NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22832, 17 March 1936, Page 13

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

WAITAKI RIVER DANGER FROM EROSION The serious position arising through the erosion of the soutli bank of the VVaitaki River. above the Waitaki bridge, caused by floods in the river, engaged the attention of the Minister of Pubac Works (Mr R. Semple) on his way south to Dunedin yesterday. Mr Semple was accompanied by Mrs Semple, Mr VV oocl (deputy chief engineer of the depart ment), Mr T. M. Ball (district engineer), and the Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer, M.P. In a recent inspection of the locality Mr Ball was impressed with the real danger existing through the river not only eating away good land, but also taking a new course-that in flood might break tlu’ough the bank at the south end of the bridge and cut off the road and rail communication. , , . , After an inspection of the river yesterday afternoon, Mr Semple said he was impressed with the urgency of the matter, and instructed hig officers to make a survey of the position without delay, with a view to commencing protective works on the river bank.

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPUTATION FROM POWER BOARD During his short stay in Oamaru yesterday afternoon the Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple) received a deputation from the Waitaki Electric Power Board in reference to the difficulty experienced in giving electric power to the residents of Haka Valley. The Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer, M.P., introduced to the Minister the deputation, comprising Messrs J. M'Diarmid (chairman), A. MTnnes, J. M. Forrester (members of the Power Board), and Mr Paveletich, of Haka Valley. Mr M'Diarmid, in placing the facts before the Minister, said that Hakataramea, unfortunately, was isolated in regard to the supply of electricity. It was not in the Waitaki area, but really in the South Canterbury Board’s area, but that board had found it impossible to meet the needs of the residents, whose community of interest lay with Oamaru. The Waitaki Board was anxious to give these residents an electric supply, but, while the power lines ran across these people’s properties, they could not get an electric supply. To do so would involve the board in the expenditure of £2OOO, but 'the guarantees available would meet the liability of only £I4OO of the capital outlay. That sum was required for materials, and £6OO was required for labour, board, and transport. They appealed to the Minister to meet them in their difficulty. If the Labour Department would undertake the work at a cost of £6OO it would solve their trouble. These residents had been buffeted about from pillar to post, but the Waitaki Board could not legally do the work without . raising a loan, but the board- was extremely anxious to meet the requirements of these people. Mr Pavletich congratulated the Minister on the success reached since he had heard him speak at Auckland 25 years ago, adding that it was by his determination and honesty of purpose that he had won through. He explained the position of the residents, who were unfortunately not included in the board’s district, but whose community of interest lay with Oamaru; Guarantees would meet the 18j per cent, required on £I4OO, and he hoped the Minister would be able to assist them. Mr Semple, in reply, said it seemed absurd that power should go past people s properties and they could not get it. Ho was not, however, Minister for Unemployment, but he would have a personal interview with Mr Armstrong and go into the matter with him. It was difficult to interfere with the various boards, but Mr Armstrong was reorganising his department, and the past policy wbuld be altogether changed when Parliament met. He did not see any difficulty in the way, and when Mr Armstrong knew the tacts he knew he would consider the matter sympathetically. Mr Semple said he would do what he could to bring electric power into every home, especially as it helped the wife to overcome laborious work. He hoped to see the day wheij power would be in every home, to the poor as well as the rich. . . Mr Semple was thanked for receiving the deputation, after which he resumed his journey to Dunedin. BOWLING NOTES, CENTRE MATCHES Owing to the continuance of very unfavourable weather, very few matches have been played off last week, and clubs are finding difficulty in getting off the club competitions to find their representatives for the centre’s Champion of Champions’ matches. These games have been postponed by, the Match Committee for a week, and Singles and Pairs are set down for March 28. and Pairs finals and Rinks for April 4. • Players are asked to hand in their names for the game against Canterbury, which is to take place at the Phoenix green on the afternoon of Friday, March 27. PHOENIX CLUB. Club Singles.