NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22066, 23 September 1933, Page 16

NORTH OTAGO.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(From Our Special Correspondent.) MAYORESS’S RELIEF COMMITTEE The Mayoress’s Relief Committee acknowledges with thanks the following contributions to the depot;—Community sing (September 15), £0 3s 6d; Messrs Ireland and Co., sack of flour; Messrs Milligan and Bond, sack of potatoes; Messrs Lowe. Bros., 20 sacks of potatoes; Mr A. Mackay’s relief box, groceries; Mrs Forrester (Humber street), stockings; Mrs Sutcliffe, clothing; “A Friend,” clothing; Mrs W. Stevens, clothing; Mrs J. H. Grenfell, clothing; Messrs Middleditch, Cleverley, Brown, Burlington, bread and buns. LOYAL JUVENILE LODGE At the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Oaraaru Juvenile Lodge N.G. Bro, D. Brown presided over a, good attendance of members and visitors. During a recess Badminton was indulged in. It was decided to start a Badminton championship at the next meeting; the wihner to have his name engraved on the sports shield. An invitation was received from the Loyal Star of the North Lodge to a social evening to be held in the lodge rooms on October 2. Bro. R., Storey, of the_ Loyal Oamaru Lodge, replied to the visitors toast.. •• . . , WESTON RW.M.U. , The annual gift afternoon of the Weston Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union was held at the manse. At the monthly meeting letters were rgad from Mrs Davies, of China, and Nurse Elliott, ot India. Mrs Warnock sang the hymn, “There Is a Beautiful Land,” which was greatly appreciated. The president (Mrs H. Hogg) gave a short address on “Growing by Struggle.” Afternoon tea and the social half-hour terminated a successful meeting. • BIBLE CLASSES’ SPORTS ASSOCIATION At the annual meeting of the Interdenominational Bible Classes’ Sports Association Mr W. R. F. Naylor (St. Lukes) occupied the chair, there ■ being a good attendance of delegates. The annual report disclosed that the past year : had been very successful,, the various competitions being keenly contested. _ An innovation was the swimming carnival, wlucb created a good deal of interest. ■ The report and balance sheet, which showed a satisfactory financial position, were adopted. Mr L. M’Callnm (Wesley) was elected president and Mr R. F. C. Storey (St. Luke’s) secretary and treasurer. It was decided .to hold two cross-country runs over the same courses as last year. It was decided to play all basket ball games at the evening sports meeting as m previous years, but to increase the number of playing areas to three. Votes of thanks were accorded the retiring officebearers. VISIT OF DAVIS CUP PLAYERS Advice has been received by the North Otago Lawm Tennis Association that the Australian Davis Cup players, Quist and Turnbull, will pay a Visit to Oamaru towards the end of next month, and ( will play exhibition matches against local players. It is expected that Andrews and Malfroy will also be seen in Oamaru later in the season. MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT Another popular programme of music will be played by the Oamaru Municipal Band to-morrow afternoon, commencing at 2.45 p.m. A feature of the programme will be the well-known duet, I Waited for the Lord,” -which will be played by the boy cornettists, E. and F. Pbeloumr. Other items will include the selection 11 Trovatore,” marches, “ Singer ” and The Moa,” a trombone solo by Bandsman T. Cairns, u Lend Me Your Aid/ and a waltz. “ Casino Tanze.” WAIAREKA LODGE Bro. J. Herd, N.G., presided over a good attendance of officers and members at the fortnightly meeting of the Waiareka Lodge, 1.0.0. F., held in the Enfield Hall. It being the quarterly meeting, a large amount of business was done, and the election of officers for the ensuing team resulted as follows:—-N.G., Bro. R. Joiner; V.G., Bro. J. Gibson; secretary. Bro. A. G. Allen; treasurer, Bro. G. Dennis: degree master, Bro. J. N. Allen, P.G. It was decided that the installation of officers take place at the next meeting. The ■ lodge was closed in the customary manner, and an enjoyable social hour followed.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

; : ' v ' * ' r (From Oue Special Ooeeespowdekt.)

MAJESTIC PICTURES ’Tf laughs are any cure for the depression Marie Dressier and Polly Moran do: their share in their, newest, Metro-Ooldwyn-Mayer picture, “ Prosperity,” which shows r this afternoon and to-night. Fast, furious, and funny, the two Hollywood bluebirds appear as rival mothers-in-law doing hectic battle. “ Prosperity ” is a picture with, a punch. . From the moment the two comediennes start battling over-the married lives of their grown-up children until the dramatic denouement of, the plot, it moves like lightning, Add-■ laugh' piles on't kugh. Miss Dressier and Miss Moran are their blustering, battling -selves -through many side-splitting “gag”—and then a dramatic twist puts them to some very real acting—from which they emerge more than triumphant. In support there are News,-Pictorial- for fishermen—and Fitzpatrick with John M‘Cormack in'“ Come Back to Erin.” ;; 'MAHENO P.W.M.U, The monthly meeting of the Maheno Presbyterian Women’s ■ Missionary Union Whs held in the Nauru. Church, when there was ah excellent attendance of members. The Rev. W. W. French opened the meeting in-the usual manner, and the president (Mrs W. French) qccupied the chair. Mrs Dalgleish, oh behalf of the Kauru ladies, extended a welcome to the visitors from Fuchsia Creek, Five Forks, and Maheno. After the completion of routine

business, Mrs French expressed the plea-, sure of the members in having present Mrs J. Tait, of Oamaru. Mrs Tait delivered a very impressive address on her visit to the Homeland, and particularly her impression of the work of the women of the Church of Scotland. Mrs Tait was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her talk. An adjournment was made to the Kauru Hall, where afternoon tea was served by the Kauru ladies. Mrs Currie, on behalf of the Maheno ladies, and Mrs Hacquoil, Five Forks and Fuchsia Creek, thanked the Kauru members for their hospitality. INTERESTING LECTURETTES There was a good attendance at a meeting of ladies in the Salvation Army Hall to hear an address by Staff-captain Davies, women’s social secretary for New Zealand. Mrs Major Bear occupied the chair and introduced the. speaker. Staffcaptain Davies gave a very interesting lecturette on the social work of the Army, stating that its rescue homes were always filled. She told of many distressing cases that had been dealt with recently in the Dominion, and her graphic accounts enlightened those present as to the work that still was being done by the Salvation Army, which was always to the fore in lifting the fallen and helping those in need. During the afternoon Mrs Jackson, of Dunedin, who has a very fine soprano voice, rendered songs, which were greatly appreciated. An enjoyable afternoon tea terminated a very successful meeting.

