NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22219, 23 March 1934, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO.

(Fsou Oub Special Cobbespordekt.)

/ HIGH WATER AT OAMARU

March 23.—9.30 a.m. aud 9.58 p.m,

MAJESTIC THEATRE

,\ ' ■ • “ Charlie Chan’s Greatest Case,” the Hew Fox play, depicting the most recent adventures of that bland Chinese detective from Hawaii, will be shown to-day at 2;15 and to-night. Warner Oland, famous fbr the portrayal of Charlie Chan in past ecreen successes, again has the role of the philosophising policeman who finds clues where others deign to tread. This latest story from the vigorous pen of Earl Derr Biggers 1 takes - Charlie Chan over the most difficult, trail of crime and clues it has ever been his experience to tread. Stopped at every point by closed mouths and fearful' associations. Chan falls back on his mellow philosophy to'the solution of a crime that has the police backed against a wall. •Id his, suave, kindly manner Chan . proves himself more , than ever to be a man of iron will and biting intellect. The leading feminine role is in the hands of Heather Angel, beautiful newcomer to the kineraa, and she is said to acquit herself, with the sureness of a Veteran. The supporting programme is also very interesting. ; ROVERS’ HOCKEY CLUB At the annual meeting of the'Hovers’ Hockey Club, Mr E. G. Coker .presided over a large attendance of members, and the’ season promises to be a’ very' success-ful-one as shown by the keenness of the members. The chairman said .that the past season had been very successful, as shown by the- report and balance sheet. He said that the younger players, with the experience gained last year,'should, be put on a better footing for. the forthcoming, season. The annual report and balance sheet, which showed a'satisfactory credit balance, were adopted.' The • election of officers resulted-as, follows: —President, Mr T, W.- Jacobs; senior vicepresident, Mr E. G. Coker; vice-presi-dents, Messrs A. Kay and A. H. Markham; secretary and treasurer, Mr N. Pinder; committee —Messrs Frew, Coker, jun., M'Donald, and Thorpe; club captain, Mr Frew; selectors, Messrs Jacobs and Coker, sen.; auditor, Mr Robbie; delegates to the association, Messrs E. G. Coker and T. W. Jacobs; proxy delegate, Mr Pinder, The subscription was fixed at the same as last year.. It was decided to’ hold the opening day on April 14. Several new members were elected. SEA ELEPHANT AT MOERAKI On Wednesday afternoon an unusual ■pectacle was witnessed by some refii*. dents of Moeraki when a sea elephant, or elephant seal, which has been inhabiting the bay for the past week, came ashore for a few hours. The animal is of gigantiq dimensions, being close on 20 idet ini length, and composed of body about 10 feet long, similar to that of a hippopotamus, while the rest tapered off in a finlike tail, ending;-in approximately , eight huge flippers. It used the huge shoulder flippers to assist it in its approach on to vthe beach and for dusting its gigantic body with sand. A curious hladder-like formation appeared about the nose. This hung loose and limp at first, but afterwards inflated and gave the sea elephant the appearance of bearing;, a fair resemblance to a trunk. The nqstrils pierced this appendage, and the whole appearance of the creature was* impressively grotesque. The elephant seal is ■till in Moeraki waters. 1 ; i PENALTY ON RATES

Reference 'was made at ■ the Waifaki County Council meeting _ yesterday to .’the announcement in "the press'-of the statement by the Prime Minister (Mr G, ( W. Forbes) that revi•ioffs of penalty' bn; overdue Tates for the current -year would be validated by legislation, in- due course. The opinion was expressed by .•edtmcillors. that the action ef the Govijrmnent was*, a little premature, an it, plafced. 'ccjunty councils in an

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT.

