NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23044, 21 November 1936, Page 20

NORTH OTAGO

MANCHESTER UNITY

LOYAL OAMARU LODGE ’ On Thursday night, N.G. Bro. J. E. Meikle presided over the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Oamaru Lodge. There was a good attendance of brethren and past officers of the lodge. A motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Bro, J. M’Leod. One member of the Loyal Howard Lodge (Nelson) was placed on the medical list. The balance sheet of the United Friendly Societies’ Dispensary was received. Warden Bro. G. Hollands forwarded a progress report on behalf of the sick and distressed of the society. Special reference was made to the next meeting’s programme, “Children of all Nations,’’ and a lengthy discussion on lodge entertainments took place, several interesting ideas being discussed. A motion of appreciation was accorded P.G.’s Bros. W. Couper and 'J. D, Christie for the efficient manner in which they had arranged the old members’ night. The N.G. reported on the excellent everiing spent at the seventh anniversary of the Loyal Star of the North Lodge. It was resolved to invite the officers of the North Otago District of Past Grands’ Lodge to conduct the installation ceremony on December 17. It was decided to be represented at the half-yearly meeting of the Loyal Oamaru Juvenile Lodge on Thursday of next week, and it was further agreed to accept the invitation of the juvenile members for a cricket match at the next meeting night, commencing at 6 p.m. After the meeting had adjourned an impromptu debate was held, the subject being “Lodge Picnics.” * PERSONAL Mr and Mrs G. R. Hunter have returned to Oamaru from an extended trip to Australia, where they motored over various parts of New South Wales and Victoria. They visited Sydney and Melbourne, and saw the running of the Melbourne Cup, which they describe as a wonderful sight. Queen’s Hotel.—Miss Jean Batten (Auckland), Mr A. O'Connor, Mr D. Hellmrich (Sydney), Mr W. Fleming (Queensland), Mrs Smillie, Mr H. Coster (Wellington). Mrs W. Shirres (Central Otago), Mr J. A. Bradley (Dunedin). New Club Hotel. —Mr and Mrs Wallis (Gore), Mr and Mrs G. Blake (Palmerston North), Mr D. M’Lean, Mr C. B. Stuart, Mr W. Nicholls (Dunedin), Mr J. D. Nelson, Mr H. Clark, Mr B. A. Frostick, Mr H. P. Bridge. Mr H. Gilbert, Professor Ernst Alexandre (Mel-, bourne), Mr A. Hunter. Miss Price (Pahantane), Mr E. G. Seeker, Mr H. Ramsden, Mr J. Billing (Wellington), Mr N, Armstrong (Timaru), Miss G. Donald, Mr R. Donald (Ranfurly). Mr R. Crombie, who has been in the employ of Messrs Rattray and Co., at the Oamaru branch, for the past 10 years, has been advised of his transfer on promotion to the firm’s Christchurch branch. Mr Crombie will leave Oamaru to-day. Mr S. Stringer has been appointed caretaker at the Waiareka saleyards in succession to Mr T. Patterson, who has filled the position for 28 years. The services of Mr Patterson were pulocrised at a meeting of the Farmers' Saleyards Company, which voted him a bonus.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT)

METHODIST SYNOD SOUTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT At the concluding sessions of the annual Methodist Synod, South Canterbury district, held in Oamaru, and presided over by the Rev. J. D. MacArthur, an excellent review of the work of the Trinity Theological College was given by the Rev. A. MTJean, an exmember of the college council. Synod rejoiced that a high standard was set by the professors in the theoretical and practical Christian work. The fact that the hostel accommodation was now fully taxed was proof of the useful service in that direction. Special mention was made of Mrs Blight, who supervised the house department with marked success. There were 17 students for the ministry in residence and one in training for the Congregational Church. The Rev. J. F. Jack outlined the report of the Public Questions Committee on peace, Bible in schools, and the liquor question. T On the motion of the Rev. H. L. Richards, synod resolved—‘ That this synod views with concern the universal movement towards rearmament, and declares that in its opinion war is contrary to the spirit of Christ, and should be outlawed by civilised nations. We further call upon the leaders of our national lifs to soarch out tno real causes making for war, with a view to it being attacked in that zone. On