In the evening there was a good attendance in the Army Citadel to hear another lecturette by Staff-captain Davies on the work of the Army in many countries. Mrs Major Bear occupied the chair. The address by Staff-captain Davies proved very interesting, and the speaker held her audience’s attention throughout. She dealt with the work of the Army in the slums of London, where she served for eight years as an officer. Staff-captaiu Davies is a very eloquent and interesting speaker, and her address was a happy blending of comedy and pathos. She told of the work done among people who had sunk very low in life, and how many_ had been changed into respectable citizens through the work of Army officers. The address was listened to with great interest, and proved very enjoyable. At its conclusiou, Staff-captaiu Davies and Mrs Jackson rendered a greatly-appreci-ated duet, which brought the meeting to a close. COMMUNITY SINGING There was a good attendance at the weekly session of community singing held in the Majestic Theatre yesterday, and, from a point of view of the quality of singing, the sing was the most successful yet held. The thought that their voices were being broadcast spurred those present to attain a standard of singing not hitherto reached. The microphone on the stage_ added reality to the general impression of a transmission, and the leaders (Messrs J. Weir and H. Grater) made the best of the opportunity to get the most volume and harmony from the audience. Mrs Loper rendered valuable assistant at the piano. So firm was the opinion of many people that the Oamaru session was being broadcast that one of the leaders was told how his voice sounded over the air from a listener to Dunedin’s weekly sing from 4YA. During the session the Mayor (Mr M. F. E. Cooney) appealed to the public for support at next Friday’s session, which would be the final one of the year. NORTH SCHOOL JUBILEE A meeting of the Oamaru North School Jubilee Committee was held for the purpose of commencing preparations for the sixty-second anniversary of the school, which will be celebrated at Easter, 1934. Mr W. Gillies occupied the chair, and there was a full attendance of members. It was decided that Mr W. . Atkinson be appointed organising secretary, with Misses K. W. Williams and A. Geddes as assistant secretaries. A draft of the proposed circular to ex-pupils was, with a few minor alterations, approved. Messrs R. E. Dimick, G. L. Dickel, and the secretary were appointed a Printing and Advertising Committee. It was agreed to open a banking account with the Union Bank of Australia. The following were appointed conveners of the various sub-com-mittees:—Concert, Messrs A. G. Robertson and' G. L. Dickel; Transport, Messrs W. Gillies and R. 6. Mathesbn; Billeting, Mr W. H. S. Widdowson; Banquet, Mr W. Gillies; Ball—Messrs G, L. Dickel, J. Burns, and G, S. Jones. FARM ACCOUNTING Messrs A. C. Cameron, Otago provincial secretary of the Farmers’ Union and general manager of the Farm Accounting Association, accompanied by Mr Struthers, will address meetings at Oamaru, Five Forks, and Otekaike on Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30. They will deal with .farm accounting and any other matters of interest to the producer. A,t Five Forks on Friday evening members of the Young Farmers’ Club will be present, and at Otekaike on Saturday evening members of the Women’s Division will attend to look after the social side of the gathering. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The following ; judges have been appointed for .the annual spring show of the North Otago Horticultural Society, to be held in the Drill Hall on October 3: — Pot plants and cut blooms, Mr E. A. Hamel (Dunedin); decorative sections, Mesdames M. Roxby and Filleul; children’s classes, Mesdames D. Thomson and W. J. D. Milne; vegetables, Mr J. Kearns. FREE AEROPLANE FLIGHTS In connection with the recent hall held by the North Otago Aero Club something novel in the way of prizes for the lucky spot waltz competition were awarded. The winners were Miss Beth Robertson and Mr J. Robertson, and by way of prizes they will be taken for free flights over the town in the local club’s plane. OVERSEAS MAILS Malle close at the Chief Post Office, Oamaru, as under:— Monday, September 25.—Australian States, South Africa, and the East, also Karachi-London _ air mail (per Wanganella, from Wellington), by north express at 11.15 a.m. Late-fee letters 11.35 a.m. Chatham Islands (per Tees, from Lyttelton) , by north express at 11.15 a.m. Latefee letters 11.35 a.m. Tuesday, September 26.—Great Britain, Ireland, Continent of Europe, also Central and South America, American Western States (Rangitata, from Auckland). Correspondence must he specially addressed. By north express at 2 p.ra. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Due London November 1. Monday, October 2.—Rarotonga, Tahiti, United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Eastern States of South America, Great Britain, Ireland, and Continent of Europe, also air mail correspondence for United States of America and Canada, via San Francisco (per Makura, from Wellington), by north express at 11,15 a.m. Late-fee letters 11.35 a.m. Mail due London November 1. / Wednesday, October 4. —Great Britain, Ireland, Continent of Europe, also South America, via Cape Horn (Mamari, from Auckland). Correspondence must be specially addressed. By north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Due London November 21. INCOMING MAILS. (Approximate Dates.) September 26.—Monterey: Australian. September 27.