NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22398, 20 October 1934, Page 20

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

OAMARU BATHS SUN-HEATING PROJECT POSITION EXPLAINED BN DR STUBBS. Dealing with the project for the sunbeating of water, for the Oamaru Baths, Dr Stubbs, who has shown such an interest in the scheme, has explained that for the past 18 months Oamaru has had before it a proposal for the construction of a glassed-in reservoir, from which the baths could be filled each week. This Would permit of the use of inexpensive, slow, sand filtration of the water, and at the same time would add 10 degrees or more to the filling temperature of the baths. ' . • In June this year the Oamaru Borough Council received an expert’s report on the results obtained by Dr Stubb’s using experimental plant that had been set up by tile council on the site of the proposed reservoir. This report by Professor Jack, of Otago University, was entirely favourable to the proposal and to its feasibility on the scientific side, and so the project passed on to its next stage, one of further consideration from the points of view of constructional detail financial arrangement. - Plans and estimates obtained at an earlier stage by the promoters of the scheme indicated the whole thing complete as likely to cost £l2O a year in interest arid sinking fund charges, though, of course, this charge would be partly met by increased baths revenue. Dr Stubbs had made inquiries concerning coal and electricity in New Zealand as alternative sources of heating for the bathe, and both of these were found to be very much more costly. To illustrate , the' cost of coal heating, one might quote figures relating to the Invercargill tepid baths, and relating to the 10 months a year during which they operate. Recently their coal charges averaged over £42 a month, and their total water charges, including. fireman’s wages, etc., came to £BS a month. These were running costs. In addition they had interest and sinking fund charges on a capital cost of over £1450 for the heating and filtration plant. By further capital expenditure to install an automatic stoker, it is expected to make a large reduction 4n the total of these water costs, but even so it must remain at a considerable _ figure. Returning to the Oamaru position, we find that in August last the council appointed a special committee, representing

Baths, Finance, and Works Committees, the intention being to move on to a poll of ratepayers in May next, when such a poll could be taken at very little expose at the time of the council election. Be,, ft e a poll can be taken, however,-penriiss ft u must be obtained from the Local, B■ y Loans Board, and it is necessary to submit to that board full details of the scheme. This requires the employment of an architect, and possibly sqme engineering, advice as well; and the council itself,' also, will have various details to look into, such as aesthetic considerations in regard to site and proposed buildings. Even when the scheme is quite complete in plan and specification, its passage through the Loans Board’may take three months, since the board does not meet regularly, and in a matter of this sort it always gets a report from a technical expert of its own before reaching a decision. After, that again, there are statutory and legal formalities to be observed before the poll can' be taken. It therefore becomes a very urgent matter to make progress. Christmas and holidays intervene, and there is no time at all to lose.

It is to be noted that up to now Dr Stubbs’e figures and views as to the expense of coal-heating have been generally accepted. But this week Dr Stubbs received a. private letter from an eminent civil engineer saying that coal-heating costs are very low for many of the new swimming baths in England, and recommending that engineering advice regarding coal-heatir.g be obtained before the reservoir is proceeded with. At this late hour such advice is embarrassing to those hoping for a poll in May. In fairness to the ratepayers’ this new suggestion must, however, be mentioned to the Special Council Committee when it nest meets, and they must, of course, satisfy themselves regarding it. At the same time there are many reasons adverse to coal-heating for Oamaru, and it is to be hoped that any further investigation along this line will be very expeditious. Reasons against coal and in favour of a reservoir are as follows: — 1. To heat by coal and so dispense with a reservoir would involve the use of expensive pressure filters instead of cheap, slow, sand filtration. 2, A reservoir will enable the baths to have new water each week. _ It does so because it gives time for warming, time for filtration, and a very much shorter filling time when the baths are filled. Coal-heated baths with pressure filters usually change the water only once or twice a year, an idea not very pleasant to sensitive and particular people.