the gambling mania, synod resolved—“ That this synod views with alarm the attitude of the Minister of Internal Affairs towards gambling as recently reported in the daily papers, and enters its emphatic protest against further facilities being provided mr indulgence in this vicious practice. On the liquor question synod reaffirmed the decision to oppose this great evil, and viewed with alarm the proposal to grant tourist licences to nolicence areas, , , ~ The Rev. W. W. Avery presented the overseas mission report. There was a definite growth and development of the work in the Western Solomon Islands, and an indication of the spirit of the native church was found in an appeal, Boaz Sunga—the most influential chief in the Roviana Lagoon, and one of the ablest and best of their native catechists—made to his people for a spirit of sacrifice that the Kingdom of God might extend in the Western Solomons. He gave several reasons why his people should be prepared for sacrifice in the interests of their one-time enemies. He made a special appeal for the restoration of the medical unit at Bilna, amongst the people upon whom their fathers had waged war. The Bougalnville-Buka Circuit had been strengthened by the appointment of the Rev. Donald C. Alley as third missionary. Mr Alley is a South Canterbury boy (Geraldine). It was hoped soon to have enough in hand to send the doctor back again to the Helena Goldie Hospital. Dr Allen G. Rutter is at present studying for the diploma of tropical medicine and hygiene, and R.F.C.S., and has offered for service in 1938. Special mention was made of the excellent deputation work of the Rev. A. H. Cropp in South Canterbury. Missionaries due on furlough next year were the Revs. J. F. Goldie, A. H. Voyce, and E. C. Leadley. The special deputation would be the Rev. Belshazzar Gina, who was educated at Paerata. The Rev. R. T. Keall took charge of the home mission annpal report. The work in the outlying places was being maintained, often at much personal sacrifice in parsonages of home missionaries. The special appeal for debt reduction showed encouraging results, while the main emphasis of deputations was placed on spiritual and educational phases of the work. There was an evident desire throughout the Dominion for evangelistic missions, and it was suggested that next year be observed by such

gatherings in preparation for the recognition of the bi-centenary of Wesley’s conversion in 1938. The greater use of cottage fellowship groups was suggested by the committee, to supplement or replace meetings in the church. The Literature and Colporteur Society showed remarkable growth, necessitating the enlarging of the book room in Auckland. Many conntry ministers and missionaries were acting as voluntary agents for the society in distributing religious literature of up-to-date yet evangelical character. Regret was expressed at the illness of the Rev. A. J. Seama. and the Rev. G. Laurenson was recommended for appointment as general superintendent of home and Maori missions when the need arose. The Rev. E. Drake was acting superintendent. A special report of the Maori mission showed an awakening interest in religious, social and political affairs by the Maori people. The staff of ordained Maori ministers, voluntary home missionaries and Maori and European deaconesses maintained the most helpful contact with the various native settlements, especially in Hokianga, Waikato and Taranaki. Deep regret was occasioned by the passing quite recently of the great leader the Rev. Robert Tahupotiki Haddon. SWIMMING TO-NIGHT’S .EXHIBITION The exhibition In the Oamhru Public Baths to-night will undoubtedly be the finest display of swimming and diving yet seen in Oamaru, for besides the visiting Australian champions, Bill Fleming and Arthur O’Connor, there are appearing teams from Christchurch and Dunedin, included in which are such outstanding performers as Walter Jarvis, the well-known Otago sprinter; Peter Mathieson, Australian and New Zealand back-stroke record holder; and Len Newall, New Zealand 440 and 880 yards and mile champion. Newall has never before been seen in action in Oamaru. There are other highclass performers competing from the two centres to make an evening of really outstanding swimming. The diving exhibition will be a memorable sight with O’Connor, the Australian champion, Gwen Rix and R. O. Johnson, the two New Zealand champions, in action. At