NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22126, 2 December 1933, Page 16

NORTH OTAGO.

(Fkom Odb Special Correspondent.)

HIGH WATER AT OAMARU December 2. —2.55 a.m. and 3.18 p.m. December 3. —3.42 a.m. and 4.G p.m. MAJESTIC THEATRE A new contribution to the list of imposing kinema achievements shows this afternoon and to-night in the presentation of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s dialogue version of “ The White Sister,” with Helen Hayes and Clark Gable in the principal roles. In its poignant, touching narrative, its beautiful direction, its effective camera work, and in toe brilliant performances of its two well-known stars, this picture stands qbt forcibly as an example of the best in kinema art. F. Marion Crawford’s immortal ■ story of the .girl who enters a convent when she believes her lover to be dead, only to meet him again after she has taken her holy vows, is too well known to bear repetition in these columns. Sufficient to say that the new version of the, tale brings out, its most forceful moments, describes the experiences of the romantic Italian girl and her soldier lover in a series of warm, sympathetic, human episodes, and hirings the narrative to a close in as heart-rending a climax as has been seen on the kinema for some time. Plans arO at the Bristol until noon, and then at the theatre. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE , During the month of November the St.’ John Ambulance effected five removals, covering a distance of only. 21 miles. ' BOWLING The following will represent Meadowbank in its match against Pukeuri for the Mills Shield to be played at Pukeuri today:—A. Robertson, J. M'Kay, Chappell, Martin: H. Taylor, Don, Miller, Molhson. RAINFALL AT HILLGROVE , The rainfall recorded by Mr W. S. D. Trotter, of “ Te Awa,” Hillgrove, for the morith of November was 5.96 in. CRICKET • ■)■ Teams for to-day:— ■■ ' Albion SeniorsL. v. Oamaru, at School.— Brooker (2), Carrington, Davey, Firth, Geddes ’ (2), Jacobs, M'Laren, Palmer, Taylor. ' _ . , , , n . 1 Albion Juniors v. St. Kevin s, at Redcastle—Howell, Farrant, Cooney, Wilton, Brooker, Foss, Wisnesky, Hodge, Thorpe, Gleeson, Laney, Halkett. . Union Seniors v. School, at King George’s Park—Blair, Borrows, Brown, William Budd, Catto, Mahoney, Maddigan, M'Callum, M'Donald, Robertson, and Tonkin. , . Union Juniors. —Arnott, Bee (2) , Budd, Crombie, ICing, Middle(Jitch, Park, Kobertson, Robbie, and Stark. Oamaru Seniors. —Dick, Hargreaves, Heridra, Hunter, Inder, Jones, 'Keith, Martyn, Uttley, Watson, Zimmermann. ' MUNICIPAL BATHS - , Under the several headings, Dr Stubbs, who has taken a leading and exceedingly enthusiastic interest in the proposed reservoir, scheme for- the improvement, Of the municipal baths, states that there are several facts now. sufficiently established to be a basis of an intelligent and sound public opinion. 1. The water in the baths would be much-.more inviting if filtered. This is true even though it is not expected to achieve complete clarification by a single process of slow sand filtration. Water with a slight amount of very fine suspended material may be almost opaque in tile greater depths, but it has not the, 'greenish, sometimes almost yellowish, opacity that is a feature of the Oamaru bathing pool to-day. A smallamountof fine suspension gives water a ■ bluish colour, which ip/more blue than that 6f perfectly clear water and is by no means unattractive. , 2. Greater clarity of the water would, lessen the risk Of tragedy in case of accident such as cramp or collapse of a bather. , 3. Filtration will render much more, economical and effective the process of chlorination, which is established throughout the world as the sine qua non of hygienically safe bathing pools. Only with much greater expense involved has any other method proved a s satisfactory as chlorination. 4. It has been shown by the data from, experimental tanks, specially constructed by the Oamaru Borough Gouncil, that even under October and November weather conditions sun heating of water for a' week in a glassed-in reservoir of five feet average depth will very appreciably warm the. water. \". 5. It has been shown that when this warmed water is exposed to the open air ;in a depth of 4* . feet cooling is not so rapid as to make the heating project of little value. On the occasion: of a night with 2 degrees of frost such water at 69, degrees fell only 5 degrees. On Thursday night—a warm night—water at 744 degrees fell only to 7.0 degrees. For at least two days in the week, and often for three or four days, water from a heating reservoir will be decidedly more comfortable for bathing than the prea'ent cold water from the town mains. 6. A detailed estimate by a! local architect has shown the cost, less excavation costs, to be £IBOO odd. If the round figure of £2OOO be taken, an interest charge of 44 per cent, would amount to £BS a year. ;AU or a large part of this would be made up by extra'baths receipts—possibly all this and sinking fund charges as well. By way of comparison Dr Stubbs quotes the receipts for the Invercargill tepid baths for 1931-32 at £B3B, as against £B6 for the Oama,ru cold baths during the same sea- . son. It is claimed, says Dr Stubbs, that, even by a pessimistic view, the amenity provided to the community would be well worth the trivial annual cost to the ratepayers. In conclusion, Df Stubbs stressed the important point that on-December 6, citizens will have an opportunity of carrying forward this' beneficial scheme. If they fail on that occasion the whole thing may be delayed for years. This .is not the beginning of a campaign. It is "a crucial point. The many promoters have gone to some’expense and trouble, and their hope is that the citizens will not neglect to take the opportunity, now given them. The following resolution will be moved at the end of the meeting:—" That this meeting requests the Oamaru Borough Coimcilto secure as soon as possible outside expert witness concerning the data given by the experimental tanks, and when satisfactory confirmation of such data is obtained, to proceed to take a poll of ratepayers concerning a loan to finance the construction in 1934 of a filter and sun-heating reservoir for the public baths, such poll to be taken not later than February in order that any concrete construction -work may be completed in the coming winter. ‘ MAHENO DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB The weather conditions for the weekly shoot of the Maheno Defence Rifle Club were unsatisfactory, as the light was very changeable. This was the first shoot for Colonel J, C. Nichols’s cup. The competition carries this cup for the highest aggregate and is virtually the dub championship. In this competition there is also a second -prize, the cup presented by Deputy-president J. Barron. An anony-

