NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22392, 13 October 1934, Page 18

NORTH OTAGO

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

HAEREMAI CLUB LIGHT OPERA PRESENTED Following on its successful dramatic presentation, "Lilies of the Field," the i St. Paul's Haeremai Club assisted by friends staged a much enjoyed abridged rendering of the light opera, " The Rebel Maid" (Montague Phillips). St. Paul's Hall was filled to capacity by a very appreciative audience, which demanded recalls on almost every occasion. The production was mainly under the direction of Miss A. Blair, who played the accompaniments. Mr R., J. Meldrum led the orchestra, which played enjoyable numbers, and the artistic stage decorations were carried out by Mr J. Tait (curator of the Public Gardens). All the chorus work and individual numbers were impressively carried out, and the whole presentation attained a very pleasing standard of artistry. Although unassisted by scenery and staging, the songs and choruses gave the audience a lasting impression of the beauty of the popular light opera, and the performances of those taking .part was all the more meritorious because of the lack of background. The following were the numbers " presented :—Opening chorus, " Thia Englishman's Land"; duet, "In 1688/' Miss Sampson and Mr G. M'Leod; song and chorus, " Sunshine and Laughter.' Mrs W. Kinder (soloist); quartet and gavotte, "Shepherdess and Beau Brocade"'—Misses Sampson, R. OHiver. Messrs J. G. Adair and G. M'Leod; song and chorus, " Unavailing Little Lady," Mr. G. M'Leod (soloist); song, "When a Dream of Love You Cherish," Miss Bradstock: song and male chorus, "We've Searched the Countryside," Mr D. Ross (soloist); song, "I Want My "Man to be a Landlord," Miss M. Wilson; chorus, "How Strange Thi s Tumult": song, "The Old-fashioned Cloak," Mrs Adair; chorus, "Serving Maidens Merry"; male chorus, " Ho. Ho. Diddle Dum ": song and chorus, "Are My Lanterns Shining," Mrs W. Kinder (soloist); chorus, "When the Heart 19 Blithe and Jolly"; sdng and chorus." The Fishermen of England." Mr W. Denholm (soloist); song, "SailMy Ships," Miss Sampson; chorus," Wisdom and Folly "; and finale, " They Have Come ) from Over the Seas." ' After the performance those taking part spent an enjoyable social half hour, when supper was dispensed. Mr J. C. Kirkness proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to Miss Blair and Mr R. J. Meldrum for their work; and this was carried by acclamation. WOMEN'S DIVISION, FARMERS' UNION . \i ■ Mrs. Duncan presided at the monthly meeting.of the Hilderthorpe branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union. One new member was elected. A discussion took place on the forthcoming garden party to be held in December, and various committees were set up. The 'roll call was answered with a recipe for a summer drink. The competition, "Something From a 501 b Flour Bag," resulted in some very fine samples of work being shown, and Mrs Haugh proved the winner with a morning tea set., .An enjoyable afternoon tea was served, after which, a very interesting talk on pictures was given by Mrs Ballantinei of Herbert, who illustrated the work with some Very fine drawings on a . blackboard and pictures. On the motion . of Mrs Duncan, Mrs Ballantine was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. A Home Science box on "Meat, fish, and poultry, and ways of serving","-was studied by the members, and all decided to obtain copies.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

ALPINE CLUB NORTH OTAGO SUB-SECTION A meeting of members of the North Otago Sub-section of the New Zealand Alpine Club was held in Oamaru, and reference was made by the chairman to the loss of Mr W. G. Grave, who would be particularly missed ,by mountaineers, and a motion of condolence was passed in the usual manner. A talk was given by Mr W. G. Gilkison on various climbs and journeys of exploration in the Otago Alps, with particular reference to the traverse of Mount Earnslaw, at the head of Lake Wakatipii. By means of a map of the district, lantern slides and other illustrations, he gave an interesting account of the first ascent of the mountain from the west, and the first traverse of both peaks. This was followed by a series of slides of Mount Aspiring district, and a selection of views on the Tasman •Glacier 6hown by Mr S. A. Ombler. . Members were pleased; to meet Guide F. Alack, of the Fox Glacier, who showed some interesting views of that locality. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to those who had assisted at the meeting. AN IMPOSING COLLECTION . Seldom has there been seen in Oamaru such a. fine collection of trophies as is at the present time on view in Messrs J. Craig and Co.'s window in Thames street. The trophies belong to Mr C. H. Smith, of Rosebery, and late of 57 Wharfe street, and include 31 cups, one rose bowl, one large. shield, one plaque, one silver teapot, and two gold medals, and the majority have been wen by Mr Smith during the past two years with his three dogs, Chance, Joe, and Stan. The trophies are valued at £2OO, and of the collection 14 cups, the plaque,, and the two gold medals have been won outright by Mr Smith. Among these are the Tarras, Hakataramea, Albury, and North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Cups won two. years in succesion, and the Ngapara Cup won three years in succession. One of the gold medals was gained for the southern championship of Palmerston, and the other was awarded by the Waimate Collie Club. Mr Smith has won the Patearoa, Bog Roy, and Waitahuna Cups on two occasions, and before they become his property. The valuable Challenge Cup given by the North Island Collie Dog Association was competed for at Middlemarch for the first time, and Mr Smith proved the winner. Last year Mr Smith was successful with his dogs at every meeting he attended, and this year he took part at 23 trials and was a prize-winner at 21. CRICKET Team! for • Saturday:-r-Union Seniors.—Meikle, M'Callum, M'Donald, Robbie, Brown, Tonkin, Blair, Spear, Maddigan, William Budd, H. RonUnion Juniors.—King, Stark, Walter Budd, Beckingham, Park, Mahoney, Brook, Combie, Falloon, Pellet, Harwood.' Union Third Grade.—L. Blair, E. Ewing, C. Ewing, Arnott, M'Murtne, Ambler, Cameron, Dobson (2), Roney (2). k Albion Seniors.—Jacobs, A. Brooker, Geddes (2), Taylor, Davey, Palmer, Hunt, Firth, Sampson, Brosnahan. Albion Juniors.— Hodge, Moore, Howell, Cooney (2), Thorpe, Robinson, Dexter, Foss, Brewster, Wills, Main, Brown.

WAITAKI ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING The president (Dr R. S. Orbell), presided over a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the council of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society. It was decided to write to Mr C. H. Swinard thanking him for his gift of seven rowan trees and two ornamental planes for the Bridge Reserve at Waitaki. It was decided to grant £2 2s to the North Otago Angling Club to assist in its efforts .to procure scales and data for fish research. Mr W. Parrott advised that he was able to deliver a lecture on "Fish Scales and Data from the Kakanui" on Thursday, October 25. but Mr H. G. Williams wrote stating his inability to give a talk on " Shags " on that date.—Received. The Government Tourist Department wrote seeking information in regard to all classes of shooting in the society's district as it intended collating information for a booklet solely on shooting and fishing for issue overseas.—Messrs W. Dewar and A. C. Piper were authorised to supply the required information to the department. The Treasury forwarded the sum of £3 Is Id for fines collected in a recent poaching case.—Received. The Department of Internal Affairs wrote thanking the society for the information it had supplied regarding the spoon-bill and shovel duck. It also forwarded a warrant declaring black teal absolutely protected, and advised of amendments to the Taupo and Rotorua trout fishing regulations. l —Received. It was reported that the quail received from the Otago Society had been successfully liberated. It was also reported that some members of the council had visited the reservoir prior to its being limed. The question of netting the fish and transferring them to other waters had been considered. The idea had been abandoned, however, as it was likely to