NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22827, 11 March 1936, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

A (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

OAMARUHARBOUR BOARD MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board was held yesterday morning, there being present: Messrs R. K. Ireland (chairman), A. N. Hayes, C. J. Marshall, A. M'lnnes, J. Duncan, J. A. Macpherson, R. Milligan, R. A. M Dowell, E. S. Brewster, J. S. Adams, and A. A. Barnett. Mr G. A. Lee (consulting engineer) attended'the meeting. The Mackay Harbour Board (Queensland) wrote that it had inland the construction of stone breakwaters to form a harbour at Mackay, and that considerable interest was being taken in the accounts which had come to hand of the Oamaru Harbour Board’s undertaking at Oamaru, and asking for particulars and information in reference to the working and results of the quarry and to breakwater construction. —Referred to Mr Lee. The Railways Department advised that arrangements could be made for spoil from the board's quarry to be conveyed to the- rubble embankment opposite the station at Oamaru, and that the locomotive crew had been examined, and engine and wagons pased as fit for the work. Eeceived. • • The Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer forwarded the reply of the Minister in Charge of the Valuation Department in reference to the allocation, of charges made by the department in connection with the revision of the valuation rolls for the Oamaru harbour district, in which the Valuergeneral pointed out that over 3700 properties had to be individually visited and inspected, valuations made, field boohs, plans, and new rolls prepared, and .objections dealt with. One-third of the total coat was chargeable against the local bodies, and that third was divided between the local bodies, the Oamaru Harbour Board being charged £230. ihe letter was received and the account passed for payment. . -_ T „ The acting district engineer, New Zealand Railways, reported certain defects in beams in Sumpter wharff'-as'- pointed out by the inspector, and ' asked the board to take the necessary'action to have; such defects remedied,—Referred to foreman for action as soon as possible. . The applicatiom.of Mr J. M. Docherty for the lease of a-l board’s section was referredito thc.-Standing Committee. Accounts totalling £1921 18s were passed payment. Mr Ireland reported that Mr Fogarty who had been assisting the engineer, had received an appointment with tne Palmerston Borough Council, and was leaving the service of the board. Messrs Ireland and M'Dowell spoke in appreciative terms of bis valued work for the board, especially for his additional services during the recent storms. Mr Ireland also acknowledged the services rendered by Mr M'Dowell (deputy chairman) during his absence for the last two months, and thanked Mr M Dowell for representing the board on the occasion of the visit of H.M.S, Wellington, and for his work in connection with the breakwater. Leave of absence was granted Mr Robert Milligan until the end of the year. —Mr Ireland said he was pleased to be able to wish Mr and Mrs Milligan a pleasant trip Home, and said he hoped to welcome them back to Oamaru in the best of health. Mr Milligan had been a very valuable„member of the board for a lon fr number of years, and he hoped that while in England Mr Milligan would keep his eyes open in the interests of the board.

Mr Milligan thanked the chairman for his kindly remarks, and added that while away he would not lose interest in, the hoard. He wished members every success in the very important work they were doing for the ratepayers. RATE STRUCK. The Standing Committee recommended, to the board that the 1936-37. district rate be one-third of a penny, in the f on the capital value or its equivalent, as defined by the Act. The chairman pointed out' that the increase in the rate was due to lower valuations, but the total amount raised for interest and sinking fund on the loan, was the same as in previous years. He moved that the recommendation he adopted. The rate last year was 9-32 d in the f. ■' J- '’'' ' ' V’ Mr Adams said- the farmers were very heavily rated for the harbour, and in his district a farmer paying £2O in rates telt that he was receiving no benefit from the harbour. There was a feeling that toe rates should be loitered, not raised. He

