NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22835, 20 March 1936, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL FORTNIGHTLY MEETING , The. "fortnightly meeting of the Oamam; jSorough Council was held last night, when there were present: —The Mayor* (Mr M. F. E. Gooney), and .Crs J. C. Kirkness; A. E. Hodge. K. Familton.,G. T. Gillies, N. H. Colquhoun, G. A. Mitchell, A. WjJ; son, F. Butterfield, G. White. A. R. Tait, R. Jenkins, and L. Macrae, Mr J. W. Rogerson wrote in reference to the maintenance of the Sailors’ Rest in Tyne , street, which extended hospitality to visiting sailors, and asked the council for financial assistance. —Referred to the Finance Committee, Mr-Kibble white,’ headmaster of 'the Lnfield School, applied Hor . free use of the baths for an hour oh Thursday afternoons for teaching pupils to'swim.—Permission granted, the caretaker to make the necessary arrangements. , , .... , Inspector Crump reported that there were already two kerbside pumps at Maude Bros.’ garage,' Severn street, and there . were no objections to “the erection of a third pump.—The application ot Maude Bros.'was granted. . . Mr M. Colloty applied for permission to cut cocksfoot ,on the Reservoir Reserve next season. —Permission granted. The Ladies’ Hockey Association wrote asking that certain improvements, be carried out to. the building at King Georges Park. —Inspector Fischer suggested that the council should give consideration to the erection of conveniences at the park. —Referred to the Reserves Committee. t The Women’s Division of the Farmers Union wrote drawing attention to The difficulty visitors to the town had in finding the rest room, and suggested .that when the new rest room was built it be in a more prominent position. It was also asked that arrangements be made for the rest room to be open when picnic or other public functions were being held in town on Saturday afternoons.—lt was decided to deal with the rest room in considering this year’s estimates, the Works Committee to bring forward a report on the question of the site. Inspector Crump reported that grazing fees for February amounted to £7 10s, and for March to £3 Bs. A total of 56 dpgs had been registered, the fees amounting to £2l ss. Drivers’ licences numbered 1252 to date. Most of the heavy traffic fees had been paid.—The report was received. , . Mr A. Crichton was appointed inspector of vehicles plying for hire for the coming year. The-manager of the Gas Department (Mr J. H. Grenfell) reported that 15 feet of the bank in front of the retort house had been washed away by the sea. If this continued much further the retort house might collapse. The retort building had been in use for 60 years and most of the retort beds for. 30 years and were due for reconstruction. The engineer could give a report as to the protecting bank, and a new building could be erected on the site of the old office building if the risk of erosion by the -'sea was not considered too great.—The report was received and referred to the Gasworks ComCr Wilson, in accordance with notice of motion, moved—“ That the recommendation of the By-laws Committee adopted by the council on November 14, 1935, authorising the erection of one bicycle stand in Thames street be rescinded. After a brief discussion the motion was carried by 7 votes to 5. The Finance Committee reported a credit balance of £3248 3s 9d in the district fund account, and accounts totalling £Bl4 4g 2d were passed for'payment. The Finance Committee recommended that half-rates be allowed in respect to section 1, block 91, the property having been unoccupied for over the statutory period.—Adopted. The Finance Committee recommended that the Friendly Bay Improvement Society be granted £25 towards its funds.; — Adopted. • , _ ■ . The race inspector (Mr D. Fraser) reported that there were periods of pollu-