the exhibitions given by the Australians yesterday Fleming’s easy and powerful swimming and O’Connor’s magnificent diving were a revelation to all who saw them. The prospects are very bright for a great night’s sport when these two meet for the first time with our New Zealand champion performers. THE AUSTRALIAN SWIMMERS Yesterday morning the visiting Australian swimmers gave a demonstration and also instruction to the pupils of the North and South Primary Schools, and St. Patrick’s School at the municipal baths. Mr Dudley Hell.mrich (manager), who is recognised as one of Australia’s foremost authorities on swimming, spoke to the teachers on various aspects of coaching, and made one or two suggestions for improvements at the baths, one being the installation of a loud speaker by the Swimming Club, which would enable all the spectators to hear instructions or comments at carnivals. Mr Hellmrich said the members of the team wished to help as much as possible in encouraging swimming and training in the various centres they visited while in New Zealand. Bill Fleming, the 110 yards and 220 yards champion of Australia and champion of Queensland, did the 440 yards in easy style, and then proceeded to show correct starting and turning methods for long distance and sprint swims, and demonstrated his particularly graceful and efficient backstroke. The champion's style and the ease with which he forged through the water were indeed impressive. A. O’Connor, high and low board diving champion of New South Wales, gave a splendid exhibition of fancy diving and somersaults, and in conclusion the visitors gave an instructive demonstration of the art of teaching to rwim. In the afternoon they visited the Waitaki Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools, where they gave similar demonstrations in the school baths, and their efforts were greatly appreciated by both teachers and pupils. PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—November 21: 8.22 a.m. and 8.50 p.m. November 22: 9.18 a.m. and 9.34 p.m. The Wingatui, from Auckland to-day, will load at Oamaru about Monday. November 30, for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wainui v/ill load here on Wednesday, November 25, for Wellington, Napier and Gisborne, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Kiwitea was to load coal at Westport yesterday for Wellington, Oamaru, Bluff and Dunedin. She is expected here about Tuesday, November 24. The Waipahi is expected here this morning to load for Wellington. Nelson and New Plymouth, via ports. The Union Company’s intercolonial freighter Waikouaiti is due at Oamaru on Friday, November 27, to discharge Australian coal and cargo. On completion she will load and sail for Sydney direct. CHURCH SERVICES The subject is “ Soul and Body ” for the Christian Science service in the Douglas Social Credit Hall to-morrow night, and on Thursday night at 8 o’clock at the same place a thanksgiving service will be held. The seventy-third anniversary services will be held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church to-morrow, the Rev. A. B, Kilroy being the preacher both in the morning and evening. The first annual thanks-offering appeal will be made. The Eveline service will be at 6.30 p.rn., with the Rev. H. T. Blair as the preacher. In St. Lukovs parish to-morrow. Archdeacon Russell will celebrate holy communion at St. Luke's at 8 and take matins there at 11 and baptisms at 4.15. He will officiate at Totara at 2.30 and Newborough at 6,30. The Rev. Bernard Plumb will celebrate holy communion at Newborough at 11 and officiate at St. Luke's at 6.30, when the anthems “ Crossing the Bar ” and “ Sanctuary of the Heart ” will be sung. He will take the Young Men’s Billie Class at 10 and supervise the Sunday school diocesan examination at 2. The preacher for the morning service at the Wesley Church to-morrow will be the Rev. J. F. Jack. In the evening Mr H, M. Patrick will take the service, relieving the Rev. J. F Jack, who will conduct the service at Enfield, where there will be a parade of the Oddfellows’ Lodge. The Rev. W. Lawson Marsh will preach at both services to-morrow in Colurnba Presbyterian Church. The aiflhem in the morning will be “How Lovely are Thy Messengers” (Mendelssohn). and in the evening “Comes at Times” (Woodward). Miss R. Hinkloy will sing the solo “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings” (Handel).