moved, as an amendment, that the rate be the same as Jast^year, The chairman pointed out that if the board did this it would mean a loss of £IBOO in the interest and sinking fund, which would have to be made up from somewhere else. In the general account they had to provide £IO,OOO for dredging in two and a-half years’ time, and the board was committed to certain expenditure under the harbour improvements fund. By reducing the rate they would have to dip into - those two funds, which would hamper the board’s operations under those two headings, Mr Hayes pointed out that Haka ana Waihao ridings were on a higher valuation. Could not the deficit be taken from the harbour improvements fund? Ratepayers were looking for a reduction m rates, and the Haka and Waihao ratepayers would a shock when they found there was an increase. Mr M'lnnes said that the ridings mentioned had had an advantage over the whole of the Waitaki County over a number of years. Mr C. J. Marshall pointed out that the board had never struck rates for more than the £11,500 required for interest and sinking fund, and this meant that the debt would be extinguished in time. The fact that there had been reductions in valuations had no hearing on the subject, as the ratepayers agreed to find the interest and sinking fund. Mr Milligan, speaking of the benefit of the harbour to farmers, gave as an instance the shipping of the last cargo of meat at Oamaru, which, if it had had to be railed to a neighbouring port, would have cost the farmers £7OO. The farmer mentioned by Mr Adams, who probably sent forward fat lambs, could see from that one instance the value of the harbour to this district. They were not entitled to look at the matter from a selfish point of view, as for better or for worse the ratepayers had formed themselves into a harbour district, and if the incidence of the rating wag not equitable as between the constituent parts of the district, that could be remedied by proper action. It would be only a matter of 15 years when the debt would be extinguished and the district would be wholly free of debt.- • ./■ Mr Barnett said that when they sanctioned the loan) the ratepayers agreed to the rates as security for interest and sinking fund, and if the revenue fell short the ratepayers were to make up the deficiency. Mr Ireland said the board's responsibility was to keep the port efficient. It would be ridiculous to say they had done their duty when they had met the interest and sinking fund, and let the boats go past. Another aspect of the matter ■was that wheatgrowers at Morven, for instance, benefited to the extent of 2s per ton for every ton of wheat grown in that disrict, while when they came down to Glenavy the grower benefited to 4s 4d per ton. On certain properties that alone would pay the whole rate. The ratepayers could not go gaily into debt and then say they had got tired of it. The board had to face its responsibilities^ Mr Hayes said his object in seconding the amendment was to show the unfortunate position of the Haka and Waihao ratepayers. He wanted that to be remedied. The amendriient was lost. Messrs Adams and Haye fl voting in favour, and the recommendation of the Standing Committee that the rate be l-3d in the f, was adopted. A formal resolution to this effect was carried. STANDING COMMITTEE’S ; REPORTS. The Standing Committee recommended that for any diving required the board engage an outeide diver in the meantime. —Adopted. The Standing Committee resolved that £7265 1949 4 per cent, inscribed stock held by the board be sold at market values, the sale to be left in the hands of the chairman and deputy chairman to arrange.—Confirmed. i Dealing with the request of the harbour master’s staff for the board to restore the 10 per cent, cut in wages, the Standing Committee recommended to the board that the matter of the increase in wages is a matter that should be dealt with by a committee specially set up for the purpose of considering the reorganisation of the whole staff and the adjustment of salaries and wages.—Adopted, the whole board being set up as a special committee. \i.

BREAKWATER IMPROVEMENTS. Mr Lee reported that the work of raising the breakwater in contract would be completed by Messrs Downer and Co. in about three days. It was unfortunate

