NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22259, 11 May 1934, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

;OAMARU BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING '', "]'''■ ' - ! At the annual meeting of the Oamaru Beautifying Society Dr A. Douglas presided over a good attendance of members./ ' . .'■ :',- ■"-■:■ ■'■' " . ■'■• , "- : . The annual report disclosed that during the .year several important-improvements tb : the appearance of the town had been effected,' potably the planting of -flower- . ing cherries on the sidewalk at the northern entrance to the town. Last/ winter the; Borough Council began a comprehensive scheme of planting and improving [the borough reserves. The society assisted this project with a gift of deciduous trees to the value of £25. The planting of reserve D had been very successful, arid promised to make a conspicuous improvement: to the, entrance. to the town from the! south. Additions, had been made to the: native plantations in Warren gireet. A.iumber of native shrubs were planted at; vßushy Beach, and a row of native lac&barks was planted on-the porth side of. Don street. Some thousands of bulbs .had ]• been 'planted under; tha oaks in Severn street.; The society had to ,deplori the fact that in its contest witli; ugliness in the town it met with a reverse during the year in the erection of large.and unsightly,hoardings for private- 7 advertising purposes in the main l streets; The committee's unanimous protest to the' Borough Council was ineffectual; Since,, according to the'borough by-law, the license for such hoardings expired:, on March 31, the. committee again' approached the council and requested .that the license should riot be renewed, on the ground' that the size , of the hoardings was in direct contravention of;' the borough by-law, but the request had been declined by the council. " Ther- committee., considered that' such , hoardings! were disfiguring to the main sfereetj calculated to damage the growing '■:' reputation of Oamaru as an attractive an beautiful' town, and; therefore, opposed td'the best interests of "the community ' ag„a whole. The house-to-house collection •waVagairijsuspended, owing to the difficult economic conditions, but a general appeal waj■'' made to former subscribers,, and thanks were due to those who generously responded with contributions to the socity's'funds. The Oamaru Returned Sol- : diers' Association had. as in past years, .. liberally assisted-by subsidising the wages ';. of > unemployed men, ana the committee " thanked'the association for its consistent support. , The thanks "of the society, were i. due ; to Mis B . Reid for. procuring a valu-, able • collection of bulbs suitable for naturalising.in grassland to Mr Robert Dick for a similar gift.' Mr'F. Clapper • tori made a • very valuable contribution to.:-the' Borough Council of bulbs for planting in Oraria Park. The. society was indebted to Mr John Tait, curator of the public gardens and reserves, for hia supervision.: pf the society's work and the keen Intereßt:he had shown in the welfare of • the society's operations as a whole. : The thanksl of the society due.to Miss Beckipgsale and H. Frith Sior their ,eontributiorisj>fJ)ulbs. M The conimittee: thanked' Mr, D. V. G.' Smith, r the honorary ■ secretary and treasurer, the "press, arid-Mr Fawcett Clapperton. . '■■■ Dr Douglas said that the committee >«hould' feel, that it was now reaping the 'benefit of its labours for. many ytars past. • It was 20. years this winter since a con'trovefsv' took place in the town whether trees "shouldb'e planted in Thames street. During the past 20'years the society had continued to do-good work throughout the .-town.' He thanked'the committee for its

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

services, and especially the ladies who for many years Had attended meetings regularly and interested themselves in affairs for the welfare of the society and town. The fact that the society was able to carry on continuously during economic difficulties without a house-to-house collection was due to the assistance derived from the Government, relief. schemes, as labour expenses had been greatly reduced. Although collections had not been, made for a time, the community was participating in the work of the society when it contributed in the way of taxation for the carrying on of the relief schemes. In addition, there had been a liberal response' by past' contributors, and this made it possible for the work of the society to be carried on. ■ As difficult times were still'prevailing, the' president advocated that the society: should not conduct a collection again this year. He was sure that the society would be able to carry on as it was