NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22708, 22 October 1935, Page 13

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

{FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

MR W. W. BESWICK COLUMBA'S APPRECIATION At the morning service at Columba Presbyterian Church on Sunday a veiy high tribute was paid to .the memory of the late Mr W. W. Beswick. The Rev. W. Lawson Marsh, conducted the service, and Messrs Robert Brown and M. S. Holmes addressed the congregation. i , Mr- Robert Brown said that it had been arranged that on behalf of the session and office-bearers of Columba Church, he should voice their appreciation of the great worth and esteem in which their late session clerk, Mr W. W. Beswick, was held by his fellow-office-bearers and the members of the congre-

gation. He said he felt it a great honour to do this, and could only claim that long association and service together had been the reason. It was 39 years since their late brother came to Oamaru from Gisborne. Well did he remember the great pleasure they had in welcoming Sir and Mrs Berwick and family to their midst. His great interest in all things that were connected with his Master’s service had preceded him, and it was not long before he was heart and soul engaged in the activities of this corner of the Master’s vineyard. A few months after his arrival he joined the session, and ever since had been ever ready to co-operate with his minister In the spiritual work of the session, and also on the Board of Managers. The Rev. William Wright was then pastor, and Columba Church was not the important charge it was now. Eight through the years under the Revs. W. Wright, Lawson Robinson and Walter M'Lean, said Mr Brown, Mr Beswick was a wise and faithful servant to the successive ministers, and more would mourn his loss than those whose work was so intimate and woven with the weal of that church. A man of quiet demeanour, gentle and refined in his manner, always approachable and charitable, also willing at all times to help in need, a most constant and exemplary attender at the means of grace, he was indeed a living example of the true follower of his Lord and Master.

Those who worked with Mr Beswick, continued Mr Brown, fully appreciated his worth and character. When matters of vital interest to the church were discussed he spoke in his wisdom and abhorred scenes of discord. On the death of his (Mr Brown’s) father it was the unanimous wish of the session that Mr Beswick should fill the position of session clerk, and for the past 12 years he had faithfully carried out every duty that that most exalted position demanded—visiting the sick, presbytery elder, synod representative, and many other duties, all of which he discharged with zeal and dignity as their representative. In every department of the work he was deeply interested. Bible classes, Sunday school, choir, ladies’ and men’s clubs, all had his interest. _ His aspirations could well be expressed in the words of the Psalmist: “ I joyed when to the house of God, go up, they said to me.” During the years Mr Beswick had spent among them he had been through the deep waters, as well as the pleasant places, and the loss by death of his wife, two sons, and two daughters in Oamaru were sore afflictions, but his faith and trust were sure, knowing that He Whom he believed knew what was best.

Humbly they paid, their tribute of appreciation to one who, during his day and generation, magnified the glory of God in every office he performed. As a public officer Mr Beswick was highly respected for his integrity and uprightness, filling the position of chief postmaster in Oamaru for 25 years. As a private citizen his life was blameless. He took his full share in all movements that were for the betterment of the town, and joined in the recreations that cemented the friendship and fellowship of his friends. Their brother had passed to his Maker, leaving behind an influence and example they would do well to emulate, taking with him a full sheaf, and leaving a record of service well and faithfully done for the Master. Mr Brown closed with Kingsley’s words:

