NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22723, 8 November 1935, Page 14

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR- SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

HARBOUR BOARD WORKS SUCCESSFUL QUARRY SHOT SPLENDID STONE AVAILABLE. Yesterday morning the shot in No. 2 tunnel at the Oamaru Harbour Boarde quarry was fired, with exceptionally gratifying results, making available large quantities of large blocks of excellent_ stone, which may be regarded as indicating definitely that the proposed breakwater extension will be proceeded with as soon as the necessary portion of the present breakwater is raised in concrete another seven feet in height. , , The drilling of the tunnel, loading with explosives, and firing of the shot were carried out under the personal supervision of Mr G. Lomas (quarry manager), and the result is not only extremely gratifying to the chairman and members ol tne board, but also a tribute to Mr Lomas s knowledge and judgment. This is tne sixty-third shot carried out by Mr Lomas under engagement to different harbour boards in New Zealand, and in all that number there has not been a single failure. His latest effort has certainly exceeded all expectations of ordinary laymen, for it has made available at a conservative estimate, some 40,000 tons of stone and debris, of which not more than 25 per cent, is debris, and the balance i s all of useable stone, with a larger proportion of big stone. Viewed from the quarry floor, the stone in the face shows up to much better advantage than in the trial shot, in which the heavy overburden produced a good, though . not excessive, proportion or debris, and the second shot therefore appears to be much more successful. Ine cost of depositing stone of the breakwater apron form the trial shot was in the vicinity of 4s lOd per ton, and as this essential protective work has been carried out economically and efficiently, there appears to be no reason why the costs should not be maintained at a similar level to enable the breakwater extension to be completed with equal gratifying results. _ The total cost of this shot was £3OO, compared with £IOOO for the trial shot. ■ Messrs -R. K. Ireland (chairman), Robert Milligan, A, MTnnes, R. A. M'Dowell and E. S. Brewster, as well as board officials and prominent citizens of' the town interested in the progress of the harbour works, were .present at the firing of the shot, and on every hand complete satisfaction was expressed at the result achieved. Many complimentary references were made to the progressive policy of the board, and it is evident from the preparations already commenced for a third shot at the east, side of the quarry, that ample supplies of stone will be available for all required purposes. The results bo far refute the criticisms of former years that suitable stone could hot be obtained from the quarrv for har-, hour works.

GENERAL NEWS Mr H. Gladstone Hill (Democrat candidate for the Oamaru electorate) left Oainaru for Christchurch yesterday afternoon, returning on Saturday. Mr, Gladstone Hill and Mr C. H. Wing (party organiser) motored to Palmerscton on Wednesday, and reported'to a meeting of friqnds and supporters held in pamaru on Wednesday night that they had met with an excellent reception all alone the line. The campaign -would commence on Saturday at Hampden, where the._ Mayor (Mr Murcott) would take the chair. On Wednesday, November 13, Mr Gladstone Hill will address the electors in the Opera House, Oamaru, where the Mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney) will preside. On Friday, November 15, the candidate will visit Glen Park in the afternoon, speak at Dunback at 7 o’clock, and at Palmerston at 8.45 p.m. The Mayor (Mr Galloway) will take the chair at Palmerston. Further arrangements are being made for Mr Gladstone Hill to speak at every point of the electorate, and electors will be ‘advised in these columns as soon as these are definite. Mr' J. A/ Macpherson (National Government candidate for the Oamaru elec-, torate) addressed between 50 and 60 electors at Maheno on Wednesday night. Mr. L. Kelcher occupied the chair, and Mr' Macpherson was. given;, an attentive and sympathetic hearing, and at, the’con r elusion of his address a vote of thanks was carried with enthusiasm. , ..The Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer (Labour candidate Torn Oamaru) addressed a good gathering of electors at Awampa on Wednesday night. Mr Strachan occupied, the chair,', and the candidate was. accorded a vote of thanks for his address. Further beneficial rains-have been experienced in Oamaru - and- country districts, although these have been accompanied by bitterly cold southerly winds. For the 24 hours ended at 1 o clock yes.terday morning, 29 points of rain had been recorded by Mr William Forrester. In Oamaru yesterday fairly heavy downfalls of hail occurred in thg town and some of the country districts and, although the the weather cleared at periods late in the afternoon, there was every prospect of further rain. From 9 a.m, until about 4,o’clock in the afternoon a further nine points of rain had fallen, making a total of 38 points from when the rain commenced. , Owing to the number of bands that have entered for the band contest on No* vember 16. the committee has been faced with the difficulty of getting through with the evening selections before midnight, and it was found necessary to separate, the brass section from the pipe section. After consultation with the representatives of the pipe bands’ section it has now been decided to have the pipe band selections in the Public Gardens and the brass band selections in the Opera House. In the event of inclement weather arrangements will be made for another hall, for the pipe band contest. Both pipe •band and brass band military quicksteps will take place in the afternoon on the Show Grounds. MAJESTIC THEATRE Gertrude Michael, who plays the title role in Paramount’s "The Notorious Sophie Lang” to-night, went to Hollywood in 1933, completely unknown to films. She has played in over 20 pictures since, and her appearance in “The Notorious Sophie Lang’-’ marks her first featured appearance. In the film Miss Michael plays the role of a glamorous international adventuress who outwits her rivals and the police by her charms and beauty. She plies her trade throughout two continents, eluding her pursuers and her lovers, for she steals diamonds and hearts with equal abandon. How she finally wins her freedom and finds real love" in the heart of her greatest rival "brings the film to an entertaining climax ■ is the director. The comedy sequences are furnished by Leon Errol, as the bewildered assistant to the inspector, and Alison Skipworth, as Miss Michael’s roguish accomplice. “THE SCARLET PIMPERNELL.”

