NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22052, 7 September 1933, Page 13

NORTH OTAGO.

(Fkom Oob Special Cobeespondent.)

MAJESTIC .PICTURES . , The haunting and appealing, notes of the famous melody, “The Blue Danube,” •will be heard at the Majestic Theatre to-night and to-morrow, when the picture bearing that name -will be screened. A picturesque story revolving around the famous waltz features both Dorothy Bouchier and Joseph Schildkruat in. roles specially suited to their types, of-dramatic abilities. , Another feature of : the film isiithe.ifact- that the world-renowned Royal Hungarian Tzigane Band renders the musical and'operatic airs that are-judi-ciously 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.. ... " SALVATION ARMY . -There; was ; a good - attendance at the final-meeting held in connection with the celebration "of the golden jubilee of the Oarnaru-Salvation Army. The meeting in the'first portion fook the form of an old-time service, and 1 Envoy G, White delighted' the audience with an . Army sop l ,t of- the early days. Envoys Wilkmsoh'hnd Buckingham proved very interesting and humorous with their reminiscences of the early days of the corps. During the r evening Envoy and Mrs Bridge to numerous request -numbers, \and delighted their listeners with, numerous Solos and duets. At the conclusion of the public meeting, members of the corps gathered to bid farewell to Mr T. M’Kenzi#,:'hvho leaves for Wellington today. Adjutant Mahaffie presided, and expressed reiret' at losing Mr M'Kfenzie from the corps,' as he* had done great -work -as secretary and in- matiy other capacities. He wished hiin every success..in his new sphere. Bandmaster Burgess, Sergeantmtfjbr Hill, and Mrs Tonkin also spoke. The s ”guest of the evening'was presented with- gifts by Envoy Austin- on behalf of : fhe corps, and byMrs Tonkin on behalf-of the young people of the Army. Mh T; M‘Kenzie suitably acknowledged the gifts! Slipper brought a pleasant little fusion to a close. '■ ~ . ~ The success of the whole jubilee celebrations was far greater than was anticipated, and Adjutant and Mrs Mahaffie ahff 'Their many- assistants are to be congratulated on the arrangements for the various functions. Very hearty * thanks is -dUC to -the Wotnen’s Christian Tend peraiice Union for arranging a table at the '-tea,' to the -Municipal and • Regimental Bantlsi to all those people who assisted in ’afiy : way, " and 'to the press for tue publicity, and help it had accorded the Afrny. - ' -., ' ;

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

MEN’S GOLF

The following is the draw for the Bogey Match on SaturdayDomigan y. Woodward, Crimp v. Mathieson, Mulligan v. Tomlinson, Kilpatrick v. H. P. Familton, Sumpter v. K. Familton, M'Kenzie v. MTJowell, Humphries v. C. R. Hedges, Nichols v. Kinder, Scott v. Hargreaves, Ewart v. Watson, Smith v. Ryan, 51‘Bcath v. 51‘Ewan, . Ralph Hedges v. Roll, Holmes y. J. Wilson, Hewat v, G. Cuthbertspn, Armstrong v. Ireland. S.- Cuthbertsoh v. Catto, Milne a bye,- Burton v. C. H. Wilson, Spfcar v, G. Robertson, Branthwaite v. Rogers, .Clark v. Gilchrist, Collis v. Cook. B. W. Patterson y. Banks, Maude v. Skirving, Main y. ; Widdowson, T. Hedges v. A, G. Robertson, Heron v. Grater, W. K. Tomlinson v. Nicholson, Nicholas v. Stark, Mnrison v. Treseder, Newspn v. Farrell, Bulleid v. Miller, Bews v. A. Robertson, H„ L. Familton v. Restieaux,. Crombie v. D. L. Patterson, Steven v.. O'Meara, Hall V. Findlay. . . ; MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING The following are the results of the weekly shoot of the Maniototo Club: — •T. E. Kearnev 791 —80, A. Macdonald 79—4—80. Wilson" 78—5—80, W. Morris 77—8—80, R. Templeton 70—4—80, J. Scott 75—4—79, ' H. F. Laing 74—4—78, P. M'Hugh 71- —7—78, F. K. Morris 75 2 J. D; Cromb 74—3—77, L. Perriam 74—3—77, F. Healey 74—2—76, J. Phillips 71—5—76,. J, M'Gill 70—6—76, W. Rutherford 73 —2—75, D. Lonie 72 — 3 W. Aitkin 73—0—73. The winner of the Hansen rifle button was A. Macdonald and W. Norris annexed the handicap button. At the , weekly shoot'of , the Hampden Club possibles were secured by W. T. Ford and D. Walker, the former securing the rifle button. W. Belcher was the winner of the handicap button and O. C. Gould annexed Mr, B. M'Williams’s trophy. The following are the "results:— W. T. Ford 80—2—80, D. Walker 80—8 —BO. Len. Caldwell 79—2—80, S. Gillies 79—5—80, W. D. Moss 78—2—80, Miss G. Green 77—7—80, W. Belcher 77 4 T. Gibson 76—4—80, S. Cooper 76 —4—Bo, W. Cooper: 76—4—80, W. Gillies 71—9—80. D, Watson 76—6—80, G. Parker 76 —:6—Bo, J. Hetherington 76 — 6—Bo, G. Nicolson 77 —2—79, Les. Caldwell 75—4—79, D. Jackson 74 —5—79, Mrs A. Belcher 75—3—78, Miss V. Havard 71—7—78. O. Gould 75—2—77, E. Stevenson 71 —6—77, E. Nicolson 71— 5 76, A. B. Lang 68—6—74. In a match between the Oamaru Railway and-. Volunteers Cliibe the former secured ■ a win by a- margin of eight points. The following are the detailed results:—

