NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22147, 28 December 1933, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO.

\ (Fbom (Job Special Coerespondent.J

HIGH WATER AT GAMARU December 28. —0.14 ami. and 0.39 p.m. MAJESTIC PICTURES ' " A very large and notable cast will be seen in Paramount’s “ International House,” lavish musical comedy, which shows to-night and Friday. Peggy Hopkins Joyce, famed international beauty, heads the imposing cast, W.C. Fields has the comedy lead. Stuart Erwin and Sari Maritza supply the humorous romance. Seven stars of radioland —Ruby Vallcc, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Col. Stoopnagle aud Budd. Cab Calloway and liig orchestra, and Baby Rose Marie —are prominently cast. A chorus ensemble of 50, the Girls in Cellophane, introduce several- startling song and- dances'jrbutine?, A New Zealand news, ■ overseas news, screen souvenirs, jazz a la Cuba,, and comedy complete the programme. OBITUARY ‘ The death has occurred of Mr James Morton, who for many years had been a resident of Maheno, Mr Morton was born at Monkton, Ayrshire, Scotland, on September 4,. 1856, and in 1893 he decided to come out to New Zealand, where he had been preceded by a brother, the late' Mr G. Morton, of Morven, and a sister, the late Mrs James MLeod, of Springhills, He sailed in the Doric, arriving in New Zealand in May of that year. For a while he made his home at Springhills, but in 1898 he went to Morven to manage a farm for his brother. Subsequently he, took up land in the Morven district and farmed on his own, account. In 1911 he returned to Springhills, where he remained up to the time of his death. During this latter period he looked after matters pertaining to the farm, and no one could have better guarded the interests of the Misses MLeod (his nieces) than he did, for any work he took in hand was carried out thoroughly. The deceased was a very reserved man, and consequently he was probably only known to a few. Those who did come to know him, however, soon discovered that he was a man of sterling character, and one whose friendship was worth cultivating. Mr Morton delighted in doing 4 kindnesses to others. The passing of Miss Annie MLeod, and the removal of Miss Mary MLeod, meant that for several years, but for Mr Morton, Miss I. MLeod has been alone on, the farm, hence she will feel that she has lost a good friend and helper. Mr Morton had never married.

PERSONAL ' Miramar Hotel.—Mr F. Cairns (Haerewhenuin), Mr and Mr g A. Watt (Wellington), Mr and Mrs D. R. M'Diarmid, Miss H. Steadman,'Mr C. Tracey, Mrs A. F. Tracey, Master N. T. Tracey, Mr P. Skene, Mrs W, A. Hilliker, Mrs G. C.Hendry, MiSs M. Rodger, Mr W. Hilliker (Dunedin), Miss R. Ramsay, Mr W, Rathbone (Waitaki Hydro), Mr L. Gale (MosKiel), Mr C. C. Guyton (Auckland), Mr C, L, Stringer, Mr B. M'Shane (Geraldine), Mr J. A. Cameron (Temuka), Mr and Mrs R. Joe, Mr and Mrs A. Austin and child, Mr T. Braithwaite, Mr A. C. Kent, Mr N, Hewinson (Christchurch), Mr P. Gerrard (Rotorua), Mr C. Black (Balclutha), Mrs Brown (Maheno). Queen’s Hotel. —Mr and Mrs R. JHorrill (New Plymouth), Mr and Mrs M’Douall (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs C. R. Green, Miss J. W. Green (Gore). New Club Hotel, —Captain Herbert (Queenstown), Mr D. R, Mullen (Sydney), Captain and Mrs C. W. Higgins, Miss C. Higgins, Miss F. A. Nixon, Mr B. J. Thomson, Mr H. S. Barrington, Mr B. W. Hinton (Christchurch), Mr 0. Pope (Fox Glacier), Mr C. Gass (Ash: burton). Mr R. Greer (Kurow), Mr D. Reed, Mr J. Reed, Mr R. J. Gumming, Misg C. L. Gumming (Invercargill), Mr and Mrs George Dyer (Dunedin),’ Miss C. D. Spear, Mr and Mrs J. W. Smith (Roxburgh), Mr and Mrs T. L. Hunter (Gore).