run the society into considerable expense, chiefly because of the damage that would be caused to nets.. It was decided that two cans of brown trout fry be liberated in the Oamaru creek. Accounts totalling £lO 18s 0d were passed for payments. / Mr J. Scott Main (curator of the Hakataramea hatcheries) advised that he had laid down 200,000 brown trout ova and 50,000 rainbow ova on behalf of the local society and a similar number had been laid down for the Waimate Society, making a total of 500,000 ova. The 200,000 brown trout ova received from the Otago Society were up to the usual standard forwarded by that body. In reference 'to the tagging of fish, Mr Main pointed out that the best time for these operations was in the latter part of May.—Received. Mr W. Yorston (Maheno) wrote thanking the society for acknowledging his services, and forwarded in|ormation regarding the state and temperature of the Kakanui River.—Receii-ed. OVERSEAS MAILS Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Oamaru, as under: — Saturday, October 13.—Fiji, Canada, United States of America, Central and Eastern South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, Japan, also American air mails, via Vancouver (per Aorarigi, from Auckland), per north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Mail due in London about November 13. Monday. October 15.—Great Britain, Ireland, Continent of Europe, also Central and Western South America, via Panama (Tainui, from Auckland). Correspondence must be specially addressed. By north express at 11.15 a.m. Late-fee letters 11.35 a.m. Due London November 30. Australian States, South Africa, and the East* (per Makura, from Wellington), by north express at 11.15 a.m. Latefee letters 11.35 a.m. Tuesday, October 16.—Australian States, South Africa, and the East, via Sydney (per Monowai, from Auckland), by north express at 2 p.m. Latn-fce letters 2.20 p.m. INCOMING MAILS. (Approximate Dates.) . October 13.—Tamaroa: English. October 16. —Makura: English and American. Monowai: Australian. GENERAL NEWS High Water at Oamaru. —October 13: 6.20 a.m. and 6.50 p.m. October 14: 7.22 a.m. and 7.53 p.m. General entries for the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association's annual show close on Friday, November 2. On Thursday afternoon the Enfield Lawn Tennis Club held its official opening for the season, when there were about 20 members present and also several friends of ' the club. The courts were opened by Mrs Presland and Mrs D. Elliot, who played the first rally. Mr D. Elliot (president) extended a hearty welcome to all, and wished the club a very successful season. A good deal of enthusiasm was shown, and playing was kept going l until dusk set in. Messrs Mulligan and Forbes -have been instructed to sell by auction, on October 19, the complete plant of the Burlington Tea Rooms. The sale will take place on the premises of the Burlington Tea RooniSj and will commence at 1.30 p.m. Information may be obtained from Mr A. Hamilton (solicitor) or the auctioneers. The Oamaru division of the New ZeaInad Legion, and not the Farmers' Union as previously reported, has appointed a new executive, with Mr R. Dick (Weston) as president and Mr J. Gerrie as secretary, with a committee of seven. Yesterday afternoon and evening the Oamaru troops of Boy Scouts and Cubs held a further successful copper trail in Thames street, with a view to raising funds to assist in sending Scouts to the jamboree at Melbourne, to be held in connection with _ the centenary celebrations. The trail extended along the street for some distance, and the result proved very satisfactory. PERSONAL Mr R. Hopkins, superintendent of the local branch of the Temperance and General Insurance Company, has received a cable message from Melbourne stating that the branch has won the country section of a competition within the company, and he will leave for Melbourne in about a fortnight. At the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's meeting yesterday, motions of sympathy were passed with Mr J. M. Smith in the death of his daughter, Mr T. Portis in the death of his mother, and with the relatives of the late Mr R. T Mitchell, an old