Railway.—G. Miller 78,''A, Rennie 78, A; Banks 76. V, Barker 76, W. Middleditch 76. J. M'Kay 70,. J. Downer 75. A. Brown 74,. E, Roney 72, D, Mason 69: total, 750. Volunteers.—G. M'Lardy 77,- A. Cockerill 77, P. Smith 77, R. Dickson 75, H. MTiardy 73, T. Koppert 76, J.. Carlson 72, A. M'Cart 70, S.. Robbie 74, R. Hedges 71;—total, 742.',

LADIES’ GOLF : - The following is.’: the draw . for . the. Foursome Knock-out Competition for Miss Banks’s trophy :—Misses L. and M. Hewat v. Mesdames Ireland and- OrbelL Misses Lane ; and Armstrong v. Miss • Stevenson . and'Mrs Spooner, Mesdanies Brown and Cook v,. Misses B. Guthberteon and Wylde Browne, Mrg Donald and Miss Ireland v.. Miss M'Quade arid Mrs Roll, Mesdames Meek and Kilpatrick v. Mrs M'Beath and Mies Robins, Mesdames Newsom and Richman v. Mieses Familton and J. Cuthbertson, Mrs Irvine and Miss Sutton and Mesdames M'Culloch and Burton byes. The result of last , week’s Bogey. Match was as follows: —-Mrs Orbell (92), 2 down; Miss J. ’Guthberteon, 4 down. The Medal .'Match :• resulted ns follows Miss M'Dbnald 101—19—82, and Mrs Ireland 94—12—82.

HAMPDEN BOROUGH COUNCIL ■ ~—~ v i.. . v At the monthly meeting of ; the Hampden Borough Council ■ there were present the Mayor (Mr W. A. Murcott), Ore D. G. Dunbar, W. Cameron, E. H. Bishop, J,’ Murray, and J. Murcott. : Accounts; amounting to £l9 4s 2d were passed'tor' payment. Letters , were: received from the Public Works -Department, Labour Department (Oamaru), aqd the 1 Unemployment Board in' connection With relief works and charges. Ifi was decided to agree, to the request of the Waitaki County ■ Council that two relief workers be transferred from the borough to the county. A letter was also received from ' the Wairoa Harbour-Board Jn regard to the payment of rates on Crown lands. Mr A. White was granted permission to erect a fence from Durham street to the creek to enable him to allow his cattle, to, obtain water. It was decided that the erection of a stockyard at the commonage be commenced immediately. Mr 0. C, Austing’s tender for the painting and signwritmg .on the pound notice board was accepted. The Works Committee reported that hedges at the picnic ground had been trimmed, and a track had been made leading up to Newcastle street. Work was also proceeding on the new croquet green, and it was decided to have the tennis courts top-dressed at an early date. ’ The Works Committee wag empowered to inspect the streets reqniring gravel and have these attended to. Permission was granted the School Committee to obtain soil from the side of, the road for top-dressing the school grounds.

# HOCKEY NOTES By Watcher. LADIES' CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE.

“ Watcher ” extends his congratulations to the Arawa A team on its win against Pirata A on Saturday last, thus annexing the North Otago Championship Shield for the season. The. game was played in a fine spirit and Arawa had the upperhand for the greater portion of the game to win by 2 gpals to nil. It was regretted that Pirata A was not able to be at full strength for this final game of the season. The final match of the Junior Competition will be played at King George's Park on Saturday between Athletic A. the winners of the Junior section, and Pirata B. Should Pirata B bring about the defeat of Athletic as it has,done on previous occasions, it will be placed in the position of runners-up. one point ahead of Maheno. Smith Canterbury, has been invited to play a return match against North Otago at Oaraaru on September 16. Windsor willconduct a seven-a-side tournament at Windsor on September 23. An eleven-a-side '■ < three-life knockmut competition! will be held by the North Otago Association at King George's Park on September 30 to be followed by a dance in the Drill-Hall. MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE.

UNION

North Otago representative eleven suffered defeat at the hands of their formidable Canterbury opponents by 7 goals to 2. It was without doubt that the short passing indulged in by the visitors that made the winning margin so big. A fine exhibition of hockey was witnessed and play continually went from one end of the field to the other. The short passing of the visitors must have made an impression on the local flayers who are sure to profit from this game, and adopt the same tactics as their opponents in future matches. The local eleven, taken all round, played quite good' hockey with the possible exception of Blair in goal, who wants to keen between the posts instead of going out to meet the play so much, and Tiddy on the right wing, who must use both hands on his stick if the standard of his play is to improve. This Saturday the competition games will be resumed when Oamaru meet Totara. This match will have a decided bearing on the final results. On September 16 the North Otago _ representatives will jourpey to Dunedin to play Otago in a return match.