tion daily from Maerewhenua mining tail’ings, but takeu generally the race supply had remained satisfactorily clean. Mr Eraser also reported on the weakened condition of the Horse Gully road crossing, and also on the state of No. 1 flume on Boundary Creek. He recommended the replacement of the crossing in concrete, and suggested the reconstruction of the Hume with steel fluming.—The reports were received, and the inspector instructed to furnish estimates in each case. . , , The By-lawg Committee recommended that consent be given to subdivide section 8, block 73, as submitted on the plan forwarded by Mr W. P. Reid.—Adopted. The By-laws Committee reported that Messrs Maude Bros.’ application for permission to install a kerbside pump in front of their garage in Severn street had been referred to Inspector Crump for report. , _ The Fuller-Hay ward Theatre Corporation applied for permission to screen pictures on the night of Anzac Day, and the Town Hall Committee could not recommend granting the application—Adopted. As the result of the Waitaki Electric Power Board’s request in reference to the surface water in Medway street, the Works Committee recommended that a concrete wall, at an estimated cost of £lo 10s, be erected, the Power Boards oner to bear a proportion of the cost being accepted. —Adopted. •The Works Committee recommended that, in view of Mr C. Entwistle not being able to cut the grass in the Chelmer street paddock, the payment of £2, made for such, be refunded. —Adopted. The Reserves Committee recommended that the North Otago Rugby Union’s application requesting the use of Takaro Park, on Saturday afternoons, and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as from April 1, also for the lights to be available on those evenings, be granted.— Adopted. , . , , Mr John Tait (curator) reported on the damage to the creek bank at Wonderland, caused by the recent floods, and recommended an additional weir in tnc creek and the,erection of a wall. Ihe Reserves Committee recommended that the report be received, and the suggested work be proceeded with. —Adopted. In view of the Swimming Club a financial position it was decided that the final instalment of £25 towards _ the cost oi lengthening the baths be written off. The foreman (Mr K. M'Lean) reported that in addition to town and street maintenance, first coats of tar were given to the Woollen Factory entrance, Spey, Reed, Clyde, Lynn, Witham, Stour, and Usk streets, 113 chains of road being treated. The materials used for the month were:— 3605 gallons of tar and 120 cubic yards of sand, and since March 31, 1935, 23,150 gallons of tar and 1015 cubic yards of sand. Repairs were carried out to Tyne and Chehner streets. Five water services were connected, and repairs carried out. —The report was received. The Palmerston School Committee forwarded a letter expressing appreciation for the supply of milk and hot water on the occasion of the school’s annual picnic in Oamaru. The Railways Department advised that the conditions made by the council were acceptable to the department, and the foreman of works would co-operate with the borough foreman for carrying out the work at the Thames and Severn streets crossings.—Received. The curator (Mr J. Tait) submitted a report on the proceedings at the annual conference of park superintendents recently held at Auckland. —Received.

ATHLETIC LADIES’ HOCKEY CLUB ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Athletic Ladies’ Hockey Club was held . in _ St. Luke’s Hall; and Mr J.' Frew presided over a good attendance of members. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr J. W. Harrison; senior vice-president.,Mr A. Rennie, sen.; vice-presidents—Messrs H. Benson, W. Currife, A. North, J. Drabble, J. Hawtin; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Frgw; committee—Misses J. Swan, J. Benson, D. Mattson, and N. Hawtin; chaperon, Mrs Richardson; manager, Mr J. Frew; delegate to the North Otago Association, Mr J. Frew. It was decided to hold the next meeting on April 1. ST. PAUL’S P.W.M.U. MARKET AND GARDEN PARTY A highly successful market and garden party was held by’the St. Paul’s P.W.M.U. yesterday afternoon in aid of missions. The people of St. Paul’s had contributed very generously towards the market, with the result that