member of the association. Mr and Mrs J. H. Main have returned to Oamaru after an extended motor tour of the North Island. Queen's Hotel. —Mr A. C. Henderson, Mr J. Wilson (Timaru), Mr O. H. Green, Mr G. Castelloe (Wellington), Mr Turner-Smith (Christchurch), Mr W. A. Service, Mr B. G. Bell, Mr Slowley (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs H. B. Shipley Greendale. Mr R. Colee, Mr G. A. Ridgin, Mrs E. P. Adams (Selwyn), Mr and Mrs D. Stewart. Mr H. J. Mills (Auckland), Mr L. Griffiths (Hamilton). MAYORESS'S RELIEF COMMITTEE Tlie Mayoress's Relief Committee acknowledges with thanks the following contributions to the depot:—St. Paul's Haeremai Club, £3B S.s: Miss Banks, £2; "A Friend." ss; Busy Bee (Herbert), ss; Mr R. Milligan, sack of flour; Mrs W. H. Meek, infant's knitted clothing; Mrs Armstrong, clothing; Miss Willett, knitting; "A Friend," clothing; Mrs Watson, knitting; Mrs Earl, shoes; Mrs Vennall, clothing; Messrs Cleverley and Brown, bread, scones, and cake. The committee would be pleased to receive gifts of potatoes and onions.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the committee of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held yesterday afternoon, Mr W. E. Aubrey (president) presiding over a large attendance of members. Accounts totalling £B3 17s 8d were passed for payment. The action of the Finance Committee in accepting the lowest tender for painting the cattle 6heds, was approved, the matter being left in the hands of Messrs Don and Gibson. Mr David Little wrote forwarding subscription to the association, and advising that as he had removed from the district he had to tender his resignation as a member. —The resignation was received with regret. The North Otago Primary Schools Sports Association wrote thanking the association for granting permission to use the Show Grounds for the annual monster sports gathering.—Received. The Wyndham Society advised that its show would be held on September 7, and horse parade on September 29. The Masterton Society wrote inquiring whether the local association agreed to the increased levy by the Royal Agricultural Society.—The action of the secretary in replying that this association did not agree to the increase, was approved. The Royal Agricultural Society advised that the subscription due by associations would remain as formerly—namely, 1 per cent, of members' subscription, the question of increase being referred to the executive for further consideration. —Received. The offer of Mrs Crombie for show catering was accepted. The secretary reported that straw was given free for the show by Mr James Grant (Pukeuri), Mr Grant being accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Nine new members Were elected to the association. __„ STEWARDS. The following stewards were appointed for the forthcoming show: —• Chief marshal for horses—Mr D. Cant. _ Assistant marshal for horses—Mr J. A. M'Kenzic. lr „ ~ Chief marshal for sheep—Mr W. Macdonald. Chief marshal for cattle—Mr E. S. Chief marshal for pony trots and stockriding—Mr C. Don. . Stewards —Border Leicester, Comedales and halibred—Messrs W. Macdonald and H. J. Andrew; English Leicesters, Romneys, Soutlidowns, Ryelands, and Shropshires—Messrs G. and H. Simpson; fat sheep—Messrs W. Cameron and T. S. Little; dogs—Messrs J. Mahoney, S. Gillies, and J. Aubrey; pigsMessrs J. Mahoney, S. Gillies, and J. Aubrey; dog trials —Messrs W. R. Macaulay (convener), W. Macdonald, W. M'Kenzic, R. Aubrey, and E. Dunstan; Shorthorns—Messrs N. C. Gilchrist ami E. S. Brewster; Ayrshires—Messrs A. M'Donald and D. Stumbles; Jerseys— Messrs D. Rodger and A. Copland; Friesians—Messrs W. H. Meek and C. J. Cowan; general cattle—Messrs T. Portis and D. Rodger; demonstration class and calves—Mr E. S. Brewster; light horses (first day)—Messrs G. Bruce (marshal), J. M. Smith, R. B. Meek, W. Cameron, and C. Don; second horses —Messrs G. Bruce (marshal), J. Wylie, G. Simpson, W. R. Macaulay, and C. Don; draught horses—Messrs J. Tisdall (marshal), P. W. Borrie, N. C. Gilchrist, A, M'Donald, W. Doig? and C. J. Cowan; produce', grain, etc. —Messrs James Wylie, P. W. Borrie, E. S. Brewster, J, Simpson, and W. Doig; * woolclassing—Messrs