NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22545, 12 April 1935, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAI

CORRESPONDENT.)

THE WOMEN’S DIVISION MRS WARD’S FINE ADDRESS North Otago has been fortunate for the past week in having a visit from the Dominion president of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union (Mrs Ward), who has given a series of addressee at various centres throughout the district. The final address was given in St. Luke’s Hall, on Wednesday evening, when one of the finest addresses heard locally for some time was given by a very capable speaker. The broad-minded, commonsense, and philanthropic aims of .the Women’s Division were fully brought out, and some idea of the great work the organisation is doing for the country women of New Zealand was given. Mrs K. B. Meek (North Otago provincial president), who occupied the chair, briefly introduced Mrs Ward. She stated that addresses had been given at as many places as possible to cover all the branches in North Otago, and she was convinced that the campaign had been a great success. Mrs Ward had endeared herself. to all whom she ' had met, and the visit would do the Women’s Division much good in North Otago. ’ , On behalf of the womenfolk of North Otago, Mrs Butt presented Mrs Ward with a beautiful bouquet, and Mrs Kapson presented Mrs Meek with a bouquet in appreciation of her services to the district. . . . _ On behalf of the citizens of Oamaru, Mr K. J. L. Familton (Deputy Mayor) extended a very warm welcome to Mrs Ward, and in doing so said that the organisation which she represented was a religion without dogma, /wherein all could join in a worthy cause. The Womens Division, set an example to the town women* to do something in a similar way for the good of the community. One thing that appealed to him about the organisation was the housekeeper scheme, bv which women over-worked or needing a* holiday could get help or a housekeeper to relieve her of her duties. He advocated alwavs the necessity of an annual holiday. Mr- Familton said that the institution had flourished during the slump, which had taught many lessons, and he

wondered whether the same success would have attended it in times of prosperity. The organisation was sure to flourish as it was founded on the right lines —to help humanity. He congratulated the organisation on having such a splendid provincial president in Mrs Meek ana such an enthusiastic secretary in Mrs H. W. Robertson.

Mr L. Kelcher (president of the North Otago Executive of the Farmers’ Union) also extended a welcome to Mrs Ward, and he also paid a tribute to the work the Women’s Division was doing in New Zealand.