—Wanganella: Australian. October 3. —Monowai: English and American. -j TOTARA LAWN TENNIS CLUB At the annual meeting of the Totara Lawn Tenuis Club, the president (Mr T. Howell) occupied the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr T. Howell; secretary, Miss F. Reid; club captain, Mr A. Harper; ladder secretary, Miss V. Clark; delegates to the North Otago Association, Messrs P. Croft and A. Harper; committee —Misses D. and V. Clark, M. Reid, Messrs D. Hollow, P. Croft, A. Harper, and J. Bruce. The opening day was fixed for September 30. It was decided that the membership fee be 7s Od, and 2s 6d for players under 16 years of age. It was also agreed that visitors to the district during the Christmas holidays should pay 2s 6d for the use of the courts during that period. PATHFINDERS’ CLUB The twenty-sixth season of the Pathfinders’ Club was concluded with a demonstration given before a large and appreciative gathering in the Church of Christ. The club president (Mr Garfield Todd) occupied the chair. The secretary (Mr W. Walsh), in presenting the report, said that the 1933 session had constituted a record for some years, there being 13 seniors and 14 juniors in active membership. The standard of performance had been high, and the various events had been closely contested. Thanks wore duo to Messrs Hediey Day and A. A. Barsdell for their judging in the competitions, Miss Kathleen Wilson presented tho junior trophies, the successful contestants I ■" = ='

being as follows: —Sandow, W. and R. Barsdell (equal) 1, G. Polglase 2; gymnastics, W. Barsdell 1, G. Polglase 2. The senior trophies were presented by Mrs Garfield Todd, and were allotted as follows: —Sandow, D. Moffat 1, K. Robertson 2; gymnastics, W. Walsh 1, R. Brown 2. Three years’ service badges were gained by K. Robertson, G. Polglase, and H. Newson. During the evening items were rendered by Messrs I. M'Whir. ter, D. Ross, W. Barsdell, R. Familtou, V. Crocker, the accompanist being Miss Edna M'Taggart. A pleasing display of gymnastics, led by Instructor H. H. Wilson, was presented, the team being in excellent form. The president thanked those who had contributed items, the judges, and Messrs H. Day and E. A. Smith for the gifts of trophies. CHURCH SERVICES The services at the Church of Christ will be conducted at the usual hours tomorrow. A further study of the Book of Colossians will be taken at the morning communion service. The Bible class will meet at Victoria Home at 10 a.m., and will hold its usual meeting at the cburch at 2.30 p.m. The topic for the evening Gospel service will be “Watch and Pray. A cordial invitation is extended to all to attend. Mr Garfield Todd will be the speaker at both services. To-morrow evening in St. Paul’s Church the Rev. Brian Kilroy will deliver the second of two monthly lectures on the general title, “ Is Christian Experience an Illusion? ” the subject of this address being “ Christian Experience as Reality.” The anthem will be “ The Radiant Morn.” The subject of the morning address will be “ A Great Man, But—.” At this service Mr G. M. Miller will sing the solo “If With All Your Hearts.” Retiring collections will be taken at both services for the Mission to Lepers. Sunday evening’s services at Wesley Church will be somewhat out of the usual, in that the men are leading the singing and rendering special music. The soloist is Mr W. Ewart Crewes, of Wellington, who will, by request, sing “The First Palm Sunday.” The Rev. J. F. Jack’s subject is “ Hot Understood.” The services in St. Luke’s parish tomorrow will be conducted by Archdeacon Russell and the Rev. D. Hillman. At the Parish Church there will be Holy Communion at 8, matins at 11, and evensong at 6.30, followed by the C.E.M.S. meeting at 8. At Newborough, Holy Communion will be at 11 and evensing at 6.30. There will also be afternoon services at Pukeuri and Enfield at 2.30; OAMARU MARKETS Oats. —There appears to be a little better feeling in the oat market, and there have been one or two inquiries for A Cartons of . late. Sales are reported of A Gartons at 2s, f.0.b., g-i-, equal to is 6d on trucks, to growers. Inquiries have been for September-October delivery, but even the present sales do not appeal to holders of A Gartons. Wheat. —There is no alteration in this market, quotations for good, whole fowl wheat for prompt delivery,, remaining at 3s 3d, sacks extra, f.o.b/ Bluff, Oamaru, and Timaru. North Island merchants are holding, fair supplies of wheat, and. there is very little business passing even at this quotation. It is only the best lines which command this price. The last deliveries of milling wheat for the season are now taking place to the Wheat Board, as there will be no Increase in price after this month. Potatoes. —This market shows a slight improvement, but as the new season’s Pukekohe potatoes' are now ready to dig, it is expected that digging will be general in a fortnight’s time, and the demand for table potatoes will fall away very rapidly. Quotations to growers are in the vicinity of £2, on trucks. Seeds.—There is no change in the wholesale market. Owing to the excellent, weather conditions prevailing there is a good demand for all small seeds, and deliveries of mangel seed are commencing •in earnest. Owing to the favourable conditions prevailing most of the season’s work is well advanced, and even Southland reports farmers are now sowing their 1 oats. Stock. —The following private stock sales were transacted during the week: — Fat wethers, 2fls 6d; fat ewes, 19s; oneshear Corriedale rams, £4 10s; store pigs, 15e; fat cattle, £7; draught gelding, £3O; draught mare, £42; four-year-old draught mare, £37. STREET LIGHTING CHARGES In the discussion on street lighting in Oamaru at the Borough Council meeting, reference was made to a report presented to the Chrislchurch City Council by Mr E. Hitchcock, general manager of the Christchurch Municipal Electricity Department. The report, which was prepared in August, 1932, is a very exhaustive one and contains much data of value to all interested in a new system of street lighting for Oamaru. It contains many aspects of lighting, such as the intensity of light per square yard of street, and the diffusion of light by special