—Galloway 23, J. Robertson 23. Galloway lost the first few heads, but then took charge to score on eight in a row, including a 4 and three 3’e, to lead 20 —8 at the turn of the board. Robertson then came to light with 4, two 3’s, and two 2’s to reduce the leeway, but Galloway notched four singles to win. h • Grant 24, Simkin 17. This game was very even in the early stages, the board reading 10 all, 12 all, 13 all, 14 all, and 15 all, but in the last five ends Grant scored nine points to his opponent’s two, and won comfortably. Championship Singles.—D. H. Thomson 22 beat Buist 12. Thomson scored four 3’s and 2’s to establish a lead of 20 —6 at the fifteenth, and although Buist/then held counters on four ends, Thomson scored again to win by 10. J. Reid 18, Adams 17. Reid took the first four ends to lead fir—o, and he held that margin to the seventeenth, when the board read, 17—10. Adams then put in a strong challenge, scoring 2,1, 3, and lon the twenty-first to even the score at 17 all. The extra head gave Reid a single and the victory by the narrowest of margins. A. G. Robertson 20, Panckhurst 19. These two played splendid bowls in an exciting match which was decided on the final end. Panckhurst notched I’s and 2’s on eight of the first 12 ends, but Robertson was only two down, taking three 3’s and al. A 4 then went either way, and Panekhilrst with singles and a 2 made the board 19—14 at the sixteenth. He did not score again, Robertson taking tour singles in a row and a 2 on the final end to win by one. Club Pairs.—Fon'ester and Thomson 20 beat Hinton and Humphries 17. Championship Pairs. —Kear and J. Grant 26 beat C. J. and G. P. Molhson 19. Grant took a couple of 5 s early in the game, but Mollison drew level with 15 all and 19 all, when Grant scored a 4, 2, and 1 to win by seven. MEADOWBANK WOMEN’S CLUB. The following have been, selected to play Phcenix at Meadowhauk on Thursday at 2 p.m.: —Mesdames Lavender, Lloyd. R. Palmer, Carson; Mesdames Clarke, Kilgour, Hart, Skirving; Mesdames A. Robertson, Hcsselyn, Niramo, Blacklock; Mesdames Omnet, Whyte, Palmer, Patterson. CRICKET Draw for Saturday:— _ ■ Seniors.—Albion v. Union, at School; School v. Oamaru. at School. Juniors—St. Kevin’s A, a bye; Union v. School, at King George’s Park; St. Kevin’s B v. Oamaru, at St. Kevins. Third Grade.—School A, a bye; School C v. St. Kevin’s B, at School; St. Kevin’s A v. School B. at St. Kevin’s. PORT OF OAMARU High Water—March 17: 10.7 a.m. and 10.38 p.m. The Karu will arrive on Friday, March 20, and load for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wairiui will load tiere to-morrow for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wingatui is due at Oamaru on Monday, March 30, and will load for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The vessel will leave Auckland on Friday, March 20, and will take sugar and general cargo for southern ports.

GOLF DIGGERS’ TOURNAMENT The North Otago Returned Soldiers’ golf tournament, held on the Awainoa links by courtesy of the North Otago Golf Club, will go down in the annals of golf history as a real Diggers’ outing, full of the caineradie of the trenches and a fund of humour and jollity, with just the necessary leavening of golf, light and serious, to make the event so thoroughly enjoyable from both the social and playing points of view._ So successful was the venture that it is sure to become an annual event for Oamaru. Golfers there were from Dunedin, Timaru, and Waimate, as well as local’ followers of tne game, who found the links greatly to their liking, and returned cards showing a high standard of play, while others who were experiencing the joys of the game for the first time, showed an excellent spirit in tackling the full round, both morning and afternoon, and were undismayed when their strokes mounted up to a total resembling a Bradman’s cricket score. The Diggers’ Committee (Messrs G. Catto, R. Domigan. H. M. Ewart, P. Mulligan. G. Gedge, R. B. Nicholls and A. W. Woodward), went to no little trouble to impart a proper atmosphere to the proceedings, and many