Mrs Ward expressed appreciation of the delightful time she had spent in North Otago, where she found the organisation to be flourishing. She asked members not to be too taken up with the enjoyment of the meetings to neglect the division’s first aim—to help others —which had made the organisation so great and so appreciated by town and country people alike. The division was a link between town and country, and its members were not so narrow as to think farmers were the only producers, ns every man who did a day’s work in the town was also a producer. Town workers had their worries just as did'the farmer, but they had organised themselves as farmers would have to. The time had passed, said Mrs Ward, when the Government would deal with the individual, and it was too much to expect of it to help the farmers with such a weak Farmers’ Union. It was time farmers should support the union more strongly, because if it could put farming on a sound basis it would also put the country on a firm footing. The Women’s Division was very pleased to be associated with the Farmers’ Union, but it would point out that neither organisation was party'political. It was essentia!' to be political, but it did not interest itself in party politics. The Farmers’ Union had not treated the formation of the Women’s Division very seriously and had been rather afraid that it would be interfering too much with the union’s affairs. However, it soon realised the value of the division’s work on the philanthropic and social sides of life. The Women’s Division had grown into a big organisation and had not only attained its two main objects, but had progressed further. Mrs Ward pointed out that the organisation had spent from its community chest £9OO during the year, and the branches had spent £Bl5, including £l5O to kindred organisations, _ for purely philanthropic objects. Besides this the organisation had assisted with gifts of quilts, clothing, and such things, but this assistance was not made public. The organisation did not wish to advertise the work it was doing. Mrs Ward pointed out that formerly the division received £l5O from the Government for the housekeepers’ and muses’ travelling expenses, but this grant had been withdrawn- No other body helped the farmer’s wife, and it was not a great sum to ask for from the Government when the organisation spent such a great amount to help the woman of the country. It was a great thing to be able to send a housekeeper, a dressmaker or a nurse to help a farmer s wife. If these services could not be paid for by the farmer, then the division would pay the expenses. This was, perhaps, the biggest work of the organisation. Mrs Ward said she was confident that, if the division continued to do such work to help others, the future would be bright for it. The Women’s Division had been started by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women, to help others. There were now, 14,000 members, and without a single paid organiser 150 branches had been formed. Mrs Ward pointed out that the community chest was not only to give subsidies for help, but it could give womenfolk in need of a change a spell in a rest home or send her away for a holiday. The rest homes conducted by the division were very fine. Mrs Ward then went on to deal with the various activities of the organisation. She referred to the Book Club, by which books were sent from branch to branch for the benefit of members. Most members understood how the market was conducted. The speaker said that town people appreciated Lie opportunity of securing fresh produce straight from the farm. The money went to the member and the division took only one penny in a shilling to pay expenses. Tradespeople did not object to the market, as they realised that the money was being spent again where it was made. The two main objects of the division were not a full-time job, and it was the duty of members to make their meetings as interesting as possible. The Women’s Division had gathered up all the ideas of various individual organisations, and had so welded its own organisation. Another side . of the division was the Country Girls’ Education Week, which had been a marked success in the centres, and which it was intended to extend all over .the Dominion. Mr Ward appealed to branches to have at least one lecture a year on the League of Nations. The world was in a very serious state to-day, and it behoved mothers to teach that war was an outrage. It could be done away with just as slavery and child labour had been done away with. The division received its international outlook from the Pan-Pacific Association, of which it was a member, and from the Country Women’s Organisation of the world. The time had passed, continued Mrs Ward, when people could be merely parochial. It was essential to be international in outlook. Perhaps the greatest side of the organisation was to be found in the number of friends one made. Each member would find that she would receive more from the diyision than she could ever put in to it. Mrs Ward commended members to be non-sectarial but not non-religious. She asked them to help the young members of the branches, and encourage them to learn home science, so that they would do their work intelligently and plan for the health of the home. They could, she felt sure, raise the whole standard of the home-life of the farm. Mrs Ward stated that the Women’s Division had brought culture and education to the country woman and had brought out her gifts and talents. It had raised the standard of life of the farmer’s wile, and she could take her place with anyone. The speaker expressed a great admiration for the Farmers’ Union. She stressed again the fact that the farmer was realising that he was not the only producer and that he Could not do without the town worker, just as the latter could not do without the farmer. It was essential, however, that the farmer’s pound should be worth twenty shillings. New Zealand farming could not be put right unless the farmers helped themselves. There were 60,000 fanners in the Dominion, yet there were only 20,000 financial members of the Farmers’ Union, whereas in Britain 90 per cent, of the farmers were members of the union. She referred to the work the union had already done in regard to reducing the price of fertilisers, of transport charges, and of insurance premiums, in bringing about derating and the mortgagors relief. The union had also brought about the compilation of the useful statistics to let farmers know where they stood. There were big things ahead for the farmer and his wife, and Mrs Ward appealed to all to help in a fair-minded way to put farming right and so put the country on a firmer basis. Mrs Meek thanked Mrs W ard for her verv fine address, and stated that North Otago branches would be inspired by her visit. The division was very fortunatein having such a Dominion president as Mrs Ward. , , , Mr Kelcher also thanked Mrs Maid for her address, which should have been heard by more farmers.