TOTARA MEN’S HOCKEY DANCE The To tar a Hall presented, a scene of much gaiety on Boxing Night on the occasion of the dance held by the Totara Men’s Hockey Club. A large gathering from Oamaru and surrounding districts was present, and a very pleasant time was spent. The programme comprised of a variety of , old and new dances, and novel entertainment was provided in the lucky spot, one step, and waltzing competitions and the Monte Carlo dance. The arrangements for the dance had been excellently carried out, and a good deal of praise is due to the energetic secretary of the club (Mr J. Clark) and his willing helpers. The following were the winners of the novelty dances:—Lucky spot onestep, Miss M. Morgan and,Mr M. Mahan; lucky spot waltz, Miss D. Freeman and Mr R. Aitken; Monte Carlo. Miss-Towns-ley ‘and Mr J. Currie. The Revellers' Orchestra provided good music, extras being played by Mr L. Clark. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Messrs J. Richardson and J. Thompson. NEW YEAR DANCE A further carnival dance will be held in the Ribble Street Hall on Saturday night, when a destiny waltz competition will be the main attraction, for which good prizes are being awarded. Monte Carlo and statue waltzes will also be held, and generous prizes will be given to the winners. The floor is in excellent condition, and the music will be supplied by the New Troubadors’ Dance Band. The dance will be held to celebrate New Year’s Eve in true carnival spirit.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

DEFENCE RIFLE SHOOTING The Oamaru Defence Rifle Club fired a special match, two shoots being held at 800 yards with 10 shots at each practice. The weather wa s good, but a strong wind from the north-east made conditions difficult. Towards. the latter stages of the second shoot the wind veered round to the north-west, shifting from 8 to 10 degrees left and up to 18 degrees right, and some of the marksmen crashed badly. A. Gibson put up two remarkably good scores, and won the match with 09. A special match will be shot over the same ranges on January 6. The following are the scores (the first seven being prize-win-ners) :

ANGLING The weaker conditions in North Otago during the holidays were unfavourable tor fishing, with the result that local and visiting anglers spent a fairly quiet time on both the Waitaki arid Kakauui Riveis. The strong winds which prevailed were mainly responsible for little fishing being done. At present the Waitaki River is fairly dirty.-and is not in very good fishing order. However, two anglers secured four fish each, and two others two fish each, the biggest trout caught weighing Gib. Poor sport was met with at the Kakanui River, and the few fish landed were very small. MRS G. P. MOLLISON At the morning service at Columba Church feeling reference was made to the late Mrs G. P. Mollison. The Rev. W. Maclean said that among the gifts presented by the-Magi to the Babe of Bethlehem was a gift of myrrh, which was prophetic of His death, so that, even that finst Christmastide was beshadowed as this Christmastide was beshadowed for many of them by the passing from their midst of one, devoted to the church, who went in and out among them for many years. Yet, if he knew her spirit, she would not have them allow her passing to detract from the joyfulness of this season, for she herself, absent from the body, was at home with her Lord, which was far, far better. Indeed, her last thoughts were all of others, planning kindly Christmas remembrances and preparing for the Christmas festivities of her family. She was naturally bright of spirit, like the Australian skies under which she spent her early years, and her gaiety and vivacity brought brightness into every company she entered; and her social gifts were freely used in visiting among the people. She loved all beautiful things, especially in her garden and her home; and she was a most devoted wife and mother. To the Columba Church she was most faithful and_ loyal, finding her sphere of usefulness in the Ladies’ Guild and Women's Missionary Union, and in the social functions of the church. They would miss her greatly, but they thanked God for her fellowship throughout the years, and for the enrichment that had come into their lives, individual and congregational, through that fellowship. To Mr Mollison and the {joys they offered their tender sympathy, and in their prayers commended them to the God of all comfort. Mr Maclean then led in prayer.

WAIKOUAITI-OAMARU RACES Following the Dunedin meeting, the ' Waikouaiti and Oamaru meetings will be held on Monday and Tuesday next respectively. The Waikouaiti annual meeting, held on New Year’s Day, always attracts a large attendance, chiefly from Dunedin. As many of the principal horses engaged at Wingatui w>!l also be seen at Waikouaiti and Oamaru, some excellent racing should be seen. The Waikouaiti programme consists of six gallops and two trots, and the principal event is the Waikouaiti Cup, 355sovs, over a distance of a mile and a-quarter. The first race starts at 12.30 p.m. The Oamaru meeting follows on the next day, and opens with the High-weight Handicap, lOOsovs, one mile, followed by the Trial Stakes. OOsovs, five furlongs. Then comes the Oamaru Trot (in harness), of HOsovs, over one mile and a-half. The principal race of the day is the President’s Handicap, 250sovs, one mile, tor which an excellent field has entered, consisting of some of the best horses in commission at the present time. Then follows another big race, the Waitaki Champion Hack Handicap, HOsovs, one mile and a-quarter. This event has also attracted a very good field of hacks. Another trotting event over a mile and a-quarter, the Flying Handicap, an open event over six furlongs, and the Farewell Hack Handicap complete an attractive eight-race programme. Complete arrangements have been made for the transport of patrons to the meeting. There will be an ample supply of buses and trains, and all trains will stop at the loading bank opposite the course The Oamaru Municipal Band will be in attendance.