doing, and with satisfactory success. In speaking of the hoardings erected in the town, Dr Douglas said that in 1927 the citizens had been surprised at the action of the Railways Department in erecting hoardings in Itchen street, and, after a protest had been made by the Chamber of Commerce and the society, the hoardings were removed. The president then referred to the nursery in Chelmer street, and said that the society was fortunate in having Mr Tait, who was' keenly interested in the work there. He had recently inspected the nursery, and he was glad to state that it was developing into a satisfactory and promising nursery. There were a number of trees, there, and in the future the society would have them at its disposal. Through co-operating with the Borough Council, a number of. trees had been obtained from Europe at a comparatively small cost. _ . Dr Orbell, in seconding, the motion, said he was pleased to hear from-the report that the society had taken notice of the refusal of the Borough Council to. bring about the removal of hoardings, which the citizens must look upon as ugly sights in the town. It had been brought to the notice of the council that it had contravened its own by-law' by allowing the hoardings to remain, but it refused to act, and he considered that a vigorous protest should be made against this sort of thing. Dr Orbell said that the council gained only £6 13s 6d per annum from the hoardings, and he suggested that the society should offer the council ' this amount to have them removed. The annual report and the balance sheet (which showed a credit of £25 ss) were adopted. ..-..:'; The election of .officers resulted as follows:—President, Dr A. Douglas; senior vice-president, Dr R. S. Orbell; vice-presi-. dents—Mesdames A. Douglas, J. M. Forrester, Smith Morton, Miss Reid, Messrs R. Milligan, R. L. Banks, and Freebury; committee—Mesdames M'Qmnn, W. Mac:, aulay, J. Tait, R. Milligan, W. P. Reid, Lennox Douglas, Misses Miller and Maude, Messrs J. H. Main, F. W. Humphries, J. Robertson. C. H f Church, H. I>. Familton, N. H. Colquhoun, H. Day, H. Treseder, and G. A.,Mitchell; secretary and treasurer, Mr D. V. G- Smith; auditor, Mr W.'J. Davies. . J _ A letter was received from the Borough Council stating that it did not intend taking further action in regard to the hoardings.—The. president considered that the society's protest would not be entirely ineffectual, as it would influence the council in future decisions.—lt wa s agreed to hold the matter over. ~,.,.., The Borough Council advised that the question of the destruction of. trees in Rother Btreet by wandering cattle had been left in the hands o£ the borough inspector to deal with. ■ Mr J- Tait reported on. the shrubs at Bushy Beach, and stated that about 80 per cent, of "those planted were' progressing very well. He ' suggested improvements that could be made by the planting of shrubs and bulbs at various vantage points. He stated that the trees •throughout the town were looking exceptionally well, and especially at Reserve B, and the society could take a certain amount'of credit for the work done there. Mr R. L. Banks said that he would very much like to see rhododendrons planted along the pathway between the Fire Brigade and Drill Hall, and the path extended both ways.. Other suggestions for improvements in the town were made by Mr Freebury and Miss Miller. ; It was decided to adopt the same plan as last year for securing assistance towards the society's work. . It was agreed to support the Borough Council in its request to the Waitaki County Council that arrangements be made for stock to be taken along a back road and not through the town. . BOXING TOURNAMENT AN ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME Last night the Oamaru Opera House was well filled for the opening boxing tournament for the season, staged by the Oamaru Amateur Boxing Association. An attractive programme of novice, open, and special bouts had been arranged, and several clever exponents of the game were seen in action. Boxers from various parts participated in the tournament, and the presence of. such notable performers as A. Dasler (Marlborough) and P. Brant (Timaru) made the meeting more'interesting. The majority of the boxers displayed good ringcraft, and there was keen competition in all bouts. During the evening the New Gaiety Orchestra rendered . much-appreciated selections. ; In the novice class the best fight was between two feather-weights of Oamaru, J. Nash and J. White, the former gaming the decision. . Owing to the non-appearance of some competitors two exhibition bouts were staged. Mr J. A. Johnston (Waitaki Hydro) was the referee, Messrs E. Parker and D. Richardson the judges, and Mr A. E. Hodge the announcer.