the contractors were delayed through the very heavy seas. Since the breakwater apron had been under construction during the last 18 months there had been a natural settling down of the stone apron by the seas. He was surprised to see that there was not so much, dragging down as he anticipated. During the last few days, with the heavy seas, there had been, strong pressure on the breakwater at the junction of the concrete top and stone formation at the land end, as the first strike of the waves was in that vicinity. If it had not been for the stone apron protecting the concrete they might have anticipated severe damage there. During the previous day’s storm practically no waves, only spray, came over the raised portion of the structure, and if they had had vessels at Sumpter wharf without this protection in such weather, it might have been hard to have held them. There had not been that rebound in the harbour as formerly, and the raised concrete had reached a point to break the seas, sufficiently to make perfectly Holmes wharf to sit quiet in the berth. In his opinion they would have to strengthen this portion and the apron where it had been dragged down by the seas, sufficiently to make perfectly sure that it was sound before going on with the extension. He recommended that the large blocks of stone now being obtained from the quarry be used for this purpose. He also recommended that no tender be accetped for contract No. 102 for supply of timber, until they were satisfied the main structure was perfectly safe. The concrete tests carried out for the large contract had worked out very well indeed. The engineer’s recommendations were adopted. HARBOUR MASTER’S REPORT. The harbour master (Captain H. S. Cox) reported that the shipping for the month comprised 1 overseas and 13 coastal steamers of a total tonnage of 11,777 tons, compared with 2 overseas and 15 coastal steamers of 17,088 tons for the corresponding month last year. — Received. SECRETARY’S REPORT. The secretary (Mr T. J. Guthrie) reported that rationed men were employed 'Under scheme No. 5 as follows: Week ended February 1: 13 men, wages £l4_3s; February 8: 12 men, wages £l2 4s; February 15: 11 men, w.ages £ll 13s; February 22: 11 men, wages £ll 13s; February 29: 11 men, wages £ll 13s. Work was carried out in grubbing and cutting noxious weeds on the reclamation, and stone pitching the foreshore wall between the landing and the pavilion. Eighteen men were engaged on the work oi completing the repairs to the breakwater apron at the root of the breakwater, and 530 tons of stone were deposited over the apron towards the lighthouse steps. No. 2a tunnel was fired at the quarry on February S. with fairly satisfactory results, and all large stones arc being stacked aside in the stacking yard. As was anticipated, the heavy seas caused a fair amount of settlement on the apron, which is only to be expected until such time as the seas interlock the stones and batter the wall down to a natural slope. Some damage was being caused to the embankment in the vicinity of the old freezing works buildings by the recent heavy sens. The shipping for February was aa follows, the figures for February, 1935, being shown in parentheses;— Coastal; Inwards 324 tons (423); outwards 1020 (1408). Overseas: Inwards ml (nil) outwards 334 (1170) total, 1078 (3061). The March shipments overseas comprise the Mamari (March 7), 22,000 freight carcasses, for London, and Turakina (March 11), 10,000 freight carcasses for West of England ports.—The report was received. ATHEN/EUM COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING Mr W. E. Judkins presided at the monthly meeting of the Athenaeum Comraittee. , . , u . The Book Committee reported having purchased 22 books and having ordered Wise’s Directory for 1937. They also recommended the further purchase of 2b books, that the Saturday’s issue of the Argus be stopped, and that authority be iriveu for the ordering of second-hand books from Boots’ Library, valued at approximately £5. Accounts amounting to £23 12s 3d were passed for payment. , The librarian reported that 35 books of fiction, three of biography, and one of travel had been put into circulation during the month. Seven new adults ana two new juveniles had joined the library, making the totals: 450 adults and 0 U juveniles. A total of 6349 books had been issued during the _ month.—ihe librarian’s report was received. It was decided to close the library on Friday, Saturday and Monday during the Easter holidays. , ~ f ,, As the April meeting night would tall on Easter Monday, it was decided to meet on the third Monday at 7.15, and hold the annual meeting of subscribers the same night at 8 p.ra. The draft annual report for presentation at the annual meeting was approved. The Visiting Committee recommended some small repairs, and these were authorised Messrs Simpson (convener) and Wilson were appointed a Visiting Committee for the month. PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—March 11; 5.4 a.m. and 5.24 p.m. The Wainui will load at Oamaru on Wednesday, March 18, for Wellington. Napier, and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. . The Karu was due here last night, to load for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wingatui was due at Oamaru last evening to load for Wellington and Auckland, via ports. The Union Steam Ship Company, Ltd,, as agents, advise that the Turakina will load at Oamaru on Tuesday, March 12,. and will take refrigerated apd general cargo for West Coast United Kingdom ports, and general cargo for London. The Surrey will load at Liverpool on June 13 for direct discharge nt Oamaru. The m.v. Gale will load at Oamaru on Thursday morning for Wellington, Picton. and Wanganui. GENERAL NEWS A specially conducted tour of Australia, which will have more than usual interest? for New Zealand fanners, is to begin on March 31. when the tourists will leave by the R.M.S. Maunganui from Wellington. This will include sightseeing tours of Sydney and nlotor trips to points of interest in the country districts of New South Wales, etc. The Blue Mountains will also be visited, and the highlight of the tour will bo a visit to the Sydney Royal Show. The fare will be very reasonable, and members of Farmers’ Unions will receive special concessions of 5 per cent, by booking through the Dominion secretary of, the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. * While attempting to cut the big plateglass window in the Polytechnic buildings yesterday morning, it crashed on to the pavement and broke into many pieces. This window was reputed to be the largest sheet of plate-glass in the southern liemisphere, and measured 19 feet by 11 feet, and. as it was too big to be brought through the Lyttelton tunnel, it was conveyed to Oamaru by sea. The wiudow was to have been cut by Mr M. J. Hanley into three pieces to enable frontage alterations necessitated by the division of the building into two shops. The window would bo valued to-day at between £7O and £BO. As the result of an accident nt the Waitaki Hydro works on March 2, when he was crushed by a truck, Mr Alexander M'Kerrow, a middle-aged man, died on Monday from the injuries he received. Mr M'Kerrow had been employed at the works for the past four or five years as an engine-driver, and previous to that was iengaged at M'Donald's lime kilns. The particulars of how the accident happened are not yet available. However, it is reported that Mr M'Kerrow received severe internal injuries and broken bones, and was removed to hospital to undergo an operation. The inquest was opened at Oamaru, and adjourned sine die.

