NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22908, 16 June 1936, Page 13

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

FATALITY AT DEBORAH KILLED BY FALL OF EARTH While engaged with a gang of men on excavating work at the new railway subway at Deborah early yesterday morning. Robert Alfred Warrington, aged about 36 years, a married man with three children, residing at Weston, was crushed by a fall of metal and earth, and, it is believed, was killed instantaneously. Ine work of making' the roadway underneath the railway line, and thus eliminating the dangerous level crossing, is being carried out Dy the Public Works Department, and at the southern end the new subway'has been excavated out on a gradual grade to a depth of about 12 feet. It was while working at this face that the fatality occurred. On Saturday the workmen had found some difficulty in removing a slab of hard metal and earth from a section, only part of it giving way. It appears that Mr Warrington was further undermining this section when a part of the bank collapsed, the metal and earth crushing him Mr Warrington suffered extensive injuries, including cuts on his head, severe abdominal injuries, and a broken leg. Dr Lennox Douglas was summoned, and could only pronounce life extinct. An inquest was opened yesterday afternoon, for identification purposes before tho coroner (Mr W. H. Frith), and was adjourned until 10.30 on Saturday morning.

W.E.A.

MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING RAILWAY CLUB The following were the highest scores at the weekly shoot of the Railway Club on Saturday night:—A. Rennie 78—-3—Bo, C. Andrew 78—4—80, J. Mackie 78—5 —BO, G. Ward 76—5—80, C. Tempero 75—6—80, J. Tempero 74—6—80, C. Hinkley 77—2—79, A. Brown 74—4—78. C. Rennio 74—4—78, F. Healey 71—7—78, J. Christie 64—14—78, J. M'Pherson 72 —3—75, A. Banks 72—3—75, J. Hubbard 63—12—75, G. Brightwell 73—1—74. Button winners for the previous week: Rifle button, C. Hinkley; handicap button, C. Tempero. In a friendly match against Maheno, Railway was successful by a margin of 15 points. C. Hinkley aid G. Brightwell, with 77 each, being the top scorers for Railway, and G. Clark (77) recording the highest score for Maheno. . A team from the Railway Club will be participating in the. Otago championship meeting, which commences on Saturday next.

GENERAL NEWS The. folio wing school Rugby games, held over on account of the school vacations, have now been'played:—Third Grade: St. Kevin's 14, School 6. Fourth Grade: St. Kevin's 16, School 6. Fifth Grade: St. Kevin's 18, School 8. Sixth,Grade: St. Kevin's 5, Scho6l nil. Mr D. J. Ross presided over a meeting of the Moeraki Centenary Committee on Saturday night, at which further plans were made for the celebrating of the centenary of Moeraki on December 26. The part to be taken by the Natives in the celebrations has been left entirely to the Maoris, and a Maori member of the committee reported that this centenary was exciting great interest among the Maoris throughout New Zealand. The Mioria were fond of ceremony, he said, and their part of the celebrations would not be excelled.

The Papakaio ploughing match has been allotted the Royal Match this year, which means that the championship of the South Island will be held at the ploughing competitions . ..at . Papakaio on Thursday, August 20. . : Mr Walter C'Wilson presided over a largely-attended meeting of Kakanui residents, at which it was unanimously decided to tender a social and presentation to Mr and Mrs J. M. Smith, who are leaving the district. Mrs Smith, especially, will be greatly missed, as for a number of jiars she has been a tower of strength at all functions held locally, and any committee holding a bazaar or any other form of entertainment for raising funds , always enlisted Mrs Smith's cooperation, and success was assured. A strong executive was set up, and from the enthusiasin shown the function should be an outstanding success

The presentation of cups and trophies won at the recent dog trials held by the Tbkarahi Collie Club will take place at a social and dance to be held in the Tokarahi. Hall on Thursday. A free bus will leave the Co-op. corner at 7 p.m. Entries for the seven-a-side Rugby tournament to be held at the Oamaru Show Grounds on the King's Birthday close with the secretary of the North Otago Rugby Union (Mr C. G. Meikle) on Friday at 5 p.m. • Attention is specially directed to the alteration. of the starting time from 12 o'clock to 11 a.m. for the clearing sale to be held at Kakanui on Thursday by the National Mortgage and Agency Company on account of Mr J. M. Smith, sen. Horses, cattle, and sheep, and a large quantity of implements and sundries will be offered under the hammer.