In acknowledging the votes of thanks, Mrs Ward congratulated North 0 aw on its organisation, but stated that it was a little behind in its housekeeping pontine out that it would be belter if it secured its own housekeepers, bhe paid a tribute to the very fine work done by Mrs Meek in organising the North Otago branches. During the evening a short programme of items was contributed by members as follows: Songs. Mrs T. C. Armstrong and Miss R. Oliver; recitations, Mrs D. Manson, Mrs D. Scott, and Mrs W. Robertson. The accompaniments were played by Misses Mainland. Newlands and Hopkinson. A short session of community singing was also held, Mr Scott being leader and Miss Hopkinson being at the piano. Mrs Meek thanked the performers, after which an enjoyable supper was "Served. During the day Mrs Ward paid a visit to the Waitaki Boys’ High School, where she was met by the rector (Mr F. Milner) and shown over the grounds and

buildings, Mrs Ward was much impressed with the beautiful Hall of Memories. Prior to the meeting a visit was also paid to the Oamaru Public Hospital for the purpose of visiting eick members of the division.

STAR BASKETBALL CLUB ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Star Basketball Club was very well attended, Miss G. Abel presiding in the absence of the president (Mr W, Couper). The annual report and balance sheet, which revealed the club to be in a sound financial position, were adopted. The following officers were elected; — Patronesses, Mesdames R. S. Orbell and J. Meikle; president, Mrs J. Bee; vicepresidents—Mesdames R. Finch, C. Rickman, Miss N. Bee, Messrs W. Couper, R. Milligan, W. G. Grave, C. E. Taylor, T. Jenkins, F. Crawshaw, H. Burton; secretary and treasurer, Miss Gwen Cooke; club captain. Miss Joyce Millar; delegates to the association, Misses G. Abet and G. Cooke; committee —Misses J. Millar, D. Crawshaw, M. Minty, C. Jenkins, J. Hay, G. Abel, and G. Cooke. The resignation of Miss N. Bee as coach was accepted with regret, and appreciation was expressed of her valuable services to the club. The question of appointing a new coach was left in the hands of the secretary. The North Otago Basketball Association advised that its. annual meeting would be held on April 16. The question of practice grounds was fully discussed, and it was left in the hands of Misses G. Abel, and G. Cooke to make inquiries regarding the use of Takaro Park. The first practice was eet down for to-morrow at the South School at 2.30 p.m.

SINGLES PHCENIX OLD GREEN,

KINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS . “GRANDAD RUDD” Patrons who will see the latest of the Rudd family series of kinema productions. “Grandad Rudd,” showing to-day and to-night, also Saturday afternoon and night, will have quite a new vehicle from which the laughs will emanate, for Dad is now well oft, possesses a large, payable farm, and has retired —but his troubles are not over by any means. He is the same good-natured old “ nark,” as witness when he raises Dave’s wages 10s per week, and then raises his rent - 10s weekly. Discarding the old time farming methods lie buys up-to-date implements. One of these is a tractor which meets with disastrous results. He also tries the new method of obtaining more milk from the cows by means of sweet melody, again with disastrous results. But one of the funniest of the hundred laughprovoking sequences is the cricket match with the Rudd family on one side and played under Rudd rules. Bodyline bowling is nothing compared to this for excitement. Mum, Dave, Lil, Dan and Joe are all there to add to the quota of laughs and excitement. The part. of the grand-daughter is taken by Elaine Hamill, the girl that hails from Taihape, and if her acting is on a par with her beauty, she will provide patrons with first-class entertainment. Plans for the season of two nights are at the Bristol.