Results:— Novice Feather-weight.—J. Nash 9.0 beat J. White 8.13. Paper-weight.—C. Symons (Hydro) 6.10 beat J. Behm (Hydro) 6.5. Welter-weight.—K. Easton 10.3 beat W. Hesselen 10.2; B. M'Pherson. 9.6 beat W. Hesselen 10.0 by a technical knock-out in the last round. Bantams.—T. Collins 7.7 beat B. Thomas (Hydro) 7.5. Middle-weight.—J. Guthrie (Timaru) 11.0 beat J. Skerrett 11.0 by a technical knock-out in the second round. Open Middle-weight.—J. Farquhar (Timaru) 10.10 beat J. M'lndoe (Oamaru) 10.10. The final bout was between A. Dasler, of Blenheim (12.0) and B. Brant, of Timaru (12.2) over six two-minute rounds. Both boxers indulged in a good deal of hard hitting and infighting. Dasler forced the fight, winning four rounds to gain the decision. WOMEN'S CLUB ■, On Tuesday the Literary Circle of the North Otaeo Women's Club held an exceedingly enjoyable evening, arranged by Mrs A. Douglas, her subject being "The Life and Works of Mary Webb.".' After a description of the genius and personality of this talented writer, and also many interesting details of her life, Mrs Douglas read some delightful extracts from " Seven For a Secret." Extracts from "Precious Bane" were read by Mrs MTJowell, and extracts from " The Golden Arrow" by Miss Carroll. At the close of the evening her listeners felt that Mrs Douglas had given them a renewed interest in their appreciation of a modern writer, whose works have become classics.

A FORTUNATE ESCAPE

CAR PLUNGES OVER BANK ABout 7.45 p.m. on Wednesday a five-seater sedan car, driven by Mr David Williams, of Ure street, Oamaru, plunged over the steep bank opposite Wharfe street, where it joins Itchen street, and came to rest among the shrubs at the bottom. Mr Williams had a miraculous escape, receiving no injuries. _ The car was proceeding down Wharfe street, and when nearing the corner the lights of a following car, reflecting on the windscreen, dazzled Mr Williams and, instead of taking the corner, he continued on across the road, and the car plunged over the bank. On realising that he could not save the car from going over the bank, Mr Williams had the presence of mind to drive straight down the steep grade, which is about 30 feet to the' bottom. .If he had not done so the car would have undoubtedly turned over, and the result might, perhaps, have been very serious. Yesterday morning the car was pulled up from the bottom of the grade by a motor lorry and car. The front mudguard of the machine was damaged and the 'front axle was slightly bent. OAMARU SAVAGE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of .the Oamaru Savage Club was held last night. Great Chief G. C.. L. Dickel presided over a good attendance of Savages. The annual report and balance sheet, which showed a credit of £l2 13s 6d. were adopted. The following office-bearers were elected:—Great Chief, Mr R. B. Nichols; scribe, Mr ' R.' D. Newson; scalphunter, Mr 'D. V. G. Smith; Council of BravesMessrs J. T, Armstrong, A. Bloch, H. J. S. Grater, J. E. S. Newson, W. K. Tomlinson, G. C. L. Dickel. W. G. Bain, K. Spooner, E. M'Diarmid, S. Cameron, J. Burke, I. Dalmer. . It was decided that the. question of the limitation of membership-should be held over till next year, and that the subscription should be the same as for last year. ■ ENFIELD ACTIVITIES At the annual meeting of the Enfield Ladies' Basketball Club the president (Mrs Joiner) occupied the chair, and extended a welcome to several new members. An invitation'for matches against the Five Forks A and B teams was accepted for to-morrow week. It was decided to affiliate with, the North Otago Basketball Association. It was agreed that members of the club should hold a concert and euchre tournament at the end of .next month to raise funds for uniforms and conveyance. The following officers were elected:—President, Mrs Joiner; vice-presidents—Mesdames Finlay, Fallon. Frew, Diver, Yuille, Judge, and Wilkinson; secretary, Miss Hopkineon; committee —Misses D. Paton, M. Yuille, B. Judge, J. Wilkinson, and P. Atkinson. '■", . ' , m ,. •_, At the monthly meeting of the Enfield P.W.M.U. there, was a small attendance. Mesdames Judge and Webster read missionary letters and Mrs Baird read a letter from .Miss Cowan regarding the Presbyterian Association. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Miss Manson. The annual ball of Waiareka Lodge, held in the Enfield Hall, was very successful, arid an enjoyable evening was spent by the large number present, lhe hall was artistically decorated with blue and rose-red streamers forming a canopy, while the supper room was also very attractive. The supper arrangemente were in the hands of Sis. Bradley, assisted by Mesdames Yuille, Diver, and Anderson. Sis. Sherwin's orchestra provided excellent music for the dance. COURT PROSPERITY The fortnightly meeting of Court Prosperity (Juvenile Forestry Court for boys) was presided over by S.C.R. Bro. R. Young. The following nominations were received for office for the ensuing term: — C.R., Bro. R. Young; S.C.R., Bro. L. Doran; S.W., Bro. B. Robertson; J.W., Bro. R Dobson; J. 8., Bros. L. Kilgour, R. Inglis, J. Wilson, and C. Steffenson; M.S., Brc. W. Brain. Another stage in the Quoita Competition was completed and arrangements were made for further competitions. . At a meeting of the Management Committee of Court Prosperity correspondence was received from the Juvenile Council giving details of the Association football tourney to be held in Dunedin on June 4 for juvenile Forestry Courts. It was decided to hold over the question of entering until next meeting. Court Pride of Waitaki wrote acknowledging the congratulation of the. committee on the formation of a mixed adult court, and stating that the formation of a juvenile court would receive attention. It was resolved to write offering every aid in the formation of such a court when feasible. The secretary was instructed to forward letters of appreciation to Messrs K. Familton and C. if. Mollison for their able addresses to the court on the occasion of the Anzac service. ■ . MEN'S GOLF ■. 7. . The following have been selected to play against Timaru on Saturday:— Morning.—Kilpatrick, Sumpter,. Cuthbertson, M'Beath, Holmes, Milnes, Mathieson, A. G. Robertson, K. Familton, Hargreaves, Ryan. C. R. Hedges, Catto, Johnston, Hewat,, Ireland, M'Dowell, Crimp, Black, C. Hedges, R. Hedges, Woodward, T. Hedges, M'Cullocli. Afternoon Fourball. —Sumpter and Cuthbertson, Kilpatrick and M'Beath, Scott and Milnes, Rivers and Mathieson, M'Kenzie and A. G. Robertson, Nicholls and Hargreaves, Roll and Johnston, Catto and C. R. Hedges, Hewat and Orbell, Armstrong and R. fledges, Kinder and T. Hedges, Spark and Millar. GENERAL NEWS High Water at Oamaru.—May 11: 0.43 a.m. and .1.5 p.m. Addresses of particular interest to farmers will be delivered by Mr Allan Leslie, of Lincoln College, at Maheno to-night, and Hakataramea to-morrow night. The executive of the Oamaru United Friendly Societies' Picnic Committee has decided to hold a dance in the Scottish Hall as a fitting wind-up to a successful period in 1934. This action has been approved by the lodges, each of the nine lodges being represented by three delegates on the committee. Sub-committees have been appointed to carry out arrangements, and the date has been fixed for June 13. The Mortgagors' Adjustment Commission, which has been in Oamaru for the past few days, concludes its sitting today, A burglary in a church was perpetrated when the Eveline Church was entered and the penny box belonging to the Eveline Women's Institute was purloined. About 10s was contained in the box. SHIPPING NOTES The Opihi is expected at Oamaru on Tuesday, May 15, to load for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lvtteiton. The'Waimarino is expected on Monday, May 28, to load for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Poolta is now expected on Wednesday,' May 23, to load for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton.