A good deal of interest is being displayed in the visit to Oamaru of J. F. Devlin, world's greatest badminton player, who will give exhibition matches in the Drill Hall to-morrow night, commencing at 8 o'clock. The public of Oamaru should not fail to see this brilliant player in action. Ninetf-en competitors took part in the slow melody contest held by the Oamaru Regimental Band. No result6>ere given, as this was the first of the competitions for the M'Callum Memorial Cup Challenge Trophy presented by Mrs T. M'Callum and sons.for solo playing. The judge commented favourably on the standard of playing. The own choice selection will be played off in six weeks' time. The winner of the trophy will be the player with the highest aggregate.

RELIEF WORKS The following work was carried out for local bodies by relief workers under No. 5 scheme during last week:—Oamaru Borough Council: Improvements to footpaths, seven men, £l3 17s Id; gardens and reserves, nine men, £l6 3s 6d; water race, five men, £lO 7s; excavating, levelling, and draining Reserve C, 77 men. £127 0s Bd. Marine Parade Society: Formation of track, three men, £6 14s 6d. School committees: Improvements to grounds—St. Joseph's School, eight men, £l6 2s; Oamaru North School, one man, £2 6s 6d; South School, 1 man, £2 6s 6d; Papakaio School, one man, £2 6s fid.

ECONOMIC LIFE IN RUSSIA At the last meeting of the Oamaru Workers' Educational Association class, Mr H. Grocott gave an interesting account of the birthday celebrations and conference in Dunedin, after which Mr Brailsford gave a lecture on " Economic Life in Russia." The speaker dwelt upon the difficulty even now of being able to obtain reliable information as to conditions in the U.S.S.R. As an instance, he mentioned that a recent visitor to Russia told him that the average wage earned was £5 weekly, but the Manchester Guardian put the figure at only 12s 6d. However, although that might be, said the lecturer, the country had made enormous strides and its industrial and agricultural achievements were greatly iu advance of forecasts made by Lenin, which at the time were regarded as being fantastic. Russia had improved her fiuancial position, and now had a favourable balance in overseas trade, being the second largest gold producer in the world. During the slump years capitalist countries lost 33 per cent, of their industrial output, but during the same period that of Russia was doubled. In »1934 she was second of the world's big iron producers, and third of the steel, thus taking the place of Great Britain. The system of payment by results had been most successful, but was it really Communism? asked the lecturer. The difficulty was to obtain sufficient trained workers and there was no unemployment. So far as food supplies wene concerned, rationing had been removed and most goods were to be obtained on the open market. Most shops were State-owned, but in the villages the co-operative system was still largely used. Labour unions were active in helping to assess work and wages, but the system of Factory Soviets was being modified and managerial control yas now much more general. This spread of managerial control was accompanied by wide differentiation in wages paid, and salaries of £I2OO were not uncommon in industry and the professions. This might not be excessive, according to their standards, but it did not seem to be Communism, said the lecturer. When they thought of the great achievements in Russia, he continued, it might be as well to bear in mind that Japan had been achieving almost equal progress, and that without revolution and the long years of agony. When they were told that in Russia the people were full of hope and were confident that they had solved thengreat problems, they must recollect that 10 years ago people used to point to the United States with the same assurance. He could see, said the lecturer, no certainty that there would not arise out of these differentiations of rewards a selfrighteousness that would demand power and still further rewards—interest and the rest —or any assurance that planning would do wonders in preventing unemployment now that free markets, a wide choice, and variation of income were coming. He could see nothing the Russians had gained that they themselves ought not to be able to gain, if they were simply educated and open-minded enough, and without a revolution. ■

The lecture evoked a keen discussion, and Mr Brailsford was given many questions to answer.

KINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS OPERA HOUSE This evening a film, which stars two famous artists, John Boles and Loretta Young, "The White Parade," will be screened at the Opera House. This powerful' story is built round the lives of student nurses, the girls nobody knows. Their lives are sacrificed to serve stricken humanity, whilst youthful hearts yearn for love and laughter. A gripping drama is _ relieved by moments of humour supplied by well-known feature players. Included in the supporting programme are newsreels and a first-class comedy, " Girl From Paradise." On Friday and Saturday, " Rose of the Rancho" will be screened at the Opera House, when the glorious voice of Gladys Swarthout, beautiful Metropolitan star, is heard for the first time in a thrilling, romantic, and melodious musical play of the outdoors.

MAJESTIC THEATRE " If You Could Only Cook " is the title of the comedy drama featuring Herbert Marshall and Jean Arthur, snowing at the Majestic Theatre to-night and Wednesday. In a nutshell the story concerns a . disgruntled millionaire; who is about to marry a girl he doesn't love, and a broken, out-of-work lady who meets him on a park bench. Thinking him a fel-low-member .of the army of the unemployed, the girl invites him to go with ber and answer an advertisement for a married couple to serve as butler and maid. On the spur of the moment he accepts, and pretending to be married, they get the job. Of course, a millionaire betrothed to a society girl can't go off and be a butler without things happening, especially if the same millionaire falls in love with another girl with blue eyes, who knows how to cook. Leo Carrillo, as the big-shot racketeer and epicure in whose home the unmarried " married couple'' is employed, does some of his best work to date. His appellation as the best-loved bad man on the screen still holds good. A Fox news, travelogue, sports thrill, and comedy are with this feature.

STAR OF DUNTROON LODGE A.D. Bro. T. Drennan presided at the half-yearly meeting of Star of Duntroon Lodge, at which there was a large attendance of members and visitors. A new member was initiated. P.D.P. Bro. Harris carrying out the ceremony, assisted by P.A. Bro. M'Leod. The half-yearly installation of officers was conducted bv D.P. Bro. A. 0. Tallentire, and the following were inducted to the chairs for the current year:—A.D., Bro. A. Gibson; V.A., Bro. J. O'Connell; secretary, Bro. M. Francis; treasurer, Bro. J. Tallentire; 1.G.. Bro. R. Walsh; 0.G.8., Bro. T. Peeve; A.D., Bards, Bros. L. Jones and W. B. Harvey; P.A. Bards, Bros. R. O'Connor and Wilson; M.C., Bro. J. Tallentire. The D.P. was thanked for the manner in which he had carried out the ceremony. P.D.P. Bro. T. Cox made the presentation of a P.D.A.'s collar to Bro. J. S. Adams and eulon-ised the work he had done for the Order. Bro. J. E. Tallentire thanked the visitors for their attendance. Supper was served, and several items were rendered and all indulged in community singing.

PERSONAL Mr C. J. L. Molligon (Dominion vicepresident) and Mr Neil H. Colquhoun (secretary of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association) will leave to-day to attend the annual council of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association at Wellington. New Club Hotel.—Mr P. B. Scott (Auckland), Mr G. S. Gamble (Sydney), Mr C. L. Christensen, Mr R. Bremner, Mr F. Halligan, Mr I. Brown (Dunedin), Mr F. J. Wilson (Christchureh), Mr W. B. Thomson (Wellington). Queen's Hotel.—Miss N. Lovegrove (Wanganui), Mr A. Gapperth, Mr B. G. Drewitt (Christchureh). Mr E. White, Mr A. W. Duncan, Mr N. Trewby, Mr J. W. Trewern, Mr A. Haig, Air G. F. Dunne. Mr A. J. Ford (Dunedin).