awkward, position- The clerk reported an offer of payment of rates without penalty after the due date', and it was agreed that the council could, not accept payment without penalty,meantime, but that penalties might have to be refunded after the passing of "the necessary legislation. WAITAKI COUNTY' COUNCIL The monthly meeting of the Waitaki County Council was held yesterday morning. There were present. Mr A. MTnnes (chairman), Crs W. E. Aubrey, E. S. Brewster, J. D. Rutherford, W. M. Cooper, J. Rodman,' and R. B. Meek. : The following Treasury notes were received:—Magistrate’s Court fines and penalties, £2 2s 9d; goldfields revenue, £1 ,17a 6d; main highways grants, £710,16s 3d and £576 9s 3d. ■ . Messrs G. and W.-Wardell applied for permission to ; take water from the Omarama . Stream for the purpose of driving an electric plant, the power to be solely for their private use.—Granted. Mrs Jane Drew applied for permission to take water' from the water race passing through Mr Hunter’s property at Richmond siding.- —Referred' to Cr , Brewster and the engineer, with power, to act. ' Mr James Barron (Maheno), , wrote drawing attention to the approach to the ■lsland Stream bridge, at which there had been accidents lately, which he put down to the bad curve, the invisible wive fence at night, and furious driving. He suggested the erection of an electric light on a white painted fence-qn both sides of the bridge.—Members considered the chief cause of accidents was furious driving. It was agreed .that Cr Rodman and the engineer inspect and report bn the best method of remedying the matter. Mr E. Middleton (Kurow) wrote drawing attention to the fact that householders in Kurow, 'who were not landowners, had no voice in. the affairs of the community, with the result that much-needed improvements, 'such as sanitation and drainage, were ignored, and other matters, such as a public water supply, brought forward by progressive citizens, were jettisoned by the influence of a few property owners. The writer complained that it, was impossible to purchase building sites at a fair price, and the natural expansion of the township was being'retarded, and the council deprived of considerable revenue. He suggested it was the duty of the council to press for legislation to give householders the same status in local government as land owners, and to nullify the efforts of speculators who.were holding up the community by monopolising building, sites. In so writing he made no reflection on the sitting member for the riding, stating that there would be no need for complaint if the interests; of the district were entirely in his hands. —The chairman said the holding of township sections was detrimental to the progress 0 f the township, but he was afraid the round! could not help very much. Councillors agreed that the council could not .assist in the' matter, and the letter was received. . Messrs Lee, Grave, Grave, -ahd' Zimmermann wrote in connection, with', deviations from the original roads leading, to and across the Waianakurua River, and advising that the 'present owners, were willing to "legalise "the roads now in use in exchange for the abandoned parts.— Referred to Cr Rodman and the engineer for attention. Messrs Hislop and Creagh and, Main wrote in reference to the subdivision of Mr William Green’s property at Waianakurua, and the, council passed a forma! resolution exempting portion of the road from the .provisions of section 128 of the Public, Works Act. • Lemon* and Cook (Dunedin), wrote jn reference tp the declara-. tion of the road giving access to part section 45, block IX, Moeraki, as a public road;.;ahd the necessary formal resolution was " .accordingly passed by the council, and the matter was referred to Cr Ross and the engineer with power to .act. The commissioner of Crown Lands; advised 1 that erosion by the river was taking -place at the property of Mr Shines, of Benmore, and' that, the district engineer*: had reported that, if unchecked it wouhj he only a matter of time before the road would be attacked. ' The estimated cost,'of the work was £360, and the writer Jasked if the sjrph of £3OO could be found ’for tfye the council share >. the cost to, of £60.-j;Agreed to. The R'ai,%ayfeDepartmentif;forwarded a proclamation HheJ' land re- ; served and taken for a f ailway’to the pus poseg of roads on the Liyingstohe branch railway.—Received. The Public Works Department’wrote drawing attention to the department’s ; requirements in reference to the council’s .undertaking, to provide future adequate maintenance of; road works carried out by or subsidised by the Received.

The Main Highways Board advised the council of the decision to modify certain conditions in reference to sign-post-ing on main highways.—Received. The District Highways Council advised that no subsidy would be paid by the Highways Board in future in respect to loose tools used for highway works.— Received. Authorities were received from the Main Highways Board for £4OO, estimated amount to widen the Awamoa bridge, and £434 12s 6d for widening and reshaping the main highway between Herbert and Waianakarua.—Received.

The Valuer-general advised that it was proposed to issue to the council a copy of each new valuation applied for, showing the date up to which an objection might be lodged.—The chairman asked councillors to consider the question of a reduction of 25 per cent, of the valuations in thfe county to meet the valuations of those who. had already received reductions through private revaluations. He considered that it would only be fair to pit all ratepayers on the same footing, as the council could reduce all valuations that had not already been reduced. —lt was agreed to deal with the matter at next meeting, and the letter was received.

The Tauranga _ County Council wrote asking the council to support a resolution asking that early consideration be given to the granting of some easement to county ratepayers to the extent of permitting county councils to make a rebate allowance of 20 per cent, on the 1933-34 rates. —It was considered that the allowance asked for' was too much, and the letter was received.