YOUNG FARMERS' SCHOOL

FINANCE AND STOCK FEEDING The Young Farmers' School at Waitaki yesterday morning was devoted, to instruction in banking, farm accounting, and a ttlk on Empire marketing. The first of these lecturettes was given by Mr W. F. Kerr (manager of the Oamaru branch of the Union Bank), who gave a very interesting and educational address on banking. He dealt with the various aspects of the subject, and at the conclusion of his address was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr H. P. Aitken. the next speaker, dealt in a very lucid manner with farm accounting, arid the necessity for keeping books on the farm. Mr A. Cameron gave his hearers much valuable information in the course of a highly-interesting address on " Overseas Marketing." He dealt with various market problems and the possible development of further avenues for the sale of New Zealand's produce. He also told of what had been done already in establishing markets, and dealt at 6ome length with the development of Eastern markets. He spoke of the great difficulties encountered in this quarter on account of religious and economic opposition. The lecture was very enlightening, and dealt with a new aspect of the varied course which the students are taking. Mr Cameron was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. . ■ Mr A. Leslie delighted young men with a fluent and much-enjoyed address on "The Breeding and Feeding of Stock," in which he traversed a wide field, and introduced much humour. He emphasised the vast importance of pedigree in stock,' which was made up of family history, progeny, and production tests. External characterisation and fancy points of little or no economic importance should receive little consideration. Mr Leslie went on to deal with the breeding of stock. He stated that inbreeding, or the mating of closely-related individuals, and line breeding, or the mating of more distantly-re-lated individuals, were the only breeding practices that should be followed if uniformity in stock was to be obtained. Improvement in stock breeding was a slow process. Selection from within the breed gave good results, but importations would give much better results. He recommended the lifting of the embargo,and the importing of stock from Great Britain direct instead of through Australia, which, he said, was a country that had diseases which did not exist in Great Britain. Mr Leslie went on to speak of experiments that had been carried out with dipping sheep and showed that it was best to dip the sheep when they had plenty of wool on them, not just after shearing operations. Mortality in the sheep at dipping was chiefly due_ to the animals breathing the dip into their lungs and not to their swallowing it. For this reason, cooler water was better, as in hot water the sheep were breathing quickly and were more likely to breathe in the dip. It was a poor farmer who dipped his lambs before they came off the ewes. Referring to the disease of worms (stomach and lung worms) in sheep, Mr Leslie said that increased feeding was always good for worms, and when medicine was being supplied the lambs and sheep should be fasted for a night or so. The sheep • should be dosed every three weeks and the food supply should be improved simultaneously. In Canterbury some farmers lost as many as 50 per cent, of their hoggets through worms. Copper sulphate (bluestone) was the usual dose, but lime and phosphate had to be incorporated in the sheep's food. It was better to supply these ingredients in the food than by licks. . Good, top-dressed ryegrass contained 75 per cent, of lime and a similar percentage of phosphate. Answering questions Mr 'Leslie dealt with the dry feeding of sheep in winter, which, he stated, was entirely satisfactory. Small breaks on each type of food were preferable, and it was essential to build up both the quality and quantity of the food for the breeding ewe. At the conclusion of his address Mr Leslie was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation. Last evening Mr B. B. Walton addressed the young men on " Farm Finance," and followed up the talks of the morning on various sides of finance. The address was a suitable conclusion to another successful day of instruction. ST. LUKE'S CHURCH VISIT OF BISHOP BADDELEY There was a good congregation in St. Luke's Church last night when the parish had the privilege to receive a visit from the Rt. Rev. W. H. Baddeley, Bishop of Melanesia. A very impressive service was conducted by Archdeacon Russell and the Rev. M. Newton (vicar of Kurow). / The musical part of the service was led by the church choir, with Mr F. C. Burry at the organ. Messrs A. Bloch and H. J. Jenkins (wardens) acted as sidesmen.