NORTH OTAGO RUGBY UNION

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the North Otago Rugby Union was held last night. Mr A. Gilchrist (president) occupied the chair. Free school footballs were granted to the Papakaio, Awamoko, Maerewhcn.ua, and St. Patrick's Schools. The following entries were received for the seven-a-side tournament: —Kakanui (2), St. Thomas's (1), and St. Patricks (3). The following re-gradings were granted: Excelsior —seniors to juniors', Ormandy and Minty; Old Boys—seniors to juniors, R. Hunter; Maheno—seniors to juniors, .W. Muldrew, J. Muldrew, ;tnd G. Johnston. St. Kevin's notified the results of the games during the week, and it was decided to continue the Sixth Grade competition in the meantime. The following transfers were granted: — G. F. Poole, Becks to Old Boys; A. M'lvor, Duntroon to Excelsior- W. Strachan, Georgetown to Excelsior. Waitaki High School applied for permission to play the following matches: — v. Southland, at Oamarn, on July 8; v. St. Kevin's, at St. Kevin's, on July 15: v. Christchurch, at Christchurch, on July 22: v. Timarn, at Oamaru, on August 5. —The use of the Show Grounds and permission to travel were granted. A & the Southern Fourth Grade team had defaulted several times, it was decided that this team be not included in the draw for Saturday.

The draw for Saturday is a« follows:^ — Seniors.—Kurow-Country Pirates v. Excelsior, Oval (2.45 p.m.); Duntroon v. Maheno, Oval No. 2 (2.45 p.m.); Ngapara v. Athletic, at Ngapara; George-town-Tokarahi v. Old Boys, at Georgetown. Juniors.—Athletic v. Southern, Oval (1.15); Georgetown-Tokarahi v. Maheno, Oval No. 3 (2.45 p.m.); Kurow Pirates v. School, at Kurow. Third Grade—Old Boys v. School, Oval No. 3 (1.15 p.m.); Athletic v. St. Kevin's, Oval No. 2 (1.15 p.m.). Fourth Grade.—Athletic wins by default against Southern; School v. St. Kevin's, Oval No. 4 (1.15 p.m.). Fifth Grade.—St. Kevin's v. Athletic, Oval No. 4 (2.45 p.m.); School a bye.

"LABURNUM GROVE" Mr J. B. Priestley entered the front rank of- English writers with his great success, "The Good Companions." "Angel Pavement," his own favourite, followed. Since writing these ho has turned to the theatre, first, with the stage adaptation of "The Good Companions." which ran for over a year in London, and was screened so successfully, then with plays which show his flair for depicting domestic situations. "Laburnum Grove" is one of these. The development of the plot is surprising, but is well grounded in a thorough appreciation of ordinary home life and character. The dramatic incident is strengthened by its " naturalness." The box plan for the production of this play by the Peter Pan players on Thursday of this week is nt Begg's.

BASKETBALL The first matches of the season in the North Otago Basketball Association's A and B Grade competitions were played on Saturday, The results were as follows: — A Grade.—Star 25. Waitaki Girls' High School 4; Oamaru I 16, Oamaru II 7. B Grade. —Ardgowan 15, Airedale 8; Star B 10, Wataki Girls' High School 0. On the whole the play was not of a very high standard, but Star A showed a big improvement on its form of previous years. The entry of Ardgowan and Airedale into the B Grade makes for greater interest among, teams in that section. Misses Hunt, Gibson, and Fitzgerald acted as referees, and Miss Herd and Mr M'Nab as timekeepers.

ST. LUKE'S MOTHERS' UNION Archdeacon Russell presided over a 2.00 d attendance of members, including several from the Newborough branch, at the annual meeting of St. Luke's Mothers' Union. The annual report, which showed that the membership was 64, was adopted, together with the balance 6heet. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —President, Mrs Pinder; vice-presidents—Mesdames Ombler, Rush, and Williamson; secretary, Mrs Cayford; treasurer, Mrs Baker; committee —Mesdames Hay, Halvorsen, M'Phail. Rusbatch. Smith and Staniford. Members were pleased to see the retiring president (Mrs Ombler) present after her illness, and the hope was expressed that she would regain her health and strength.

PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—June 10: 0.8 p.m. The Wainui is due at Oamaru on Tuesday, June 23, and sails the following day for Wellington, Napier and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Karu is expected here on Friday, June 19, to load for Wellington, Nelson and New Plymouth, via ports. The Karetu, from Sydney, via Bluff, Dunedin, Lyttelton and Timaru, ia due here about June 19.

The Wingatui is due to clear Auckland on Friday, June 19, bringing sugar and general cargo for Oamaru. She is due at this port on Monday, June 29, and after discharge will load for Wellington and Auckland, via ports.