COMMERCIAL CLEARING SALE Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., report having held a successful clearing sale on Wednesday at Brookstead Camp, Bortons, on account of Mr Joseph Preston. There was a large attendance of buyers, and satisfactory prices were realised as follows: — Draught Horses. —Three-year-old unbroken fillies, £4B, £43; two-year-old unbroken gelding, £33: three-year-old unbroken gelding. £3B; yearling filly, £2l; yearling colts. £2l, £2O; aged mares in foal, £3B, £lB 10s; aged mares with foals at foot, £2B, £l7; eight-year-old mare, £2B 10s. Hacks. —Nine-year-old thoroughbred gelding, £l6 10s; two-year-old filly, £l7; yearling colt. £l2; yearling filly, £2B; Shetland pony, £l2 10s. Sheep.—22l one-shear ewes with lambs, 22s 3d; 305 two, three, and fourshear ewes with lambs, 18s Sd; 397 four-shear ewes with lambs. 17s 6d: 283 four-shear ewes with lambs, 14s 7d; 215 four-shear ewes with lambs, 14s 6d: 245 four and five-shear ewes with lambs. 15s 7d; 65 five-shear ewes with lambs. 15s 6d; 73 five-shear ewes with, lambs. 15s; 265 four-tooth wethers 21s; 26 twotooth wethers, 16s; 36 two-tooth ewes, 25s 9d; 9 fat ewes. 17s 3d; aged rams. 10s to 28s. Machinery. M'Cormick - Deering binders, £23 and £26; mower, £10; disc ploughs, £lO and £l6; d.f. ploughs, £7 10s and £6; cultivator, £9. OAMARU MARKETS Odd showers have been experienced during the week in various parts of the district, but they have not been .sufficient to ensure a good return from new season’s crops. Canterbury, on the other hand, reports good rains, and new season’s crops there are looking well. All grain crops show decreased areas from last season, but potatoes show a slight increase. Southland reports ideal weather for the new season’s crops, and there is an abundance of feed everywhere.

Oats. —This market continues very firm, and stocks are in very short supply. A grade oats have been sold at 3s 7d. f.0.b., s.i., but there are practically no stocks available. The forward market for next year is also very firm, and quotations are unobtainable. Wheat. —This market is also very firm, and supplies of good fowl wheat are difficult to obtain. Potatoes. —The market for old season’s potatoes is practically finished. Advices from Auckland state that markets there are now refusing old potatoes. It is also reported that large quantities of old potatoes have been dumped in Auckland. Seeds. —The overseas market tot seeds is quiet, and the wholesale markets in New Zealand are also very quiet. Certified ryegrass remains very firm, and it is understood that certified crops for next harvest will be considerably smaller than usual. The tendency will be for certified ryegrass to remain firm. KINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS MAJESTIC - THEATRE Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers say it with lyrics and dance steps in “ Top Hat,” showing to-day and to-night, their lavishly-produced new musical comedy to introduce a most novel way of telling a screen love story. Practically all of their love scenes in the picture are song and dance numbers, in which the lyrics and the movements of the dancers express more than pages of ordinary dialogue could. London, England, and the Lido, Italy, are the locales of the story, with picturesque backgrounds adding to the romantic flavour. The feature dance of the picture, the “ Piccolino,” is done on especially colourful settings, where canals, drifting gondolas and graceful bridges add their pictorial appeal to the thrill of music and the poetry of rhythmic motion. Helen Broderick, stellar New York stage comedian, Edward Everett Horton, Erik Rhodes and Eric Blore head the cast supporting the co-stars. A mixed chorus of 30 girls and 30 boys does an ensemble arrangement of the “ Piccolino," under the direction of Hermes Pan. A chorus of dancing men also appears with Astaire in the “Top Hat” number of the picture. Other bright dance features by Astaire and Miss Rogers are to the music of “ Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” and “Cheek to Cheek,” and Fred sings and dances to “Top Hat” and “ No Strings.” OPERA HOUSE GRAPHIC BOXING FILM A graphic film depicting the boxing contest between Louis and Schmeling is to be shown at the Opera House to-night. Excitement reaches its peak when the knock-out blow in the twelfth round is caught by the camera. On the same programme Richard Dix and Karen Morley have the title roles in “ Devil’s Squadron,” which deals with the exciting lives of test pilots who are responsible for securing certificates of airworthiness for new machines. The story deals with the construction of a revolutionary machine, and Dix is one of the group of pilots who has the testing of