. 3. With a reservoir an option is obtained —that of using sea water in the baths, when and if desired, at a cost of only £3O a year, including interest and sinking fund charges. Such water, filtered, warmed, and purified, would have an advantage over harbour bathing, and would give salt water bathing under conditions of wind shelter and other amenities that do not exist on the sea shore at Oamaru. Without a reservoii the option does not obtain. ■. ' ■

4. A coal-heating scheme may be more suitable in ■ a large centre, or where covered-in baths operate for 10 months or more in the year. But in Oamaru in the near future there is .no prospect of expensive bathing outside the six summer 'months. A complex machinery plant and 'its necessary attendants is not economically run for only six months each year. 5. English costs of coal-heating are mentioned, but English costs of both coal and labour are lower than ours. If coalheating and pressure filters are used, they will be imported, and will pay freight charges and import duties as well as high exchange. _ 6. The reservoir scheme would utilise New Zealand products and local labour almost entirely. 7. Even if we were able to halve the Invercargill water costs of £BS a month, plus interest charges, it would still be better to use the reservoir scheme costing £2O a month, plus a very low maintenance cost. It may be suggested that we could put in a smaller heating plant than Invercargill, or run a plant like theirs at one-third capacity, as it were, •but by either method, to get one-third of Invercargill’s quantity of heating would cost much more than one-third of their cost for the full amount. Some of the costs would not be reduced at all by the smaller output. 8. Oamaru to-day does not want a coal and machinery plant, even if such could be shown to give, say, 200 per cent, more heat for 100 per cent, more money. At water temperatures of about 60 degrees, an average rise of five or six degrees is worth, in actual bathing comfort, far more than the third part of a rise three times as great. And there are some citizens even more concerned about the filtra. tion than about any heating at all. Citizens seem ready and pleased to go in for the simple and inexpensive reservoir scheme. They are by no means ready for a proposal in the nature of coal and machinery. 9. The reservoir will be conveniently placed on land suitable and ready for it. It will not be an eyesore in any way, and will bo available to serve either the present baths or any subsequent baths on an adjacent site. To fit up the present baths with steam boiler and recirculating and filtering machinery would he inconvenient and unsightly, and not readily adaptable to any new baths in the future. On the other hand if greater baths development takes place in years to come, the reservoir in being will still remain of the greatest value. After the first filtration into it, new pressure filters would do daily filtration much more economically, and after its initial warming, new electric heating would only have io maintain and not to raise water temperature. And by the reservoir it would still be possible, as it is not possible in Dunedin or Invercargill to-day, frequently and rapidly to fill the baths with new water.