HAMPDEN SCHOOL CONCERT The annua] concert of the Hampden. School proved very, successful, and an enjoyable programme was presented as follows: Christmas junior scholars; recitation, Alan Fynmore; Japanese song, senior and junior girls: recitation, Eileen Murray: song, ‘‘l’ll Telephone to Santa Claus,” junior scholars; recitation, Ena Joyce; songs—- “ God Defend New Zealand,” “Russian Landscape,” and “ E Pari Ra,” school choir; recitation, Eunice Stringer; sketch, “ Mr Chubb is Left to Mind the House,” senior scholars; recitation, Archie Gillies; jazz quintet, senior boys; and “ Suffragettes,” senior girls. All the items were of a high standard, and the large audience was not slow to show its appreciation of the young performers’ efforts. SCHOOL VACATIONS TAPUI. Standard IV.—Nancy Cant. Standard I. —Harold Cant. Primer 4.—Colin Clyne. Flower Gardening.—Nancy Cant. Vegetable Gardening:—Harold Cant. Special Prize Given by Mrs Henderson for Sewing. —Nancy Cant. HAMPDEN. Standard VI.-—Gordon Belcher (dux of school) 1, Doris Mnrcott.2, Jessie Cooper 3. Class prizes: Hilda Mursell, Dorothy Laing, Beryle Sprague, Elsie M'Gregor, John Mnrcott, Bruce Leith, Owen I nrner. . , Standard V. —Irene M'William 1, Lloyd Spears 2, Cliff Mursell 3. Class prizes; Harry Mnrcott, Tom Joyce, John Nicol--6011. • Standard _ IV—Eric Lee 1, Mary Sprague 2, Nancy Gillies 3. Class prizes: Alan M‘William, Ken Craig, Eileen Turner, Archie Gillies, William Joyce, Frank Mnrcott, Eddie Cooper, Jean M‘6regor, Lily M'Gregor, Paddy Mansell. Standard lll.—Betty Laing 1, Peter M'William 2, Thelma Lester 3. Class prizes: Violet Galbraith, Masie Stringer, fan Turner, and Lindsay Ford. Standard 11—Ena Douglass 1, E. Joyce 2, Francis M’Gregor 3. Class prizes: ionn Galbraith, Eunice Stringer. Standard I.—Alan Fynmore I, Gordon Jackson 2, Ernie Sprague S. Class prizes:' Alexander Galbraith, Ivan Gillies. Primers.—Eileen Murray, Joyce Turner, Isabel Leith, Betty Stringer, Hugh Galbraith, James Young, Allan M'Giegor, Kenneth Gould.

Most Popular Boy (Mr W. H. Murcott’s special prize).—H. Murcott. Most Popular Girl (Mr W. H. Murcott’s special prize).—Doris Murcott. GLENAVY. Standard VI. —Violet Miller. Standard V. —Harry Apes, Eric Borne, Jean Henty, Norman Ireland, Beatrice M’Naughton, Jim Miller, Selwyn Stanger. Standard IV.—William Miller, Marama Rita, Eva Stanger. Standard lll.—Honor Carroll, Stanley Grimson, Joan Henry, John Miller, Margaret Rainey. Standard ll—June Berry, Valmai Kidd, Eric Miller, Charlie Rourangi, John Stanger. Standard I.—Patricia Harper, Clifford Henry, Allan Rainey, Dulcina Stanger. Primer 3. —Athol Borrie, Timmy Henry, Allan Miller. Primer 1. —Stanley Ireland, Jack Reihana.

Specials.—Sewing (Mrs Kidd’s prize); Eva Stanger. Neatness (Mr Adams's prize): Jean Henty. Composition (Mrs M’Naughton’s prize): Margaret Rainey. Monitors’ prizes: Harry Apes, Beatrice M‘Naughton. Calf-rearing: Dorothy Henry. Pet lamb: Beatrice M'Naughton. Potato growing: Violet Miller. Best bloom: Selwyn Stanger. Unbroken attendance; Norman Ireland, Jim Miller (third year), Allan Miller (second year). Good attendance: William and John Miller. * THE RAINFALL The parched countryside received a welcome fall of rain, which commenced on Tuesday night and continued intermittently throughout yesterday. For the ?4 hours up to 9 o’clock yesterday morning 26 points of rain .were recorded by Mr William Forrester in Oamaru, and a further 64 points were registered up to mid-day, making a total of 90 points. Late yesterday afternoon the rain showed nn signs of abating. WINDSOR WOMEN’S INSTITUTE The president (Miss Taylor) presided over a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the Windsor Women’s Institute. The roll call, “ What we like doing on a wet day,” brought forward many suggestions. Miss Matthews gave an interesting demonstration on icing Christmas cakes. The competition for the best Christmas novelty was won by Miss M'Farlane, Miss Kennedy being second. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs Wilson and Miss E. Wilson, and the exchange of seasonal greetings concluded the meeting. SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S DANCE