sidelights of a soldier’s life during the Great War were faithfully reproduced for the •occasion much to the delight of the participants. It took but little imagination to realise with what alacrity the diggers responded to the bugle calls sounded on the links by Mr W. Dimick, or the memories stirred by the appropriate naming of the holes Quinn’s Post. Camel’s Hump, Wazir, Vimy, Route March, Shrapnel Gully, Tim and Ru, Etaplcs, Bauchop’s Hill, Es Salt, Sling, Armcntieres. Polygon Wood, Butts, Anzac Cove, Hill 60, Duck Walk, C.C.S., and. of course, the nineteenth. “ The Better ’Ole.” At the conclusion of the play the. Diggers gathered at the golf house, where Mr Domigan, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Committee, expressed appreciation of the action of the Golf Club Committee in permitting the tournament to be played on the links, and of the support given the event by golfers from other towns. Mr H. B. M'Dowell (president of the Golf Club) suitably’ acknowledged Mr Domigan’a remarks, and the members of the committee were warmly thanked by the visitors for. providing such a pleasurable day’s outing. The trophies were presented as follows:—Wight Cup (presented by Mr G. Catto), for North Otago Returned Soldiers’ Association Championship: ■ G. B. Forrest (Timaru), score 75. Bogey Match (Burton Cup): A. D. Cormack. Order of the Boot: A. Brigans (Waimate). Medal Match (best net score):, F. Crimp 73. Mr J. Grant’s prize (best gross score, morning and afternoon): E. S. Douglas (Cromwell). Teams Match: Artillery (F. Crimp. W. G. Wight, RG. Sinclair. H. North). North _ winning by ballot in an equal score w-ith D. V. G. Smith. A feature of the Wight Cup and miniature was the setting of pebbles from the beach at Anzac Cove on the trophies. Scores: — BOGEY MATCH. A. D. Cormack 2 up, E. A. Cockroft 1 down, W. Hedges 1 down, W. S. Stewart 2 down, A. G. Bayliss 3 down, E. S. Douglas 3 down, J. H. M'Dougall 3 down, G. Dawson 4 down, H.*M. Ewart 4 down, W. Strang 4 down, E, J, Anderson 5 down, R. W, Dick 5 down, D. V. G. Smith 5 down, C. B. Wight 5 down, H. R. Domigan 6 down, K. Familton 6 down, J. Pardon 6 down, 6. Sinclair 6 down, W. G. Wight 6 down. MEDAL MATCH. F. Crimp, 89—16—73; W. G. Wight, 76 —2 —74; G. B. Forrest, 75 —scr —75; R. W. Dick, 82—7—75; C. B, Wight, 76—1— 75; N, A. Rattray, 89-n14—75; J. Cardno, 94—18—76; R. B. Nicholls, 83— 7 —76; A. D. Cormack, 93 —16 —77; !S. Gourley, 101—24—77; A. M’Beath, 83— 6—77; H. North, 101—24—77; S. Sparrow, 101 —24 —77; D. V. G. Smith, 99 • 22—77; E. S. Douglas, 76 —plus 2—78; G. A. Do Latour, 96—18—78; W. Strang, 94 —16—78; EL* Walker, 102 —24 —78. Best gross score: 6. B. Forrest 75. TEAMS’ MATCH. Four Best Medal Scores. —Artillery: F. Crimp 73, W. Wight 74, R. 6. Sinclair 74, H. North 77;—total, 298, R.A.M.G., Mounteds and Machine Gunners: 6. B. Forrest 75, C. B. Wight 75, E. B. Nicholls 76, S. N. Sparow 77;—total, 303, Rifle Brigade; R. Dick 75, N. A. Rattray 75, A. Bayliss‘Bo, J. Hardie 82; —total, 312. Infantry: A. M'Beath 76, E. J. Anderson 71, H, R. Domigan 80, C. H. Coxhead 82:—total,, 317. MAJESTIC THEATRE Heading the cast of Paramount’s romantic comedy of an opera star and her love problems, “Enter Madame,” now at the Majestic Theatre, are Elissa Landi and Cary Grant. The balance of the cast includes Lynne Overman, Sharon Lynne, Adrian Roaley, Paul Porcasi, Richard Bonelli, world-renowned baritone, and Nina Koshetz, famous soprano. The story opens with the whirlwind courtship and marriage of the beautiful prima donna, Elissa Landi, by the handsome and ardent Cary Grant. But with marri&ge their troubles begin. The husband becomes only a part of his wife’s entcurage, trailing her from capital to capital, witnessing her successes and becoming more and more a pathetic spectacle. Finally tiring of his wife’s neglect. Grant leaves her with the intention of securing a divorce and marrying an old sweetheart who will cater more to his vanity than Miss Landi does. Miss Landi follows, and by an ingenious ruse bests her rival. Grant’s love for Miss Landi is reawakened, and the close of the picture reveals her happily united with her husband and carrying on her successful career. APPOINTMENT OF ORGANIST At -« meeting of the St, Paul’s Session it was decided to appoint Mr A. W. Gibb, 8.A., of Timaru, to the position of organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. Mr Gibb, who was lately appointed to the staff of the Waitaki Boys’ High School, to succeed Mr G. E. Wilkinson, is