One other small consideration is that of advertisement. “ Tepid Baths,” or “ Coal-heated Baths,” sounds ordinary. “ Sun-heated Baths at Oamaru" ia a phrase to stimulate interest. It is both unique and attractive to the imagination. If any considerable delay in the scheme were now permitted to occur, the town would pay the following penalties:—The amenity would be delayed for 12 months; as construction work must be done in the winter. This useful employment next winter would not occur. The town would have to find some £SO for a special poll, having missed the opportunity of council elections. Moreover, it might be faced by a contract price, increased by £IOO or more as the depression passes, and it might have to pay higher interest on money borrowed. Even an extra J per cent, on a loan would cost the borough an extra £2OO in 511 over a period of 20 years. OVERSEAS MAILS Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Oamaru, as under:— ' Monday, October 221 Australian States, via Melbourne (per Waitaki from Bluff), by south express at 7 a.m. Late fee letters at railway station at 1.55 p.m. Tuesday,- October 23.—Great Britain, Ireland, Continent of Europe, also Central and Western South America, via Panama (Port Hupter, from Wellington), Correspondence must be specially addressed. By north express at 2 p.m. Late fee letters 2.20 p.m. Mail due in London December 1. Wednesday, October 24.- —Great Britain, Ireland, Continent of Europe, also Centra! and Western South America, via Panama (Remuera, from Auckland). Correspondence must he special!y : addressed. By north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Due London December 1. Australian States, South Afrk|, and the East, also Karachi-Lon-don mail (per Wanganella, from Wellington), by north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Monday, October 20. —Rarotonga, TaUnited States of America, Canada, Mexico, Eastern States of South America, Great Britain, Ireland, and Continent of Europe, also air mail correspondence for the United States of America and Canada, via San Francisco (per Makura, from Wellington), by north express at 11.15 a.m. Late-fee letters 11.35 a.m. Mail due in London about November 27. Tuesday, October 30.—Australian States. South Africa, and the East, also Karachi-Londpn _ air mail (due London December 3), via Hobart (per Maheno, from Bluff), by south express at 12.30 p.m. INCOMING MAILS. (Approximate dates.) October 22.—Waiwera: English. October 23: Monterey; Australian. October 24: Wanganella: Australian. October 20—Rangitiki: English. October 31—Niagara: English and American. WAITAKI AERO CLUB At a meeting of the Waitaki Aero Club Mr J. A. Grant (vice-president) occupied the chair. The following were elected trainee members of the club: — S. H. Whitaker (Tokarahi), A. G. Gould (Maheno), A. A. Scott (Glenavy), and J. P. Cahill (Oamaru). A vote of thanks was accorded Mr E. M'Diarmid for the gift of wind-sock equipment to the club. Accounts amounting to £5 Is 5d were passed for payment. Final arrangments were made for the competitions to be held on Sunday, and Messrs E. M'Diarmid, K. Johnston, and Flight-lieutenant W. Park were appointed judges of the various events. It was decided to give notice that the supply of fuel and oil at the aerodrome at Alma without the secretary’s permission be strictly prohibited. It was agreed that the question of training service for the coming year be placed before members in general meeting prior to the expiry of the present contract. CHURCH SERVICES Both services in St. Paul’s Church tomorrow will be conducted by the interimmoderator, the Rev. W. Wortley French, of Maheno. At the morning service Mr French will officially declare the charge vacant. Solos will be rendered at both services by members of the choir. At the Eveline branch church there will be a special young people’s service in the morning. In the evening Mrs Brown and Miss Blair will sing the duet, "Evening Praise,” and the Rev. H. T. Blair will speak on the subject, "Life Begins at Forty.” The services at St. Luke's Church tomorrow will be taken by the Yen. Archdeacon Russell. Holy communion will be celebrated at 8 and 11, and evensong at 6.30. when Mr. Williamson will sing a solo. Mr Gerrard will take the Newborough service at 11, and Mr B. Finder at 6.30. The archdeacon will celebrate the holy communion at Enfield at 2.30, when Mr Gerrard will speak on the work of the diocesan orphanages.

FARMERS' UNION MONTHLY MEETING i The monthly meeting of the North | Otago Provincial Executive of the ! Farmers’ Union was held yesterday after- , noon, the president (Mr L. Kelcher) occupying the chair. Accounts amounting to £lO 12s were passed for payment. The secretary (Mr A. W. Woodward) reported on the public meeting held regarding the proposals to eliminate the 1 ganger at the Severn street railway cross- I ing. _ . I The Dominion-Council advised that the | question of hospital finance was before j the recent conference, and the following I resolution was carried:—“That the exe- I cutive be asked to consider the scheme submitted by the Timaru Agricultural 1 and Pastoral Association and published in the June issue of the Point Blank, I and that, failing the executive approving this scheme, the principle of hospital | charges being borne by the Consolidated ! Fund be the policy of the union.”—The letter stated that the Dominion presi- j dent had now instructed that the opinion i of all executives regarding the scheme i be obained.—The president stated that the matter was being held over in the meantime, and would be discussed at the next meeting of the Dominion Executive. The Otago Provincial Council wrote in regard to the amendment to the Mining Act at present before the House. As far as it could judge, the clauses in the Amending Bill had emanated from mining interests, and also from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which was anxious for legislative authority to enable it to proceed with geophysical surveys on freehold land. Some of the amendments appeared to be definitely against the interests of farming generally, and the council felt very strongly that the time had arrived when the whole Mining Act should bo reviewed with a view to safeguarding good agricultural land from being despoiled for all time for the sake of temporary gain. The council urged that the local executive communicate with the member of Parliament at the earliest possible. moment, and ask him to press for an amendment to the Act which would safeguard legitimate agriculture.—The president stated that from some claims no gold was being obtained at all, and he considered that the Mining Act should be altered in some way. Mr Chapman said he felt a good deal of sympathy with the Otago Council. Much good land had been destroyed for wheat growing through dredging being carried out for mining. There were mistakes in the mining laws, and these should be corrected as soon as possible. In his opinion, all the riches had been worked out, and any gold areas to-day were not very rich. He considered the executive should support the Otago Council’s claims.