an abundance of goods and articles was displayed on the attractively set-out stalls. There were good crowds in attendance, and brisk business was done, so that the mission fund will benefit considerably as a result of this effort. The Rev. J. M. M'Kenzie declared the market and garden party open, and, in doing so, stressed the great urgency for financial help towards the missions at the present time. He thanked the ladies of the P.W.M.U. for their endeavours to assist such a worthy cause. Beautifully fine weather prevailed throughout the afternoon, and wag particularly favourable towards the outdoor games, which were entered into with a good deal of enthusiasm by all. The afternoon tea rooms were also well patronised. During the afternoon iteifm were contributed by Mrs South and Miss D. Meldrum (songs), and Mr Bruce Martin (pianoforte solo). BOWLING PUKEURI TOURNAMENT The draw for the first round of the Pukeuri Rinke bowling tournament, to be held at Pukeuri on Saturday, is as follows:—Hay, Simkin, Glen, Hcwat v. Campbell, J. Herron. M'Narry, C. Brown; Moore, Gardiner, Parker, Joe Reid v. Watts, T. Smith, D. Thomson, Hodge; H, P. S. Familton, J. Robertson, Armstrong, Cox v. J. Duncan, M'Murtrie, Gerrie, H. L. Familton; C. Robertson, Findlay, Gray, Kennedy v. Forbes, Cradock, T. Crisp, A. Robertson; Oats, Vernor, Tinnock, E. W. Grenfell v. , Ward, P. Robertson, Adams; Murray, Faris, Archibald, Foster v. Treseder, MTntosh, Stichman, Tomkins; Bremner, Main, Corson, Martin v, J. Smith, Barclay, Brooker, W. Dunbar; J. Miller, Tait, Hartley, H. Miller v. Ferguson, Henderson, , Richardson. OAMARU RACES OPENING DAY To-morrow at 12.43 p.m. the first race of the Oamaru Jockey Club’s autumn meeting will start an interesting programme of six gallops and two trots. Every race has attracted an excellent field, and the meeting should be a very successful one. The principal event tomorrow is the President's Handicap, of one mile, at the head of which is Silver Streak, fresh from his recent win at Wellington. The Autumn High-weight, of one mile, has also attracted a very fine field, and this also should be a great race. The Stewards’ Handicap, of six furlongs has a strong field. Altogether the card to-morrow has all the elements of an attractive day’s racing. The Otago Mounted Rifles Band will be in attend- ! nnce, and there will be the usual train 1 and bus services. Ladies will be admitted free. The meeting will be concluded on Monday next, Anniversary Day, when the first event is timed to start at 12.30 p.m.

SECONDARY SCHOOL CRICKET WAITAKI v. TIMARU The annual cricket matches between the first and second elevens of the Waitaki and Timaru Boys’ High Schools were commenced at the Waitaki grounds yesterday in line weather. The wickets were hard and true and the outfield fast. FIRST ELEVENS. In the senior match Waitaki batted; first, the opening pair being Mee and E. R. Blakely. The first wicket went when, Waitaki had only seven runs on the board, Mee being caught out when he had three up. Liddell joined Blakely, but the scoring was not very fast and after 11 more runs had been added Liddell hit a ball to Williams, who mafic no mistake with the catch. Three wickets were down "for only ,24 runs, but the score was doubled before Andrew went: by the Ibw course. Wilson, Tilbury and Walton went cheaply and Waitaki’s position did not look very promising, seven wickets having fallen for C 4, runs. Uttley, however, stopped the rot and hit out well to score 58 in good style. J. D. Blakely made a remarkable stand and piled on the runs. He batted for three hours for his 85 runs, including six fours. He scored mainly with straight drives, chiefly to the off. Rees-Jbncs also helped materially to increase the total with a valuable 53. He put plenty of force behind his shots and scored rapidly? hitting 10 fours. Although it was a fast bowler’s wicket, the slow bowlers had the greater success as was shown by the success of Liddy, Timaru’s slow bowler, who accounted for four wickets. Timaru’s innings did not open well, Bur.uett being dismissed when he had scored only a single. Lawrence was the next to go, and was closely followed by Sara without addition to the score. However, Williams and Austin became associated in a good partnership. Austin hit out freely and played several fine shots. He hit five 6’s early in his strike, and added a further two 6’s before he was dismissed for 76. Blue and Watt each reached double figures, while at stumps Williams was still undefeated with 48 to his credit. Scores: — WAITAKI. First Innings. J. M. Mee, c Milligan, b Blue .. .. 