its excellent position. He was pleased at the adoption of the win and place totalieators, and suggested consideration of the 5s totahsator which had been a great success with his club. , The increase in totalisator figures he attributed to the popularity of the 5s ota isator. He , congratulated the district on the manner in which it.had re--11 ved the petition for the amendment to the Gaming Act to allow of a double t talisator. and expressed the opinion that the alterations made or the .conducting of the business of the Racing Conference would all be for the betterment ° £ ms MLeod was thanked for his address.

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS At the theoretical examination held by thf Trinity College of Music (London) last June, Misses Jessie Burt and Joan Roll were successful in passing the art of teaching and rudiments papers. MAGISTRATE'S COURT The weekly sitting of the Magistrate's Court was commenced yesterday afternoon before Mr 11. W. Bundle S.M. Albert dames Birchfield was charged with obtaining £7 Oh 9d from the Public Works Department by falsely representing that he was injured at the hydro works by a truck while engaged in his employment. Mr L. H. Sumpter appeared for the accused, who pleaded not Sergeant Fearnley stated that on May 4 the licensed played football and received an injury. He went to work on the following night and alleged that he had been struck by a truck, receiving £7 Os Od tor compensation. James Ross Moody, an officer of the department at the hydro works, gave evidence of receiving a report from the overseer that Birchfield had met with an

accident during his employment, receiving an injury to his chest, and being paid £7 0s 9d compensation. _ Evidence was given by Francis F. Dutilop that Birchfield informed him that he was detaching a wire rope from a truck when he was struck on the chest by tne truck. Edward W. M'lnnis, engineer (president of the Awakino Football Club), stated that the accused had received an injury in a football match and had had to leave the field. Detective Hall (Wellington) stated that he executed a search warrant at Wellington, seizing correspondence, the property of a man named Ryan, in which there was a letter written by the accused stating that he had received a cracked rib at football and had staged an accident with a truck so that he would receive compensation while off_ work. Medical evidence was given by Dr M'Millan (Kurow), and Thomas P. Frewan gave particulars of the accident and of rubbimr Birchfield down after the football. Nothing had been arranged between witness and the accused to stage an accident. The accused, in evidence, stated that he was serving a term of imprisonment in connection with publishing seditious literature. He was a member of the Communist Party. The statement made in the letter seized was not true. From a motive of vanity he had made the statement that he had taken down the Public Works Department. Football had nothing to do with the injury, and his letter had been an act of bravado. Mr Bundle reviewed the evidence, stating that medical testimony was, if anything, in favour of the accused, and dismissed the charge. UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE As a result of representations made by Mr J.'A. Macpherson, M.P., to the Minister of Employment (Mr A. Hamilton), it has been decided to reconstitute the Oamaru Unemployment Committee, which has not been functioning for several weeks past. Mr Macpherson has pointed out the disadvantage of not having a local committee. People were not making use of the unemployment schemes because the committee was not functioning. The committee had not actually resigned, and he had approached every member, and they had all agreed to act again. The cause of the friction hf.d been removed, and the Mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney) was taking steps to call the committee together again. Mr Macpherson said that the people of Oamaru wanted a local committee. They had a nght to one. and now they had one he wanted to see that the unemployed in Oamaru received the same share of unemployment relief work as other centres similarly situated, and the committee had been reconstituted for that purpose. MOTOR ASSOCIATION A meeting of the North Otago Motor Association was held last night. Ihe president (Mr M. S. Holmes) occupied the chair and extended a welcome to Messrs A. A. Mays and J. Gerrie as new members of the executive. Mr W. Gillies, on behalf of the Camp Committee, reported that it had inspected the camp buildings, and announced the recommendations suggested by the committee. Mr H. J. Jenkins also spoke in support of the alterations.—lt was decided to agree to the proposed work, tenders to be called. ... The Oamaru Borough Council advised that it had decided to abolish-the present footpath at Severn street bridge and to erect a new footbridge on the downstream side of the bridge. The South Island Union notified that permission had been granted for the Miramar Hotel to be added to the list of Motor Union hotels. The South Island Union also advised that freight charges for motor vehicles between Wellington and Nekon had been reduced, as they had between Wellington and Picton and Wellington and Lyttelton. The union also asked for nominations for the offices of president and three vice-presidents and for remits to be submitted at the annual meeting on September 29.—The president (Mr M. S. Holmes) was nominated for the office of vice-president.—lt also called for nomination of two directors for the Motor Union Insurance Association, and it_ was decided to nominate the two retiring directors, Messrs H. C. Harley and B. Falc. , A . . .. Four new members were elected to tne association.

The following sub-committees were appointed:—Finance Committee—Messrs M. S. Holmes, B. Steven, J. W. Petrie,' and H. Hay; Camp Committee—Messrs W. Gillies, J. Calder, J. Gerrie, and H. J. Jenkins; Sign Post Committee—Messrs B. Steven. E. Reid. R. Jenkins, J. Martin, and I. Dalmer. It was decided to meet on the nrst Tuesday of each month. Accounts amounting to £23 10s 5d were passed for payment. Messrs M S. Holmes, J. _W. Petne, and H. Hav were appointed delegates to the annual meeting of the South Island Motor Union. ,» o tt i ~, h Messrs J. H. Main, M. S. Holmes, H. J Jenkins, and H. Hay were appointed a'committee to examine the rules m recard to the union's proposal to compile a scries of road maps Members were not in favour of the scheme, but the local association would supply any information desired by the union if the scheme were decided upon. It was decided a letter gratulation to the Otago Motor Club on attaining its majority.