reflectors, it being pointed out that a good system could be had by means of special reflectors with low power lamps. Lamps of a 100-candle power are the lowest used in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and for these the charges per lamp per year are £2 10s in Wellington and Christchurch, and £2 Us in Dunedin. Dunedin and Christchurch use 250 candle power lamps, for which the annual charge is £4 15s per lamp. Christchurch also uses a 400 candle power lamp at a cost of £6 10s, and Dunedin a 600 at £9 10s. It is difficult to arrive at an actual comparison of charges with those in Oamaru owing to the different charges for Government supply and whether the lamps are ornamental or plain. However, the costs to the local Borough Council have been for some years £3 per 50 candle power lamp per year, which is at present subject to a 10 per cent, discount, reducing the charge to £2 14s. This figure for a 50-candle power lamp can be compared with a charge of approximately £2 10s in the centres for a lamp of exactly double the candle power. ENTERTAINMENT AT MAHENO A delightful entertainment which took the form of a travel talk in the first half, and a concert programme in the second part, was held in the Maheno Public Hall. The travel talk was given by Miss Bell, of Shag Valley, who recounted some of her experiences on a recent trip to Switzerland. The address was illustrated by a number of excellent slides, all of which had been prepared from actual photographs. Miss Bell gave an interesting description _ of the scenery, the people, and the principal tourist resorts. At the conclusion of her address the Rev. A. W. Stace moved a _ hearty vote of thanks to the speaker, which was carried by acclamation. The second portion of the programme consisted of items rendered by Mr Linton Hodge’s party from Oamaru. All the numbers were well received, and the performers were called upon for encores. The programme was as follows:—Pianoforte solo, Miss, I. Dawson, songs—Misses D. Taylor, Pile, Messrs L. Hodge, Spear, and H. Williamson; violin solo, Mr J. L. South; musical monologue, Mr Stanley Hook. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the performers, and supper was served. A dance to music supplied by Mr Lex Clark brought the evening to a close. The funds of St. Andrew’s Church of England, Maheno, should benefit considerably as a result of this effort. . WESLEY CHURCH The Foreign Mission anniversary services at the Wesley Hall attracted excellent attendances. At the afternoon service the chair was occupied by the Rev. J. F. Jack, the service being opened with singing and prayer. The Rev. A. H. Voyce, a Methodist missionary on furlough from Bougainville, delivered a splendid address on women’s work in the Solomons, the appreciation of the audience being suitably expressed by Mrs Jack. At the evening service there was a good attendance of members of the Bible class, Mr A. Miller presiding. After the singing of a hymn, the Rev. Mr Jack led the meeting in prayer, and the Rev. Mr Voyce gave a very instructive address on Bougainville, describing in graphic fashion the customs of the inhabitants, the wonderful beauty of the mountains and lakes, and the palms and ferns of the forest. Numerous beautiful pictures of island scenes were thrown on the screen, and a wide range of native

arts and craft work were exhibited, the chairman warmly thanking the Rev. Mr Voyce for his interesting address. The meeting concluded with the benediction, after which supper was banded around by the Social Committee. MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING In a match between the Kurow and Oamaru Clubs fired on the latter’s range, the home team secured a win by a good margin. The Kurow members are all very young riflemen, and have not had very much experience with the miniature rifle. Although beaten they were not disheartened, and with a little more practice and coaching the members should become good marksmen to be reckoned with later on. After the usual exchange of compliments between the two clubs, the visiting riflemen left for home thoroughly satisfied with the outing. The following are the detailed results: — Oamaru:—H. Kqppert 80, J. Dunn 79, J. Robertson 79. J. Hollow 78, J. Caldwell 78, R. Hinkley 77, T. Kennedy 77, E. Lee 76, J. Nimmo 76, A. North 75, S. Weston 76, J. Leslie 75. M. Wisnesky 74. W. Munro 74, A. Dick, sen., 74, A. Dick, jun., 73, H. Brant 73, P. Luisetti 72, G. Doran 72, G. Roney 70; total, 1507. Kurow.—A. C. Robinson 77. N. Christianson 76, G. W. Cogger 76, T. Lamberton 75, J. Jackson 75, T. Sanders 72, S. Robinson 72, G. M'Donald 72, J. Curie 72, S. Anpleby 71. W. B. Appleby 71, F. Welsh 71, J. Marsh 70, G. R. Shaw 70, G. R. Shaw 70, F. Todd 70, S. Marsh 69, K, Garden 69, R. Greer 68, A. Bradley 66, D. Todd 06; total, 1428 The highest scores at the weekly shoot of the Enfield Club are as follows:—A. H. Gibson 80, A. Anderson 79, B. Johnston, G. Allan, J. Allan 77, A. Yuill, W. Fallon 76, J, Kerin, H. Bradley 74, G. Yuill, J. M'Veigh, J. Gibson 72, N. Allan, D. Elliott 70. WAITAKI COUNTY COUNCIL The monthly meeting of the Waitaki County Council was held yesterday morning. There were present —Mr A, M'lnnes (chairman), Crs J. Rodman, D, J. Ross, W. M. Cooper, J. D. Rutherford, E. S. Brewster, R. B, Meek, and W. E, Aubrey. Cr J. Rodman gave a resume of the business transacted at the annual conference of the counties, and was thanked for his report. The following Treasury notes were received:—Refund of stamp duty, on interest to local authorities, £3'los 9d; goldfields revenue, £l3 10s : sd; main highways maintenance and construction, £4lO 12s. , The Undersecretary of Lands acknowledged the council’s representations as_ to the condition of section 2, block XXIX, Herbert, and' suggestion that the land be vested in the council, which would be prepared to clear it by unemployed labour and plant tress next season, and