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

mous donor has presented a trophy of £1 Is for the highest handicap score in the first three shoots in this competition, and a medal is presented by Rifleman A. Price to be given to the most improved shot in the competition. Following were the best scores: — 300 500

HANDEL’S “ MESSIAH ” To music lovers the Christmas season is always incomplete without a perform-, ance of Handel’s immortal “ In response to many requests Mr G. L. Wilkinson is again producing this great work on Tuesday, December 12, in the Opera House. The choruses will rendered by the Columba Church Choir 1 , assisted by interested friends, and a high standard of effort can be relied upon. The assisting soloists have all had previous experience in “ Messiah solos, and their appearance is eagerly looked forward to. Miss Bertha Rawhnson will render the contralto music, and Mme Cara Tait, who created such a favourable impression , last year v has been reengaged as the soprano soloist. Mr Allred Walmsley and Mr J. E. Benton, of Dunedin, are to sing tenor and bass solos respectively. Prices are within the reach of all. Proceeds are im aid of the Columba Church Organ Fund_ and the Rotary Club’s Christmas Cheer, Fund. The plan is now open at Beggs. As the heavy booking of last year is likely to be repeated, intending patrons are advised to make their reservations without delay. ‘ OAMARU MARKETS Weather conditions have been favourable this week, and both stock and crops in this district are reported as doing exceptionally well. In parts _of the district, particularly further in from the coast, rain would be particularly welcome for the crops which are now beginning'to shoot. Numerous oat crops .are well in ear, but only an odd crop will be harvested round about Christmas time. There have been good strikes of root crops, particularly mangels and turnips, and the-promises of some very good crops are to be seen in the district. Oats—There is very little inquiry for spot oats, but there is a tendency in the forward oat market for better returns tor the new season, as prices have been exceptionally low for the last season. Wheat.—lf anything, the good whole fowl wheat market is slightly easier, quotations being 3s 6d. f.o.b. Lyttelton and Timaru, and 3s _sd Oamaru. There is very little inquiry for wheat, but, at the same time, there is practically none offering on sample. . Seeds.—There has been a good retail inquiry, but the wholesale market seems to have quietened down. Merchants, however, have only sufficient stocks. for the