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUB Several members of the Five Forks Young Farmers’ Club journeyed to the Elderslie Stud Farm, where the manager (Mr ■ Ken Austin) showed them the thoroughbreds that will uphold the prestige that the Elderslie Stud has earned in breeding circles. Mr Austin enumerated the essential points required in a thoroughbred sire, and gave his visitors some valuable hints on breeding in such a manner as to afford ready 1 assimilation by the lads. While on the tour of inspection, the members were favourably impressed by the pasture in paddocks sown with Hawke’s Bay ryegrass. The members of the club were the guests of Mrs _ Austin _at afternoon tea, Mr M. Austin, president of the Young Farmers’ Club, thanked Mr and Mrs Austin for their hospitality, and he assured them that the members had greatly appreciated the valuable information they had received on their tour of inspection. FIVE FORKS BASKET BALL There was a large gathering at a very successful dance held by the Five Forks Basket Ball Club in Mr Stott's barn, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. _ Mrs W. Ellis provided excellent music,' and extras were played by Miss M. Johnston, Messrs M'lnnerney and 0. Pringle. Mr J. D. M'Gregor carried opt the duties of M.C. At the conclusion of a very pleasant function, Mr H. Campbell thanked Mr Stott for the use of the building, the musicians, and the M.C.

WOMEN’S DIVISION, FARMERS’

There was a large gathering at the first birthday held by the Hilderthorpe branch of the Women’s /Division of the Farmers’ Union in the school, which was beautifully decorated with greenery, streamers, and baskets of spring flowers. Over 50. guests were present from Oamaru, Herbert, Totara, Waitaki, and Pukeuri. The president (Mrs M'Latehie) extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. The evening’s entertainment was opened with community singing, and this was followed by a social half-hour. Mrs M'Latehie. on behalf of the members, presented Mrs Meek (provincial president) with- a bouquet of violets, and Mrs Matheson presented the president of the Hilderthorpe! branch with a posy of spring flowers. The following contributed items:—-Pianoforte solo, Miss Duncan; songs— 1 -Mesdames Whyte, M'Latehie,. and Miss Connell. Several short stories were given by M.esdarhes M'Kenzie and Matheson, a recipe by Mrs Bishop, and a game was conducted by Mrs Duncan. On the beautiful birthday cake made by Mrs Bishop were the .letters W.D.F.U., a yellow candle, and 15 little flags—one for/, each member of the branch. On either side of the cake were dainty baskets filled with ’ sweets made by Mrs M'Kenzie. The vice-presi-dents, Mesdames M'Kenzie and Duncan, lit and blew out the candle. Mrs Meek congratulated the branch on attaining its first birthday, and cut the cake, presenting the candle to the president. Birthday greetings were conveyed by Mrs Marshall (Oamaru and Totara), Mrs Aitchison (Herbert), 1 Mrs Craig (Pukeuri), Mrs Chapman (Waitaki). The competition, "Book Titles,” was won ; by Mrs Hughes (Pukeuri). The ’lucky ’ number winner was Miss Bowkett. (Waitaki). A short sketch, " The Hostess’s Husband,” by Mesdames Whyte and M'Latehie, caused a good deal Of amusement.

W.E.A. This week Mr J. L. South concluded his address upon the economic influences, lon the political history of New The Liberal-Labour Party, he said, when elected by Labour and the small farmer had then to carry out its promisee. This it did by placing 6n the Statute Books a very complete and detailed Labour code, by passing legislation which had as its object the breaking of the land monopoly, and by various extensions in State enterprise. . This legislation had not' been completed before New Zealand began to climb out of the depression of the eighties, and before what was a veritable economic revolution was brought about, firstly by the opening up of the North Island on the completion of the Maori wars, and secondly by the widening basis of rural industry due to the successful introduction of refrigeration. But above all, it was due to the development of the dairying industry, which, in its turn, was the principal reason for the drift_ of population to the north. The political results of these exchanges were profound. The small farmers soon became a political party of first-class importance, gradually drawing away from their old/ allies, Labour, and finally bringing into power the Reform Party as their political representatives. The Labour Party meanwhile formed a separate organisation to work for its own ends. The onset of the present depression saw the farming community again looking to the Government to! find a way out. It successfully appealed this time for improved credit facilities and marketing boards. The changing attitude adopted by employer and employee towards the Arbitration Courts has its economic background also, a depression bringing virulent criticism from farmers and manufacturers, prosperity bringing criticism from labour, both' having as their cause the inelasticity of wages fixed by statute. The lecturer concluded with a reference to the economic background of New Zealand’s attitude to the Homeland. This country had the largest export trade per head in the world, and England took the bulk of its goods. The implication was obvious. ■ ■ _ At his next lecture Mr J. L. South will discuss the work of Edward Gibbon Wakefield. ' RUGBY REFEREES* ASSOCIATION At a meeting of the North Otago Referees’ Association, Mr M. F, Woodward presided over an attendance of 14 members. The secretary was instructed to procure from the Grading Committee a grading list of referees in time for next meeting. It was decided to hold the next meeting on September 2C. The secretary (Mr J. Airey) was appointed to represent the association nt the Athletic Football Club’s annual reunion.. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr W. Atkinson for the use of his room for meetings. MEN’S HOCKEY I The following is the draw and referees for Saturday’s competition games:—Oamam v. Totara. at King George’s Park, No. 1 ground, at 3 p.m. (Messrs T. W. Jacobs and B. Coker, sen.); Rovers, a bye. MAGISTRATE’S COURT At the sitting of the Magistrate’s Court and Warden’s Court yesterday the civil Cases and applications called were either settled or adjourned. PROMINENT OAMARU SALVATIONIST A history of the Oamaru Salvation Afmv Corps would not be complete without reference being made to Mrs Envoy Underwood, upon _ whom the honour of opening the new citadel was conferred in ,1920. Mrs Underwood was a very staunch supporter of the Army and contributed a great deal to the funds for the erection of the new citadel. .