advised that the request was receiving attention, — Received, the matter being left in the hands of Cr Rodman and the clerk. The Commissioner of Crown Lands advised that no revenue was received by the Crown from the water race on the Kurow Settlement. The commissioner also wrote that although it might, be agreed that Mr Rattray 1 derived no benefit from the outfall drain, still he was legally responsible for it. Originally this drain was undoubtedly an old water course, and took the water off the road from the culvert which connected with the drain. He could not see that the Crown wag in any way responsible or should be asked to assist to clean out the drain. Ha thought the council had to accept a certain amount of responsibility, because when the Kurow Settlement was opened up and water races were formed in 1907, it would appear that the council was agreeable to putting the surplus water across the road and into the drain, as was shown by a letter written in 1908 by, Mr J. A. Maepherson, M.P., to the Minister of Lands, in which Mr Maepherson stated: “Dr Stevens, the owner of lot 4, had granted the right of taking the water through his property, and the County Council would undertake to carry the water across the road.” If the council agreed that it would accept the responsibility of putting the water across the road, then the only outflow for the water was down the drain, and even without the overflow from the race a certain amount of water came from the road and was put through the culvert, and went down the drain after a heavy rainfall. For this reason he did not think the Crown could be considered responsible, or should be asked to assist in cleaning out the drain.Cr Aubrey urged that the owners of land deriving benefit from the race should be rated, ag he did not consider that ratepayers ae a whole should contribute for the benefit of those concerned.—The chairman disagreed with this on the grounds that the people concerned took up the land when the race was made. —Cr Rosa supported Cr Aubrey, and urged that the matter bo investigated.—The chairman said if the council took over the race there would be endless trouble, as they would have to look after the head race, ag the people concerned already had trouble about the supply of water. They would be inundated with requests at every council meeting. In this the chairman was supported by Cr Rutherford, who said if the council took over the race they would have to have a caretaker. They should just clear the race below the road.—The engineer, at the request of the chairman, said he agreed with Cr Rutherford that they should clear the drain below the race, and let that be an end of the matter. There was no end of trouble being experienced over the supply of water at the head race.—The chairman said those concerned had had the opportunity of forming themselves into a water board, and the council by clearing out the drain through Mr Rattray’s property was only protecting the road. —It was agreed to clean out the portion of the dram mentioned. The clerk reported that two building permits for £263 5s and £35 respectively had been issued during the month. The Valuer-general advised that it had been decided to make an additional subsidy of £126 2s 7d on the 1931-32 rates, but with regard to the 1932-33 rates it was not considered that approval having been obtained to apply the balance of the special subsidy received in the previous year towards the Hospital Board’s levy affects the subsidy payable.—The clerk (Mr R. K. Gardiner) said it was particularly gratifying for him to receive the additional subsidy after a 12 months' battle, but having admitted liability in the first instance, he considered that the liability automatically obtained in the second.' That wag a matter which he would again take up. The Department of Lands advised that it was proposed to uplift the stock camping reservation over section 1, block ,V, Kurow S.D., and offer it for selection, and asking the council’s consent to the closing of an old unformed and unused road line and its inclusion in the section. —Agreed to. The Public Works Department forwarded a proclamation proclaiming, and closing roads ,in Trotter’s Creek Domain, —Received.

Mrs J. Munro (Otekaike) wrote requesting repairs to the pass track.—The engineer was instructed to carry out the necessary work. The Department of Labour wrote thanking the council for the' use of the basement of the council premises for the storage of testing weights during the time the department occupied Dalgety’s Buildings.—Received. The Unemployment Board wrote requesting a record of , the development work carried out by relief labour, or subsidised from the Unemployment Fund.— Left in the hands of the clerk for attention. t The Wairoa Harbour Board advised that 78 replies had been received from local bodies, and practically all had supported the resolutions passed by the conference of local rating bodies held at Wairoa in reference to rating and payment of rates by the Crown, and again soliciting the council’s support. —The action of the clerk in advising that the council approved of the resolutions was approved. General accounts amounting to £222;> 13s lid, Papakaio water race account f3l 7s 4d. total £2257 Is 3d. were passed for payment.—The clerk reported that the countv fund account was in credit £1876 6s Bd. The Waitaki Electric Power Board advised that the consent of the Post and Telegraph Department was required for the shifting of the nole oiv the corner of Awnmoa-White Rocks road, which bad been considered by the engineer, the estimated cost being £5 or £6. —It was decided to request the Power Board to contribute half the cost of the removal.

The price of bird eggs was fixed at Is 6d per 100, the same as last year. Crs Aubrey and Brewster were empowered to sign the rate book. The appointment of Mr J. G. Dungey as ranger-was confirmed as from July 1, 1933.