To Godlike men How great our debt. We would not, if we could, forget. Mr Malcolm S. Holmes also paid a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the young people’s work in the church. As a Sunday school teacher through his long association Mr Beswick was one of the most valued enthusiasts they had known in the history of the congregation. The Rev. W. Lawson Marsh spoke feelingly of the acquaintance he had had with Mr Beswick during his long illness, and preached from the text, “ When I awake I am still with Thee,” a subject, he said, which had been suggested to him by his experience with Mr Beswick during the last week. GENERAL NEWS A grand holiday dance will be held in the Ardgowan Hall on Labour Night (October 26), when an enjoyable night’s dancing is assured. The novelty dances will include a Monte Carlo and lucky spot._ The music for this dapee will be provided by the ever-popular Jackson’s Orchestra. Free buses will run from Oamaru. The certifying officer (Mr J. G. Adair) ' reports that at the beginning of last week there were 512 registered unemployed. Since then 14 new applications were received and 19 nameg were removed, leaving a total of 507 at the end of the week. Twenty-three men were sent to Government works. With a view to reviving interest in the Farmers’ Union in the Otepopo district a meeting will be held in the Herbert Hall on Thursday night, October 24, at which addresses will be delivered by the president and members of the Provincial Executive and Mr S. D. Blomfield (organiser for Otago). A large number of children attended the flower service held in St. Luke’s Church on Sunday morning in connection with the seventieth anniversary. They brought flowers which were later taken to the hospital and presented to the patients. Hymns were sung by the children, and this gave much joy to the patients. In the evening the final thanksgiving service in connection with the anniversary was held, and was attended by a large congregation. The Rev. S. J. Cooper, of Christchurch, was the preacher. Archdeacon Russell expressed gratification at the success of the septenary gatherings, and thankfulness at being associated with the jubilee, the diamond jubilee, and the seventieth anniversary of the church. Telegrams of good wishes for the festival week have been received from the Rev. G. E. Moreton (Auckland) and Mrs Margaret Bennett (Dunedin). An act of vandalism, which is to be strongly deprecated, was carried out probably on Saturday night by some irresponsible person or persons, by breaking off branches of the flowering cherry trees in Eden street. Attempts to beautify this street by planting these beautiful trees have previously come to naught by the wanton destruction of some unktjpwn persons, and on this recent occasion one of the trees has the top of it completely broken off. The trees did well during the winter months, and have recently come into flower, and it is a great pity that when just making good progress that they should be so wantonly destroyed. BIBLE CLASS CROSS-COUNTRY The annual interdenominational Bible class cross-country races were held on Saturday in dull weather. The courses were as usual, the junior being about three miles, starting from Takaro Park, leading up Chelmer street past the old mill, round Rooney’s corner to Eden street extension, then down Eden street over the Hospital Hill and back to the park. T. Cawley, of the Church of Christ, was first, closely followed by D. M’Gregor, of St. Paul’s; then further back E. Mitchell and L. Howell, both of Wesley. The winner’s time was 19min 45sec. The senior course was somewhat longer. Leading from Takaro Park, it took the competitors up past the Waiareka Sale Yards, thence towards and along the main road, turning down the West Belt road and back to the park, via Chelmer street. S. Martin (Wesley) did the course in the good time of 23min 48sec, and was followed a few seconds later by J. May, of the Church of Christ. The remaining places were filled by A. Hill (Wesley), J. Beattie (Baptist), and S. Amies (AVesley). The points gained towards the athletic banner were, therefore, as follows: Wesley 14. Church of Christ 9, St. Paul’s 4, and Baptist 2.