The Waitomo County Council wrote asking what support the council was prepared to give with reference to testing the State Advances liability regarding the payment of rates_ as mortgagee of freehold lands. —Received.

Messrs Hislop and Creagh and Main forwarded license for William Warwick to occupy part of the Kurow Creek reserve. —The chairman was authorised to sign the lease. The North Otago Farmers’ Union wrote reporting that sheep worrying had been prevalent in certain districts, and asking the council to instruct the rangers to endeavour to have all dogs in the county registered.—lt was pointed out that such instructions had already been given to the rangers, and the letter was received. One traction engine license was granted, and two building permits for £699 10s and £875 respectively were issued* General accounts amounting to £2189 Is 7d Papakaio water race accounts £36 19s 4d (total £2226 0s lid), were passed for payment. ENGINEER’S REPORT.

The engineer (Mr G. L. Cuthbertson) reported for the month as follows; Moeraki Riding; The contractors for resealing the main highway between Hampden and Hillgrove iiad satisfactorily completed the work. The lorry was engaged in patching the main highway between Waianakarua and Hampden. Otepopo Riding. The contractor for gravelling the Allday Bny-Herbert road was not making satisfactory progress with the work. He was now well over the time limit with a

considerable quantity yet to come out. The result was that the surfaceman was kept tied up in the one place to the detriment of his other work. Tenders would be before them to-day for preparation work on the main highway from Herbert to Wainakarua. Incholme Riding: He inspected the road to the Dasher, and there are several patches which required gravelling to make the road passable in wet weather. As the work should be done before winter, tenders should be called as soon as possible if the work was to be done. Knkaiiui Riding: The plans for widening the. Awamoa bridge had been approved by the Highways Board, and as the authority for the work was to hand, the sooner it was put in hand the better. A start had been made with the metalling on the main highway from the town boundary to Winsley’s. corner, preparatory to sealing next season. A site for a suitable rubbish dump at Kakanui township had been .decided on, and a notice would shortly he put up. Papakaio Riding: A box culvert had been put in the Steward Settlement race on the main highway, near Waitaki bridge, in plgye of the old pipes, which were broken and were too small anyhow, causing flooding of the road. The lorry had been engaged in gravelling the roads in Ardgowan. The raceman reported plenty of water available in the Papakaio race, and be had completed the cleaning of the race. This had entailed a good deal of extra work owing to the prolific growth. As funds were available It ■ would be advisable to renew some more of the oldest flumings. Awamoko Riding: The. grader had been on the main high; way,, and had trimmed up a number of by-roads. The trees obscuring the view at the Duntroon bridge had been cut down. A nine-inch pipe mould in addition to the 12-inch one they had at .present would be of great use to the .surfaceman at Island Cliff. Otckaike .Riding:, TJie contractor was making good progress with the gravelling on the Dun-troon-Earthquake road. , Tenders had !heen called for this meeting for the reinforced concrete culvert at Mulvena’s crossing on the Pukeuri-Kurow highway. Ahuriri Riding: The Public Works Department had made considerable improvement in the deviation beyond the Awahokomo bridge, and when the extra metal was trimmed up with ■ the grader the road would be in first-class order. The contractor was making good progress with the maintenance gravel on the highway between Benmore and the Ohau River. Several crossings on this road had been piped with the locally-made pipes and a great improvement effected. Another 12-inch pipe mould would be a great help. General: He had attended the Engineers’ Conference in Dunedin at the end of last month, when a very successful gathering was held. Car: Since the January meeting the car had run 1558 miles and had used 82 gallons ot petrol and about a gallon of oil. It wa s decided to invite tenders for the work on the road to the Dasher and for the widening of the Awamoa bridge. The engineer was authorised to procure the pipe moulds required. The engineer reported that the contractor for gravelling the Allday Bay-Herbert, road had been ill,- but expected to finish the contract next week. —The report was adopted. The lowest tender, that of G. Pheloung, for £205 15s 3d, was accepted for the concrete culvert at Mulvena’s crossing, and the lowest tender for the HerbertWaianakaruaroad was recommended for acceptance to. the Highways Board.

TRAFFIC INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The traffic inspector .(Mr P. LaugHlon) reported that' during the month Waitaki, Waihemo, Maniototo, Vincent, and Lake Counties were patrolled. Several operators of'heavy motor "vehicles in some of the .counties were behind in payment of heavy, traffic fees, .but. as a result of his visit .the fees were paid within a reasonable time. The loadometers were used six times during the month. A fine “’as imposed for exceeding the speed limit, and breaches of the regulations noted and informations laid. Irregularities arising out of the heavy motor vehicle regulations were noticed, and operators of . the vehicles had been requested to comply with the regulations.—The report was received.