This, one of the really grade A kinema productions of the year, pronounced by. .many to be the best, comes to Oamaru to morrow, commencing its season at the afternoon matinee. Leslie Howard takes the main part, and lives up to the character ag so vividly portrayed by Baroness Orczy. Packed. houses have greeted this production elsewhere, and extended seasons have again been the rule. The plans are now open at the Bristola.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING OF RETAILERS’ COMMITTEE A meeting of the Retailers’ Committee of the Oamaru Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday morning, Mr H. L. Familton occupying the chair. It was decided to close business premises on the statutory holidays at Christmas and New Year, viz., December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 2. The Friendly Bay Society wrote offering to co-operate with the in organising a garden fete in the New Year, and advising that Messrs E. Coker, M. J. Hanley and B. B. Blackmore had been appointed to meet the committee. It was agreed to hold a special meeting of the committee on Monday, November 18, to meet the representatives of the Friendly Bay Society. The Band Contest Committee Wrote requesting retailers to close business premises at 11.45 on Saturday, November 16. —Agreed to. The question of the summer advertise ing campaign was discussed, and quotations from South Island newspapers were accepted. The secretary was instructed to write thanking Mr G. Meek for his assistance in preparing copy for advertising publicity. Following on representations made by ■the committee to Mr Toddhunter (dir,ector of Imperial Chemical Industries), while he was in Ashburton, the secretary forwarded to Imperial Chemical Industries (Melbourne) full particulars of the electric power available from Waitaki Hydro, rail and shipping facilities at Oamaru, water supply, high quality limestone available for nitrate fixation, building and other purposes, lignite coal deposits. and the unexcelled healthy climate of North Otago, with a view to interesting prospective manufacturers in the establishment of industries in this district.—lmperial Chemical Industries replied that the representations made by the committee would be forwarded to London, where the advantages for establishing industries in North Otago would receive the careful consideration of the corapanv’s technical experts.—The letter was received and referred to the Exccu■tive Committee.