it. This pilot is the central figure of a stirring and intriguing story in which humour, tragedy and romance are nicely interwoven. SCOTTISH SOCIETY MONTHLY INGLESIDE Members and friends of the North Otago Scottish Society were treated to one of the best entertainments pre-, sented in the Scottish Hall for some time past on the occasion of the monthly social. The programme was given by Miss Rona Bee’s pupils, all of whom performed very creditably, and together with their teacher are to be congratulated on providing such a first-class concert. There was a good audience, which was appreciative of the' efforts of the little performers. Chief Christie, who presided, was played into the hall by Piper J. Gibson. This was the final ingleside for the year. The following contributed items:— Highland fling, Fairlie Miller, Audrey Ledley,' Eunice Ledley, Beverley Stoop, Jean M’Kellar, Margaret Swmard, and Malcolm M’Kellar; songs— Shirley Woodward, Billy Slaven, Neil M’Leod, Eunice Ledley, Lulu Downing, and Jim Benson; Russian dance, Lulu Downing; Maori song and haka, Jim Benson; Dutch song and dance, Lulu Downing. Shirley Woodward, Olwyn Fraser, Billy Williams, tap dance, Audrey Ledley; gipsy dance, Beatrice Macfle; tap ballet, Beatrice Macfie, Lulu Downing, Audrey Ledley, Shirley Woodward, Joyce Smart, and Melva Harper; skipping dance, Fairlie Miller; Irish jig, Beverley Stoop, Jean M’Kellar, Shirley Woodward, Eunice Ledley, Malcolm M Kellar, dance duo, “ Policeman and Maid, Beatrice Macfle and Lulu Downing; sailors’ hornpipe, Malcolm M Kellar, clog dance, Fairlie Miller and Audrey Ledley; military ballet, Lulu Downing Jean M’Kellar, Shirley Woodward, Judy Dimick, Joyce Smart, and Beatrice Macfle (toe soloist). Miss N. M’Laren played the accompaniments. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the performers. At the conclusion of the concert a presentation was made to Mrs Neill ince Miss A. Samson), who had been of great assistance to the society on many occasions over several years. A much-appreciated supper was served, and then dancing was indulged in by a very large crowd of patrons. Rae’s Orchestra played splendid music and Mr Lambie carried out the duties of M.C.

NORTH OTAGO FARMERS’ UNION MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the North Otago Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held yesterday afternoon, Mr J. T. M’Leod (vice-presi-dent) occupying the chair. A welcome was given to Mr A. G. Dawson, organiser for the union, who is visiting the district at present. Accounts totalling £2 10s were passed for payment. The Minister of Transport (Mr R. Semple) advised that the recommendation of the union, that led animals should be kept to the right when meeting motor traffic, would be given consideration when transport regulations were being framed. —Received. The Oamaru branch of the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance forwarded particulars of new freight charges.—Received. December 12 was confirmed as the date for the railway excursion to and field day at Lincoln College. Mr R. Walker was appointed assessor for the threshing mill workers’ dispute, which would be heard before the Conciliation Court in Dunedin on December 11. —There was considerable discussion on the conditions and wages applied for, and it was suggested that the fair attitude for farmers would be to accept the 1931 rate of wages provided the Government subsidised the wheat industry to meet the increased costs. It was considered that the proposals put forward were not encouraging farmers to grow wheat. Correspondence was received from the Dominion secretary in reference to the adverse effect on the farming industry of the new Labour legislation, the restoration of membership levy of 7s 6d, and the scarcity of farm labour. —The secretary was instructed to forward particulars of cases where farmers could not obtain farm labour, even though application were made to the placement officer of the Labour Department. This did not coincide with the Minister’s statement that workers would be taken off sustenance and sent out to the country if farmers paid the wages fixed by the Government. It was decided to grant £3 3s to the Dominion lamly export competition. Mr Dawson reported on the encouraging results of canvassing the Hakataramea district, only four farmers declining to join the union. He said farmers were well satisfied with the work being carried on by the union. He spoke of the drain on the union’s financial reserve in recent years, and urged the necessity of an increase in membership with increased levy, owing to the greatly added work that was being placed on the Dominion Executive. Farmers were joining up right through the country, and