WAITAKI 'COUNTY FINANCES

The county, clerk; (Mr R. K. Gardiner) submitted the following financial statement as at March 21 to-the monthly meeting of the Waitaki County Council yesterday;— *.” '

Bank Balances.—County fund, er. £9264 12s; Papakaio water race district account, cr. £477 15s lOd; special loan account, cr. £43'l9s; Ahuriri special loan account, cr. £4408 18s sd; land' fund account, cr. £39 lg 6d;—total, £14,234 7e. General Rates. —Levied for 1933-34, £15,482 14 e 9d; collected,y£U,s*6 ,3s 4d; outstanding, £1936,115. ■ sa>* amount Collected represented 85.6 S per cent, of 'the:’ rate levied, compar’edvj'with 72.37 per ‘cent, collected at the; same date last year, •General arrears collected, during the current year were as follows:—1928-29, 16s; 1929-30, 16s; 1930-31, £1997 5s 3d; 193132, £1389 19s 6d; 1932-33, £IBO7 19s Bd; total, £5196 16s;5d. General.rates outstanding were as follows: —1930-31, £4lB 145".2d: 1931-32, £9OB 19s 4d; 1932-33, .£1979 7s 8d; v - 1933-34, £1936 11s sd; total, £5243 12s 7<1." " Papakaio Water Race District Account. —Rates levied 1933-34, £584 3s; collected, £494 10s 2d: outstanding, £B9 6a lOd. The amount collected represented 84.76 per cent, of the rate levied, compared with 79.80 per cent, in the previous year. Arrears collected during the current year were as follows: —1930-31, £7 16s 9d; 1931-32, £43 8s 6d; 1932-33, £6B 3s 6d;—total. £ll9 8s 9d. Water rates outstanding were as follows: —1930-31, £l2 13s; 1931-32. £44 8s 4d: 1932-33, £49 lie- lOd; 1933-34, £B9 6s 10d; total. £196. Special Loan Account. —Arrears collected during current year:—l93o-31, £l2 17s: 1931-32. £l9 8s lid; 1932-33, £l7 15s 6d:—total. £7O Is sd. Special rates outstanding were as follows: —1930-31, £1 16s 10d; 1931-32. £lO 19s 9d; 1932-33, £l910s 8d; —total. £32 7s 3d. The clerk reported that he estimated the credit balance at the end of the financial year at £B2OO. There had been no overdraft, and no interest paid on overdraft. The chairman (Mr A. M'lnnes) said the position was very different . rom previous years in having a credit instead of a debit. It was very satisfactory to see the arrears coming in so well. _ The country was by no means in a flourishing condition yet, but it was very gratifying to the council and ratepayers to know the rates had come in so well. Cr Rodman also commented that it was gratifying to know ratepayers were meeting their obligations. and the council should express gratification at the assistance given by the stock firms. He did not know of another county council in the country which had collected 84.76 per cent, of the rates. He also expressed appreciation of the work of the clerk in this connection, with which councillors agreed.

OAMARU GARDENS The curator (Mr John Tait) reported to the Oamaru Borough Council last night that a consignment of 1600 trees, comprising 14 species, had arrived from France and had been lined out. The consignment was in the nature of an experiment, and consisted of very small trees, which would require to be acclimatised and grown on for several years to a useful size. Approximately 1500 crocus had been replanted, and should make a fine display in the spring. It was gratifying to note the crocus had increased very rapidly, the original stock of two years ago consisting of 250 crocus. During the month four large picnics had been held in the gardens, indicating their continued popularity. Mr Tait commented on the gardens display at the annual show, and on the useful work carried out under No. 5 scheme. The foundations of the new bridge at the motor camp were being i.roceeded with. The weather from a gardening point of view had been ideal for the past few months, and the gardens on the whole were looking exceptionally well at the present time, and it was hoped would prove an attraction to the many Easter visitors. An outstanding display ot tne various marigolds associated with autumn tints of azaleas at the top of the gardens was only one of the many attractive features. —The report was received.

ART UNION PRIZE WINNER In the Golden Chance Art Union the third prize of £2OO was won by Mr A. E. Howell, of Weston, with ticket A 67542. This is the first occasion in which a prize of considerable value from an art union has come to Oamaru iu receut years.