HIGHLAND PIPE BAND Pipe-major J. Gibson presided at the monthly meeting of the North Otago Highland Pipe Band, there being a good attendance of members. The Balclntha Pipe Band wrote inviting representatives to the annual reunion on September 26. — Received. The invitations from the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association to the annual reunion of returned men had been received. The Invercargill Brass and Pipe Bands Contest Committee wrote inviting the band to enter in the contest to be held at Invercargill on November 4. — Received. The Otago Centre forwarded a copy of amendments to pipe baud drill —Received. The secretary (Lieutenant W Couper) reported on the business trans acted at the meeting of the Otago Centre held at Dunedin on August 5. He jnti mated that the meeting accepted the invi tation of the North Otago Highland Pipe Band to hold the next centre contest in Oamaru on January 27, 1934. He also intimated that the following names of judges of music had been supplied to the New Zealand Association as from the Otago Centre:—Messrs K. Cameron. J. G. N. Grant, W. Gillies, G. Munro, J. M'Gregor, and'D. MThail. The music for the contest in January next would be cadi band’s own choice, to consist of a march, slow air, strathspey, and reel. The annual meeting was fixed for Tuesday, September 19. It was decided that a complimentary social be tendered to Piper- John Hamilton at the Tokarahi Hall on Tuesday next, on the occasion of his marriage. CHIMNEY FIRE At 10.30 on Tuesday night the Oamaru Fire Brigade received a call to Mrs Dyson’s boarding house in Nen street, where a chimney had caught fire. The flames were soon extinguished and no damage was done.

NORTH OTAGO ANGLING CLUB The third annual report of the North Otago .Angling Club records an increase in membership, and appeals to a considerable number of anglers in the district, who are not members, to join the club. The finances of the club were well maintained. The fishing for the season could only be described as fair up to December, but during the latter half of the season was much in evidence, as it destroyed such a large number “of young fish, and it was only by extensive stocking that the rivers would be brought back to previous good fishing conditions. In this respect the club recorded appreciation of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society for its efforts in liberating fry in such large numbers. During the year quite useful work had been accomplished with financial assistance from the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society. An endeavour had been made to protect farmers’ fences adjoining the Kakanui River by the erection of stiles, and these have been favourably commented on by farmers and anglers alike. Numerous competitions had been staged, both fishing and fly-casting, these becoming increasingly popular, as was evidenced by the larger entries. All fish caught in the most successful competitions were distributed among non-anglers who assisted at the club’s annual social evening and the patients in the Oamaru Public Hospital were likewise not forgotten. A case of polution of the local stream was reported to the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society, and’was effectively dealt with. During the whole of the angling season an endeavour was made to collect data for ,the Freshwater. Research Committee. The efforts were very successful, a record number of scales having been collected; The biologist of the committee had forwarded his appreciation of the efforts of members, and appealed, for renewed vigour in the coming seasop. Needless to state they hoped, with the co-operation of the Acclimatisation Society, to see past, efforts' exceeded this year; Mr Parrott had received, the daily temperature of the Kakanui River as recorded by Mr Yorston, and should his' work upon the study ,of the data supplied from the Kakanui River be sufficiently far advanced, he had volunteered to give a public lecture in Oamaru upon the results to be obtained by. systematic work along these lines. They hoped the Acclimatisation Society would endeavour to have this lecture before October 1, in the hope that more anglers might be - encouraged to tabulate their catches. The club was unfortunate in losing-the services of its , secretary (Mr W. Aitken), who was transferred on promotion, he having proved himself a very energetic member. His place had been ably filled by Mr Chalmers, who had proved himself a very efficient secretary. Anglers’ wives and children were catered for by holding a picnic at All Day Bay. This was well patronised, and the children were well • provided with refreshments, and good prizes awarded for the numerous races. The men thoroughly enjoyed themselves by conducting a flycasting competition. The annual smoke concert again a huge success, this being the annual function where anglers enjoy a free and easy night, and/’losses of “ Big Ones ” are freely discussed. Members again had the pleasure of listening to a very educational address by Mr Main, his subject being “The Life History of the Qumnat Salmon, and its Acclimatisation in New Zealand Waters.” They were also favoured with a visit from Mr Williams, of Dunedin, who was a veteran angler and had made extensive studies on the habits of the shag, and the title of his short talk. “The Menace of the Shag in Trout Streams,” gave anglers much food for thought. Both lectures proved very instructive, and many anglers had expressed a desire for more of this, type of lecture in future. The club’s thanks . were due to the council of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society for its ready co-operation in any project that had for its object anything for the benefit of anglers in general, also to Mr •Piper (secretary), to “Minnow” for his reports, and to all who had given prizes and assisted in any way throughout the year.