3 E. R. Blakely, c and b Blue .. . • 12 G. D. Liddell, c Williams, b Saunders 9 M. A. Andrew, Ibw, b Saunders .. 10 11. E. Wilson, c and b Liddy .. . • 15 J. Uttley, c Burnett, b Liddy .. .. 58 I. S. Tilbury, c Saunders, b Liddy ~ L. Walton, c Bine, b Liddy .. .. J J. D. Blakely, c and b Blue .. .. on D. L. Rees-Jones, run out "3 L. W. Smith, not out Extras Total -- 287 Bowling Analysis.—A. Saunders, 2 wickets for 87 runs; F. R. Blue, 3 foi 84- I. A. Liddy, 4 for 63; A. J. Sara, 0 for 39; D. G. Heasley, 0 for 1; R. Milligan, 0 for 7. TIMARU. . First Innings. T. G. Burnett, b Rees-Jones .. .. 1 F. C. Williams, not out .. •• •• C. Lawrence, st Liddell, b Blakely 8 A. J. Sara, c Andrew, b Blakely .. 0 T. R. Blue, b Rees-Jones 19 J. L. Austin, Ibw, b Tilbury .. .. 76 D. G. Watt, b Rees-Jones .. .. 13 D. G. Heasley, b Rees-Jones .. •• 8 R. Milligan, not out .. 0 Extras • • Total (for seven wickets) .. 192 SECOND ELEVENS. ■ Waitaki batted first and was all out tor the very small total of 66, M'lnnes and Tait taking chief toll of the batsmen. Waitaki made amends in its second strike, however, and compiled 269 runs, the chief feature of the innings being a century by Scaife. Dick (63) and Tait (32) also put up good performances. Timaru, like Waitaki. in its first innings also failed to compile a very big score, being out for 93. Milner finished up with the excellent bowling average ofj six wickets for 20 runs. Scores;— WAITAKI. First Innings. Dick, b MTnnes 9 Wheeler, c Lowry, b MTunes .. .. 13 Majhias, b MTnnes 0 Hay, h Chapman 3 Glen, b Unwin 14 Bailev, c Mottram, b Chapman .. 8 Scaife. b Tait 8 Milner, c Watt, b M'lnnes 2 Watson, c MTnnes, b Tait 0 Gordon, not out .. . 5 Algie. c Mottram. b Tait 1 Extras 7 Total 66 Bowling Analysis—MTnnes, four wickets for 15 runs; Tait, three for 13; Unwin, one for 19; Chapman, two for 12. Second Innings. Dick, c Cleland. b Tait 63 Wheeler, b Tait 1 Hay, c Mottram, b MTnnes .. •. 0 Mathias, c Watt, h Tait 0 Glen, e Mottram, b MTnnes .. .. 4 Bailey, c Chapman, b MTnnes .. .. 6 Scaife, run out 113 Milner, b Tait 9 Gordon, c Mottram, b Tait .. .. 32 Watson, not out 9 Algie, c Tait, b Lawry 3 Extras 28 Total 269 Bowling Analysis.—MTnnes three wickets for 54 runs, Tait five for 51, Chapman none for 24, Unwin none for 32, Lawry one for 23, Watt none for 23, Mottram none for TO, Thompson none for 11, M'Kenzic none for 13. TIMARU. First Innings. Mottram, c Scaife, b Milner .... 0 Chapman, c Watson, b Algie .... 24 Unwin, c Scaife, b Milner 7 Lawry, b Mathias 16 Watt, b Mathias 16 Thompson, c and b Milner 0 Tait. b Milner 7 MTnnes, c Glen, b Milner 4 M'Kenzic, c Hay, b Milner 11 M'Donakl, not out 0 Cleland, b Mathias 1 Extras 7 Total 93 Bowling Analysis—Milner six wickets for 20 runs, Algie one for 38, Mathias three for 28. ST. KEVIN’S v. WAIMATE The annual cricket fixture between St. Kevin’s College and the Waimate District High School was played at the College Oval, Redcastle, yesterday, the weather being ideal for cricket. The wicket was fast and true. Waimate won the toss and elected to field, Foote and O'Malley opening the attack. Kearns and Frisk commenced for St. Kevin’s, and in his second over O’Malley accounted for Frisk without the score being opened. A. Marshall joined Kearns and this pair was still at the wicket at the luncheon adjournment, Kearns having 15 to his credit and Marshall seven. The rate of scoring was very slow, only 25 being hit off 37 overs, of which 20 were maidens. Aspell followed Kearns and the rate of scoring improved when he faced Footes bowling. This was