it was hoped to have a membership drive in March. It was hoped to compile shortly complete lists of farmers throughout the country. GENERAL NEWS A sale by auction of the freehold property formerly owned and occupied by the Union Bank of Australia, Ltd., in Tyne street, Oamaru, will take place on Tuesday of next week, commencing at 1.30 p.m. The instructions to sell this property have been received by Messrs Mulligan and Forbes from the estate of the late John Moore. For further particulars application should be made to the auctioneers or to Messrs Hislop, Creagh and Main, solicitors. The Retailers’ Committee of the Chamber of Commerce has requested retailers to close their premises from noon on Wednesday, the second day of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show. On Saturday, December 12, the Railways Department will run an excursion to Lincoln College, provided sufficient inducement offers, at the cheap fare of 10s 6d. The college authorities will arrange a field day among the wheat experiments, and the Wheat Research Institute will stage a demonstration that will be both novel and instructive. As the number travelling must be at least 200, it will be necessary for intending excursionists to advise Mr A. W. Woodward on or before December 1, so that final arrangements may be made with the Railways Department. Those desiring to visit Christchurch or friends en route may travel by this train. The National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd., has received instructions from the trustee in the estate of the late Mr F. L. Pilfoot to offer by public auction on Monday, November 30, at their land sale room, Tyne street. Oamaru, his Crown leasehold property containing 205 acres. The property is conveniently situated on the main Tokarahi road, and is being offered in order to wind up the estate. There is a six-roomed house, with conveniences, and other outbuildings. Further particulars than those advertised in this issue may be obtained from the National Mortgage and AgencyCompany or Messrs Hislop, Creagh and Main. Under instructions from the trustees in the estate of the late Mrs Elizabeth Miller, Messrs J. D. Familton and Sons are offering by private treaty a twostoreyed stone residence situated a little over a mile from the Oamaru Post Office, on Thames street. This is one of the most faithfully built houses in North Otago, and is conveniently situated to the Waitaki Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools and St. Kevin’s College. The land comprises 2 acres and 11 poles of freehold, and the property is very suitable for professional men, speculatoi’s with a view to subdivision, or home seekers. A social and dance will be held in the Tokarahi Hall on Friday, November 27, when the art union in connection with the hall will be drawn. There will be supper, and popular prices will be charged for admission. A grand carnival dance will be held in the Scottish Hall on Wednesday evening (Show Night) in aid of the Rugby Union queen carnival. Mitchell’s orchestra will supply the music, and an excellent supper will be provided. All arrangements are well in hand for a good programme, and patrons are assured an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Admission prices are: Gentlemen 2s 6d, and ladies 2s. From the proceeds of the production of “ Lovers’ Leap,” the Peter Pan Drama Club has handed over £2O to the Oamaru branch of the Crippled Children’s Fund. LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE A meeting of the Management Committee of the North Otago Lawn Tennis Association was held on Thursday night, Mr S. G. M’Dougall (president) occupying the chair. The secretary was Instructed,to forward a letter of sympathy to Mr W. P. Walker (association’s delegate), in the serious illness of his son. The president of the Awamoa Club wrote protesting against the playing of postponed matches on November 7. After considerable discussion it was agreed that prior to Christmas all postponed matches be played during the fortnight following the postponement, except in the case of the Waimate Club, when the captains could make arrangements mutually suitable. The committee expressed its approval of the re-playing of the Awamoa B v. Waimate match, at Waimate, on Saturday, and also the completion by mutual arrangement before Saturday week of the Colurnba v. Meadowbank match. The Christmas tournament programme was reviewed and approved. WAITAKI SUB-ASSOCIATION The Waitaki Sub-association lawn tennis matches were postponed on account of wet weather, with the exception of one match played at Windsor between Windsor and Duntroon B. which resulted in a win for the home team by 9 sets (57 games) to one set (18 games).