OAMARU PRESBYTERY MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Oamaru Presbytery was held yesterday morning, the moderator (the Rev. S. D. Baird) occupying the chair. Mr G. A. Robertson was appointed to represent Herbert oil the Elders’ Commission. The Rev. P. C. Rennie referred to the death of Mr W. M'Millan, who had been a worthy elder of the Otepopo Church. Mr M'Millan had been a regular attender at church, and an excellent helper in any way. A motion of condolence with the relatives was passed in the usual manner. The Rev. J. M. M'Kenzie was elected moderator of the presbytery for the ensuing six months. The retiring moderator (the Rev. S. D. Baird) returned thanks to the members of the presbytery for their help and co-operation during his term. The Rev. J. M. MJ'Kenzie gave notice of motion to mo\ r e an alternative system for the nomination of moderator. The Rev. W. L. Marsh and the clerk of presbytery (the Rev. H. T. Blair) were appointed delegates to attend the meeting of the Finance Committee of synod. Miss R. Brown (Christchurch) secretary of the Dominion Council of Secondary School Teachers, forwarded the minutes of its first meeting.—Referred to the Youth Committee. CALL TO REV. H. HOGG. A call from the Opoho Church, Dunedin, to the Rev. H, Hogg, of the WestonTotara parish, was laid on the table. The Rev. S. D. Baird said he had attended a combined meeting at Weston, and the feeling of the meeting was very warm towards Mr Hogg. The representatives from the various churches in Mr Hogg’s charge were very sorry to know that he would be leaving them, but, on account of the circumstances of his family, it was agreed that they could not put any obstacle in Mr Hogg’s way. The commission from the WestonTotara parish—Messrs J. Mitchell, A. M'Donald, and Allan—was then admitted. Mr Mitchell said that during the five years he had been with them, Mr Hogg had done excellent work, especially so in the interests of the Bible classes and young people generally. He had laboured hard, and not in vain. There were altogether 80 Bible class members in the parish, and all were keen and enthusiastic, having been inspired by the enthusiasm displayed by Mr Hogg. Mr Mitchell then read the following motion - — "We, the members of the Weston-Totara congregation, wish to place on record our appreciation of the service of the Rev. H. Hogg, Mrs Hogg and family during the five years they have been in our district. The work of Mr Hogg in the pulpit has been of a high standard. His earnestness and evangelical preaching have been of great spiritual blessing to his hearers. His pastoral ministrations have been faithfully and systematically carried out. Especially would we note his visiting of the aged and sick members of the community, his work for the young people of the parish being worthy of the highest praise, the strong Bible classes in various parts of the parish being ample proof of Mr Hogg’s zeal and enthusiasm. We are also proud to note that our missionary quota to the budget fund of our church has always been maintained at a high figure, due no doubt to the earnest and devoted work of Mr and Mrs Hogg. Mr Hogg has at all times co-operated with the managers, and during the difficult period of the depression he assisted the church financially in a very practical manner. Mr Hogg's work in the parish has been ably seconded by Mrs Hogg. She has been president of the various P.W.M. Unions, and has carried out her duties with marked ability. It is a compliment to Mrs Hogg that she has been elected president of of the Presbyterial Association in Oamaru, and it is also a compliment to us that Mrs Hogg has been chosen to fill such an important position. Shortly after arriving in our parish Mrs Hogg inaugurated the Busy Bee movement, it proving of immense value to the Sunday school scholars. The members of Mr and Mrs Hogg’s family have all been of great service in our districts, in the choir, the Bible class and the Sunday school. It was with sorrow that we heard that, Mr and Mrs Hogg and family were going to leave us. They have done excellent work, and would, •we believe, have continued to do splendid work for the cause of God and His Kingdom in Weston-Totara. had they decided to remain with us It was, therefore, with great disappointment that we heard his announcement of the call to Opoho. but, while we regret his departure, we wish to place no obstacle in bis way in accepting the call.” . _ , , Mr A. M'Donald said the Opoho Church was indeed fortunate in obtaining a man with so many fine qualities as Mr Hogg. He was leaving his charge in a flourishing condition, both spiritually and financially. The members of the Hogg family had been groat workers for the church. Mr Allan endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks, and wished Mr Hogg every success and happiness in his new sphere. , , The Rev. Mr Badcock spoke in support of the call, and said the fact that it had been so .well signed was an indication of the hearty welcome that Mr Hogg would rceive from the Opoho congregattoin v. E Andrews stated the Opoho Church was a small one, but Mr Hogg, with his natural gifts and ability, was the man to build it up. The Rev. S. D. Baird and the Rev. J. M. M'Kenzie spoke of the good-fellowship that had existed between Mr Hogg and the other members. „ The Rev. H. Hogg accepted the call, which was sustained. . The Rev. S. D. Baird was appointed interim moderator of the Weston-Totara charge.

The following were appointed to the vacancies on the various committees caused by the departure of the Key. H. Hogg:—Collector of presbytery statistics, the Rev. H. 0. Bowman; Youth Committee, the Rev, W. L. Marsh; Public Questions and Temperance Committee, the Rev. H. 0. Bowman; Home and Foreign Mission convener, tlie Rev. J. Anderson, with the Rev. S. D. Baird convener.

HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONS. The Rev. J. M. M'Kenzie’s notice of motion to the effect that the Oamaru Presbytery give consideration to the necessity of assisting more towards the finances of the home and foreign missions was brought up for discussion. Mr M'Kcnzie considered the presbytery should make a greater effort to meet its responsibilities. Perhaps it was not fully realised, said Mr M’Kcnzie, that about a-quarter of the amount sent for foreign missions was swallowed up in exchange. The contributions from the presbytery were still falling, but the local presbytery was not falling behind as much as some. The problem was how were they going to increase the amount, and get a greater measure of support behind the congregational giving. The return of certain missionaries from China had been the direct result of ill-health through overwork. Thus the evangelistic work sufiered, and it was indeed a problem how they were to get a new attitude towards giving for missions. The first thing to do was to recapture the sense of obligation that was laid upon the people. They should regard the work at home and abroad as one work, one problem. The work in_ raising funds for missions had been lejt mostly to the P.W.M.U. branches, and the upkeep of the church to the Management Committee and other departments. This division should be broken down, said Mr M'Kenzie, as the only way in which they would be able to meet their obligations was to spread the obligation to evcr.v member of the churches. „ , , , r The Rev. W. L. Marsh supported Mr M'Kcnzie in his outlining of the position. What Mr M’Kcnzie had said was much to the point. The work in both India and China had been rendered less effective bv the plain reason that they were not able to replace withdrawals from the field through lack of finance. He suggested that the ministers and elders should make an effort to double the envelope contributions. They should endeavour on-