RUGBY NOTES _ The North Otago fifteen showed decided evidence of football ability in its match against Ashburton on Saturday, the score of 28 points to 16 in their favour being a fair indication of the merits of the sides. The backs combined very effectively. and_ were superior on the day’s play to the visitors, and are to bo commended on the manner in which they hacked up and turned the brilliant openings made by Murray to account. Some criticism has been made that Ashburton was a poor side, thus detracting from the excellence of Murray’s play, but the advised opinion of keen followers of the game is that Murray, who played a brilliant game at wing three-quarter, earned the approbation of the crowd by sheer merit. It was one of those occasions on, which play went out to his wing, and the harder he was worked the better he liked- it. Murray has always been a difficult man to tackle, and on Saturday, sometimes with only a yard or two to work in on the sideline, he shook off tackier after tackier before swerving infield to make fine openings from which Frame, Cameron, Davey, and Knight eventually scored. Murray was also well rewarded by a fine try himself, the ball being received from Knight on the blind side, and Newlands’s solo effort from which Terapero finally scored was also a good attempt. Murray’s fielding, tackling, and kicking were also of a very high standard, and had Newlands not been over-anxious he would probably have put the finishing touches to three more splendid openings made by Murray, ,1b was certainly the best exhibition of wing three-quarter play seen on the Oval for years. Knight went well behind the scrum, especially in the early stages of the game, and stood up well to some gruelling play when the visiting forwards broke through in the second half, lempero was a very sound link at first fiveeighths, and was seen in his best game (his season. The young player, Frame, has fully justified his inclusion in the representative fifteen, and played with dash on attack, and was sound on defence. Cameron, also, continued to give a pleasing display at centre, and made the most of his chances. Davey, on the right wing, did not see much of the ball, but scored a fine try when given the chance, though he was inclined to get out of position at times. Granger again gave a good display at full-back, and used the line to advantage. He got through his work in tradesmanlike fashion, and made only a couple of mistakes in fielding high balls in the face of the glare of a bright sun. Granger’s field goal was a splendid effort.

In the forwards George Newlands played a great bustling game, but over-eagerness and fumbling lost him the chances of three tries. He led the pack well, and received good support from Easton and Grant. In the first half the Ashburton backs lacked combination, but a reshuffle at the beginning of the second spell improved the position, but not to such an extent as to bring the rearguard up to the standard of their opponents. G. Dalton, who was taken from the forwards to fill the five-eighths position througliout the £ame, was probably the best of the visiti ing backs. He showed great determinai tion in fast dashes Through the North j Otago defence, and was responsible for a ( couple of the visitors’ tries at the begin- ; King of the second spell, when the Ashj burton forwards instilled great vigour ' into their play and carried the defence ifo score 13 points in 11 minutes. Their 1 efforts w r ere, however, short-lived, and , thereafter they did not at any stage look j like a winning team. The Ashburton forj wards had weight in their favour, and held their own in the fine out work, but had to concede the honours for hooking and packing to the home forwards. Polhill played a sound game behind the scrum, and Davison, on the. wing, showed great'pace when in possession of the ball, but his handling was not good. Behrns. at full-back, handled and kicked splendidly throughout the first spell, and was equally impressive when he changed to centre after the interval. Of the forwards, Thomas and B. Doig were always in the thick of the fray, and worked solidly in an uphill game. Athletic juniors added another to the club’s trophies by winning the Ralph Cup in the final of the knock-out competition, and are to be congratulated on annexing both trophies in this grade. Wanaka returned the annual visit to Maheno this year, and a very enjoyable gam e resulted at Maheno, in which Wanaka played better Rugby to win by 11 points to 3. The visitors were very hospitably entertained by Maheno players and supporters, and this annual fixture has done much to cement the good relations between the two clubs. Mr L. Kelcher (Maheno) had given a shield for annual competition between the two teams, matches being played alternately at Pembroke and Maheno. PETITION TO POWER BOARD REPLY TO COMMUNICATION