OPERA HOUSE To-morrow afternoon and night, also Monday night, will mark the debut of that astonishing child actress, Shirley Temple. She is no doubt a wonder child and has captivated all America, England, Australia, and now comes to bring New Zealand to her feet. She is only five years old, and brings a new type of refreshing human appeal entertainment to the kinema. Her first production to appear in Oamaru is “ Little Miss Marker,” the cast also including Adolphe Menjou and Dorothy Dell. The story is of a toddler, whftse father uses her as a security for a bet on a horse race. How she wins the hearts of hardened gamblers and teaches them the beauty of love, provides excellent entertainment material. DUNTROON SALE 14.000 SHEEP YARDED There was the record yarding of approximately 14,000 sheep at the fortnightly sale conducted at the Duntroon yards, these comprising chiefly of store lines. Prices were a little easier in some lines, but other were on a par with those ruling at the last sale. , _ Fat Sheep.—Dalgety and Co. sold: For B. N. Thomas, 24 lambs 19s. Store Sheep.—Wright, Stephenson, and Co., sold: For J. Ross, 310 ewes 14s; a client. 121 ewes 4s Id; a client, 70 merino wethers’Bs 7d; a client, 70 ewes Bs, 50 9s lOd, 50 9s 6d; A. M. Fraser. 152 twotooth ewes 20s 9d, 400 ewes 12s 2d, 259 10s; a client, 200 sound-mouthed merino ewes 6s 3d, 237 6s, 140 full-mouthed merino ewes 4s 3d, 158 two-tooth civ os 26s 3d 34 235, 56 sound-mouthed halfbred ewes 12s 3d; J. Grant,l9o ewe lambs 17s 6d; a client 20 two-tooth wethers 15s lOd, 48 15s 9d; a client, 44 two-tooth ewes 30s, 48 six-tooth ewes, 24s 4d; a client, 131 two-tooth ewes 24s 6d 80 ewes 9s Id; a client, 111 mixed sex lambs 10s 7d; client, 28 two, four, and six-tooth ewes 18s 6d, 50 sound-mouthed ewes 9s; R. M'Kenzie, 81 crossbred ewes 13s 7d, 58 halfbred ewes 8s 2d; client, 27 two-tooth ewes 24s 2d, 137 ewes 7s; client, 48 two-tooth wethers 15s 8d; client, 107 ewes 9s 6d; W. M'Cone, 15 one-shear Border Leicester rams 4gns; client, 6 oneshear Corriedale rams, 4igns; client, 3 one-shear Romney rams 4gns.— Dalgety and Co., sold: For J. M. Munro 189 wether lambs Bs, 52 mixed-sex lambs 8s lOd 41 cull lambs, 6s 9d; P. Aitchison, 29 ewes 235, 36 full-mouthed ewes 10s; client, 164 ewes 6s lid; C. Williamson (Duntroon), 89 ewes 14s: client, 283 ewes 4s 7d - J. D. Parker, jun. (Otepaike), 170 ewes 8s 4d; client, 219 ewes 2ls 6d, 21 wethers 14s; Hamnnll Bros., 23 wethers 6s 6d; client, 220 ewes ?s. 45 wether lambs 7s 6d, 54 6s 8d; client, 175 ewes 8s 3d: client, 3 Border Leicester rams 4cns 2 2|gns, 2 Southdown rams Signs. ——North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association sold: For H. Coutts 112 fullmouthed ewes 8s. —-Loan and Mercantile Agency Company sold: For D. W. Kain, ■230 ewes 3s 7d, 100 wethers 3s Od; client. 400 ewes 4s 6d, 242 wethers 2s- client, 2 lambs 12s; W. Bloomfield, 88 lambs 12s, 73 ewes 6s. Pigs.—North Otago Farmers’ Co-opera-tive Association sold: For A. M Kenzie (Tokarabi), 2 12 b, 1 10ft 2 9s, 2 Bs, 3 7s - R Dorsey (Black Point), 4 Bs. Dateety and Co. sold: For J. C. Williams. 4 pigs 9s 6d.- Wright, Stephenson and Co., sold: For a client 4 pigs 9s, 1 8s

PORT OF OAMARU High Water. —April 12: 10.47 a.in. and 11; Uhe \Vainui is expected on Wednesday, Anvi] 17 to load for Wellington, Napier, ami Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton The Kairairo loaded at Westpoit on Tuesday with coal for Oamaru. She is expected here about Saturday. The Wingatui loads sugar and general cargo at Auckland on April 20, and is due at Oamaru on April 30, when she will load for Auckland, via Timaru, Lyttelton, Karetu° will assist the Waikouaiti to maintain the Neiycastle-Sydney-South TJnrul Xew Zealand, service. Alter leaving Newcastle about April 29 the Karetu will call at Sydney, thence to Hobart, and will load cargo for Oamaiu for direct discharge. Messrs Dalgetv and Lo.. as agents tor the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, Itd advise that the m.v. Kararaea will load 24,000 freight carcasses and general carco for London on Tuesday, April 10. The OrepuTd is expected about Wednesday, April 24, to load for Wellmpton, Nelson, and New Plymouth.