tirely to revolutionise the whole financial position. He was sure they would meet with williug response from all the congregations. Mr R. Jenkins outlined what had been done for missions at the Columba Church, and how it had been carried out. The Revs. J. T. V. Steele, Bates, and Badcock spoke of the difficulties that had to lie contended with in the raising of money for missions. Suggestions were made, and it was agreed to adopt the notice of motion. The Rev. J. T. V. Steele reported on behalf of the Finance Committee. MAGISTRATE’S COURT WEEKLY SITTING The weekly sitting of the Magistrate’s Court wag commenced yesterday afternoon before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M. The inspector of machinery (Mr J. Y. Alexander) proceeded against Robert T. Harvey for using a boiler in respect of which a certificate under the Inspection of Machinery Act, 1928, was not in force. Mr R. D. H. Swindley appeared for the defendant, who uleaded guilty. The inspector stated that the traction engine belonged to a mao named Saunders, who had loaned it to the defendant. The engine had been used along the public highway. Mr Swindley said the defendant was the holder of e. certificate of competency for traction engines. There was no intention of flouting the law. —Mr Bundle said the matter wag a serious one and he imopsed a fine of £3 and costs (£1 JBa lid). For riding a bicycle after dark without a light Stanley Devon was fined 3a and costs (12s). The traffic inspector (Mr P. Laughton) pioceeded against Douglas Elms (driver), and the Mount Cook Tourist Company, for using an unlicensed motor bus. /In a letter to the inspector the defendant company stated that the driver had not noticed the bus was unregistered until he was on the road.—Mr Bundle said it appeared to be a case of carelessness. Elms was fined 20s and costs (10s), the charge against the Mount Cook Company being dismissed.

The hearing was continued of the charges against William Thomas Wcatrop Smyth of keeping liquor for sale, selling liquor in the no-licene district of Oamaru, and of carrying on the business of brewer without a brewer’s licence. Constable M'Gregor conducted the case for the prosecution, Mr J. H. Main appeared for the Collector of Customs (Mr W. J. M'Stay), and Mr R. D. H. Swindley for the defendant. ’