FAMOUS AVIATRIX IN OAMARU CIVIC WELCOME TO MISS BATTEN Shortly after her arrival In Oamaru yesterday from Invercargill, Miss Jean Batten, famous aviatrix, was accorded a civic welcome in the Town Hall, at which there was a large gathering of the public. The Mayor (Mr M. F. E. Cooney) occupied the chair, and associated with him were the Mayoress and the town clerk (Mr J. Branthwaite). Mr Cooney apologised for the absence of the Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer, M.P., and Mr J. Rodman (chairman of the Waitaki County Council). Mr Cooney said it gave him great pleasure in once again extending a welcome to Miss Batten to Oamaru. When she had been here last her name had figured largely in the history of aviation. Since then she had achieved much, and in her record flights she had stirred the whole world. It was indeed extraordinary that in one so young as Miss Batten such a tremendous amount of ability, skill and resourcefulness had been shown. First Miss Batten went to the Old Country, and her flight from there across the Atlantic to America was one of outstanding merit, and to show appreciation of this extraordinary feat she had been decorated by many foreign Governments. That in itself illustrated the true value of her achievement. Then they came to her last wonderful solo flight, one which was unparalleled in the history of aviation to-day. It could be easily seen that much time and thought must have been devoted to the preparation of the flight, which had broken all previous records. The people of New Zealand had been thrilled by her success. The citizens of Oamaru were delighted to have Miss Batten with them, and he hoped that, although her stay was short, she would spend a happy time in Oamaru. Miss Batten returned thanks for the wonderful reception accorded her, which reminded her of the sincere welcome she had received from the people of Oamaru two years ago. She hoped that she deserved the tributes that had been paid her. Before her last flight it was her one intention to fly from the Motherland to the Dominion. It was not so much due to her own ability that she had been able to achieve her record flight, but to her aeroplane with its splendid engine, and also those who had assisted her in every way possible. Miss Batten recounted the stages of her flight, and stated that it was the happiest moment of her life when* she sighted New Plymouth. ■ She hoped that the flight would do something to make the people of New Zealand more air-minded, and that it would also assist in speeding up Empire communication. Apart from her personal satisfaction, she could take pride in showing everyone that England was only 10 days away from the Dominion, Three hearty cheers were given for Miss Batten. At night the distinguished visitor gave a very interesting talk on her epic flight at the Majestic Theatre to a large gathering of the public. QUEEN CARNIVAL MEETING OF COMMITTEE Mr A. Gilchrist (president of the North Otago Rugby Union) presided over an enthusiastic meeting of the committee conducting the queen carnival for the North Otago Rugby Union and Plunket Society, when the programme for the gala to be held at Takaro Park on Saturday next was arranged. Features of the programme are the ladies interhouse relay race at 2.30 p.m., Kennel Club parade 3.30 p.m., and tug-of-war 7 p.m., teams of six, the winning team to receive £l. Mesdames M. F. E. Cooney and W. R. Williams were appointed judges of the decorated prams, bicycles, etc., and of the best-decorated lorry. Tlje Highland Pipe Band will parade with the procession on Saturday afternoon, leaving Severn street at 1.30 p.m., and the Municipal Band will play in the park in the evening. Several decorated lorries will take part in the procession, and also the Fire Brigade engine. . Good prizes are being offered in the various competitions, and a novelty will be given to every child taking part or appearing in fancy dress. Entries will close on November 20, the entry forms being now, distributed to the schools It was decided to grant £5 from the gala fund to the queen candidate whose lorry proved to be the winner of the lorry competition. Arrangements were also made for the street competition on Friday night, and it was decided to solicit contributions of produce, sweets and sandwiches, which could be left at the following places on Saturday morning:—Wise’s Store, Bartrum’s, The Bungalow, Mr D. Burns’s residence (Exe 'street), and Taverner’s South Hill shop. OVERSEAS MAILS Overseas mails are due at the Chief Post Office, Oamaru, as under:— Saturday, November 21.