BOWLING EASTER TOURNAMENT The president (Mr A. C. Forrest) occupied the chair at a meeting of the iNorth Otago Bowling .Centre on Wednesday night; when arrangements in connection with the Easter Tournament were comPl Mr l b. Gibson (Timani) wrote expressing regret at his inability to enter a rink lov the tournament, arid good wishes for ts success, and forwarding f 1 . for the purchase of a trophy as a special prize for the lead of the winning rink. Ihe secretary reported that he had already conveyed the centre s thanks to Mr Gib 6 °lt was decided- in reference to byes in post-sectional play that preference be given to .those having the greatest numbeitoivaV decided to adopt the rules and constitution for the centre as approved at a previous meeting, a copy to be sent to the New Zealand Council. Accounts totalling £5 13s 6d were passed for payment. _ , _ , Entries for the Easter Tournament were closed at 32 rinks, 63 pairs and 48 singles, it being decided that there be no reduction in prize money. Mr D. H. Thomson reported that arrangements had been made with Mr J. F. Brown for the catering, which were confirmed. . It was decided to extend a welcome to visitors on Good Friday, and arrangements for green supervisors and greenkeepers were left with the Draw Committee. ,f i The draw is as follows:-

Section 1. —D. H. Thomson (Phccnix), Alexander Eoberteon (Awamoa). G. Atkinson (Meadowbank), K. Familton (Phcenix). ■Section 2. —J. Crisp (Phcenix), W. Nicholson (St. Clair), Ww Richardson (Awamoa), T. Parry (Wairnate). Section 3. —C. Mollison (Phcenix), A. Walker (Mornington), M, Giles (Temuka). E. Tomkins (Awamoa). Section 4.—N. H. Colqnhoun (Phcenix), A. O. Ufton (Kaikorai), J. Tisdall (Awamoa), R. D. Donaldson (Southland). PHCENIX NEW GREEN.

Section 1. —G. P. Mollisoh ' (Phoenix), T. Kennedy (Awamoa), 'R. Taylor (Meadowbank). H. E. Wedde (Phoenix). Section 2.—W. Buist (Phoenix) T, 0, Coul) (St. Clair). R. Crisp (Awjimoa), D. Marshall (Phoenix). Section 3. —A. Cl Forrest; (Phoenix), Athol Robertson (Meadowbank), A. Walmsley (Mornington), R. Jenkins (Awamoa). ; i '• Section 4. —W. Borrie (Phoenix), .T. Moore (Awamoa), L. Ireland!- (Mornington), G. Pierce (Temuka). f / MEADOWBANK. \ Section I.—G. M'PliSe (Phoenix), W. H. Selfe (Meadowbanfis), A. !E. Hodge (Awamoa), R. Mathiesdn (Phoenix). Section 2. —J. T. Adatns (Phoenix), T. R. Berry (Meadowbank)); R. Wilson (St. Clair), H. C. Jeffery (Aiyamoa), Section 3.—E. W. Grepfell (Phoenix), T. Crisp (Awamoa), W. Brown (Mornington), A. C. Alcock (Roslyn). RINKS \ 1 ; PHCENIX OLD GREEN! - , Section 1. —G. P. Mollispn (Phoenix), 0. B. Ufton (Kaikorai), J. TisdalJ (Awamoa), W. Denholm (Meado’jvbank), William Thomson (Kaitangata), J. T. Adams (Phoenix). Section 2. —R. Jenkins (Awamoa), D. H. Thomson (Phoenix), J. J. Healey (Waimate), K. Familton (Phoenik)-, G. W. Pierce (Temuka), H. Martin (Meadowbank). * ; PHCENIX NEW GREEN. ,