•retail trade until the-new seasons, crops arrive. The prospects for- prices for the new season’s rye&rass are distinctly better, as the areas both in the North Island and in Canterbury, and also the yields, are much smaller than last season. Stock.—Very few private stock sales were transacted during the week, lat wethers sold at 21s 6d; fat ewes, 13s 6d; fat steers, £6 to £7 10s; dairy cows, £5; pigs, 12s 6d. OVERSEAS MAILS Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Oamaru, as under: — , ' . Monday, December 4. —Great Britain, Ireland, Continent of Europe, via Cape Horn (Cumberland, from Auckland). Correspondence . must be specially addressed. By north express at 11.15 a.rxi. Late-fee letters 11.35 a.m. Mail due London January 20. . Thursday, December 7.—Australian States, South Africa, Norfolk Island, and the East, also Karachi-London air mails (per. Marama, from Wellington), by north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. ' . • ■ V' - ' ‘ , ' Saturday, December 9.—Fiji, Canada, United States of America, Central and Eastern South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, also American air mails, via Vancouver (per Niagara, from Auckland), per north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Mail due in London about January 12. INCOMING MAILS. (Approximate Dates.) December 4—Mariposa; English and American. December 6. —Marama: Australian. December. 12. —Maunganui; , English and American./ December 13.—Tainui: English. / AUCTION SALES On December 11, at 1.30 p.m., the National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd., will conduct a clearing sale for'Mr J. Briscoe, of Totara. Mr Briscoe is well known as a breeder of Jersey cattle, being one of the first to institute a system of • testing cows for butter-fat production. As h e has sold his farm, everything is for genuine sale, and a rare opportunity occurs for those wishing to secure first-class purebred Jersey cows or heifers. MUNICIPAL LEASEHOLDS Nine municipal leaseholds were submitted at auction yesterday by Messrs Mulligan and Forbes,-eight being sold at the upset to the present tenants in each case, there being no bid for the last leasehold. “LEARN TO SWIM” The importance of swimming is fairly generally recognised in the community, but for years past the public has shown a surprising apathy in connection with efforts that have been made to foster interest in this most valuable branch of .sporting activity. It is with a view to stimulating greater interest and activity in swimming that the Oamaru Amateur Swimming Club has decided to hold another “Learn to Swim” Week campaign, and after much preparation this ambitious project is to be launched on Monday next and continue throughout the week. The movement has as its aim the teaching of as many as possible to swim, the fostering in all classes of the community of the knowledge and the pleasure and benefits to be derived from participation in a most health-giving form of sport, and the further instruction of many who can swim only moderately well. The co-operation of' a number of active swimmers has been- secured for the purpose of imparting free instruction next week to all who seek it. Intending members have already enrolled, and will be instructed in classes so arranged to avoid congestion of numbers, and for the separate tuition of adults and children. While it has been said that swimming is easy to learn but difficult to master, and certainly one week is rather a short time to accomplish a great deal, yet it has been found that in other centres concentrated effort has been the means of teaching large numbers the rudiments of swimming. The recreation side of swimming is important, hut not all-important.

The teaching of swimming to young and old alike should do something further to reduce the risk of loss of life by drowning. This aspect of the coming week’s work should be of considerable value. The week is to be concluded by a swimming gala on Saturday, at which, it is anticipated, there will be a good attendance. Favoured with fine weather, the swimnjing drive should be an outstanding success, and be the means of placing swimming on a higher level in Oamaru. CHURCH SERVICES The congregation of St. Paul’s Church are reminded of the quarterly communion on Sunday morning and of the supplementary communion in the evening. The subject of the evening sermon will be “ The Paradox of the Almighty,” and the anthem will be “ God is a Spirit.” The bus will leave Fernbrook at 10.30 a.m., returning after the morning service. Members are reminded of the special retiring collection at both services for the purpose of providing Christmas gifts for home missionaries and for the less fortunate in the congregation. The Rev. J. F. Jack will preach both morning and evening at Wesley Church to-morrow. The subject for the evening is “Why Did Christ Come? ”■ the object being to prepare the mind to view rightly the greatest event in human history; that is the birth of Christ, the anniversary of which will be celebrated soon. The choir will sing “O, For a Closer Walk,” Miss Winnie Slater being the soloist. The services in St. Luke’s parish tomorrow will-be taken by the Yen. Archdeacofi Russell, Canon Woolstein, and, the Rev. D. Hillman. At the parish cliurch, there will be holy communifn at 8 and 11, children’s flower service at 2, and evensong at 6.30, with an anthem “Harken Unto Me”; Scripture union at 10. The Newborough services will be at 11 and 6.30, and the Enfield service at 2.30. Services will be conducted at the usual hours to-morrow at the Church of Christ, Eden street. The subject for the evening service will be “The Jericho Road,” Mr Garfield Todd will be the speaker at both services.