The secretary reported that the Minister of Mines had stated that the representations of the Otago Council would receive consideration.

On the motion of Mr D, J. Rosa, it was agreed to support the Otago Council’s proposals. The. Oamaru Stock Agents’ and Woolbrokers’ Association advised that the weekly sales at Wfliareka would be continued for the remainder of the season. The letter stated that the sales should receive much more support from the farmers.—The president said he considered farmers had supported the sales very well, and, if they received a reasonable market, they would continue to do so. A letter was received from the Otekaike and Upper Waitaki branch of the Farmers’ Union inviting the president and members to a meeting on November 24. —The invitation was accepted, and it was agreed that arrangements for the visit be made at the next meeting. The Dominion Council forwarded remits dealt with at the annual conference. A remit trom the local executive asked that the returns of sheep should be made in the month of July instead of April, as there would be a more accurate return, and that a separate column for ewe lambs be included in the return in order to give farmers an idea of the number of two-tooth sheep that would come on the market the following year. Replying, the Dominion Council advised that the question of altering the date as suggested had been given consideration in past years, and it was the considered opinion of the department that the postponement of the date to the end of July would not give as accurate a return as that now obtained as at April 30. One of the most valuable features of the return was the number of breeding ewes put to the ram, and April 30 was considered to be a more suitable date for the correct return than July 31. The fact that slaughtering took place after April 30 had little significance, as slaughterings were available at any time. A postponement of the date would mean a corresponding delay in the compilation of the returns, and this delay would reduce the value of the returns for statistical and commercial purposes. The question of providing a column for the number of ewe lambs would be given consideration. In replying to a further remit from the local executive requesting that the names of vendors of stock sold at auction sales be announced by the auctioneers, that all bids should be bona fide and should be called out by the bidder in an audible voice, the Dominion Council stated that the terms of the resolution had been noted, and would receive careful consideration when an amendment to the Auctioneers’ Act was under review.

The Dominion, executive also advised that in reply to a remit submitted by the union in respect to uniform charges for bulk supply of electricity, the Minister of Public Works had stated that any alteration to the present system could be made only after the most careful investigation. The present system certainly made power available in rural areas at prices that would not be possible if such areas were not associated in a common system with the cities, and made it available at prices that compare more than favourably with prices charged for electricity under even more favourable conditions in other parts of the world,, The representation would, however, receive every consideration whenever this problem was under review. The president reported very extensively on the recent Dominion conference, and the secretary on the conference of secretaries from the various branches. Both the president' and secretary were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for their reports. The question of derating was brought up by Mr D. J. Ross, and in speaking of the dairy industry, stated that the dairy farmer was just starting on another season, and the outlook was not of the best. He considered that some relief should be brought about immediately, and the only way to do this was to reduce land values down to the productive values. If the country wished to prosper the primary producer would have to be put on a bettor footing. The secretary reported that the' North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society had decided to co-operate in the scheme of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board in conducting competitions in export lamb, and it was desirous that farmers should give their support. —It was agreed to make a grant of £6 6s for providing second and third prizes for the hook and in the pen competitions, of which £3 3s was given by a member of the union, who wished to remain anonymous. CYCLE ROAD RACE

The Mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney) has received a letter from the North Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Athletic, Cycling, and Axemen’s Union, the promoters of the Oamaru to Christchurch Cycle Road Race, thanking the people of Oamaru for the generous donation of £25 subscribed through the Mayor. The letter went on to say that the race was a huge success, and created a tremendous amount of interest throughout the route, and that a large measure of the success was due to the starting arrangements at Oamaru, conducted by the North Otago Caledonian Society. The centre trusted that Oamaru would again be the starting point for the race, and that it would receive the valuable co-operation of the Oamaru people.