The weekly dance of the North Otago Scottish Society was attended by a large gathering of patrons, and a very enjoyable time was spent. A feature of the dance was the excellent music supplied by the New Gaiety Dance Band, and good entertainment was provided for all in the programme of old and new dances. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Messrs G. C. Craig and R. Gamble. YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARTY About 35 young people met together in the Pukeuri Hall at a party held to celebrate Christmas Eve. The hall was gaily decorated with orange, lemon, and green streamers, and the paper hats of the dancers added to the effect. Games were played and a one-step race was won by Mr W. Restall, jun., and Miss R. Ward. A lucky spot waltz competition was won by Miss D. Gunn and Mr M. Plunkett? Community singing was indulged in, with Messrs J. Easton and W. Rcstall, jun., as leaders and Miss F. Easton as pianist. Music for the dance was supplied by Messrs G. Paton, C. M’Kcnzie, and Misses J. Duncan and F. Easton. Mr J. Easton carried out the duties of M.C. Supper, served by Misses M. Palon, F. Easton, and J. Duncan, was greatly enjoyed. SUCCESSFUL OAMARU ATHLETES

The following Oamaru competitors were successful in winning events at the Waimate Caledonian sports gathering:— Caledonian Handicap.—R. D. Hunter (61yds) 1. Time, 12see. Half-mile Cycling Handicap.—R. Barnes (95yds) 1. Time, Imin 0 3-ssec. Mile Cycling Handicap.—W. E. Dickson (160yds) 1, R. Barnes (190yds) 2. Time, 2min 6 l-ssec. Mile and a-half Cycling Handicap.—R. Barnes (200yds) 1, W. E. Dickson (210yds) 3. Highland Fling (under 10).—Louise Downing 1. Highland Fling (under 12).—Louise Downing 2, Betty Gerrie 3. Sean Truibhaia (under 12). —Betty. Gerrie 2, Louise Downing 3. Sword Dance (under 14) —Betty Gerrie 3. . Highland Reel (under 12).—Louise Downing 2, Betty Gerrie 3. Sailors Hornpipe (under IS). —G. Doran 1. _ Irish Jig (under 18).—G. Doran 2. OAMARU BOWLERS’ SUCCESS In the Christmas bowling tournament hold at Timaru a Meadowbank pair (W. Blacklock. jun.. and W. Blacklock, sen.) 22 beat Ramage and Gray (Kin To a 11 in the first round, Tresidcr and Torlesse (Timaru) 23 to 21 in the second round, and Edwards and Chilcott (Ashbury) 24 to 13 in the third round and won the section.* They also won a green semifinal. beating Hunt and Stewart (West End) by 18 to 16. Another Meadowbank pair beat Waddell and Gilmore (Kia

Toa) by 22 to 13, lost to M'Nish and Harkness (Canterbury) by 20 to 9 in the second round, and beat Matheson and Manning, (Timaru) by 10 to 15 in the third round. They tied with Harkness in the section, but lost B—3 in the playoff. FIVE FORKS WOMEN’S DIVISION An exceedingly enjoyable afternoon was spent at the residence of Mrs Campbell, at Clifton Falls, when all the children of the district were entertained by the Five Forks branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union at a Christmas party. After the children had done ample justice to afternoon tea, served on the lawn, Mrs Campbell, assisted by Mrs" Stott, distributed the gifts arranged on the Christmas tree, each child receiving a suitable gift and a bag of sweets. At the conclusion a vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Campbell for organising the party and providing the Christmas cake. Mrs Campbell was the recipient of a basket of flowers presented by Miss N. Johnston, on behalf of the school children.

1st 2nd Sh.Sh.Hcp. Tl. Rfm. A. Gibson .. 49 47 3 — 99 Rfm. M'Latchie .. • . 40 47 4 — 97 Rfm. W. Smith .. 49 43 2 — 94 President Orbell • . 38 41 12 — 91 Rfm. Mosley .. .. 42 43 6 — 91 Rfm. Allan .. .. 40 40 4 — 90 Rfm. Murdoch .. 39 40 10 — 89 Rfm. Marshall .. , , 45 40 4 — 89 Rfm. Leslie .. .. , , 44 39 6 — 89 Rfm. Koppert .. • • 47 42 — — 89 Rfm. J udkins • , 42 3G 10 — 88 Rfm. R. Orbell . • . 39 38 8 — 83 Rfm. Finch • • • • 34 31 20 — 85 Rfm. Richardson , , 37 38 8 — 83 Rfm. W. Gibson 49 33 -— —— 82 Rfm. Grant .. .. 35 40 4 — 79 Rfm. G. Doran .. 43 26 0 — 75 Vice-pres. Hedges .. 39 29 6 — 74