EASTER BOWLING TOURNAMENT The following is the draw for the Easter bowling tournament to be held in Oamaru under the auspices of the North Otago Bowling Centre: — SINGLES. Thursday. 8 a.m. PHCENIX OLD GREEN. (Umpire; Mr A. C. Forrest.) Section 1. —D. H. Thomson (Phoenix) v. W. J. Manuel (Roxburgh), W. Denholm (Meadowbank) v. D. Marshall (St. Clair). Section 2. —W. Richardson (Awamoa) v. J. M'N'nrry (Roslyn), R. Mathieson (Phcenix) v. W. H. Selfe (Meadowbank). Section 3. —J. Tisdnll (Awamoa) v. R. Woodhouse (Roxburgh), A. C. Alcock (Roslyn) v. N. H. Colquhoun (Phoenix). Section 4. —H. Donald (Meadowbank) v. T. Crisp (Awamoa), T. Pan'y (Waimate) v. A. C. Forrest (Phomix), PHCENIX NEW GREEN. (Umpire: Mr E. W. Grenfell.) • Section 1. —J. T. Adams (Phoenix) v. W. W. Walton (Awamoa), J. Crisp (Phoenix) v. R. Wilson (St. Clair). Section 2. —E. Grenfell (Phoenix) v. R. Jenkins (Awamoa), E. Taylor (Meadowbank) v. T. Dunlay (Roxburgh). Section 3.—H. L. Familton (Phoenix) v. W. Nicholson (St. Clair), Hi E. Wedde (Phoenix) v. K. Familton (Phoenix). Section 4.—W. Buist (Phoenix) v. A. E. Hodge (Awamoa), T. R. Berry (Meadowbank) v. A. Slater (Phoenix).

RINKS. Friday, 8 a.m. PHCENIX OLD GREEN. (Umpire: Mr T. R. Berry.)

Section 1. —J. T. Adams v. 11. Malcolm (Dunedin), C. H. Andrew (Meadowbank) v. G, F. Richardson (Waimate), C. C. Cook (Awamoa) v. G. Pierce (Temuka), A. E. Broad (Waihopai) v. T. R. Berry (Meadowbank). Section 2. —G. Foster (Phoenix) v. Gibson (Timaru), W. Campbell (Meadowbank) v. W. Thompson (Kaitangata), W. Buist (Phoenix) v. T. Kennedy (Awamoa), J. Tisdall v. E. Harraway (Dunedm)‘ PHCENIX NEW GREEN. Three Games of 21 Heads. (Umpire; Mr E. Stokes.)

Section 1. —A. Slater v. E. Stokes (Hampden), H. J. Martin ' (Meadowbank) v. J. Betten (Waimate),

MEADOWBANK GREEN,

(Umpire: Mr Alexander Robertson.) Section I.—F. H. Barr (Awamoa) v. J. J. Boyd (Roslyn), F. W. Humphries (Phcenix) v. H. Easton (Pukeuri) ,C. Don (Meadowbank) v. J. E. Gray (Kia Toa), D. H. Thomson v. S. Molhson (Meadowbank). _ , _ , Section 2.—H. Donald v. J. J. Healey (Waimate), W. Aikenhead (Phoenix) v. T.: C. Coull (St. Clair), T. Crisp (Awamoa) v. E. W. Grenfell (Phoenix), A. E. Hodge v. R. Woodhouse.

PAIRS. Saturday, 8.15 a.m. PUKEURI GREEN. (Umpire: Mr E. W. Grenfell.) First Round—D. H. Thomson v. B. Easton (Pukeuri), T. R. Berry v E. W. Grenfell, Athol Robertson (Meadowbank) v. F. H. Barr. H. Miller (Phoenix) v. R. Jenkins (Awamoa). PHCENIX OLD GREEN. (Umpire; Mr J. J. Healey.) First Round.—W. Morrison (Roslyn) v. J. Carson (Meadowbank), Healey (Waimate) v. J. Middlemisa (Kaitangata), Aikenhead’s third v. W. Hedges (Timaru), W. H. Selfe (Meadowbank) v. T. A. Nicholson (Waihopai), E. Stokes (Hampden) v. D, Mai'shall (St. Clair), J, Marshall (Phcenix) v. T. Snow (Temuka), R. Cameron (Waimate) y. H. Donald, Harraway’s third (Dunedin) v. R. Crisp.

MEADOWBANK GREEN (Umpire:, Mr W. Walton.)