The clerk reported that so far £1386 6s lid had been collected for the current rate, compared with £1065 18s for the same period last year. The following licenses had been issued; ,—Two public halls, one traction engine, and two applications covering seven petrol pumps. ~ , . . , The engineer reported on an interview, with Mr Tyndall, and the preparation of estimates in connection with additional highway proposals on the Main Southroad, including, the widening of the Awamoa bridge, gravelling the Herbert-Wai-anakarua main highway with a view to future sealing, top-dressing the HampdenHillgrove main highway, and the erection of the Kakahi bridge. Appreciation was expressed at the action of Cr Cooper in urging on the Main Highways Board the widening of the Awamoa bridge, and the council agreed to the carrying out of the works mentioned. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer (Mr G. L. Cuthberteon) reported tor the month as follows:—Moeraki Riding: The lorry had been engaged in putting maintenance gravel on the Kartigi Beach road. Obepqpo Riding; The tree planting on the section at Waianakarua was completed, over 1500 trees of various kinds being put in. Gravel had been put on the Coalpit road, and various other roads patched. An old small bridge on Irvine’s road near Herbert was in a bad state. Two of the stringers were completely gone, and new. planking was required. Repairs were being effected. The contractor for gravelling Falkiuer’s road was making very slow progress with the work, only 12 days’ work: being done this month with an average of 22 yards per day. This was not satisfactory,- as it kept their surfacemen too long off their other work. Incholme Riding: The grader had been busy trimming up the rotidg in this riding. Kakanui Riding: The lower Waiareka Valley road required patching between the main road at Totara'and Kieley’s road. The unemployed were doing good work improving the corners of Maude’s road and the main highway. Papakaip Riding: The lorry was still engaged in metalling Abattoir road with the help of the unemployed. Maintenance gravel had been put on the main road at Papakaio and various byroads. A bad crossing on Devil’s bridge road had been built up with stone and concrete. The raceman reported that the river was bearing hard against the , intake of the Papakaio race, and might give trouble. He would inspect it as soon as possible. About 400 feet of small fluming was required for renewals in the by-races, and 40 feet on the main race. He proposed renewing them with steel and making a permanent job. The main race through Mr R. B. Baton’s at Pukeuri was in a very bad state through, the banks falling it, and unless it was properly cleaned out, it would be impossible to keep a full supply going for the Freezing Works. He had sent Mr Paton word to have the work done. Waiareka Riding: The widening on the Crown Hill road by the unemployed was completed, and was a great improvement to the road. A bad corner on the Post Office Gully road was now being widened. The contractor expected to make a start with the bridge over the Waiareka very soon as the timber had arrived. The lorry_ had been engaged in patching the mam highway and other roads. He had done the survey of the railway crossing at Windsor, but had not yet completed the plans. Awamoko Riding: The Duntroon end of the Homestead road was reported to be getting very bare. He inspect and report for next meeting. Otekaike Riding: About a mile of the Duntroon-Earthquake road was getting very bare and cutting up. A contract should be called for the work. He inspected the footpath in Duntroon with a view to tar-sealing, as suggested by a petition at last meeting. The street was quite unsuitable for such work as there was only a light coat of fine gravel with no foundation," and as the loose gravel would have to be swept off, there would be nothing to take the sealing. A coat of asphalt could be laid down, but it would be much more costly, and the street was in very fair order as it was at present. Ahuriri Riding: M'Aulay s road had been trimmed up with the grader; The road from Omarama to Otematapaio bridge had been graded and patched. The Lake Ohau road had been repaired and was now in fair order. The gravel had been graded in- from Ohau bridge to Ahuriri bridge. Car: Mileage 628 miles, petrol 33 gallons, oil about three quarts.— The report was adopted. It was decided to call tenders for gravelling the lower Waiareka Valley and the DuntroonEarthquake roads and a small section of the Kia Ora road. Cr Rodman and the engineer were empowered to take steps to have the work on Falkner’s road expedited. Cr Rodman reported that the tree planting at Waianakarua was completed, and he trusted the time and money spent would well repay them in making a valuable asset to the council. The clerk reported that 80 trees had been forwarded to Dr M'Millan for planting on the council property at Kurow. TRAFFIC INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The traffic inspector (Mr P. Laughton) reported for the month that the Waitaki, Waihemo, and Waikouaiti Counties were patrolled, and a visit of. inspection was made to Maniototo, Vincent, and Lake Counties. The loadometers were used five times during the period. Two cases of breaches of the Transport Licensing Act were dealt with before the magistrate. In one case a fine of £3 and costs was imposed, and in the other a fine of £3 5s and costs. One case of driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s license was dealt with, a fine of 10s and costs being inflicted. Seven head of cattle were removed from the main highways.—The reported was adopted. NORTH OTAGO FARMERS’ COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION The annual meeting of shareholders of the North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association was held in the Wear Street Hall yesterday afternoon, Mr ■ J. R. M'Culloch (chairman of directors) presiding over a gathering of 38 shareholders. ’ . ... As there were no further nominations, the chairman declared the re-election of the retiring directors—Messrs W, M'Donald; A. M'lnnes, J. D. Rutherford, J. Smellie, J. R. M'Culloch, and Colonel Nichols. • J Mr M’Culloch reported that the remuneration of directors had beeu fixed at £1 Is per meeting, and expenses, but last year the directors reduced it themselves by a half. If left to the directors they would not increase it from what it was at present. , Mr D. Rodger said that in. view of the limes a vote of thanks to the directors would meet the occasion. Mr M'Culloch said it was not for the past, year, but they would be well to, fix it for the future. Mr Rocker said he meant it for the future, ■■ Mr M'Culloch commenting that surely they would allow the directors more than a vote of