a son of Mr Walter Gibb, formerly of Oamaru. He received his education at the Timaru Boys’ High School and the Otago University. While in training in Dunedin Mr Gibb ■ took special courses in music and the teaching of choral music at the University and Training College, being awarded an extension of his training period as a musical specialist for the purpose. For the past four years and a-half he has been on the staff of the Timaru Boys’ High School. There he has taken a leading part in choral and instrumental music, for which the school is so, well known. Mr Gibb has also presided for the. past five years at the organ of the Bank street Methodist Church, Timaru. The church is noted for its musical activities. TREAT FCR CHILDREN St. Luke’s Hall was well filled on Saturday afternoon, the occasion being the Eveline Women's Institute’s treat for the children of the members and friends. There was a large gathering of children, who enjoyed to the utmost the games and competitions in which they competed with enthusiasm. However, the tea, which had been set in an adjoining room, was perhaps the best treat of all, the tallies being well-filled with many good things. After tea each child received a bag containing sweets, nuts, and an apple. During the afternoon items were rendered by the following children:—May Dodds, Gwen Hughes, Betty Mulcahy, Lorna Erricsou, Doreen Keith. Popular choruses by the girls and hoys were also greatly appreciated. The prize list is as follows; Musical Chairs. —Girls: Rita Barf, Valin a i Paterson. Boys: Ron Robertson, fan Melton. Potato Race. —Girls: May Dodds I, Irene Wilkes 2, Lorna Erricsou 3. Boys; Leslie Keith 1, Graedon Amies 2, George Melton 3. Small Girls’ Race.—Louis Kilgour 1. Grcnfia Thomas 2, Valmai Paterson 3. Nola Keith 4. Animal Hunt.—Lorna Erricsou 1, Betty Mulcahy 2, Bill Denholm 3. Golf Game.—Girl: Irene Wilkes. Boy, Graedon Amies 2.

HOCKEY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT In presenting the annual report of the North Otago Hockey Referees’ Association, tlie executive officer? expressed appreciation and thanks to the members for their co-operation at all times during the season. Despite the fact that it hail been an exceptionally heavy season, the balance sheet showed a firm financial position. During the year all meetings were held monthly, and were well attended. On the field all members selected by the Appointment Committee for the various competitions, representative and friendly fixtures, upheld tlie rules of the association and controlled games in Oamaru, Waitaki Sub-association, Dunedin, Waimate, and Timaru; also umpiring many of the boys’ matches and controlling the local tournaments and the Windsor Club’s annual seven-a-side tournament. Very keen interest was shown when the All India men’s hockey touring team visited Oamaru and played a representative team from North Otago, and on that occasion Mr H. W. Thomas was the selected referee. During the early part of the season this association lost the services of Mr IS. Brown, whose enthusiasm proved of valuable assistance to his colleagues, and later the Rev. W. W. French, who by his kindly and courteous manner made many friends both on and off the field. To both, the association conveyed its best wishes and sincerely trusted _ that they might long be spared to assist in the game of hockey. The association congratulated Air 1. N. Finder, who had passed his A Grade theory examination, and Mr J. H. Mushet on obtaining his B pass under the h>ew Zealand ladies’ hockey examiner. The thanks of the association were due to the president (Mr E. H. Coker), who, through his untiring efforts and willingness at all times to assist, made light the duties of his fellow referees, the press, the members who so unfailingly responded to the demands of the Selection Committee, and the delegate (Mr H. J. Bishop), who so ably assisted the associations interests at the New Zealand hockey umpires’ meetings in Wellington. GENERAL NEWS Organised by the new Municipal Hockey Club, the first of its series of dances was held in the Totara Hall on Saturday night. There were about 80 cOupleg present, and all spent an enjoyable time. Excellent music was supplied by Mitchell s Orchestra, and the duties of M.C,. were carried out by Messrs Mayne and Hedges. An extra was played by Mr Leo. Dougherty. A Monte Carlo was also held, the winners being Misa Bruce and Mr Amies. There was a good muster of anglers at the Kakanui River for the fishing competition