Section I.—J. T. Calder (Phoenix), W. Brown (Mornington), W. Titmock (Phoenix), A. E. Hodge (Awamoa), A. E. Broad (Waihopai), H. Donald (Meadowi Section 2.—W. Campbell (Meadowbank), T. C. Coull (St. Clair), B,> W. Grenfell (Phoenix), W. Young (Kia Toa), S. Preece (Gore), T, Crisp (Awamoa). MEADOWBANK. Section 1. —Joe Reid (Phoenix),C. Brown (Awamoa), W. BlacklOok (Meadowbank), J. J. Boyd (Roslyn), E. D. Watts (Phoenix), T. R. Berry (Meadowbank), J. Crisp (Phoenix), J. G. Christie (Awamoa). PAIRS PHCENIX OLD GREEN. Section 1. —H. Easton (Pukeuri), W. Blacklock '(Meadowbank), J. J. Healey (Waimate), E. W. Grenfell (Phcenix), T. Crisp (Awamoa), L. Ireland (Mornington), G. P. Mollison (Phoenix), H. Donald (Meadowbank). Section 2.—W. Hodge (Mornington), J. Middlemass (Kaitangata), T. Kennedy (Awamoa), J. Ra’mmage (Kia Toa), H. Miller (Phoenix), M. Giles (Temuka)) S. Preece (Gore), A. Smith (Meadowbank) . PHCENIX NEW GREEN. Section 1. —G. Stevenson (Pukeuri), A. Crichton (Meadowbank), J. Hemly (Phoenix), W. C. Morrison (Roslyn), G. Pierce (Temuka), W. Tinnock (Phoenix), J. Marshall (Phcenix), A. E. Hodge (Awamoa). Section 2.—W. J. Chappell (Meadowbank), J. T. Adams (Phoenix), J. H. Grenfell (Phoenix), W. Brown (Mornington), T. R. Berry (Meadowbank), K. Crisp (Awamoa), A. E. Broad (Waihopai), F. ’L. Barr (Awamoa). MEADOWBANK. Section 1. —W, Restall (Pukeuri), C. Brown (Awamoa), T. C. Coull (St. Clair), J. T. Calder (Phoenix), W. Jamieson (Meadowbank), William Thomson (Kaitangata), T. A. Wright (Phcenix), G. Atkinson (Meadowbank). Section 2.—P. Schroeder (Waimate), Alexander Robertson (Awamoa), J. J. Boyd (Roslyn), W. Buist (Phcenix), Archibald Thomson (Gore), J. Tisdall (Awamoa), D. H. Thomson (Phcenix), W. Denholm (Meadowbank). AWAMOA. Section I.—o. B. Ufton (Kaikorai), W. Campbell (Meadowbank), W. Panckhurst (Phoenix), W. Young (Kia Toa), J. Gerrie (Awamoa), H. Martin (Meadowbank), E. D. Watts (Phcenix), J. E. Russell (Warepa). Section 2. —J. B. Sinclair (Waimate), Joe Reid (Phcenix), J. Hart (Meadowbank), J. G. Christie (Awamoa), T. A. Nicholson (Waihopai), J. Crisp (Phcenix), D. Marshall (Phcenix), R. Jenkins (Awamoa). PERSONAL

Mr G. C. L. Dickel, ot Messrs Wright, Stephenson. and Co., Ltd., Oamaru, has received notice of his transfer on promotion to the Masterton branch of the firm. His numerous friends will regret to learn of his impending departure from Oamaru, where he has taken a great interest in its various organisations and activities. One of Mr Dickel’s outstanding services to Oamaru was as leader of community singing, and in thi 6 capacity he will be greatly missed, Mr Dickel was a foundation member of the Oamaru Savage Club, holding the office of great chief for a term. He was a prominent member of the Amateur Operatic Society, being secretary and a leading player in this organisation. Mr Dickel was always ready to give of his services as a vocal soloist, and his singing was much appreciated in town and country. He will also be missed from the committee of the Oamaru North School, as he was a keen and energetic worker, and as an enthusiastic member of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association.