FARM LABOUR FARMERS’ DIFFICULTIES A letter has been received from the Dominion secretary by the secretary of the North Otago Farmers’ Union that numerous representations have been made by various branches of the union and other organisations regarding the difficulty being experienced by many farmers in obtaining labour for seasonal or routine farm work, the contention being that the workers prefer the conditions and wages payable under the Unemployment Board’s various relief schemes to the acceptance of farm work. In order that it might be in a position to give full consideration to the problem that has arisen, the Unemployment Board has asked the union to obtain authentic information regarding the labour position in the farming districts, and if possible to quote specific instances where farmers have been unable to obtain labour. Members of the union are requested to assist Mr Woodward to furnish the Information desired. THE “ GYROTILLER ” DEMONSTRATION ON THURSDAY ! A spectacular part of the demonstra--1 tion of the British “ gyrotiller ” on Thursday afternoon next will be the rootingout of a 70-yeare-old gorse hedge, which is now standing nine feet high. The “ gyrotiller ” makes easy work of gorse and manuka, and, besides stripping the surface | of such growth, leaves the land completely cultivated, and the gorse and manuka only ! requires to be burnt. j The demonstration will be held on Mr A. C. Hurst’s property at Papakaio, and, in addition to the above work, general cultivation to a depth of 24 inches will ■be done. The “ gyrotiller ” now makes I possible an entirely new form of cultivaI tion, and evidence of this is found to-day { in England, where one private contractor j has six “ gyrotillers ” operating in a part ' of a county less than half the size of North Otago, and is unable to cope with the demands. The great depth of tillage, i the complete pulverisation and increased :■ aeration of the soil, enabling greater mois-ture-holding capacity, ensures remarkable increases in production. British Cultivators, Ltd., extends an invitation to all persons interested to be present at the demonstration on Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. A tractor, equipped with Goodyear tyres, will also be demonstrated later in the afternoon. MAJESTIC THEATRE Maurice Chevalier sings five gay songhits in “Folies Bergere,” Darryl F. Zanuck’s new twentieth century screen I musical extravaganza coming to-night and | Wednesday. The successful team of Jack Stern and Jack Mcskill turned out ' “ Rythm of the Rain,” “I Was Lucky,” “An Eevoir I’Amour.” and “ Singing a Happy Song,” while Harold Adamson and Burton Lane, who wrote “ Stormy Weather,” collaborated on “ You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth.” In the first two numbers Chevalier is accompanied by Ann Sothern, who shares feminine honours with the lovely Merle Oberon. Chevqlier also sings one chorus of the memorable “Valentina.” The lavish dance and musical created by Dave Gould, of “ Carioca ” and “ Continental ” fame, and featuring the pick of Hollywood’s loveliest dancing girls, are all staged in the sensational 'manner for which the “ Folies Bergere ” is internationally renowned. An Australian news, comedy, and new Mickey Mouse cartoon, “ Two-gun Mickey,” are also included in the programme. RELIEF WORKS The following work was carried out for local bodies by relief workers under No. 5 scheme during last week: —Oamaru Borough Council; Improvements to footpaths, cutting and grubbing gorse, zigzag track, 20 men, £25 11s sd; excavating, levelling, and draining reserve C, 92 men, £93 Us; gardens and reserves, 23 men, £29 6s 6d; formation of rock wall, Orwell street, 1 man, £1 15s; cleaning out water race, 6 men, £8 3s. Marine Parade Society: Formation of track, 5 men, £6 4s. School Committees: Improvements to grounds—St. Joseph’s School, 16 men, £24 8s; Papakaio School, 2 men, £2 14s; South School, 1 man, £1 9s. PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—October 22: 11.40 a.m. The Wainui is due at Oamaru on Wednesday, October 30, to load for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wingatui is due at Oamaru on Monday, November 4, to load for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The vessel will leave Auckland for southern ports on Friday, October 25. The Karu will load at Oamaru this morning for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Karetu, from Sydney, Newcastle, and Port Kembla, via Wellington, Lyttelton, and Timaru, arrived at this port last evening. She will complete discharge at Oamaru to-day, and will load for Sydney and Newcastle, via Dunedin and Bluff. WEEK-END ANGLING The Waitaki River was in splendid order over the week-end for fishing, and some good bags were obtained. There is plenty of feed in this river, and the prospects for a successful season are very encouraging at the present time. Most of the fishing was done in the vicinity of the bridge, as nearer the mouth the river is very low, and it is practically impossible to fish there. One party secured ! about 18 trout, and these weighed from i about lib to slb. Mr A. Bastings was I fortunate in bagging 11, the largest of i which turned the scales at 41b. i Reports of the Kakanui River show ■ that it is very low, but, nevertheless, a competition was held on Saturday by the North Otago Angling Club, and some of j the anglers landed a few fish each. The I competition was won by W. Thomas, who obtained five fish in all, the total weight ■of which was slightly over 31b. It is re- ! ported that J. Lindsay made a very good catch near the dam, landing two nice trout, each weighing 81b. It has been stated that the fish cannot come past the ■dam to get downstream on account of the river being at such a low ebb. Mr A. Bastings, who met with such success at the Waitaki, also hooked three trout at the Kakanui during the week-end. j BAND CONTEST COMMITTEE | A meeting of the Band Contest Committee was held last night, Mr K. FamilI ton occupying the chair, j It was decided to accept Mrs Hender- ! son’s tendering for the catering privileges. It was decided to write thanking Mr I J. A. Macpherson, M.P.. for his efforts ! in securing a special train from Invercargill on the day of the contest. | Messrs A. Familton, E. D. Watts, and ' J. Robertson were appointed a Programme Committee, j It was left with Mr W. Couper to arrange stewards for all the pipe bands, and the secretary was empowered to appoint members of the committee as stewards for the respective brass bauds. ■ /The secretary was instructed to write ito the Automobile Association (North Otago) requesting members to arrange a motor trip of two hours for visiting bandsmen on the Sunday morning. The Transport Committee was empowered to approach the Railways Department requesting that all country trains and buses be delayed on the Saturday afternoon. i Mr A. Familton reported that the Dunedin Contest Committee had granted a trophy in the form of a cup for the 0 Grade contest. Tjie gift was accepted with thanks.