thanks. -■ Finally the remuneration was fixed at 10s 6d per meeting, and expenses. CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. In moving the adoption of the thirtysecond annual report and balance sheet the chairman thanked shareholders for ire-electing without opposition the six directors who retired this year in _accordance with the articles of association. It was particularly gratifying, he said, to receive this renewed expression of confidence, more particularly as the result ot the past year’s operations, while showing an improvement on the previous' year, was still unfavourable. Their business was a reflex of farming conditions in North Otago, and most of those present would have some appreciation of the difficulties which had hampered the operations of the association during the past three years. This country-had reached a stage where practically the whole of its staple products were being produced below cost, the farmers’ net return for the past year being less than 40 per cent, of the average price realised during the 16 years 19141929. which was the lowest average ' level in the history of this Dominion. In the report accompanying the balance sheet it would be noted that the unfavourable result of the past year’s trading could be attributed in a large measure to the greatly reduced turnover in wool and live stock, and the failure j on the part of farmers to meet their interest and other obligations. In a large j number of cases to-day the farmer was being maintained on his property at the expense of his creditors, namely, the mercantile firms, banks, and mortgagees. As is was now impossible in many cases to make further advances for the payment of rent, interest, etc., the farming opera- ; tions of these clients were being carried : on on a profit-sharing basis, under which ' the surplus revenue, if any, was being distributed pro rata among the secured

creditors. As the distribution in the majority of cases during the past year amounted to not more than 1 or 2 per cent, on the amount Owing,’ itVwould: thus be' seen ‘that the loss of’ interest was a heavy item. In such cases the directors .were faced-with ..the problem’of carrying farmers'on in' anticipation’ of' an appreciation in the values of. land and stock, 'or realising the available assets and’winding up the accounts. ♦ A great deal , could be said ■in this connection, but .from - what he had already stated they would realise that their problems were very complex, and weret 'entirely duet to, oirciimitances; over which', they had he addressed them a year :agp,f he expressed the hope. that!, the' ;detisibi^,tof the-various international conference^-then in progress or arranged for, would ultimately react to the advantage of this Dominion. It was a matter for regret, that in spite of these conferences' the economic storm continued \yith increasing intensity, and the recent news from Europe and America hardy justified a. feeling of optimism. Dealing with the more important items in the balance sheet, the chairman said their paid-up capital to-day stood at £60,831, the increase of £290 7s 6d being accounted for by the payment during the year of calls in arrear. Of the sum. of £lO,lßl 10s called up there was now only £258 outstanding. Under the heading of liabilities, it would be noted that the bank overdraft had increased by £8770, while deposits showed a decrease of £11,079. The latter item represented surplus funds invested with the association by fanners, either at call or for fixed periods, and it was interesting to note that they had repaid to depositors during the past three years and a-half the sum of £37,421. In the majority of cases these funds had been withdraw to enable farmers to meet their obligations. Such heavy withdrawals were unprecedented in the history of the association, and when he told them that they had been called upon to repay deposits at th'e rate of £II,OOO per annum during the period referred to they would gain some idea of the rapidity with j which the accumulated savings of farmers were becoming, exhausted. It was impossible at the present juncture to make any appreciable reduction in their advance and'ordinary trading accounts, and as’ they had at all times to’be in 'a position to meet the reasonable demands of depositors they were compelled to rely on their bankers to meet these commitments. While, their bankers, the. Com-, mercial Bank of Australia, Ltd,,, were prepared to grant them the .maximum amount- of accommodation for ordinary trading: purposes, they could not' be expected to provide an extension of their overdraft requirements for the payment of deposits, and if demands continued to be made upon them at the previous rate the directors might be reluctantly compelled to make further calls on shareholders. Their depositors might rest assured, however,. that the association’s assets, including uncalled capital, amounting in the aggregate to approximately £138,000, provided an . ample surplus in excess of their liabilities. Ag many of their depositors were also large, shareholders, the necessity for making further calls would have to be largely determined by their future course of, action, and it had to be understood that if a further, call had to be made it would be due to circumstances quite beyond their control. The fixed and liquid assets of the association showed little change, and until there was a marked improvement in the values of their primary products sundry creditors, the largest item under this heading, could not be substantially reduced. Their gross earnings’ for the year showed an increase of approximately £IOOO, while expenditure had been reduced by . £1320, so that they had improved their position by £2358. It,might interest shareholders to know that,.apart from losses made on farmers’ advance; accounts, and ’ interest transferred to suspense account, the years operations resulted in a profit of approximately £6OO. It would thus be seen that their trading position was gradually “ improving, but the necessity of providing against depreciated securities, especially in cases, of farms purchased since 1920, was making progress, extremely difficult.' At "the moment the outlook for meat' and' wool was distinctly encouraging,’ and a substantial rise in the values of these commq.di-, ties would not only improve the position of their clients, but would materially increase their commission earnings, which for the past three years had almost disappeared. In this connection it might interest shareholders to know that for nearly 30 years the commissions -earned on land, wool, live stock; skins, etc., had, represented about 25 per cent, of them, annual income, and under present conditions it was impossible to discover a new source of revenue to compensate for a deficiency of some thousands