Constable Waring gave evidence of finding eight bottles of home brewed beer in a motor lorry occupied by four men at Friendly Bay. He later accompanied Sergeant M'Gregor and Mr M'Stay when they executed a warrant at the defendant's premises where Cunningham said to the defendant that be had paid Is per bottle for eight bottles of beer. Witness stated that the police found a cask of wine and 170 bottles of beer, corks, caps, and brewing appliances. Corroborative evidence was given by Constable Thyne, Mr W. J. M'Stay and Sergeant M'Gregor. After hearing counsel for the defence Mr Bundle held that there was a prima facie case to answer, the taking of further evidence being adjourned till this morning. WAIAREKA SALE There was an exceptionally large entry of stock at the Waiareka yards yesterday for the weekly sale, and there was a very good attendance of buyers. Fat Cattle. —A medium yarding, and the best price realised was £6 10s for a steer. The North Otago Farmers’ Cooperative Association sold: For P. Marshall, 1 cow £5 10s, 1 vealer £1 15s, 1 steer £5; A. Copland, 1 cow £3 17s 6d, 1 £3 10s, 2 £2 15s; a client, 2 heifers £4 10s; W. K. Goodson, 1 cow £4 10s; a client, 2 heifers £4; Mrs M. M. Hill, 1 heifer £5. Dalgety and Co sold: For H. and J. Dillon (Kauru Hill), 2 steers £6 10s, 4 £5 12s 6d, 2 £3 7s 6d; J. Morgan. I cow £3 15s, 1 steer £6 17s 6d, 1 £4 10s, a email heifer 37s 6d. Store Cattle.—Bruce Christie and Co. sold; For R. Gray, 5 cows and calves 37s 6d, 1 heifer £2 2s 6d, 1 10s, 5 empty cows 27s 6d; T. Smith, 1 cow 14s, 2 heifers 19s, 1 calf 11s, 1 aged cow 30s. Dalgety and Co. sold: For J. Morgan, 1 cow and calf £3 15s, 1 £2 7s 6d. Dairy Cows. —Bruce Christie and Co. sold: For R. Smith (Weston), 1 cow in milk 225. Fat Sheep.—There was a fairly good yarding of fat sheep. Wethers realised up to 21s 6d. The National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd., sold: For A. Cameron, 11 ewes 13s 9d: J. Sinclair, 24 ewes 14s 6d; W. Marshall, 23 ewes 18s, 12 two-tooth wethers 21s 6d. The North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association sold: For B. B. Walton, 10 ewes 13s 3d, 13 wethers 21s 6d; a client, two-tooth wethers 21s, 1 17s fid. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., sold: For T. Gemmell (Weftton), 12 ewes 18s 3d, 15 16s 3d, 16 17s fid, W. Gemmell, 12 ewes 14s; W. P. Reid, 26 ewes 13s 3d. Dalgety and Co. sold: For A. J. Sheat (Windsor), 17 ewes 13s 9d; W. Power (Ngapara), 16 ewes 13a 9d, 28 13s 3d, 16 12s 9d; R. Ruddenklau, 24 ewes 14s. Store Sheep.—This section was very well represented, and prices were firm. There was a good demand for two-tooth ewes, which brought up to as much as 35s Id. The North Otago Farmers’ Cooperative Association sold: For E. A. Fox, 113 ewes 18s 6d. 269 lambs 17s. 125 ewe lambs 21s, 90 ewes 23s 6d; W. Halliwcll, 45 two-tooth ewes 30s fid; W. Wills, 119 wether lambs 8s 9d, 33 ewes 19s fid, 65 9s 6d; a client, 325 wether lambs 13s, 39 rape lambs 18s, 13 two-tooth ewes 265; D. Munro, 53 ewes 16s, 55 14s 3d. The National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd., sold: For R. Allan, 112 ewe lambs 18s; a client, 320 wether lambs 12a 9d; A. Cameron, 59 failing-mouthed ewes 15s lOd, 23 10s 9d; A. Harvey, 81 mixed-sex lambs 15s; a client, 106 twotooth ewes 33s 9d, 43 325; D. Munro, 49 failing-mouthed ewes 13s lOd; a client, 88 two-tooth wethers 18s. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: Fop W. Marshall, 72 mixed-sex lambs 15s 3d. 38 10s id, 27 ewe lambs 18s 3d; a client, 75 ewes 16s; a southern client, 304 two-tooth ewes 35s Id, 50 345; a southern client. 163 two-tooth wethers 17s 6d; a client, mixedsex lambs 10s. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., sold: For a client, 74 sound-mouthed ewes 225; a southern client, cull ewe lambs 12s 9d, 70 failing-mouthed ewes 9s: a client, 67 cull wether ewes 12s. 39 cull ewe lambs 9s Id. Dalgety and Co.. Ltd., sold: For M. M'Nally, 36 two-tooth ewes 245, 6 cull ewes 13s lOd; G. Smith, 27 ewes 7s 3d; H. J. Gudsell, 108 three(juarterbred four-year-old ewes 24s 6d. 143 four-year-old Corriedale ewes 235. 25 failing-mouthed ewes 13s 9d; a client. 101 two-tooth ewes 33s 6d; W. Power (Ngapara), 6 cull ewes 7s 6d; E. A. Fox, 25 ewes 15a PIGS. There was a small yarding of pigs, but prices were better than those ruling a week ago. Bruce Christie and Co. sold: For R. Smith (Enfield), 2 weanere 11s 6d, 1 9s fid L. Hamilton (Papakaio), 1 weaner 15s Od, 3 12s, 210 s, 1 9s, 2 7e; A. Rapson (Ngapara), 2 stores 25s Od; John Clark (Ardgowan), 6 stores 26s 6d; E. A. Watson (Enfield), 3 weanere 14s, 3 13s 6d; R. Sharpe (Windsor), 3 weaners 11s 6d. 1 8s; Frew Burdett (Alma), 2 weaners 14s Od, 214 s, 213 s 6d; W, Smith (Alma), 2 weaners 15s 6d, 214 s 6d. OAMARU BOXING ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Oamaru Amateur Boxing Association was held last night. Dr Lennox Dougins (president) presided over a good attendance of members. The annual report and balance sheet, which showed a very satisfactory credit balance, were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr W. P. Reid; vice-presidents—Messrs W. Kinder, A. E. Hodge, and Dr Lennox Douglas; secretary, Mr George M'Leod; treasurer, Mr J. Moore; auditor. Mr R. Finch; committee —Messrs T. Richards, W. Currie, R. Young, D. Thomson, D. Wright, H. Chalmers, H. Nightingale, and W. L. Notman. The following notice of motion given by Mr O. R. Wise was discussed: —‘‘That all nominations for committee be in the hands of the secretary 10 days before the annual meeting.” Dr Lennox Douglag said he could not see the advantage this would be to the association, and it seemed to him that they were complicating their election of officers. He felt that good men might easily bo left out, and he could not see the advantages this rule would have, Mr W. Kinder moved as an amend-

ment—“That the names nominated be in the hands of the secretary five days before the annual mefeting instead of 10.” —The amendment wan carried.