SCHOOL DEBATE WAITAKI v. ST. KEVIN’S The second annua! debate between St. Kevin’s College and Waitaki Boys’ High School took place at St. Kevin’s on Saturday night. It was a no-decision contest. St. Kevin’s was represented by Messrs Doyle, Munro, M'Mullan, and Croft, and the visiting team consisted of Messrs M’Dowell, Austin, Blundell, and Tartakover. The subject was “ That the National Government is Deserving of the Confidence and Support of the Dominion. It was an interesting, keenly-contested debate from beginning to end, the leader in each case being outstanding, though differing in style from his opponent. The chairman (the Rev. Bro. O’Connor) in commenting on the debate, said that those of the audience, whose right am. duty it was to exercise the franchise next month, had heard both sides of the question admirably presented. Discretion prompted him to make no further comment on the subject matter. _ . . The rector of the college, in givjm; a very cordial welcome to Mr Frank Milner and his boys, took the occasion to thank the Waitaki rector for the cordiality he had shown to St. Kevin’s since its establishment in 1927. The grand spirit between the staff and boys of both schools he attributed in great measure to Mr Milner’s big, broad attitude. The people of Waitaki had been the best of neighbours to those of St. Kevin’s. ST. KEVIN’S COLLEGE CROSS-COUNTRY RUNS The St. Kevin’s cross-country run oyer a course of five miles, including the dimcult Buckley Hill pinch, was won by 1. T. Marshall, of Dunedin, who alscp had to his credit the fastest time oi 31min 35sec. The other placings were as follows;—J. S. Brisk 2, F. L. Duncan 3, I. J. Macdonald gained the second fastest time in 31min 37sec. In the junior event, over a distance ot three miles, G. T. Gray, with the fastest time, 2Gmin ssec, was first, with F. M. M’Kay second, and T. M. O’Brien third. C. T. Hally’s time was the second fastest. NORTH SCHOOL QUEEN SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN’S PARTY A very successful children’s plain, hardup and fanev dress party and dance was held by the Oamaru North School in aid of its candidate in the queen carnival in the Drill Hall. Some very fine costumes were worn, and the hall presented a colourful sight. The judges of the costumes were Mesdames M. F. E. Cooney (Mayoress), Bee, and M'Callum. Mrs Harwood provided the music for the children. A much-appreciated supper was served by the Ladies’ Committee, _ which is deserving of a good deal of praise for its work in this connection. Prizes were awarded to the following;— Fancy Costumes. —Girls: Lois Pope (fairy)' 1, Una Poole (Old Mother Hubbard) 2, Joyce Smith (Britannia) 3, Nonie Watson (lilac) and Valda Crisp (rainbow) h.c. Boys: Ron Swan (Indian) 1. Maurice Hay (Chinaman) 2, Bryan Mathieson (drummer boy) 3. Hard-up Costumes. —Girls; A. M’Dougall 1, Roma Mills 2. Boys; David Andrews 1, Harry Swan 2, Alan Robertson Most Original Costume. —Girls: Audrey Hay Boys: Bill Widdowson. Waltzing Competition.—Dorothy Cayford and Madge Robertson 1. MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING RAILWAY CLUB’S WIND-UP The was a large gathering of members and representatives of other clubs, the club’s patron (Mr A. Bloch), the station master (Mr J Paterson), and other guests present at the annual wind-up social and presentation of trophies of the Railway Miniature Rifle Club which was held in the Railway Hall. The president (Mr G. Brightwell) occupied the chair and extended a hearty welcome to all. A very pleasant time was spent and the function proved a fitting culmination to a very successful season. The following toast list was honoured: —"The King”; “The North Otago Miniature Rifle Association (Mi W. Anderson, Mr C. Andrew), “Kindred Clubs” (Mr J. Paterson, Mr J. Dunn, Oamaru; Mr Dugdale, Glenavy; Mr W. Sewell, Weston; and Mr D. G. M’Lardy, Volunteers), “The