only a temporary revival, however, and again runs came slowly. Marshall s wickfT fell after 20 minutes* play. Burns was fortunate before he opened his account, skying a ball which went high over square-leg 6 head. Burns was caught off Foote at third slip by Rive. Fox was out Ibw to Foote after Aspell had added two to the score, which now stood at five for 50. Ryan, in company with Aspell, played bright, attractive cricket, and the batsmen took a heavy toll of the bowlers. Ryan was next to go, being bowled and caught by O’Malley when the score stood at 66. D. Marshall hit out freely, but it was only a momentary awakening. Before 80 was up Aspell bit the first 4 ot the day. Marshall and Aspell went almost simultaneously, the latter contnbut-

ing 31 to the total, an on-drive being his chief scoring stroke. His knock was the main factor in his side’s batting. The innings closed at the afternoon tea adjournment with 103 runs on the board. When Waimate went in to bat the weather had become considerably colder and the light was rather deceptive. O’Sullivan and Foote opened for Waimate, and in the fourth over, when three runs had been scored, Foote was bowled by Kearns. Even in the early stages of the innings Burns and Kearns bowled accurately, and the batsmen were content to block. Mills contributed - 11 runs, but the remaining batsmen failed badly. O’Sullivan, however, by correct cricket had managed to .keep hie wicket intact until he reached 27, which topped the scoring list. He was content to block wherever necessary, but hit out at anything loose. The innings closed for the small total of 67 runs. . Kearns and Keenan were the most successful bowlers, and finished up with; good figures. The fielding of the St.J Kevin’s boys was keen, and some good' catches were made. . Scores; — ST. KEVIN’S. First Innings. P, Kearns, c Miller, b O’Malley .. 16 I. Prisk, b O’Malley 0 A. Marshall, b Foote 8 T. Aspell, c Foote, b Richmond .. .. 31 E. Burns, c Rive, b Foote .. .. 5 P. Fox, Ibw, b Foote 0 B. Ryan, c and b O’Malley .. .. .. 8 D. Marshall, Ibw, b Mills H E. Watson, c Cochrane, b Foote .. 4 R. Stuart, not out 2 M. Keenan, b Foote 4, Extras ■ • • • 14 Total ..103 Bowling Analysis.—Foote, 5 wickets for 25 runs; Richmond, 1 for 6; O’Malley, 3 for 29; Mills, 1 for 14; O’Sullivan, 0 for 11; Hynes, 0 for 4. WAIMATE. First Innings. O’Sullivan, c Watson, b Kearns .. .. 27 Foote, Lr Kearns 3 Mills, b Prisk .., .. .. ... .. 11 O’Malley, c Keenan, b Burns .. .. 6 Hynes, run out 5 Baxter, c Kearns, b Keenan .. .. 3 Guy, st Marshall, b Kearns .. .. 2 Rive, c Watson, b Keenan 0 Miller, b Kearns 0 Cochrane, not out 3 Richmond, c Prisk, b Keenan .. .. 0 Extras 7 Total 67 Bowling Analysis.—Keenan, 3 wickets for 7 runs; Kearns, 4 for 22; Prisk, 1 for 11; Burns, 1 for 13; Aspell, 0 for 3. NEWBOROUGH SUB-DIVISION DISCUSSION IN COUNCIL At the Oamaru Borough Council meeting last night, the AVorks Committee recommended that the road in the Newborough subdivision in the estate of the late Mr W. G. Grave be formed by Mr A. J. Grave at cost of the estate, to the satisfaction of the borough foreman, no part of the formation to be less than 23 feet in width, of which five feet would be footpath; the council to undertake metalling of road, provide stormwater drainage, and as required from time to time extend reticulation and sewerage; the capital costs incurred by the council to bear interest, which Mr A. J. Grave undertook to pay. at the highest rate paid from time to time by the council for money it accepts on deposit, but the amount so payable to be reduced by the net annual amount levied by the council for its own purposes on the property, excluding the two existing dwellings; Mr Grave to erect rough stone w-all, not exceeding four feet in height along the west eide of the road, the council supplying free of cost the rock required for the purpose. To enable the lots being offered for sale without delay, the Works Committee recommended the council, as soon as the survey plan w r as available, to give its formal consent to the subdivision plan and road dedication, and apply for the Governor-General’s consent under section 190 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, to a 40-foot road, upon Mr A. J. Grave personally guaranteeing the road will be formed to the satisfaction of the borough foreman. The borough foreman’s estimate as to the cost of the sewers and stormwater drains was £920 9s 9d. Cr Mitchell moved in accordance with notice given—“ That the recommendation of the By-laws Committee, adopted on January 23, in reference to the subdivision of the late Mr W. G. Gravejs property at Newborough, be rescinded?’ Cr Mitchell’s objection to the plan of subdivision was a blind road, and at some future time the land would have to bo bought to continue the dead end through to an adjoining street. Councillors were desirous of assisting in the subdivision being carried through, and it was suggested that the matter should be held over for a fortnight for further conference with. Mr A. J. Grave, but on a vote being taken the motion’ was lost by 8 votes to 4. _ Those voting for the motion were Crs Mitchell, Butterfield, Familton. and Hodge. Dealing with the recommendation of the Works Committee, Cr Wilson pointed out that the total expenditure, including the metalling of the road, would be in the vicinity of £I2OO. but the borough would benefit materially through the building activity and ultimately the council would receive in rates £IOO over and above the interest on it he capital cost. The Mayor said the position w-as that the council would cither have to put the amount on the estimates or borrow the amount. The council would not deal with a private citizen in this way. The Act gave the council very wide powers to call on the owner to provide necessary services. After further discussion the recommendation was referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.

PERSONAL At the committee meeting of tlic Otago Egg Circle held in Oamaru, the president (Mr James Hutton) extended best wishes to Mr F. Mountford for a very pleasant holiday abroad, asking him to accept a small gift from the members. Mr Mountford suitably acknowledged the good wishes and the gift. The Rev. J. N. Goodman has been appointed vicar of Queenstown, and will be leaving Oamaru in June. He will be greatly missed from St. Luke’s parish and Toe H circles. Queen’s Hotel.—Mr A. Gettings, Mr S. Phillips, Mr F. C. Darrell, Mr M. 0. Kain, Mr E Caradus, Mr J. E. Learning (Wellington), Mr R. E. Jones, Mr R. G. Bradley. Mr C. Marks. Mr and Mrs F. L. Harrison. Miss Harrison, Miss S. Wilson (Christchurch), Mr A. C. M'Pherson (Timarn), Mr C. A. Travers (Waimate), Mr L. E. West, Mr G. W. MacAvoy, Mr L, E. Eastgate, Mr Pi G. Ward) Miss G. Moore, Mr and Mrs H. Smith and child., Mr Eric J. Preen. Mr T. G. Coxhcad (Dunedin). . New Club Hotel.—Mr J. H. Pennington, Mr J. D. Drysdale (Dunedin), Mr G. F. Hart, Mr J. R. Duff, Mr L. Gasson, Mr B. H. Whitta (Christchurch), Mr D. Benton (Wellington). Mr and Mrs R. A. Edwards (Invercargill), Mr and Mrs A. J. Hughes (Auckland). PORT OF OAMARU High Water. —March 20: 0.33 a.m. and 0.59 p.m. Arrivals. —The Wainui at 6 h.m. yesterday from Dunedin. Departures. —The Wainui at 1 p.m. yesterday for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timarn and Lyttelton. NOTES. The Kara will arrive at Oamaru tomorrow morning, and will load for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaiu and Lyttelton. The Wainui will load here on Wednesday, April 1, for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via Timarn and Lyttelton. The Wingatui is due at Oamaru on Monday, March 30, and will load for Wellington and Auckland, via Timarn and Lyttelton. The vessel will leave Auckland to-morrow, and will take sugar and general cargo for southern ports. * | WOMEN’S BOWLING In the return match between Meadowbank and Phamix Ladies’ Bowling Clubs at Mendowbank yesterday afternoon. Phamix won by a margin of 9 points. Results (Phamix names first): —Mrs Glass 16. Mrs Patterson 12; Mrs Adams IS. Mrs Skirving 15; Mrs Ashton 20, Mrs Blacklock 13. Totals: Phoenix 49, Meadowbank 40.