Mr Sceats mPved —“ That copies of the New Zealand Association’s rules be made available.” Hel had noticed amongst boys who had fought here, and more so at the New Zealand championships, an utter ignorance by boxers of the rules. He fotind it difficult to obtain a book of rules and he w(as sure it would be welcome to competitors to know the rules under which they were fighting. He considered that if &ach trainer had the rules in his rooms itlwould be very beneficial. It was agreed that copies of the rules be made available, A vote of thanks was accorded Mr W. Currie for the nee of his rooms, the secretary (Mr G. • M'Leod), the honorary surgeons, and the press. The following recommendation was passed to the Ijew Zealand Council — “ The Oamaru Amateur Boxing Association suggests as a? means of creating more interest for the homing season that the New Zealand Couaicil import four reputed boxers from Australia to match against New Zealand boxrirs, members of the Australian team to he guaranteed £2OO each for the trip, with; a minimum of four fights each and the right to accent further bouts, the New Zealand Council to circularise associations - to ascertain if they are prepared to give 'a guarantee in order to secure a, bout to-enable importations to be guaranteed the suggested sum, all associations staging ,b° u ts to retain 20 per cent, of the house, and in the event of the remaining 80(per cent, being in excess of the sum guaranteed by an association that excess amount be handed to the contestants.” ' ! At a subsequent meeting of the committee it was decided ttji arrange a match, preferably a professional bout, towards the end of April. Messrjs W. P. Reid, W. Notman, T. Richards, T.', Nightingale, and the secretary were apiynuted a Match Committee.

BOWLINO ( R.S.A. v. AWAMOA The following rinka have Keen selected to represent the Returned Soldiers' Association against Awamoa, Tail Awaraoa green on Saturday, at 2 p.m.i—'Galloway, Macrae, Dalgleish, K. Familtoh; Weddc, M'Stay, A. G. Smith, Adatws; Oats, Jamieson, Todd, E. H. Taylor,; > Nicholson. 6. Cox, Colquhonn, T. Crisp: Robb, Kirkness. C. J. Mollison. Chappell, LADIES' BOWLING 4 , The following will represent Ladies’ Club against Palmerston, at Phcenix. to-morrow, at 2 p.m.:—Mefiflames Freebury, Oorlett, Watts, and Admits; Mesdames Taylor, Irving, M‘Lean, ,\iiid Robertson; Mesdames Foster. Spcljd, Aikenhead. and Reid: Miss Hilliker. MVs Robertson. Miss Symington, and ■•’Mrs Glass. T\ .. £ \ PERSONAL Miramar Hotel. —Mr R. J. Knowles, Mr A. H. Fraser, Mr S. Rodgers, Mr Adamson (Dunedin), Mr T. Wesley (Glen-' awel), Mr T. Mooney, Mr D. A. Leslie (Nelson), Mr J. Stack, Mr N. Stack. Mr V. Payne, Mr A. E. Judson, Mr H. West, Mr S. Freeman, Mr J. P. Lester (Christchurch). Mr and Mrs Robert Milligan left Oamaru yesterday on an extended trip to the Old Country. They will be absent until the end of the year. New Club Hotel. —Mr and Mrs M. Arlow, Mr C. S. Dawson, Mr P. Chase (Christchurch), Mr A. J. Stewart, Mr J. E. Blair (Wellington), Mrs J. Gordon M'Callem, Mr F. C. Batchelor (Nelson), Mr R. Dosser, Mr J. Adams (Timaru), Mr and Mrs R. Cotter. Queen’s Hotel. —Mr R. G. White, Mr A. W. Smith (Christchurch), Mr E. D’Arey (Timaru), Mr L. S. Winefield, Mr R. Mitchell, Mr A. Davidson, Mr C. M. D. Harvey, Mr and Mrs F. L. Blyth (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs Cunningham (Lunisden), Mrs Turner (Mossbnrn). Mr and Mrs A. Chartres, Miss 0, Kilpatrick, Mi's W. Stroud, Mr W. T. Stroud, Mr G. Stroud. Mr C. B. Stroud (Invercargill). Fifty members of the three senior Bible classes of the Weston-Totara parish met to biff farewell to their lender, the Rev. H. Hogg, who has accepted a call to the Opoho Church, Dunedin. A beautiful electric reading lamp was presented to Mr Hogg in appreciation of the work he had done for the young people. Mr J. Mitchell and Mr G. Allan spoke for Weston, Mr 11. Simpson tor Kia Ora, and Miss F. Reid for Totara. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne ” and “ God Be With You ” closed a very pleasant evening. Mr G. L. Thorley. headmaster of the Maheno School, has been appointed fir.st assistant at the Mastertou Central School and will leave to take up his new position at the end of the month. During