of pounds. In a prolonged economic depression such as the world was experiencing the ■ producers and the mercantile firms financing their operations had felt the effects of the depression to a greater extent than many other sections of the community,, and he ventured to say would he the first, to, benefit by a substantial improvement in the price level. In saying "this he thought it would be . unwise to assume that a temporary rise in values, of cer-, tain commodities was an indication that trading conditions were on a safe basis, and that post-war problems were at an end. There were indications bn every hand that conditions were far' froth normal, and it was impossible s to predict what the relative ■ value of any two currencies' would be in a month’s time. The exchange-rate New Zealand on London might be subject to a reduction at short notice, with a consequent reduction Jn values. Then, again, gold was advancing in price, metal markets were fluctuating rapidly, the remaining gold countries of Europe were likely to abandon gold, hoarding was taking place in France, and the national recovery scheme adopted by America was„ on its trial. All attempts by the older countries to interfere with natural... laws had proved a failure, and. Britain,, their best customer, was’the only country which appeared to be making any real progress. Economic nationalism was retarding international trade, and until war debts and tariffs were satisfactorily adjusted, and all countries restored the gold standard, it was doubtful if any permanent,improvexnent in prices could be.looked for. Under such circumstances they must expect fluctuations in prices, and farmers'would be wise to pursue a cautious policy m connection with farming activities. They had experienced an improved turnover in their business during- recent months, economies had been effected in every possible direction, the directors had accepted a reduction of 50 per cent.! in their remuneration, and shareholders could rest assured that everything possible had been; done in their interests. He “expressed.appreciation of the efforts put • forth :by the staff during the year under difficult and trying conditions, and the hope tnat the coming year would witness a marked improvement in theaffairs of the association. He paid a very high tribute to the work of the manager (Mr Bvß. Walton), who had carried out.his duties m the beat interests of the association under, very trying and difficult conditions - during the. past three years.—(Applause.). Continuing, Mr MUulloch said he really thought the country was on The up grade. He was fortified, ifi that belief by the fact that the Old Country, was emcrgingfrom her difficulties, Britain, was surrounded by very greedy, selfish, and be would snv, unscrupulous neighbours, but was on the high road to recoyeiw, .and they were dependent on her for defence and commerce, and if they surmounted their difficulties it would be by doing the same as the ’ Old Country, by the' use of common sense and honest methods. Mr W. Forrester seconded the adoption of the report, and endorsed- Mr M’Culloch’g remarks about the directors, ana staff He could not imagine a more difficult task at the present time than that of the directors associated with farmers’ affairs. ' He took it as a compli-’ ment to the directors that no further nominations were forthcoming. . He was inclined to take a more optimistic view of the future than the chairman. He thought they were entitled to take a very optimistic view in view of the increase in the price of wool, butter was in the vicinity of Is per lb, in London, and prospects for meat were very much better. Taking all the circumstances into consideration they could take a much .better view of the future. Men speaking in public should do their best to instil confidence, as a good deal of their trouble during the:- depression the i, lack of confidence shown.' , -. ■■ ■ Mr John Irving ’expressed appreciation of the work" of the .directors, manager, and staff. Hev-wa-S -'.satisfied. that, everyone in tire association-was doing his-,best to further its interests. Prior to his being elected to the board of directors 12 jnontiis ago, he was, .like’the man on the;street, ready tb criticise, but. he could, say'sincerely that they'were all’doing their "best, and if every shareholder- patronised the association,.as they > should do,: then -they : had a reasonable chance of swinging back to prosperity, and they would then be able to sell cheaper than any other retail establishment in Oamaru.

Mr J. B. Ferguson said he had known of cases, where’ loyal supporters in past, years had;been disgusted’ and had -with- ;;, drawn 5 their support’. Hu wanted the directors and Jtaff-to-set -a, good example., ■ It waS' of nd 'use talking idealism .in biisif V ness, nor ta ask To support the-’* association unless it paid them to do so’. Let the directors and staff appreciate the. support received'from the. public, and theyshould not ask them to give support from. a sense of duty. '. Shareholders should, not pay more, but should.be able to buy... cheaper. : ’ : V The report and balance sheet were: ■ adopted unanimously. Messrs D, V. G. Smith and W. ’J, , Davies' were re-elected auditors, at the; same remuneration as last year.., . . 7. A vote of thanks to The directors add’ stall concluded - the meeting. ‘ - J tpGKEY ; The'following;. will, represent the' Pirata Club at the Windsdr-’seven-a-side. tourns- ’ meut to-day:— A Team.—Misses,R. Clare, ,C. .Glare, ELMalcolm, E.’Bedford, E. Weaves,-A. Bed- ■’ ford,-and D. Berry. - ' ” B Team.—Misses B. Malcolm; L.' Thom- -’ son, M, M'Eerrow, J. MTCay, J. Duncan, R. Saunders, and J. MTSCod';, emergen--cies—Misses L Doran, C. M < Leod,.and J,;'. Adamson., ~, - .... ■ -.i , , J? -PERSONALMr S. E. M'Gregor, of the Oamaru Labour Department, has received notification of his Transfer on promotion to Nelson, and will leave Oamaru’about October 16 for his new position. His place inrOamaru- will be taken by Mr J. D. Adair,-; of the Dunedin office. .•?.- At the monthly meeting of theWaitaki County Council ’yesterday,, the : chairinau (Mr A. MTnnes) referred to the passing of their pjd‘ and’ esteemed friend, Air A. G. Creagh, who had ’been one of the“ ablest solicitors in county affairs in-the’ 1 Dominion. ’ Since. the inception of thprcouncil, Mr Creagh had been the counciL’ai, solicitor, ’and"they” could alb confidently , say that he had!, given splfendid advice. ■’ They tvould all miss his a’ctive • and-’plead-ing personality. A minute of appreelation of Mr Creagh’s services to The cdua-M eil was recorded,; and. a .motion of eon--• dolence carried with Mrs Creagh. and family. . ".’ •„ . .Queen’s Hotel,-—Mr B. Collins,. Mr W. Donovan (Christchurch), Miss O’Connell jMiss Miller. Miss Anderson (Dunedin).