Mr Andrew Hamilton, who forwarded the recent petition to the Waitaki Electric Power Board, has forwarded the following communication to the board:— “ I am in receipt of your letter of the Ist inst. containing your board’s reply to the petition which I forwarded to you on the 22nd ultimo, and I am directed to reply to your communication as follows :J—- ---“ It must be obvious to those \vho are taking an intelligent interest in the affairs of your board that your committee in framing its reply has failed to refer in any way to the m'ain point at issud—namely, that by depleting the distribution staff not only will be there be a grave danger of loss,' but the efficiency of the service also may become seriously disorganised. The fact that the petition has been signed by a number of the large power users in Oamaru is in itself sufficient to show that they view with alarm any reduction in the engineering staff on the ground of economy. 1 “Your .committee endeavours to justify its decision by comparing the total salaries of its staff of 30 employees with the total salaries paid to the staffs employed by. similar boards . in South Canterbury and Ashburton. As the grounds of the petition concern the engineering staff only, your petitioners feel that many/of the other questions introduced are irrelevant. Your committee contends that one engineer can do the whole of the engineering work without assistance, and in support of this contention states what is contrary to fact, that in the case of the other boards cited one engineer does the' whole of the work without assistance. Upon investigation it has been found that the position is as follows: — , “Ashburton Power Board employs one engineer, one’ general foreman as assistant engineer (independent of foremen in charge of gangs), one draughtsman, and a running-engineer part-time on distribution work, at a total cost of approximately £I4OO per annum. ■ . “ South Canterbury (excluding , Tunaru) employs one engineer arid several men in charge of different parts of the district who act as assistants to the engineer. One of these officers, until quite recently, was designated assistant engineer. The Timaru Municipal Electricity Department employs an engineer and complete staff for the borough of Timaru. In view of the above facts, which have been published and not denied, it is assumed that your board has abandoned as-unten-able the argument that the Waitaki Board’s engineering costs at £9OO were high in comparison with the engineering costs of the other boards referred to. and it is further assumed that your speciallyappointed committee has shifted its ground and thought it advisable to defend its claim by bringiri’g into issue the salaries of 30 employees embracing the whole of the staff. The question arises, was the cost of 30 employees of the board at issue when it made that particular decision in the name of pconomy to reduce the staff of the engineer, ( to reduce the salary of the engineer, and to reduce the, status of the engineer. Your special committee now attempts to justify the decision by a comparison .ot the total salaries paid, by Waitaki with that of the two Canterbury boards j referred to, and your petitioners will deal with the attempt as follows: ’ . "1. Your committee states That an important consideration which must deter-' mine the number of staff required is the mileage of lines.’ This factor has in reality very little bearing on the number of employees engaged once the lines are in operation. For instance, Christchurch, with a little over 300 miles of lines, even less than the Waitaki Board, has a very much larger staff than any other supply authority on the Coleridge system. On the other hand, your committee itselt states that the South Canterbury Board has the greatest mileage of the three boards mentioned, and yet employs the smallest staff. Surely this effectively disposes of the contention of your commit“2. Inquiries with regard to the South Canterbury Board reveal the following facts;—This board employs no power house staff and no t definite officer for reinspections, no testing officer and no motor mechanic. Further, it carries out a very email amount of house-wiring work and sale of fittings, this being largely undertaken by private contractors. Waitaki, oh the other hand, in addition to a power house staff, testing officer, and motor mechanic, has a large house-wiring and reinspection staff, which is carrying out a considerable amount of # work, which is paid for and, therefore, is self-supporting. Further the Waitaki Board is regularly carrying out reinspections of installations and maintenance of lines and apparatus, instead of waiting until failures occur, as elsewhere; _ ~ “3. Nothing has been said regarding transport, and when this is taken into account it will be found that the balance is still more in favour of Waitaki. Inepetitioners invite your committee to publish the number and total annual cos. of motor transport for each of the three boards under review. “4. Your committee states that costs are higher in Waitaki than the other boards mentioned. It is significant here that your committee quotes the units sold by the three boards under review, but withholds what is vital, namely, the revenue received from the sale of these units. It will be noted that the units sold are approximately the same in the cases ot Ashburton and Waitaki, hut what of the respective revenues? Whereas the revenue received by Waitaki is approximately £20,000, the revenue received , by Ashburton is well over £40,000. In other words, the consumers in Ashburton district pay nearly half ns much again as the consumers in Waitaki for the same number of unite. ... “ Although the science of electricity is a closed book to 00 per cent, of the public, any person with business acumen will appreciate the significance of these facts, and it is not surprising that the information has been withheld and the opinion by an independent expert refused. , , “ Surprise has been expressed by your committee that only 508 persons signed the petition, but it is significant that over 90 per cent of those approached signed the petition and the signatories were actuated by no motive other than the public interest, arid your reference to the contrary is strongly resented. The fact cannot be too strongly emphasised that many of the largest power users in Oamaru are genuinely concerned regarding the safetv. of the present system in the hands of a depleted engineering staff, now smaller than the technical stair originally employed by the Borough of Oamaru.”