PETER PAN DRAMA CLUB SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT Through the initiative of Mr R. A. M'Dowell, the Pipe Band room has been converted into a splendidly-equipped little theatre, and to mark its opening the Peter Pan Drama Club presented four one-act plays to a large audience. Mr J. L. South (president of the Peter Pan Club) con* gratulated Mr M'Dowell on the initiative shown in providing such n suitable place for amateur theatricals. He stated that for the opening all the active members of the club had been given parts in plays. The first play was "The Hundredth Applicant,” by Margaret Napier, produced by Miss C. Lane. The east comprised Lady Square (Miss P. Lane), Anil Marlowe (Mrs J. L. South), Rose (maid. Mrs F. Crimp), reporter (Mr J. Deniord), and Sir Lionel Square (Mr A. W. Woodward). Then followed “ Legend,” by Phillip Johnson, produced by Mrs R. A. M'Dowell, with the following in the cast: —Mrs Reed (Miss Carroll), Mrs Walters (Miss C. Lane), the Rev. Mr Fallows (Mr A. F. Woodgate), the stranger (Mr K. C. M'Donald). “Playgoers” by Sir Arthur Pinero, with Miss .Tustina Walker as producer, was an amusing playette. This was presented by the following: Master (C. Nicholson), mistress (Mrs C. Clark), cook' (Mrs T. H. Hendra), kitchenmaid (Miss- J. Walker), parlourmaid (Miss G. Hall), housemaid (Mrs E. Stubbs), useful ipaid (Miss A. Butterfield)-, old man (Mr R. B. Nichols). The final/ play was “ Black Night,” by John Bourne, a very dramatic one-act play depicting an episode in Bolshevist Russia after the revolution. The producer was Mrs T. H. Hendra, and the cast included Alex Maklevitch (Mr P. Seyb), Sophia, his wife (Mrs R. A. M'Dowell), Tatiana, (Mrs F. Crimp), Olga (Miss .B. Butterfield), Countess Sonia (Mrs A.., Restieaiix), Lieutenant Ivan Petreko (Mr O.M'lver),. Bolshevist agent (Mr J, L. South). The various parts in the four plays were well portrayed, and reflected great credit on those participating. The one-act play “ Black Night ” is deserving of special mention, as it was one of the best amateur productions yet presented in Oamaru. The casting was excellent, and the acting was 'of a- high ’ standard. The club is to be congratulated on arranging such an excellent entertainment.

LAWN TENNIS Teams for to-morrow: — Friendly Bay v. A*Wamoa, at Friendly Bay.—Campbell, Halkett, Swindley,. Sutton, Harper, Blacblock, Misses Malcolm, A. Towning, I. Cox, 0. Towning, E. Symons, Hoskins. Columba A v. Meadowbank, at Columba. —Christie, Liddell, Miller, Fraser, M'Whirter, Rustbatch, Misses Fraser, A. M'Kenzie, Christie, L. M'Kenzie, Anderson, Newson. Oamaru Juniors v. Wesley, at Oamaru. ■-■-Anderson, Weston, Ross, Giffen, Milne, M’Master, Misses Cuthbertson, Craddock, Ellis, Skene, Corrigal, Fitzgerald. Awamoa Senior A ~<h Awamoa Senior B, at Awamoa.—R. Johnston, J. C. Main. J. Familton, and C. Maude, Mrs Bradley. Misses Nicolls, Humphries and MreShand. Awamoa Senior B.—W. Duthie, J. Walton, J. H. Main, L. Barsdell, Misses Donaldson, Armstrong, Mesdames J. W. Holmes and Mollison.

Awamoa Juniors v. Friendly Bay, at Friendly Bay.—J. Armstrong, C. Kent, G. Reid, J. Rutherford, H. Cameron, and A. Boot, Misses Henry, Bee, Mrs Rodgers, Misses Harvey, Calder,\and Mary M'Donald. Emergencies: Day and Woodward, Misses Miller and Ireland. PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—November 8: 0,37 a.in. and 1.1 p.m. The Wainui is due at Oamaru on Wednesday, November 13, to load for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Tiraaru and Lyttelton. The Wingatui is due at Oamaru this morning to load for Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton. In order to regain her time table, the Wingatui will omit Wellington. northwards. The vessel will not now take cargo for that port. l The Karu will load at Oamaru to-mor-row for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. “ CELTIC ” DANCE The “ Celtic ” dance, held in the Scottish Hall on Wednesday night, proved an outstanding success, there being between 400 and 500 present. Music for the dance was supplied by Mitchell’s orchestra, extras being played by Mr R. Rae. The hall had been tastefully decorated by the Scottish Society for the occasion, and presented a delightful scene. The lucky spot number was won by Miss Barclay and Mr Saxton, and there was a further novelty dance in the Monte Carlo. The duties of M,C. were carried out by Messrs C. ■ Sullivan and T. Mulhern. Those who did not participate in the dancing indulged in playing cards in the supper room. The following were the prize-winners:—soo: Mrs M'Farlane and Miss F. Harvey. Euchre: Mrs Baxter and Mr J. Flynn. The thanks of the committee were due to Messrs Gardiner and Wallace for their assistance in ’the conducting of the function, and to many other willing helpers, as well as hundreds who attended.