held by the North Otago Angling Club, in spite of the fact that inclement weather prevailed. The competition was won by G. Frame, who bagged seven nice trout, and some of the other anglers obtained a fish or two. The weigh-in took place at the home of Mr W. Yorston, whose hospitality wag much appreciated. The Kakanui River is in very good order for fly-fishing at present, and, providing the weather holds good, fishermen should meet with satisfactory sport. The North Otago Scottish Society a monthly concert will be held on Thursday night, commencing at 8 o’clock. A visit will be paid by the Timaru Society, the members of which will provide a full concert programme.' An extended dance will also be. held, the music for which will be provided by the Timaru orchestra. Sixty-three Girl Guides and five officers rttended the church parade at St. Paul s Presbyterian Church. The parade was in charge of the district commissioner (Miss J. B. Wilson). The Te Puke Conipany was undef the command of Miss C. Herron and the Waitaki Girls High School Company under Miss Gibson, ine occasion was ‘‘ Thinking Day,’ and appropriate service was conducted by the Rev. J. M. Al'Kenzie, who took as his text Philipians iv, 8. During the service (he Girl Guides and the congregation sang suitable hymns and the Guides repeated the Guide prayer. At the conclusion of the parade they marched back to the Girls’ High School, where "a short talk was given by the commissioner before disAn inquest touching the death of Alexander M’Kerrow, of Nen street, Oamaru, vho received injuries from which he subsequently died through being crushed by a truck at the Waitaki. Hydro, was opened yesterday afternoon at the Police Station before the coroner (Mr W. H. Frith). After hearing the evidence of Dr R. D. Morrow as to the extent of the deceased s injuries, the inquest was adjourned till to-morrow at 1 P-m. at Waitaki Hydro. OMARAMA STOCK SALE The annual Omarama stock sale was held in the presence of a large attendance of buyers. Satisfactory prices were ruling throughout the sale, and about 8000 surplus sheep were practically all sold finder the hammer. The following is a range of prices:— Small halfbred two-tooth ewes, 23s 6d; halfbred four-tooth ewes, 265; halfbred four and six-tooth ewes, 265; soundmouthed halfbred ewes, 20s 3d; six and eight-tooth halfbred ewes, 21s; fullmouthed halfbred ewes, 16s Id; full and failing-mouthed Jialfbred ewes, 12s, Us, 10s; failing-mouthed ewes, 7s Gd, ss, 8s; full-mouthed merino ewes, 11s 2d; fullmouthed halfbred wethers, Isa 6d, 13s Id, 14s 3d, 16s Id; full and failing-mouthed merino wethers, 6s, se; crossbred ewe lambs, 21s 6d; halfbred ewe lambs, 20s 6d; fijll and failing-mouthed ewes, 6a 9d; merino wether lambs, 9s 6d; five-year-old merino ewes, 8s 4d; full and failingmouthed ewes, 8s Id; two and four-tooth ewes, 22s 7d; six and eight-tooth ewes, 22s 6d; mixed-sex lambs, 11s; six and eight-tooth wethers,- 14s 6d; two and fourtooth wethers, 14s 3d; four-year-old wethers, 13s; five-year-old ewes, Pis 6d; two, four, and six-tooth wethers, 17s 6d. PERSONAL Mr M. H. R. Jones, who was for some years in the Auckland branch of the Public Trust, and who succeeds Mr F. L. Barr as local manager, has arrived in Oamaru. Mr Jones was at one time in the legal firm of G. H. Buchanan at Christchurch. During the war he was a major in the Rifle Brigade, was twice wounded, and was awarded the Military Cross. He was in charge of Brocton Camp in England for a period in-1919. Mr Barr will leave Oamaru to-morrow for Carterton. Archdeacon Russell left for Dunedin yesterday to attend ■ various diocesan meetings. He expects to return to-mor-row. Miramar Hotel. —Mr D. Burke, Mr A. Hail (Kurow), Mr T. York (Hakgtaramca), Mr S. Rodger (Wright’s Bush). Mr H .H. M’Namara (Christchurch), Mr J. Hardie (Mosgiel). Queen’s Hotel. —Mr S. R. Carleton (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs R. L. Little (Timaru), Mr L. E. West, Mr W. Dudley, Air F. J. Hanson, Mr N. H. M'Alullan, Mr T. Costello (Dunedin), Mr J.Anderson (Bog Roy). 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 footpath, zig-zag track, 7 men, wages paid £lO 9s 6d; gardens and reserves, 8 men, £ll 10s; cleaning out water race, 4 men, £6 4s; excavating and levelling Awamoa Bowling Club’s new greens, 2 men, £3 4s; excavating and levelling reserve C, 63 men, £74 18s. School Committee; Improvements to grounds St. Joseph’s School, 4 men, £7 Gs; Pnpakaio School. 3 men. £5 9s; South School, 1 man, £l 15s.