Oamaru Railway Club ” (Mr J. Roliertson, Mr G. Brightwell). The trophies won during the season were presented to the winners by the patron, the station master and the president, who congratulated the successful riflemen on their performances. The following were the prize winners:—. Bloch Cup (Club Championship)—A. Rennie 1, G. Brightwell (miniature presented by an anonymous donor) 2, C. Hinkley (club’s miniature cup) 3. Keith Rose Bowl and W. Middleditch’s Trophy (12 out ot 18 shoots including handicaps)—F. Phillips 1, A. Brown, jun. (J Mackie’s miniature cup) 2, A. Rennie (W Anderson’s miniature cup) 3. Wylie Rose Bowl and trophy presented by W. Kennedy (18 shoots including handicaps).— A Rennie 1, C. Hinkley (W. J. Blacklegs miniature cup) 2, W. Anderson (J. E. S. Newson’s miniature cup) 3. R. J. Wilson Memorial Cup (best team of four) —C. H. Tempero (captain), A. Rennie, R. J. Brown, A. Brown, jun. Off the rifle button competition—G. Brightwell (J. Robertson’s trophy) 1, A. Rennie (H. Burton’s trophy) 2. Handicap button competition—F. Phillips (G. Brightwell’s trophy), who has won the trophy six times, 1, A. M’Curdie youngest member of the club (club trophy) 2. Novelty shoot (G. Williams’s trophy)—C. H. Tempero. Consolation prize for the hardest trier in the club (Logan’s trophy)—J. Christie, jun. RAILWAY LADIES’ CLUB. The results of the Oamaru Railway Ladies’ Club’s shoot are as follows: Miss Hall 78—4—80, Mrs Bartley 75 —C —Bo, Miss Benson 75 —13—80, Mrs Anderson 70 —3 —79, Mrs Barker 75 —4 79, Mrs Kennedv 70 —9 —-79, Mrs M’Curdie 70—9—79, Miss'Morey Wilson 68—11—79, Mrs Andrew 70 —2 —78, Miss O'Donnell 74—4—78, Mrs Brightwell 73—5—78, Miss Wilson 72—4—70, Miss Port 72—4—76, Miss Day 00—16—70, Mrs Benson 09—6 —75, Miss Pugh 00 —11 —71, Mrs Mackie 04 —4 —oß, Mrs M’Fadgen 04—4—68. Miss Hall won the rifle button and Mrs Bartley the handicap button. GARDENS CROQUET CLUB There was a good attendance of members and visitors at the opening day of the Oamaru Gardens Croquet Club, at which an enjoyable time was spent. The greens were in good order, and two corn-, petitions in hoop running were held, the winners being Mrs Panckhurst and Miss Gill. An enjoyable afternoon tea was served in the pavilion, and opportunity was taken by Mrs J. Tait to extend a hearty welcome to the visitors. She made feeling reference to the loss suffered by death of Mrs J. C. Kirkness (president), who had been one of the club’s most enthusiastic members. Mrs Tait, said that the excellent wisdom and sportsmanship displayed by Mrs Kirkness had made her an ideal member. Miss Banks replied on behalf of the visitors, thanking the members of the Gardens Club for their hospitality. WESLEY SUNDAY SCHOOL The seventy-second anniversary services of the Wesley Sunday School were held on Sunday. Very {>t)ocl congregations attended, and were favourably impressed with the singing of the children, under the leadership of,Miss Vera Slater, A.T.C.L. Duets were sung by Dorothy and Editli Fagan, May Knight, and June Wassail, Billie Scott and Bryan Muloahy. Solos were rendered by Hilda Sinclair and Willis Williams, with Scripture reading by Esther Familtm and Willis Williams. The morning preacher was the Rev. J. T. Crozier, who pleased the adults and congregation alike in an address on “ Five B’s in Life.” At the evening service the Rev. J. F. Jack took for his text, “ Train up a child in the way it should go.” Both addresses were of a very fine order and will leave deep impressions on all who listened. ,The celebrations will be continued tonight with a tea and concert.

PERSONAL Archdeacon Russell, the Revs. J. N. Goodman, C. M. Newton, and A. W. C. Stacc, Messrs A. Bloch and H. J. Jenkins left for Dunedin yesterday to attend a meeting of the Diocesan Synod. During the archdeacon’s absence his churchwarden (Mr AV. K. Tomlinson) will be in charge of the parish.