In his address, Bishop Baddeley said he knew how great an interest the people of Oamaru had taken in the mission, and how liberally they had contributed to its fund. He outlined the geography of the Melanesian Group, in which there were some 150 islands. With such a spread-out diocese, it could be seen how necessary sea transport was. In December the seventh Southern Cross had arrived, and the people of New Zealand had given a ketch to the archdeacon t in' the south of the diocese. The necessity for so much sea transport explained why Melanesia made so big a demand on the mission funds in New Zealand. The church officers were at present working in about a third of the islands. Bishop Baddeley referred to the great change that had come about since the time, 62 years ago, when the first Bishop of Melan. esia had been murdered. On a recent visit he had made to the island at which the murder, had occurred, two boys had swum out through the'breakers, ignoring the sharks in the surf, to the bishop s vessel to be confirmed. This was an instance of the change that had come about. The bishop described the islands and the nature of the. different districts ne had visited. He spoke of the discovery of new tribes, and how 200,000 people were in need of the teaching of the Gospel. This was a challenge to the church in England, New Zealand, and Australia, and it had to meet its obligations in taking the Gospel to these heathen people. Bishop Baddeley went on to tell of how the natives were being taught, and how groups of villagers were placed under the charge of native priests. There were many parts where heathens were still in control, and he told how groups of native teachers had given their services in taking Christianity to these heathen territories. There were now some 61 of these teachers in Melanesia. He referred with feeling to the untiring, work of these native brothers in opening the door for Christianity among the heathen. They were tending the sick and helping people in all kinds of ways. These native teachers were spearheads to open the way for the light of the Gospel to come in after their preliminary work. A teacher would go out and open a school, and carry on the preaching of the Gospel. Bishop Baddeley said the struggle was between Christianity and darkness, and he was pleased to state that the work for Christ was winning all through the islands. He told of some of the horrors he had seen in heathen districts, and how people seemed to lose the wish to live. There were people who said that the natives would be far better off if left alone, but it was the will of Jesus Christ that they should go to the heathen, taking the Gospel not only by word of mouth, but in tending the sick and in the alleviation of pain. Bishop Baddeley gave a picture of conditions in the Christian communities, which were in strict contrast to those among heathen peoples. In concluson the bishop made an appeal to the people of St. Luke's to carry on in their support of the Melanesian Mission. MAJESTIC THEATRE " Blonde Bombshell," an M-G-M production, will Be shown finally to-night at the Majestic Theatre. It is based on a play by Caroline Francke and Mack Crane. Victor Fleming directed, with Jean Harlow and Lee Tracy in the starring roles. The cast includes Frank Morgan, Pat O'Brien, Una Merkel, Ted Healy, and Franchot Tone. It is a comedy of Hollywood life. To-morrow "Gallant Lady,"' with Clive Brook and Ann Harding, will be the attraction. OPERA HOUSE. To-night and Saturday night Mae West makes her debut in Oamaru at the Opera House in " She Done Him Wrong." At the matinee " Forbidden Trails,"' a Western comedy-drama, will be the at- ' traction.

OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL

REDUCTION IN RATES A special meeting of the Oamaru Borough Council was held last night to consider the estimates. There were present the Mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney) and Crs R. Milligan, G. A. Mitchell, A. Wilson, F. Butterfield, R. Jenkins, J. H. Treseder, K. Familton, N. H. Colquhoun, N. S. Bain, J. M'Diarmid, J. C. Kirkness, A. R. Tait. The Mayor pointed out that the council had finished the financial year with a credit balance of £3400. The council should make an effort, he thought, to reduce the rates as far as possible. He had thought the council would have been able to reduce the rates by 6d, but, on going into the matter, he had found the amount mentioned a little too much. He hoped councillors would support a reduction in rates of 4d. The Mayor paid a tribute to the work of the various chairmen and the councillors generally, and congratulated the town clerk and staff on a successful year's work. Cr Familton also paid a tribute to the chairmen of committees. The general rate had been reduced from 2s 6d to Is 9d and the special rate by Id. The reduction of interest removed £3OOO from the council's burden. They had the opportunity of reducing the rates still further, and he moved that the rates should be reduced by 3d and that the estimates should be pared down accordingly. Cr Colquhoun seconded the motion. Taking into consideration the higher hospital board levy on account of Waipiata and the possibility of the fire board levy being a little higher and also the amount required for loan conversion, he said, it would be wiser to reduce the rates by 3d instead of 4d. , Crs Bain, Wilson, and Milligan favoured a reduction of rates, but considered the estimates should be dealt with first. ; After a brief discussion, the motion was carried. This means that the borough rates have been reduced since 1928 by Is Id, leaving the average rate at 3s 9d. , , The proposed estimates were dealt with seriatim. .'.,,. Cr Bain stated that he had had certain proposals to bring forward in connection with the progress of the Gas Department. Now that the rate had been fixed he could not bring forward his proposals. What departments would be cut to provide the Gas Department with the funds it needed? The councillors had voted in the. wrong direction in putting the cart before the horse. Crs Treseder and Kirkness agreed to reductions of £4OO and £l5O in town maintenance and water works respectively in order to allow the gasworks expenditure to remain at the proposed figure of £19,471. The Mayor suggested that a small loan might be raised to provide a fund for giving special terms to consumers for gas ranges. It was decided to provide £IOO for the revision of the borough by-laws and £2OO for unauthorised expenditure. Small reductions were made in other departments to balance the estimates, which were agreed to. OBSTETRIC HOSPITAL At a special meeting of the Oamaru Borough Council last night it was decided to support the Dunedin City Council in urging the Government to accede to the request of the Otago Hospital Board for the immediate erection of the obstetric hospital by providing £20,000 to supplement the grants of £3OOO, the subsidy from the Unemployment Fund, and the sum of £6OOO offered by the Dunedin Savings Bank. The Mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney) said he considered the Government had not kept faith in the matter. The Government would be well advised to redeem its promises and.accept the Dunedin offer. PERSONAL Sueen's Hotel.—Mr L. S. Martin (Ausia), Mr G. B. Fraser (Auckland), Mr A. M. Smith, Mr R. A. Ambridge (Christchurch), Mr F. J. Robinson (Timaru), Mr R. Watson, Mr A. M. M'Leod, Mr R. Milne, Mr H. Cowdrey, Mr D. G. M Reid (Dunedin). New Club Hotel.—Mr and Mrs K. J. Thompson (Marton), Mr A. Blacklock (Auckland), Mr H. R. Best (Christchurch), Mr M. F. Mearns, Mr B. Etherington. Mr A. Thompson, Mr M. Lawn, Mr C. W. Adamson, Mr W. Jones (Dunedin), Mr Raymond M'Ateer, Mr H. A. Wright . (Timaru), Mr W. A. James (Invercargill), Mr L. F. O'Brien (Wellington). ■ '• KAKANUI HARVEST SALE The Athenoaum Hall at Kakanui presented a gay and busy scene on the occasion of the annual harvest sale. This function is arranged by the members of the Presbyterian Church, and the proceeds go towards the various mission funds of the church at home and abroad. The stall-holders were kept busy during the few hours that the sale lasted, and a good sum was raised for this very deserving effort. The following acted as stall-holders: — Cake stall, Mesdames Smith and M'Cabe; work stall—Mesdames M'Ghie, Walter, and Maffey; vegetables, Mrs Carruthersj sweets, Misses L. Brown and C. Maffey; bran dip. Misses A. Brown and I. Rapson; produce stall, Misses Robertson and Hunt; shooting gallery, Messrs Macdonaid and W. Watts; scally-wag, Mr J. J. Maffey; refreshments—Mebdames Macdonaid, Robertson, and Young. Miss Walter officiated as general secretary. Prior to the conclusion of the sale, Mr J. Rodman (session clerk) delivered an address on the aims and objects of such functions, and thanked all those who had assisted in any way to make the sale a success. Mr G. Macdonaid (secretary for the church), thanked the Rev. E. E. Andraws for his work as minister during the year, and the session clerk for his word of commendation.