First Round.—H. Archibald (Meadfiwbank) v. J. J. Boyd (Roslyn), J. T. Adams v.• P.- Schroeder (Waimate), J. Tisdall v. J. E. Gray (Timaru), W. Denholm v. W. Thompson (Kaitangata), It, Malcolm (Dunedin) v. D. Donaldson (Kia Toa), W. Campbell v. G. F. Richardson (Waimate), J. Gertie v. R. Woodhouse (Roxburgh), T. C. Coull ,(St. Clair) v, W. W. Walton (Awamoa).

AWAMOA GREEN. , (Umpire: Mr W. J. Chappell.) First Round. —H. L. Familton v. Alexander Robertson, W. J. Rusbatch v. C. Don, W. Panckhurst (Phcenix) v. H. J. Martin (Meadowbank), H. W. Mursell (Hampden) v, W. Buist (Phoenix), H. Easton (Pukeuri) v. W. J. Chappell (Meadowbank), T. Kennedy v. T. Wright, D. A. Bee (Meadowbank) v. G. Foster (Phcenix), E. Tomkins (Awamoa) v. J. Crisp. PHCENIX NEW GREEN. (Umpire: Mr G. A. Mitchell.)

First Round.—F. W. Humphries (Phoenix) v. T. E. Parry (Waimate), D. Gibson (Timaru) v. W. Aikenhead, C, H. Andrew v. T. Crisp, G. Pierce (Temuka) v. E. Harrway (Dunedin), A Slater v. S. D. Lawson (Dunedin), J. M'Narry v. R. Woodhouse, J. Betten (Waimate) v. S. Mollison (Meadowbank), G. A. Mitchell (Phoenix) v. A. E. Broad (Waihopai) . PIGEON FLYING The first race of the young bird season, the Ashburton Flock Race, a distance of 94 miles, was recently conducted by the Oamaru Homing Pigeon Club, the following being the results:—Webb Bros. Endurance (1394.9 yards per minute) 1, S. Browne’s Hurry On (1393.7) 2, W. Newton’s Gay Ivan (1388.5) 3, Winning time, Ihr 56min 54sec. Also competed: H. Day, R. Brooker, C. Chilcott, and D. Sparks. On Saturday the club will compete in the New Zealand Homing Pigeon Federation’s Young Bird Derby Challenge Cup. The trophy is at present held by Mr A. Rudduck, a member of the Oamaru Club. Affiliated clubs from all parts of the Dominion will be competing for this cup in the race of 120 miles. The Oamaru race point will be Burnham. ARM BROKEN While playing at the South School, Oamaru, a boy named Alan Cawley, aged seven years, the son of Mr F. Cawley, of Tamar street, had the misfortune to fall and break an arm. He was taken to the public hospital, and is making satisfactory progress CRICKET

The annual school cricket match between the Timaru and Waitaki Boys’ High Schools was commenced yesterday morning under ideal batting conditions, the wicket being fast and true. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat. The Waitaki bowling was erratic, the batsmen making the most of the conditions to compile 384 by forceful cricket. Waitaki replied with 127 for the loss of three wickets, when an appeal against the light was upheld. The Waitaki fielding was not up to the usual good standard.

The opening batsmen were Souter and M'Lachlan, who carried the total to 40 in 30 minutes before a separation was effected by a swinging full toss from M'Lachlan. Ritchie joined Souter. the pair hoisting the century in 64 minutes. Shortly afterwards Ritchie was caught on the boundary by Adams, his tally of 50 including one 6 and eight 4’s. Blue became associated with Souter in a prolific partnership, adding 56, when Souter was also can,Hit by Adams well out. His score of 75 was made by sound batting, and included 12 boundaries. Blue and Earwaker brought the double century up in just over two hours’ fast scoring. Blue scored chiefly with cover drives to compile 58 in 43 minutes, his tally including a 6 and eight 4’s. Broad knocked up 23 to assist Earwaker to take the total past 300. Earwaker continued to bat soundly, placing his shots accurately. He passed the century in good style, being