H. J. Andrew and James Simpson; Award Committee—Messrs W. E. Aubrey. P. W. Borrie, A. W, Woodward, John Macpherson, and J. Simpson; parking of cars— Mr R. B. Meek; pony trots—Messrs C. Don, G. Bruce, and D. Cant; grand parade—Messrs J. Tisdall and G. Bruce; gates—Messrs R. B. Meek, J. Gibson, J. Wylie, W. Macdonald, and W. R. Macaulay. DISTRICT LAMB COMPETITION. The New Zealand Meat Producers' Board forwarded particulars of the gested district competition in export' lambs, asking the association to 'give the scheme its fullest co-operation. The rules set out that the local association in each district to be the controlling body, the entries from each farmer to be limited to not more than two pens of three lambs each. The association will arrange for the selection of 15 pens to constitute the district's entry to be shipped to London, the individual weight of each lamb not to exceed 401 b frozen weight. To enable farmers to see the carcasses of lambs after they were killed in order to compare the quality, a field day will be arranged at the freezing works on the day the lambs are killed. Mr D. J. Ross spoke on the matter and urged members to support the scheme, while Mr Cowan contended that North Otago should forward a very fine display to London. It was decided to co-operate in the scheme, the offer of Mr J. Simpson of a £5 5s cup for the best pen of lambs on their feet being accepted with thanks. It was also decided to award £3 3s for the best pen of lambs on the hooks. The Meat Producers' Board also offers prizes of £ls, £lO, and £5 for the best individual lots of lambs shipped from the South Island, as well as a challenge shield tor the best district display. The following committee was set up to make all arrangements:—Messrs W. E. Aubrey, P. W. Borrie, J. Simpson, and W. Macdonald, with Mr D. J. Ross exofficio. CHURCH SERVICES The Rev. Brian Kilroy will close his ministry in St. Paul's Church, Oamaru, to-morrow. Mr Kilroy has been minister of St. Paul's for over six years, and he will leave for Wellington on Tuesday. He will be inducted as minister of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in that city on Thursday next. At 11 a.m. tomorrow there will be a special service of dedication when elders' chairs in memory of the late ■ Mr James Gilchrist will be accepted and dedicated. The chairs are the gifts of Mr Gilchrist's sisters and brother. In the evening Mr Kilroy will give his farewell address, his subject being "The Danger of Settling upon the Lees." All members and friends of the congregation are cordially invited to be present. A valedictory social will be tendered to Mr and Mrs Kilroy and Mrs Kilroy, sen., on Monday, October 15, in St. Paul's Hall at 8 p.m. There will be speakers representative of i>resbyterial, congregational ministerial, educational, civic, aVid social associations. The services in St. Luke's parish tomorrow will be conducted by the V'm. Archdeacon Russell and lay readers. Holy communion 'will be celebrated at 8 and at Newborough at 11. Mr J. S. Gerrard. manager of the Anglican Orphanages, will officiate at St. Luke's at 11, and at evensong the anthem, "He Watching Over Israel," will be sung. At Newborough at 6.30 there will be a Bible class rally, the service being taken by Mr S. A. Grave. Archdeacon Russell will officiate at Totara at 2.30 with the address by Mr Gerrard. Miss Mackisack, the diocesan organiser for the New Zealand Girls' Bible Class Union, will be entertained by the members at Newborough this evening, and will probably speak at the rally there on Sunday evening. She is the guest of Mr and Mrs J. Newson. MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING \. . The following are the results of the weekly shoot of the Railway Club:—J. Mackie, 80—1—80; A. Brown, sen., 70—1 —80; J. M'Pherson, 78—2—80; I. M'Kav, 77—5—80; C. Tempero, 70—4—80; D. Williams, 76—4—80; G. Wisnesky, 70— 5—80; C. Andrew, 78—1—79; E. Roney, 754 —79; J. Joyce. 73—5—78. J. M'Pherson won the rifle button for last week. J. Mackie, by putting on three consecutive 80's for the night, won Mr Middleditch's trophy and the handicap button, his score being 298 out of 300, counting sighters in.