COMMERCIAL OAMARU MARKETS Oats. —In the absence of further export business, there has been no improvement in the oat market. Present quotations for A Cartons for prompt delivery are at 2s 7d, f.0.b., s.i., with little interest being shown by buyers. Southland reports a good demand for seed oats. Owing to the continued wet weather, there has been no further order for seed oats, as farmers are unable to get on to the ground. Wheat.—The fowl wheat market is, if anything, slightly easier, but locally there are very few stocks to offer. There is no business passing in the milling wheat market. . , , Potatoes—Auckland reports their local market has improved, owing to the fact of lighter shipments arriving, and owing to the present trouble with the watersiders at Auckland, Puketoke supplies are now going forward in increasing quantities, and the price of these is also firm this week. Seeds. —The wholesale markets remain dull, and merchants are not inclined to buy further stocks until an improvement in the retail business becomes apparent. Ample stocks for the seasonal trade are held by merchants. Owing to the broken weather, there has been a general hold-up in the delivery of seeds all round. Stock.—The following private stock sales were transacted during the week: Egg hoggets, 19s 6d, 275, and 27s Cd; fat ewes, 22s Od; fat ■wethers, 20s; fat cattle. £9; draught gelding, £4O; three-year : old draught colt, £3O; aged draught gelding, £4. KINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE George Wallace, the very popular Australian comedian, adds to his laurels with his very clever work in his latest production, "A Ticket in Tatts,” which shows at the Majestic Theatre to-day and tonight and also on Monday afternoon and night. The production rivals the funniest of Hollywood features. At the outset George is a grocer’s assistant, and gets into all sorts of troubles in his wellmeaning but, disastrous efforts to please customers. Then he becomes a stable man protecting Hotspur, the Melbourne Cup favourite, from the unwelcome attentions of city crooks, and he rises to heights of comedy that leave the audience helpless with laughter. The scenes include glimpses of Flemington on Cup Day, with thousands thronging the picturesque course, and the interior of a lavish cabaret, where George is a pseudo-waiter in borrowed "tails” and a walrus moustache, disguised in order to hear the gang’s plans. An interlude is provided by a bevy of charming ballet girls, and several song numbers add to the enjoyment. Plans will be at the theatre this afternoon and Monday for the night performances. OPERA HOUSE Uproarious fun, robust drama, , gay nights and happy days in the wicked eighties and naughty nineties are features of " The Bowery,” Twentieth Century’s first picture starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper (who will be remembered in “The Champ”), with Fay Wray, George Raft, and Pert Kelton, and showing to-night and Monday night. All the atmosphere of "the liveliest mile on the face of the globe,” it is said, has been preserved for “ The Bowery ” by Director Raoul Walsh. The action of the picture also includes the Park Row approach to Brooklyn Bridge, the old bridge itself as it was when Steve Brodie jumped from its centre span, Brighton - Beach and a score of other shots and scenes, from “ The Bowery ” itself as it was in the days of yore. Not being at all suitable for juveniles, for the matinee to-day and Monday Tom Mix will appear in “The Fourth Horseman,” the coloured Disney symphony, " Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf,” also showing at matinees as well as at night. GENERAL NEWS High Water at Oamaru. —October 20: 0. a.m. and 1.15 p.m.. October 21: 1.37 a.m. and 2.1 p.m. The total number of points of rain recorded by Mr William Forrester in Oamaru since the' recent rains commenced wae 70, this making the fall for the month up till 9 a.m. yesterday 2,53 inches. Mrs Paterson presided at the monthly meeting of the Duntroon branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers’, Union. Final arrangements were made in connection with the *" madhatters dance and Christmas gift stall in aid of the library funds. The Home Science box, dealing with the care of the bands, face, and feet, was studied. The date of the next meeting was fixed for November 15 The first race of the season held by the Oamaru Homing Pigeon Club from Christchurch in unfavourable weather conditions resulted as follows- —b. Browne’s 225 (1061.2 yards per minute), 1; R. Brooker’s 439 (1059.9), 2; Webb Bros. Royal Emblem (1058.7), 3; C. R. Chilcott’s Marquita (1018.5), 4; H. Day’s Conceit (1058.4). 