his seven years at Maheno Mr Thorley has been connected with many local activities and has entered wholeheartedly into anything pertaining to the welfare of the district. His departure will mean a great loss to Maheno. The Columbo Church organist, Mr Murray A. Fastier, 8.A., L.R.S.M. (London), of Helensville, has been appointed organist and choirmaster at Columba Church to succeed Mr G. E. Wilkinson. Mr Fastier was organist at Trinity College, Auckland, while attending the University and has been organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s Church, Devonport, music specialist at the Normal School, Auckland, and director of music at King’s College. He has acted as organist on occasions at the Auckland Town Hall. He left New Zealand in January of last year and went to Melbourne, where he studied under William M'Kie on the huge city organ there, one of the largest and most uo-to-date concert organs in the world. Then he went to London, Liverpool and Birmingham, studying the technique of the great organists, and then to Belgium, Germany, Scandanavia and Scotland, concluding by going to Marcel Dupre in Paris. GOLF NOTES By Niblick. 1 The open tournament for returned soldiers to be held on the Awamoa links on March 15 promises to be highly successful. Entries are being received from various centres, and intimations of participating by a number of others from as far south as Invercargill and Christchurch in the north have been received. Elsewhere these tournaments have become very popular, as apart from the golf there are renewed acquaintances and comradeships of the Great War zones, English hospitals and troopships. These are factors which contribute largely to the popularity of these tournaments. The tournament will be an all-day outing, with probably a bogey in the morning and a medal in the afternoon. The former may be played in conjunction with a medal score card, as it is intended to include a championship event over 36 holes. There will be trophies for run-ners-up as well as winners in all competitions, handicap and championship. The club is to be congratulated on its initiative, and the hope is expressed that the event will be an annual one. Several of the leading Dunedin players are expected, including Dr K. Roes, A. Syme, J. B. Ferguson, and others. The fairways and greens are all in excellent order, and will be sure to give every satisfaction to competitors. The writer is at present basking in sunshine at Invercargill, where dry conditions have prevailed since the beginning of the year. A visit to Otatara golf links found them in perfect condition. The fairways could only be spoken of ns beautiful, green, velvet swards, where tio such thing as a bad lie could be found Their new golf house is a gem, as it should be, costing well over_ £2OOO. The club holds its annual meeting in a fortnight, and sheep have been dispensed with, the loss in revenue being made up by contributions totalling £IBO. which might be taken to heart by the North Otago Club, peeing that sheep grazing ceases at the ■end of this month. Being for the meantime estranged from .J'pcal news items, “Niblick” resumes cora‘rnent upon the calibre of a few more of {the club members. F. S. Milnes adopts orthodox golf, and comes off most satisfactorily. He doe« not stir with a fiendish to win or die, but to him the game is\ a> sort of life-saver. - When lie meets troVwlc he is never stirred, and always cotyiyjg up smiling. Rounds just Under 80 aitriiot infrequent, so lie is rather a tough propqstiion in match play. He is never disccßieerted or super-optimistic, but prefers 'jpnnasking his batteries on “ Colonel ” Bogfey rather than on his opponent, and plays' the most unselfish of games. R. Hedge**iconics of golfing family, and, like bis coß.vin. Ralph, his progress last season wag.Tapid. and lie now plays excellent golf on the 8 mark, and is going to a still lower figure, if we mistake not, in the coining season. He plays aggressive golf, amiPtjts a long ball in stylish fashion, and his tainperament stands him well. His somewhat, placid nature is reflected in the raamuprt in which he treats duffed shots, witft \a radiant smile, taking them as a matter of course, and keeping in mind t4\e main issue only. He impresses opt Las n player for whom there are triumphs Well within-his grasp, awaiting him. P. Wh Hargreaves, the club’s best stylist, is a stiff proposition even to low handicap. Hia.! swing of the club off the tee is most syinmetrical, and he sets a full length witty ,his drive, and follows up . with fine braivve and iron shots, and drops his nibliiik’s approach shot on to the green Wittyi uncanny certainty, to finish with deadly putting. With all these attributes is it aily wonder he is assigned as ranking high?; ,An enthusiastic horticulturist. he has gpren excellent service in effecting improvements in the club’s plantations. There is po question but that J. I. M'Ewan cap play -an outstanding game on a single-figure halixdicap. Few, if any,

members have practised more diligently at the game than he One will often see 40 or 50 balls crowded around the hole from 50 yards oS the green. His approach shots are par excellence, whilst his driving is of unusual length, with excellent timing. His game is not theatrical, but of an attractive, convincing style. A; M'Kenzie is a player of the physical, stalwart class, with quiet, unassuming disposition. He plays a sound, good game at about off the eight mark, and has little consideration for theories, shattering them with his hard left-hand hitting. He bangs despair to oblivion with-his long shots'-often .to the off, and though getting into deep : water, comes up smiling yards ahead of,his opponent, often to shoot a “birdie” and a round under 80. The youthful golfer, M. J. Wilson, plunges into his game with avidity and reveals outstanding qualifications. He never detaches himself from the true spirit of the game. He has proved his mettle by the, cards returned, and . the frequent reductions of his handicap,' One of the longest hitters in the ■ club, he has excellent control, andjiandles all-his clubs with care and correctness. He gives signal promise of distinction. r