MINIATURE RIFLE CLUBS WIND-UP FUNCTIONS The Totara Hall was comfortably filled for the wind-up social and dance of the Totara Miniature Rifle Club, and the function proved one of the most successful held by the club. Dancing was indulged in to good music by Messrs R. Rae and L. Barsdell, an extra being played by Miss M'Cabe. Messrs S. Wilson and V. M'Donald carried out the duties of M.C.'s. Dancing was greatly enjoyed by all, and a Monte Carlo number was won by M.iss R. Mather and Mr A. Richardson. Progressive euchre was played in the supper room, and the ladies' prize was won by Mrs M. Sinclair, with Mr V. Ross the winner of the men's prize. A very enjoyable supper was provided, and later in the evening the presentation of the trophies won during the season took place. The president of the club (Mr D. Marshall) said he was pleased to see such a good gathering present, and thanked the donors of trophies for their interest in the club. He then pi-esented the chaniy pionship cup to W. Smith, and congratulated him on his fine performance during the season. This fine cup was presented to the club by the late Mr D, Clark, and has been won outright by W. Smith, who has been the winner on three occasions. Mr W.: Laney (Weston Club) was then called on to present the following trophies:—Miniature cup for highest score off the rifle, W. Smith; Mr I. Kear's trophy, S. Wilson; W. Williams's trophy, H. Blair; Taieri and Peninsula Company, Joe Carrig; Mr H. Benson's trophy, J. Richardson; Mr D. Whittaker's trophy. V. M'Donald; Mr Baxter's trophy, A. Harper; Mrs Marshall's trophy for the most improved marksman during the season, L. Morgan; Mr H. Burton's trophy, M. Sinclair; Mr W. Smith's trophy, A. Richardson; Mr A. Slater's trophy for the youngest member in the club, W. Morricc; Mr J. Robertson's trophy, M. Sinclair. At the conclusion of the presentation of trophies Mr W. Ford, of the Hampden Club, congratulated the winners of the various trophies, and stated that the Totara Club was a very strong one considering the number of members it had. Messrs D. Grant and W. Laney spoke on behalf of the Maheno and Weston Clubs respectively. During the evening two competitions were held, and were won by Mrs Sinclair and Mr P. Dougherty. The Maheno Miniature Rifle Club concluded a successful season with a very enjoyable social and dance in the Maheno Hall, at which there was a good gathering, including members from other clubs. Music for the dance was supplied by Messrs Leen Bros., and Mr H. Souness carried out the duties of M.C. Mr A. Lindsay presided in the absence of the president of the club (Mr L. Dougherty), and presented the various trophies won during the season. The following are the results of the various competitions:—Club Championship—D. Grant (cup) 1, A. Price 2, D. Lawson 3; Handicap Competition—S. Pringle (cup) 1, H. Rapson 2, A. Lindsay 3, D. Lawson 4; Monthly Aggregate Competition: May, A. Price; June, H. Wilson; July, H. Rapson; August, .A. Price; September, E. Sinclair. The Busby Shield was then presented by Mr D. Grant to the married men's team, winners of the Married v. Single match. KINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE "Greta Garbo and John Gilbert in presented no more popular a team than these two artists. Their pictures, " The Flesh and the Devil," "Love," and "A Woman of Affairs," were record-breakers. Now, after a lapse of several years, the tWo stars are reunited in their first talking production. The film is» the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer championship play " Queen Christina," in which Greta Garbo portrays the role of the heroic and beautiful Swedish Queen, with Gilbert playing the role of the Spanish ambassador ( with whom she falls in love. The picture, hailed as one of the greatest productions of this season, conies to the Majestic this afternoon and to-night. OPERA HOUSE Evidence of the pride that New Zealanders take in the beauties and glories of their country is the fact that "Romantic New Zealand " has shown to phenomenal business elsewhere in the Dominion. The picture is an entertaining combination of travelogue, historical picture, and variety show. Commencing with the discovery of New Zealand by the Dutch voyagers and with Cook's visit at a later date, the film goes on to depict with a wealth of detail the lives and customs of the Maoris and the scenic wonders of the Dominion. To the accompaniment of a pleasant explanatory voice, the camera takes one on a tour of the thermal wonders of the North Island, of big game and trout fishing places in sea and river, of the Tongariro National Park ad Mount Cook winter sports grounds, of Otago and West Coast gold mining areas, and of the glaciers and forests and agricultural and pastoral country of the whole Dominion. Topical views are