5; D. Sparks s Bold Bid (1050.2), 6; W. Newtons 304 (1047.8), 7. Winning time: 3hr 58mm. The shop property iormerly known as the Burlington Tea Rooms has been purchased by the Oamaru company, the Para Rubber Company, the larger premises allowing the firm to cope with the increased support accorded it. FINAL COMMUNITY SING Arrangements are well in hand for the final session of community singing in Oamaru, which takes place in the Opera House on Tuesday night To mark the closing of a successful series of sings, the promoters have engaged the Opera House from 8 to 10 p.m., and, as well as a plenteous programme of happy community singing, a list of songs, dances, and instrumental items, including numbers by the St. Thomas’s boys’ choir, has been arranged, so that an exceptionally fane evening’s entertainment is assured all those attending. The promoters are very desirous of taking the £4O necessary to bring the total to the £2OO aimed at tor the season, and the public is appealed to to raise this sum for the Mayoress’s Relief Fund. Messrs Charles Begg and Co. have kindly consented to book seats for the sing, and plans are open this morning and all day Tuesday for reserving seats in the dress circle and the 10 front rows of the orchestral stalls. A charge of Is will be made for these seats, but those desiring to can contribute more. The rest of th* hall will be open to the pubile, the doors opening at 7 p.m., from which time until 8 p.m. an orchestra will provide music. All children will be admitted at the stage door, and will be accommodated on the stage. An excellent night’s entertainment is assured, and a large attendance and a generous response to the appeal are hoped for by the promoters. MAHENO HOCKEY DANCE A very successful finale to the season was held by the Maheno Ladies’ Hockey Club, the Public Hall being well filled for the club’s annual ball. A very enjoyable evening was spent. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr H. Souness. The introduction of novelty dances proved popular, a lucky spot waltz being won by Miss Watson and partner. A competition for a cushion was won by the Rev. W. W, French, and that for a box of chocolates was won by Miss C. Maffey. Prior to supper the Rev. W. W. French (president of the club) introduced Mr A. Barsdell (president of . the North Otago Ladies’ Hockey Association), who in presenting the junior cup to the.,captain of the Maheno team, congratulated the members of the team on their success and on the splendid way in which they had played the game. Cheers were then given for the team, after which dancing was resumed until a late hour. NEWBOROUGH CHURCH There was a good gathering of members of the Newborough Anglican Church yesterday afternoon for the annual gift afternoon. Archdeacon Russell extended a welcome to all, and thanked them for their support. He referred to the good work the Newborough Guild was doing for the church, and expressed regret at the absence of Miss Roberts (secretary) through illness. He wished the guild success for its annual sale on November 1. The large assortment of gifts were accepted by Mesdameg Newson, Forrest,

and S. Roberts. During the afternoon songs were contributed by Mrs Adair, a duet by Mesdames Adair and Weir, and recitations by Mrs Hitch and Miss Hill. Mrs Nowson played the accompaniments. The hostesses were Mesdames Stanley, Shanahan, Kerr, -Waring, Kilgour. and Hall. __ CRICKET Teams for to-day:— Oamaru Seniors. —Jones, Uttley, Ziminermann. Hunter, Watson, Inder, Martin, Calder, Dick, Hendra, and Smith. Oamaru Juniors. —Brooker (2), Beq (2), Sutton, Campbell, Meikle, Robinson, Patterson. Whatman, Wallace, Miller.