FIRE FIGHTING OAMARU WATER SUPPLY INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The Oamaru Fire Board has forwarded a report from Mr R. Girling Butcher (inspector of fire brjgades) to the Oamaru Borough Council, in which the inspector states that the inspection drills of the Oamaru Fire Brigade were satisfactorily carried out. and the training was on satisfactory lines. The members seemed keen on their work, and were of a good type. The station plant and equipment was found in excellent order, and. subject to the comments made below, were satisfactory for the requirements of the town. Mr Butcher supplied a table of the tests carried out with the water supply, and suggested that the attention of the council be called to the unsatisfactory nature of the supply given by three-inch mains, particularly by the tests in Chelmer, Ain, Humbftr and Ouse streets, and the top end of Eden street, where no water was available. It was evident, stated Mr Butcher* that the brigade would be under a considerable handicap in dealing with fires at these points, even when operating with the pump. He also called attention to the position disclosed, in the hill area supplied by the main reservoir, as shown bv a comparison of tests at two points in Greta street. The Mayor was reported as stating that the reticulation on the South Hill was satisfactory, even when the reservoir on the hill was empty. It was evident from the tests under notice that this was not the case, and it was suggested that consideration be given to extensions of supply from the hill reservoir to the hill area on the north side of Wansbeck street. '■ The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. E. Parry) forwarded a cjrcular letter in reference to fire prevention week, to be held from March 30 to April 4, and makinq proposals for local authorities for inspection and providing facilities for a “ clean-up " of premises. The Waterworks Committee recommended that no action be taken in the meantime with reference to the Fire Board’s comments on the capacity of the South Hill reservoir. The Mayor stated that Mr Butcher arrived in Oamaru like an innocent abroad, supplied with information from outside, and as he said before, the water supply for fire-fighting in the town was absolutely adequate, except for the top of Eden street, where the levels were rather high. The statement conveyed to the Fire Board was not correct, and if Mr Butcher knew the position he would not make the statement. He did resent it, and thought there was something behind the whole thing to put it in an unfavourable light, and there was an outside influence trying to create alarm. Cr Gillies said that as councillors they wanted to be assured the statements were right or wrong. Had the tests been carried out? The Mayor replied that the statements were wrong. The tests had been carried out. , GENERAL NEWS Messrs Mulligan and Forbes will conduct a sale of -furniture and sundries at the schoolhouse, Mabcno, on Thursday, March 26, at 1.30 p.m. A cow and calf will also be offered for sale. ST. LUKE’S HARVEST FESTIVAL Harvest festival services will be held at St. Luke’s, Newborough, and Enfield on Sunday, when gifts of produce, groceries. etc., will be welcomed for the diocesan orphanages and the sick. It is a great opportunity for country people to make thank-offerings to God and their church for the bountiful harvests and better prices for wool and other produce, with which North Otago has been favoured, while townsfolk can show gratitude for better times which have come to them. Helpers for decorating the churches will be heartily received on Saturday afternoon. The annual mothering service will be held at St. Luke’s on Sunday morning at 11 to which parents and teachers are specially invited. Harvest festivals will be held at Totara on March 29, and Pukeuri the following Sunday.