presented of the four main centres. An outstanding feature of the film is the use in many parts of the Trucolour process, a New Zealand invention which reproduces every colour with the fidelity of Nature itself. It shows to-day and Monday, both afternoon and night, at the Opera House. NORTH OTAGO WOMEN'S CLUB At the annual meeting of the Literary and Dramatic Circle of the North Otago Women's Club a very satisfactory report and balance sheet were presented. The following officers were elected:—Chairwoman, Miss M. S. Fitzgerald; secretary, Miss D. Williams: committee —Mesdames J. M. Forrester, R. S. J. Fitzgerald, F. Jones, E. M'Diarmid, R. A. M'Dowell. Misses B. Butterfield, J. Carroll, H. ™orrest, E. A. Harvey. J. Walker, and R. Robertson. After the annual meeting Mr F. A. Crimp gave an interesting address on " English Letters and Diaries." These fascinating forms of literature were skilfully presented and illustrated by a wealth of well-selected passages. Members were introduced to a number of new authors, and renewed their acquaintance with old favourites such as Samuel Pepys. MANCHESTER UNITY N.G. Bro. D. T. Weir presided over a well-attended fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Oamaru Lodge, No. 5284. He extended a cordial welcome to the visiting officers and sisters. It was decided that the lodge enter for the Brownlee Initiation Shield Competition to be held on Saturday, November 3. Letters of appreciation of the courtesy extended to the visitors during the seventieth anniversary functions and Otago District meeting and also congratulations were received from various lodges. An invitation was received from the Loyal Victoria Lodge (Milton) to attend its anniversary social and dance on November 7.—lt was agreed that the lodge endeavour to have a representative present. Owing to unforseen circumstances the Loyal Band of Friendship Lodge (Kakanui) had to postpone the debate until the second meeting in November. —This was agreed to. P.G. Bro. J. E. S. Newson was elected conch for the initiation team. • It was decided that a football team from the lodge play the team from the Loyal Band of Friendship to-day, the bus to leave the lotlgeroom at 1.30 p.m. The reports of the delegates to the Otago District half-yearly meeting were received, and the executive officers were congratulated on the able rulings of the various remits. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the five delegates. A lengthy discussion regarding membership medals then took place. Fraternal greetings were received from Bro. Phetean (Waitaki Hydro), and N.G. Sis. E. Hanley responded on behalf of the Loyal Star of the North Lodge. It was decided that a minute of appreciation be recorded of the untiring efforts of the permanent secretary, P.G. Bro. W. Couper, in making the arrangements for the half-yearly meeting, which proved such a success It was decided to pay fraternal visits to the Loyal Star of the North, Loyal Band of Friendship, and Loyal Ngapara Lodges. Several brethren reported on behalf of the sick members.

COMMERCIAL OAMARU MARKETS . lack of further export business is tending to make the oat market easier. Owing to the wet weather, the demand for seed oats has also fallen oft, but ; when the weather improves, fartherj orders are expected to come in. The market. for grade oats in the meantime can be quoted about Jd to Id a bushel lower. There have been one or two inquiries for forward quotations for next season, but so far no business is reported. Wheat.—Business in the fowl wheat market is quiet. Local stocks are on the low side, and there is no surplus to offer. Potatoes.—Reports from Auckland state that this market continues to fall steadily. ■ Quotations are now so low that it will not pay growers to repick their potatoes and market same. The mild weather in the North Island is bringing the early crops in very rapidly, and the demand for old potatoes is steadily decreasing. Seeds. —Business in bo'th wholesale and retail markets ha s been quiet this week, owing to the broken weather conditions, and the fact that farmers have been unable to get on to their land. However, with such an abundant supply of moisture, business in the near future is expected to be good, and a fair sowing of all seedsis expected. There is a slight easing showing in the grass seed market, and orte or two holders are beginning to doubt whether there will be an,export demand, and are inclined to force sales. Supplies of cocksfoot, fescue, brown top, and dogstail are in short supply, and prices remain very firm. Stock.—The following private stock sales were transacted during the year: Ewe s and lambs, 15s; ewe hoggets, 28s 6d; dairy cow, £4; fat steers, £6 10s: three-year-old steers, £4; two-year-old steers, £3; fat bullocks, £9 15s; three-year-old draught filly, £42.