LADIES’ HOCKEY The following is the final competition game for the season conducted by the North Otago Ladies’ Hockey Association, to be played on Saturday:— Juniors.—Pirata B v. Athletic A, at; King George’s Park, No. 2 ground, at 3 p.m. (Messrs N. Pinder and A. Barsdell); Maheno win by default from Pirata C; Arawa B win by default from Athletic B. The senior competition is now closed. The following will represent Athletic A on Saturday:—Misses E. Hanley, N. Casey, N. Hawton, D. Burns, M. Sparks, M, Hart, J. Paterson, N. M'Cullogh, J, Winsloe (captain), 0. Hedges, F. Kearns; emergencies—Misses P. Paterson, E. Paterson, and J. Joyce. PERSONAL Miss E. Foley, who is giving up music teaching at Duntroon, was entertained by her past and present pupils_at afternoon tea, and was presented with a silvermounted crystal scent bottle. In view of his departure from Duntroon, Mr Walter MThereon was the guest of the Football Club at a smoke concert, and was presented with a fountain pen and _ Eversharp pencil in appreciation of his services to the club. At the monthly meeting of the North Otago Highland Pipe Band a motion of condolence was passed with Mr W. Doig (Papakaio) in the death of his sister, Mrs Cameron. Queen’s Hotel.—Mr D. Horton (Masterton), Mr H. Garrick (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs F. W. Duncan (Alexandra), Mr C. Randall, Mr A. Haig, Mr M. Henry, Mr P. G. Ward, Dr Grace Stephenson (Dunedin). Mr T. Anderson (Oaniarama), Mr R. Watson (Timaru). LADIES’ GOLF The annual match between Timaru and North Otago Ladies” Golf Clubs was played on the Awamoa links in ideal weather yesterday, the home side gaining, a good win by 23 games to 13. Results (Qaraaru names mentioned first): — Singles.—Mrs Orbell 0. Miss Horwell 1; Mrs Ireland 1, Mrs W. A. Scott 0; Miss B.'Cuthbertson 0, Miss Tizzard 1; Miss Hall 0. Mrs Johnston 1; Miss WyldeBrowne 0,1 Mrs Crammond 1; Miss Hamilton 1, Miss Manchester 0; Miss_ Lane 0. Mrs Bradey 1; Mrs Cook 1, Miss V. Campbell 0; Mrs Kilpatrick 0, Mies B. Campbell 1; Miss M’Donald 1, Miss Yell 0; Mrs Brown 1, Mrs E. A. Scott 0; Mrs Meek 0, Mrs Knowles 1; Miss Arntstrong 1, Mrs Minisie 0; Miss Hewat 1. Mrs Oxford 0; Mrs Spooner 0, Mrs Kay 1; Miss M'Quade 1. Mrs Brewer 0; Miss Robins 1, Mrs Kennedy 0; Mrs Burton 1, Mrs Skinner 0; Miss Stevenson 1, Miss M’Beath 0; Miss Nicolls 1, Mies JVPKay 0; Mrs Roll 1. Mrs Hunter 0; Miss J. Cuthbertson 1, Mrs Piddingtpn 0; Mrs Newson 1, Miss Russell 0; Mies Ireland 0, Mrs Rennall 1. Total: Oamaru 15, Timaru 9. Fourball. —Meedames Orbell and Ireland 1, Miss Horwell and Mrs W. A. Scott 0: Misses Cuthbertson and Hall 1, Miss Tizzard and Mrs Johnston 0; Misses Wylde-Browne and Hamilton 0, Mrs Crammdnd and Miss Manchester 1; Miss Lane and Mrs, Kilpatrick 0, Mrs Bradey and Miss Bell It Mesdames Cook and Brown 0, Misses V. and B. Campbell 1; Miss Macdonald and Mrs Meek 1, Mesdames E. A. Scott and Knowles 0; Mrs Spooner and Miss MQuade 0, Mesdames Minisie and Oxford 1; Mies Robins and Mrs Burton 1, Miss Kay and Mrs Brewer' 0; Miss Stevenson and .Mrs M’Culloch 1, Mrs Kennedy and_Mias Skinner 0; Mieses Armstrong and Nicolls 1. Mrs Rennall and Miss M'Beath 0, Mrs Roll and Mies J. Cuthbertson .1; Miss M'Kav and Mrs Hunter 0. Mrs Newson and Miss Ireland 1; Mrs Piddingtpn and Mies Russell 0. Totals: Oamafu 8, limar<3ra’nd /total: Oamaru 23 games, Timaru 13 games.

RUGBY FOOTBALL TARANAKI DEFEATS NORTH OTAGO. In a hard-fought game on the Oval before a large gathering of spectators yesterday afternoon the Taranaki Rugby touring team defeated North Otago by 1.4 points to 6. a considerable handicap in weight,, the North Otago forwards more than held their own throughout the game, but the visiting backs were greatlv superior to the home backs, ■ and only Tine tackling by Granger kept the score from mounting. Packing a 3 4 i scrum, Taranaki secured a greater share of the -ball, and enabled their backs to be seen in many fine passing movements. The half time score was 6—3 in favour of the visitors, the lead being increased until just on time,/when the.home side crossed to reduce the leeway. ■ The teams taking the field were a s follows: —

Taranaki—Collins, Hill, Rutherford, Ross, Mace, gangster, Dymond, Burke, Young, Wetere, Clark, D. Murphy, Murphy, Fowler, M'Leod. • . North Otago—Granger, M Kenzie, Cameron, Murray (0. B.)» Frame, T«mpero, Knight. Carrington, Easton, Park, Newlands, Dougherty, Laird, Grant, Carrodus. j