caught by Wilson after 100 minutes at the crease. He hit 19 boundaries. The board now read 365 —8 —124, the remaining batsmen adding 17. The Timaru boys gave a good display of forceful batting. Of the Waitaki bowlers Capstick and Kerr secured the most wickets, .Kerr delivering 23, overs. Waitaki opened with Kerr and Capetick, who played sound, careful cricket to reach 77, when Kerr put his leg in front of a ball from Blue after compiling 43. Blundell went cheaply, but Capstick and Holloway continued batting carefully to reach 127, when Holloway gave Blue his third wicket. At this stage an appeal against the light was upheld, Capstick being undefeated with 64 to hie credit. Blue was the most successful bowler for the visitors. The following are the scores: — TIMARU. First Innings. Souter, c Adams, b Capstick 75 M'Lachlan, b Kerr .. " Ritchie, c Adams, b Capstick .... .. 50 Blue, b Blundell .. .. .. ■• •• • • •’S Wilson, c Gowland, b Tilbury .. .. 0 Earwaker, c Wilson, b Kerr 124 Broad, c Gowland, b Capstick .... 23 M'Donald. c Jordan, b Capstick .. .. 2 Scott, b Kerr .. J [J Sara, b Gowland Courtis, not out 2 Extras • • • • Total 284 Bowling Analysis.—Kerr, three for 70; M'Kay, none for 36; Holloway, none for 45; Capstick, four for 78; Tilbury, one for 44; Kelk, none for 28; Blundell, one for 22; Gowland. one for 19. WAITAKI. First Innings. Kerr, Ibw, b Blue 43 Capstick, not out 04 Blundell, b Blue J Holloway, b Blue 10 Extras .. 3. Total for three wickets .. .. 127 JUNIORS. The second elevens’ match was in an interesting position at stumps. Batting first, Waitaki compiled 239, the _ chief scorers being Blakely (66), Martindale (46), Sutton (34), and Uttley (26). Timaru. replied with'222 at stumps for the loss of nine wickets. Thompson (82), Monaghan (29), and Baillie (27) were the principal contributors to the total, ALPINE CLUB A small meeting was held in'Oamaru last night to consider the advisability of forming a North Otago sub-section of the New Zealand Alpine Club. Offers of assistance and co-operation fromthe Otago section of the club were received. It was decided to call a further meeting in the near future. . A committee consisting of Miss L.» Familton and Messrs S. A. Ombler and W. S. Gilkison, was set up to make the necessary arrangements. PERSONAL At the Waitaki County. Council meeting yesterday, the chairman (Mr A. MTnnes), made reference to the passing of Mr C. W. Kent, late town clerk of Oamaru. Mr Kent, he said, had given much valuable service to the public, and the Waitaki Council had received much valuable assistance from him. They all regretted his passing after his short retirement, and he would be sadly missed. A, motion of condolence was passed with the rejatives in the customary manner. Queen’s Hotel.—Captain .and Mrs Policy, Mr. J. S. Withers, Mr and Mrs Granger (Auckland), Mr D. O’Connor, Mr H. Bowker, Mr T. R. Sharp, Mr G. Exton,, Mr J.'G; Ward - (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs J. S. Woods (Omarama), Mr R. Sise (Dunedin); 1 New. Club Hotel.—Mr J. O’Shaunnessy, Mr K. Bundle', Mr P. H. Moray, Mr C. Clarke, Mr W. Fraser, Mr R. Bremner (Dunedin). Mr H. A. Hungerford (Christchurch), Mr G. J. Burtenshaw, Mr A. S. Wansborough. Mr I. F. Stenburg, Mr T. A. Barrow, Mr H. M. Conway. Mr H. Montague, Mr C. K. Dick (Wellington). OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL The fortnightly meeting of the Oamaru Borough ■ Council was held last night. There were present the Mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney), and Crs R. Milligan, G. A. Mitchell, F. Butterfield, R. Jenkins, J. H. Treseder, Ki. Familton, J. C. Kirkness, and A. R. Tait., The Finance. Committee, reported a credit balance in the district fund account of £4488 9s sd, and accounts amounting to £Bl3 14s 2d were passed for payment. : • The recommendation of ; - the Finance Committee in respect to half-rates on a vacant property was approved. , . • ... j . The Finance Committee recommended that debentures be issued in respect to premiums on the Public -Trust loan. — Adopted. ■The,. Finance Committee recommended that a consolidated rate of 3s 3d' in , the £ be struck as security for the conversion loan.—The Mayor reported ' that the Loans Board had approved of the borough proposal for loan conversion. The Finance Committee recommended that application be made to the Minister of Finance to cancel the unexercised authority 'in respect to that portion _of the Drainage and Waterworks Loan which had not been raised. —Adopted. The race inspector (Mr D. Fraser) reported that in view of the increasing need for flume reconstruction, and to hejp out the existing plan of reconstruction, he would urge that some of the smaller jobs be taken in hand as part of the yearly maintenance, and that it would be wiser, and eventually prove a' saving, to remodel on similar lines to the Hendersons Gully flume such small flumes as at Peebles and at Bush Gully, Papakaio.—The Waterworks Committee recommended that the suggestions be approved.—Adopted. The Waterworks Committee reported that an application for a domestic supply at the West Belt by Mrs Agnes Carlson was referred to the chairman with power to act. , , The Town Hall ' Committee reported that the caretaker’s report' on renovations necessary to the building, and also the question of the provision of ammeters, had been referred to the chairman to obtain estimates. The Town Hall Committee could not recommend any interference in the division of seats in the theatre, when let for entertainments. —Adopted. The By-laws Committee reported that the chairman and inspector had been authorised to determine stands for omnibuses. '■ 1,1 , The health inspector reported on the result of a recent by-law prosecution, with the magistrate’s comments, and the Bylaws Committee recommended that the annual license fee for drainlayers be reduced to 5s. —Adopted. A legal opinion was received. from the Municipal Association, * and the Works Committee recommended that Mr A. Hamilton be informed that the council was advised it had no liability in the matter of providing support to protect the embankment in Test street on the south side of section 22,. block 28. — Adopted. The Works Committee recommended that the extra charge of £34 3s for extra street lights and alterations to the contemplated street lighting system, as per schedule submitted to the Waitaki Electric Power Board, be accepted.—Adopted. The Works Committee reported that after consideration of the tenders received, the question of selecting a suitable type of tyre for the lorry was referred to the chairman to confer with the driver and report.—Adopted. The Works Committee recommended that, subject to the approval of the Post and Telegraph Department, a seat be placed in the wall recess of the Post Office building in Meek street.—Adopted. The Municipal Band was granted permission to give a concert in the Gardens on April 1. - , The Reserves Committee recommended that the protest from the Beautifying Society against the continued destruction of trees and shrubs in Bother street be referred to Inspector Crump for attention and report.—Adopted. The application of the Beautifying Society for permission to plant the sloping banks under the oaks in Severn street with bulbs was granted. The Reserves Committee recommended that the architect be requested to prepare plans and specifications for conveniences at the Gardens. —Adopted. The Gas Committee recommended that the Finance Committee consider the question of providing the Gas Department with a special fund for the express purpose of providing gas appliances on the best possible terms. —Adopted. The Oamaru Fire Board wrote expressing appreciation of the effective manner