MUNICIPAL BAND’S CARNIVAL

For its carnival to be held in the Gardens this afternoon and evening the Oamaru Municipal Band has been successful in arranging an open-air pro-, gramme of latest talking pictures. This should prove a great attraction, as the public will be able to enjoy_ a picture programme in the open air, amidst beautiful surroundings. Other attractions will include community singing under Song Leaders Weir and Dickel, with Mrs Loper at the piano. Several new novelties will be incorporated at the carnival, which should prove one of the most successful ever held in Oamaru. PERSONAL ' i. Members of the Oamaru Savage Club assembled at the Railway Station last evening to bid farewell to Mr J. M’Kay, who left by the express for Invercargill. Mr M‘Kay had been one of the most enthusiastic and valued members of the club and a prominent meinber of its choir; and all joined in Wishing Mr M'Koy good wishes for the future. Queen’s Hotel.—Mr L. S; Ashton. Mr D. Markham (Wellington). Mr J. Downs (Timaru), Mr H. Leaner, Mr W. Service, Mr Clarke, Mr and\ Mrs Nairn. Mr , A. Nairn and child (Dunedin), Mr J. A. Donaldson, Mr J. Melville (Christchurch). Miramar Hotel. —Mr Evans, Mr G. Anderson, Mr G. Johnston. Mir T. C. Brown (Dunedin), Mrs H. J. Jones. Miss Callahan, Mr Vernon Jones, Mr S.- Thornbury (Waipiata), Mr J. Bartlett (Christchurch), Mr A. G. M'Kenzie (Auckland). SUMMER FLOWER SHOW A At the Summer Flower Show to he held by the North'Otago Horticultural Society on Tuesday, Mr J. Tait will be the judge of the cut blooms, Mr .Clapperton and assistant, (collection of flowers and shrubs). Miss Dewar and assistant (decorative section), Miss Familton and assistant (children’s sections), and Mr J. Main (vegetables). The entries for the show close at mid-day on Monday. CHURCH OF CHRIST A very successful sale of work and produce was conducted by the. Oamaru Church, of Christ yesterday afternoon and last evening, when excellent business was transacted. The stalls were laden with goods and articles of great variety, and presented a very attractive appearance. There were large attendances throughput the afternoon and evening. The. stall-holders were as follows: —-Cake stall—-Mesdames Smith, H. H. Wilson, and G. M. Wilson; sweet stall, Mrs Garfield Todd; produce stall, Messrs Weir and Moffat; plain' and fancy work stall, Mrs R. W. Robertson (convener). As a result of this 'sale the funds of the church should he greatly augmented.

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL CONCERT

Once again patrons of St. Patrick’s School concerts are assured of a> -.very bright and-, (spectacular display at the Opera House on Friday night, December 8. A varied programme has-been carefully arranged..- in the earnest endeavour to give Supporters and friends of the school a really enjoyable entertainment, and, as this concert promises to be one of the best juvenile performances given in the Opera House for some years past, a large gathering is expected. The school choir of 40 boys will render the following popular songs:—“The Elfin Call,” “The Deathless Army,” and “The Wandering; Miller.” Selected voices will be heard in the old favourite, “ The Rose of Tralee.” Four of the pupils, who recently gave a good account of themselves at the competitions held in . Timaru, should give good renderings of their selected numbers. James Benson, the winner of the section Open to boys and girls under 12 years, will sing “ Falling Leaves.” He will also be heard in a special Maori song and haka with his brother, both boys being assisted by Miss R. Thomas. Probably one of the most charming items of the programme will be the Hawaiian group in characteristic and striking costume. The song. selected for-this number is a popular “ Hawaiian Lullaby,” with piano and guitar accompaniments. A humorous novelty, “ Dancing Dolls,” an item by Brendan' Lynch and Stanley Hannan, “Two Rare Birds,” and a humorous sketch, “ The Six Blind Men and the Elephant,” prove popular numbers. The gymnastic display will be given by the lower standards, and the Grecian discs, dumb-bells, and wands by the juniors and seniors. Miss E. M‘Quade will be the accompaniste. The box plans are at Beggs, and seats may be reserved without extra charge.