Queen’s Hotel.—Air E. J. Morgan (Melbourne), Mrs Roulstou, Miss Roulston, Miss Hall (Feilding), Air A. G. Macdonald (Wellington), Mr aud Airs F. E. Drake, Mr A. R. Griffin, Mr and Airs D. O’Connor, Misses O’Connor, Mr Andrew Strange (Christchurch), Air and Airs A. Quigley (Otipua), Air Robert Alilne, Air R. Thompson (Dunedin), Air James Fogarty (Invercargill). New Club Hotel. —Air G. North, Air R. G. Radeliffe, Air G. F. Crawford, Air H. Brugh (Dunedin), Air S. ARDonald, Air A. Al'Dowell (Westport), Air L. C. Pearcy, Air F. Barrowclough, Air H. A. Hungerford. Air H. W, Piper, Air AV. Mitchell (Wellington), Air A. G. Cook (Auckland). Mr D. Lingham (Ballarat), Air A. S. Williams (Lyttelton).

RETAILERS’ COMMITTEE

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE A meeting of the executive of the Retailers’ Committee of the Oamaru Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday morning, the president (Mr H. L. Familton) occupying the chair. It wag decided to fall in with the feneral arrangements made by the Oamaru lorough Council for the celebration of the King’s jubilee, and for all business premises to close on that day. It was dedided to request all shopkeepers to illuminate their premises on that night. It was decided to observe the usual Easter holidays on Friday, Saturday and Monday, the late shopping night to be on Thursday.

A letter was received from the Associated Chambers of Commerce in reference to a remit from the Wanganui Chamber recommending to the Government that legislation be introduced to provide for a more equitable fee of £25 to itinerant traders. The Associated Chambers reported that the questions of auctioneers’ licenses and itinerant trading and hawking were involved, and the executive considered on the evidence before it that the questions wore too involved to be dealt with in a wholesale manner, and the imposition of a fee of £25 might cause many injustices. The executive suggested that if the local chamber desired to take action it could bring the matter before the local authority. Members commented that this was a vei’y difficult question, and the chairman said the only solution would be for all retailers to be licensed, and, if they desired to sell at a different place, they should take out a further license. Members contended they paid too many license fees now. and the correspondence was laid on the table. A letter was received from Tasmania in reference to charges for bulk supply of electricity to manufacturers, and also a letter from the Minister of Public Works in regard to the same matter. The Minister set out the. conditions and prices for supply, and advised that special quotations would be given by the department to manufacturers for bulk supply, but for smaller supplies the department would not interfere with the legitimate business of the local distributing authority. , Mr Gillies pointed out that the information conveyed to the committee was of great importance, and he compared the Government charges to the Waitaki Board with those made to Christchurch and Dunedin. It was a matter in which they should continue to take action. Mr Findlay said that according to the prices charged there did not seem much chance for manufacturing in the smaller centres. , , Mr Calder said the committee s duty commenced with raising sufficient funds for advertising the advantages ot JSortn Otago abroad. They were up against the disparity in the charges between the cities and the smaller towns, but special quotations would be available from the department for manufacturers. . The correspondence was left in the hands of Mr Gillies,. who was authorised to write to the Minister for further information on the subject, with a view to calling a meeting of the whole chamber when the facts were available. It was reported that a complaint had been received about the accommodation and staffing of the Money Order Office at Oamaru, and Messrs Familton and lendlay were empowered to interview the chief postmaster on the subject.