—Australian States. South Africa, and the East, via Sydney (per Strathnaver, from Wellington), by north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Sunday, November 22.—Australian States, South Africa, and the East, via Sydney (per Strathnaver. from Wellington), by New Zealand air service, letters only, extra fee Id per oz. By airliner at midnight. Monday, November 23.—Chatham Islands (per Tees, from Lyttelton), per north express at 11.15 a.m. Late-fee letters 11.35 a.m. Australian States, South Africa, and the East, via Sydney, also Australia-Singapore-England air mail, rates on application (per Awatea, from Wellington), by north express at 11.15 a.m. Late-fee letters 11.35 a.m. Air mail due London December 10. By New Zealand inland air mall services, letters only, Id per ounce extra, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 24.—Samoa and Niue (per Maui Pomare, from Wellington), by north express at 2 p.m. Latefee letters 2.20 p.m. Thursday, November 26.—Great Britain, Ireland, and Continent of Europe, via Cape Horn (per Port Wyndham, from Auckland), by north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Due London January 3. By New Zealand inland air services. Letters only, at 8 p.m. Saturday, December s.—Great Britain, Ireland, Continent of Europe, Canada, United States of America, Mexico, West Indies, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, via Vancouver, also Fiji, Hawaii, Japan, and Fanning Island (per Aorangi, from Auckland), per north express at 2 p.m. Late-fee letters 2.20 p.m. Due London January 5. Correspondence will also be accepted for despatch by air mail services in Canada and United. States of America. ARRIVAL IN LONDON OP OVERSEAS MAILS Mails which left Auckland on October 13, via Vancouver, arrived London November 10. Air mail despatched from New Zealand on October 30, via Australia-England air mail service, arrived London November 17. INCOMING OVERSEAS MAILS November 20.—S.s. Rangitata, from London, via Auckland, with English mail. November 22.—5.5. Strathnaver, from Brisbane, via Auckland, with Australian mail. November 24.—R.M.5. Aorangi, from Vancouver, via Auckland, with English and American mails. S.s. Awatea, from Sydney, with Australian mails.

TRADES PICNIC

There was a full attendance of delefates at a meeting of the United riendly Societies and Trades’ Picnic Committee, when arrangements were made in connection with the annual picnic. Bro. I. N. Finder occupied the chair. It was decided to accept the offer of the Oamaru Municipal Band for this yedr, and to hold the usual baby show in six classes. The sports programme for the children was increased considerably, and a committee set up to arrange the details. The secretary was Instructed to forward a letter of thanks for the North Otago Highland Pipe Band, expressing appreciation for the valuable services given by the band over a long period of years. The Railways Department forwarded information regarding train arrangements, and advised that two special trains would be run as last year. Further arrangements were left in the hands of the secretary (Mr A. F. Stock) to attend to. , VICE-REGAL VISIT Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Galway will pay their first visit to Oamaru on Monday. They are expected to arrive here by ear about mid-day, and will be given an official welcome in front of the Town Hall by the Mayor (Mr M. F. E. Cooney) on behalf of the citizens of Oamaru. After the reception their Excellencies will visit the schools and other institutions, and will leave town about 4 o’clock, as they are due to arrive in Dunedin at 6.15 p.m. WOMEN'S CLUB There was a good attendance of members at the monthly musical hour of the North Otago Women’s Club. The hostesses were Mesdames Alex. Clark and M. F. Qualter, The programme comprised songs by Mesdames P. Murray and Ray Smith and Miss W. Slater, pianoforte duets by Misses M’Quade and Maxwell, and a humorous reading by Mrs R. A. M’Dowell. Mrs Howard Jones proposed a vote of thanks to the hostesses for a delightful afternoon. CRICKET . Teams for to-day:— Oamaru Seniors.—Uttley, Hendra, Inder, Zimmermann, Watson, Dick, Hunter, Cahill, Hunt, Campbell, Kelk. Oamaru Juniors.—Bee (2), Brooker (2), Daniell, Dick, Meikle, Middleton, Martin, Milne, Robinson. Albion Seniors.—Jacobs, Brooker, Davey, Geddes (2). Firth, Beckingham, Robinson, MTvor, Ford, Taylor. Albion Juniors.—Sutherland (2), Thorpe, Moore, Goodall, Brown, Dexter, Greenbank, Devon, Gleeson, Hicks, M’Phee. Boyd, Cooney.