During the game replacements were made through injuries, Edwards replacing Hill in the Taranaki side and Ludemann and Cleverley replacing Grant and Park for North Otago. With a bright sun in their faces and the advantage of a cross wind, the North Otago fifteen defended the eastern end. Taranaki set off to the attack from the outset, but an infringement enabled Granger to send .them back to their own half. Dymond sent his backs away, and Sangster cut'in beautifully ( the other backs handling in good fashion before Ross crossed for the opening try. the scorer missed with the kick. Taranaki 3, North Otago nil. North Otago carried (play into the visitors' territory, and Erame marked, but from a penalty fotlowing Murray failed to find the posts from the side line, and a force resulted. The home forwards, headed by Newlands, gained ground, and Knight improved the position to touch. Tempero made a good attempt to* penetrate the defence, but was well tackled, and from a scrum Knight sent Murray away, but his pass infield went astray, and a good opportunity of equalising was lost. Cameron found touch at the iaranaki twenty-five, _ but a penalty sent the home side back. Clark and Burke headed a good rush to The other end, but an infringement enabled Granger to bring relief. Dymond s pass to Sangster was knocked on, a likelj movement broke down, and Knight found touch. Frame, Grant, and Park broke away in a good rush, but again faulty handling spoiled the movement. The home backs went into action in a good passing rush, but Murray was safely tackled, and their opponents raced through to halfway, where Ross was thrown into touch* A penalty for an infringement by the forwards saw Collins kick to touch, and from the line out Frame tackled his man resolutely, and Granger sent the invaders back with a well-judged kick to touch. Rutherford broke through the defence, and the forwards carried on the movement, but Frame went down to the rush and held up ; the attack. Newlands was prominent in a good solo effort, hut the visitors retaliated, and Dymond initiated a nice passing rush, Rutherford making a fine opening to send Hill across well out. Ross failed to add the extra points. , Taranaki 6. North Otago 3. Tar an aid carried play to the home line, where an infringement brought relief, and then Murray made a strong run down the sideline, passing to M'Kenzie, to Easton, to Newlaiids, the ball going out in the corner. Murray again secured and sent on to Frame, to Cameron, who cut through the opposition to score a nice try._ Granger, missed with the kick, and half-time came with the scores:— Taranaki C points • North Otago .. .. 3 points On the resumption of play Frame broke through in a good effort, but Dymond made a good opening, being well tackled after a good run. The Taranaki < forwards swarmed through the opposition, but Park cleared well and Carrodus and M'Kenzie were associated in a good dribbling rush to within striking distance of the visitors’ line, Collins forcing. North Otago kept up a hot offensive, but. a penalty kick to the visitors brought relief. Knight opened up from a scrum, but Rutherford intercepted to break up the movement. Knight went round the side of the scrum before sending on to M'Kenzie, who gained territory to the visitors’ twenty-five. Dymond initiated a nice passing rush by the Taranaki backs, the hall travelling to Rutherford, who outclassed the opposition to put in a great, run, but Granger was safe and brought off a good tackle. North Otago retaliated,

and Tempero led « good nwh, being well supported by Newlands and Carrotlus, Taranaki was awarded a penalty, and Collins found touch well clownfieJd. Dymond opened up play on the blind side, the ball going to Ross, who was brought down by Granger within inches of the line. The Taranaki backs staged a further great passing rush, and Ross again just failed to touch down, being held up on the line. The North Otago forwards worked hard, and Easton kicked upheld to find touch near mid-way. Crisp passing by the Taranajd backs resulted in Roes obtaining a clear run to Granger, who brought his man down with a great tackle. At this stage, Hill, who received a leg injury, Was replaced by Edwards. An exchange of kicks followed, and soon after, by good bustling tactics, the visitors forced their way to the home side’s territory, and from a scrum ' the Taranaki backs Went away in a good passing rush, which ended in Edwards crossing for a good try. Ross converted with a great kick. Taranaki 11, North Otago 3. From the kick off North Otago , took the offensive, and the home forwards worked hard to take play near the visitors’ line. Park had to leave the field with a leg injury, and was replaced by Cleverley. The Taranaki backs initiated a good passing rush, but the defence of the home backs proved sound. Knight dashed - round the side of a scrum, hut his pass was intercepted by Sangster, who put in a good, run before being brought down. From a melee which ensued on the North Otago line, a visiting forward snapped up and sent but a long pass to Sangster, who touched down for a good try. Ross missed with the kick at goal. Taranaki 14, North . Otago 3. Led by M’Leod and Wetere, the Taranaki forwards forced their way through in a great concerted movement, but Murray gained lost ground with a good run up the line. Cleverley led a good rush by the home packmen, and was well supported by Carrodus. Ludemann snapped up and, after a good run, sent on to Cleyerley, for the latter to cross for a great try. Granger missed with the kick. Time was called directly after with the scores:— . Taranald .'. .. ..14 points. North' Otago ' 6 points. Mr M. F. Woodward was the referee. In the ■ curtain-raiser between North School and a team from the remaining two primary schools, the combined team secured a win by 3 points to nil.

Seniors. P. \V. L. D, Points Ch. . F. A. Ps. Arawa 8 5 1 2 16 8 12 Pirata A 8 4 1 3 14 5 11 Herbert 8 — 7 1 # 8 25 1 t Athletic A 14i Juniors. 12 1 1 43 10 25 Maheno 14 9 3 2 29 17 20 Pirata B • « 14 8 3 3 31 20 19 Arawa B 14 5 7 2 23 34 12 Pirata C. ? 9 2 7 4 20 4 Athletic B 12 ■1 11 — 7 38 1

Points Oli. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pa. OamarU .. 6 4.1 1 25 20 9 Totara C 3 3 — 20 ■ 23 6 Rovers 6 1 4 • 1 22 24 3 Before a large crowd of spectators i at King, George’s Park on Saturday last, the