DR C. W. GORDON CIVIC RECEPTION The Borough Council Chambers were filled to capacity yesterday afternoon for the civic reception tendered to the Rev. Dr C. W. Gordon, of Winnipeg, who is better known throughout the world as Ralph Connor, the novelist. The Mayor (Mr M. F. E. Cooney) presided, and on behalf of the citizens of Oamaru, extended a cordial welcome to the' distinguished visitor, who was so well known in the literary world. He considered it a great privilege for Oamaru to have such a distinguished speaker visting the The Rev. W. Lawson Marsh, on behalf of the Oamaru Presbytery, extended a welcome to Dr Gordon, and expressed the honour that was being done to the town by a guest who played such a big part in his own country of Canada, both as a citizen and as a church worker. The Rev. J, F. Jack, on behalf of the Oamaru Ministers’ Association, and Mr W, K. Tomlinson, on behalf of the Oamaru Rotary Club, also extended a welcome to Dr Gordon. In his reply, Dr Gordon said that he had not anticipated such a spontaneous welcome, which had surpassed any he had been tendered in New Zealand. He brought greetings from people from Canada, and from the moderator of the United Church of Canada, of which he was a member, and which embraced the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. It was its aim to unite all churches into one body and thus bring about a better co-operation among the people of the world. Dr Gordon expressed himself as charmed with the Maori people he had met, and said that he had been impressed with their fresh simplicity, honesty and sincerity, and also with their rare beauty of song and speech. Their oratory for people who were allegedly Natives was unsurpassed by any coloured race in the world. The speaker commented on the beauty of the town, which had impressed him deeply as he drove through its beautiful streets. He thanked those present very sincerely fob their welcome and for attending in such large numbers to meet him.

OBITUARY MR ROBERT HINKLEY With the recent death of Mr Robert Hinkley at the age of 87 years, there has been removed a resident of very many years in Oamaru. Mr Hinkley was born at Tunbridge Wells, and went to sea at an earlv age. He followed a seafaring career- for some years, sailing to the far corners of the world. He came to New Zealand 64 years ago, and since then had resided in this district, leading a quiet life a 4 a useful member of the community.

WESLEY LADIES’ GUILD Wesley Hall was very beautifully arranged on Wednesday afternoon, the occasion being the monthly meeting of the Wesley Ladies’ Guild. There was a large attendance of ladies, presided over by the president (Mrs J. P. Jack), who extended a welcome tP all the visitors. A very happy thought lay behind the presenting of several dainty posies to the older g.uild members, especially those over 80 years of age. A musical programme consisting of a pianoforte solo by Miss Jessie Burt, recitations by Miss Hill, and solos by Mrs Ovens, was much appreciated. The dainty dish and home necessaries table, supervised by Mesdames Chase, Burt and Glass, did good business and proved very Successful. The guild funds will benefit considerably through this effort. i Afternoon tea was served by the Social Committee, anil altogether a very happytime was spent, , —A HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

The boys of Waitaki High School took a keen interest in the evening sports gathering, at which several meritorious performances were made. Results: — 100 Yards Handicap.—Patou 1, Cochrane 2. W. Hooper 3. 100 Yards Test. -}!). Wilson 1, Gowland 2, Alills 3. Time. 10 3-ssec. 220 Yards Handicap.—Withel 1, Alilner 2, Guild 3. 220 Yards Test.-4-Gowlaud 1, Alills 2, Hooper 3. Time, 24 • 8-ssec. 880 Yards Handicap.—Hay (70yds) 1, Turnbull (70yds) 2.-. AV, Paton (180yds) 3. Time, linin 54sec. High Jump Handicap.—P. Aliller (Sin), oft Olin; E. R. Blakely (Gin), 4ft llJin, 2; Preston (4in), 4ft llin, 3. Long Jump Handicap.—Bay (2ft), 19ft Sin. 1; J. Alee (ser), 18ft llin, 2; Sutherland (3ft), 18ft Sin, 3. MEN’S HOCKEY The draw for the 11-a-sidc tournament at King George’s Park l on Saturday at 2.15 p.m. is as follows; —Oaraaru v. Rovers, Rovers v. Municipal, Oamaru v. Totara, Totara v. Rovers, Alunicipal v. Oamaru, Totara v. Alunicipal.