in which the fire plugs had been indicated, —-Received.

The Windsor Sunday school was granted permission to hold the annual picnic in the Gardens on Saturday. The race inspector’s suggestions in connection with flume reconstruction were approved. S. Hook wrote drawing attention to the difficulty experienced in obtaining the use of a piano at the Town Hall, and requested the council to consider 1 the purchase of a piano for the theatre, and hiring it to entertainers when required.— Referred to the Town Hall Committee. The Beautifying Society wrote submitting that the hoardings in Thames land Kibble streets were in contravention of the by-law which stipiilated that hoardings should not be of a greater height than 12 feet above the level of the ground. The society protested against the licensing of these hoardings, and requested that the licenses be not renewed. —Referred to the By-laws Committee.

The borough inspector (Mr A. F. Crump) reported that grazing fees amounting to £lO 10s 8d had been collected, 102 dogs had been registered, v ’ith fees amounting to £2B 17s Cd, and notices to owners about noxious weeds and overhanging hedges had been given with satisfactory results. The borough was in a fairly clean and tidy condition at present. —The report was received. An invitation from the North School Jubilee Committee for the Mayor and councillors to attend the service at the Opera House on April 1 was accepted. The Women’s Division of the Fanners’ Union applied for exemption from the regulation requiring itinerant traders to make a deposit of £5 5s in respect of markets to be held every Friday at the Polytechnic Building.—Referred to the Bylaws Committee. G. T. Gillies’s tender of £34 for the supply of tyres was accepted. Cunningham Bros, were appointed vehicle inspectors for the borough for the coming year. The Mayor reported on the business transacted at the Municipal Conference, and was thanked for his report. TUNNEL PROPOSAL It is understood that engineers are at present investigating a proposal to drive a tunnel through the South Hill for the railway, thus avoiding a heavy gradient to Waiareka on the main south line. The proposal was recently brought forward at u conference of local bodies in Oamaru os work on which unemployed labour could be engaged with advantage.