EVELINE CHURCH

At the annual meeting of the Evelfne Presbyterian Church the Rev. Brian Kilroy presided. The annual report dilclosed that the year ended with a debit balance of £lO6 2s 9d, compared with £9B. the previous year. An additional £3 14s had been received, so that the deficit on the year’s working was £4.' The Rev. H. T. Bjair bad dope magnificent work in all departments of the church. The attendances at the service*, particularly in the past six months, had been very gratifying. Although, the collections had shown an increase, sustentation and envelope subscriptions had decreased. The thanks of the church were due to Miss Blair, the organist. Messrs Kitchen and Cron had resigned from the positions of secretary and envelope secretary respectively, and they were accorded hearty votes of thanks. Mr P. L. Brown now carried out these duties. Thanks were also due to Mr Crichton for providing a song board. Several functions were held during the year, and lectures were given by Messrs F. Milner and Tait to augment the church and Sunday school funds. A contribution of £1 had been received from the Eveline Women's Institute. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The Rev. H. T, Blair reported on the Sundav School and Bible classes. He stated that 85 pupils had attended Sunday school, there being 45 children in the primary department, and 18 pupils had attended Bible class. He thanked the teachers for their support, and said that their chief aim in their teaching had been character building. It was proposed to make promotions next Sunday, and iO hold the annual picnic in the public gardens next week. Mr Blair said that it gave him gratification to see the increased attendances at church and the spirit of goodwill existing among the

members of the congregation. His P a8 ‘ toral visits had included weekly calls on the Public Hospital, the Victoria Home, and on people in distress. His work as secretary of the Ministers’ Association and with the Bible-in-School s movement had been very enjoyable. He expressed pleasure at the large number attending the annual meeting. The Rev. Brian Kilroy expressed appreciation of the work done by .Mr Blair, and hoped that the coming year would be equally successful. The Rev. P. C. Rennie also referred to the good work carried out by Mr Blair and by the managers. The former Church Committee was re-elected. It was decided to hold a summer flower show at the church. It was passed as a recommendation to the committee that it apply for a grant to enable the church to be painted. At the conclusion of the meeting a very enjoyable social was held, at which the Rev. H. T. Blair presided. Those contributing items were Mesdames P. L. Brown, T. W. Dimick, Puryer, L. M. Keith, Misses I. Dawson, Rae, Messrs W. Neill, and Crocker. A presentation of a footstool to Mrs E. G. Dunn was made by Mr Blair, who referred to the many years of service given by Mrs Dunn as church organist, and in the Sunday school as teacher and organist. Messrs A. Crichton 'and W. L. Scott also re- , ferred to Mrs Dunn’s splendid record, and Mrs Scott presented a bouquet to Mrs Dunn, who suitably acknowledged the gifts. A vote of thanks was accorded the performers, and an enjoyable supper was served.

yds. yds. Hep. Tl. Rfm. A. Currodus .. 26 28 10 — 64 Rfm. H. Rapson .. 27 27 10 — 64 Dep-pres. N. Jackman 26 28 9 — 63 Rfm. A. Riddell , .. 26 31 4 — 61 Dep-pres. A, Watson.. 26 25 9 — 60 Rfm. H. Wilson .... 28 21 11 — 60 Rfm, J. Clark .. .. 24 29 6 — 59 Rfm. A. Price .. .. 28 24 5 — 57 Rfm. S. M'Carrol .. 22 19 10 — 51 Rfm. J. Morgan .. 18 19 12 — 49 Rfm. G. Davis .. .. ;. 23 13 12 — 48 Rfm. J. Dutton 15 19 12 — 46