NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23201, 27 May 1937, Page 13

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT)

SPITE ALLEGED CHARGE DISMISSED At the Oamaru Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, before Mr H. W. Bundle S.M., a young man appeared on an indictable charge of having knowingly and wilfully made, on January 28, 1937, a false declaration to the registrar of marriages, Oamaru, for the purpose of obtaining a certificate under the Marriage Act. In dismissing the case, the magistrate said he was unable to find that a prima facie case had been established, and it would be improper to send the case on to a jury. Counsel requested that the name of the accused be suppressed, and Mr Bundle, while declining to make an order, requested the press not to publish the name.

Mr R. D. H. Swindley appeared for the accused. ( Sergeant M'Gregor, who conducted the police prosecution, said the accused stated to the registrar of marriages that he was 21 years of age when he was not. The accused was born on June 23, 1917, and the marriage was performed on January 28, 1937, when the accused was 19 years seven months. Frederick Stoop gave evidence that he was registrar of marriages at Oamaru, and on January 28, 1937, the accused completed an application form, showing his age as 21 years on June 23, 1936. On the same day, at a later time, witness performed the marriage ceremony. The accused signed a declaration that the particulars were correct, and witness issued a marriage certificate. Had the age of either party been shown as under 21 years it would have been necessary to have had the consent of the parents or guardians. The father of the accused stated he could not say from memory the date of his son's birth, but he supposed the particulars on the birth certificate produced would be correct. He did not register the birth of his son, but thought that was done from the nursing home. By the certificate the boy was not 21 years of age. He did not know, up to the marriage, his son's ege to within 12 or 18 months. It was a lot to remember when there were 10 of a family, and he did not remember particulars. His wife apparently told the boy that he was 21, and witness told her she had made a mess of it. The boy left home last July, and witness was going to the police to have him brought back, but his wife told him the boy was old enough to please himself. Witness did not know the boy's true age until he saw the certificate produced by the police. Since July he believed his son was 21. His son wrote home that he was getting married, and witness would have given his consent to the marriage as a matter of course. They were a happy couple and were getting on well. The accused's mother In evidence stated her son was born on June 23, but she could not say which year. She did not believe the certificate because she thought her son was over 21 years. She could not say who gave particulars for her registration of her son's birth. She believed her son was 21 years of age on June 23, 1936, and she had told him he was 21 at that time. If she had been asked she would willingly have given her consent to his marriage, which had turned out very happy indeed. A nurse of a; public hospital in a northern town stated that the accused had been admitted to that hospital on three occasions in 1934, and the records gave his age as 18 years on each occasion. ' '' . „ Evidence was also given by Constable Paterson, who produced a .statement made by the accused, in which he stated he was quite positive he was 21 years of age when he was married at Oamaru. . ... . Mr Swindley submitted that the police had not proved the accused had wilfully and knowingly made a false declaration. . .. Mr Bundle asked how the matter came under the notice of the police. Mr Swindley: I am glad you asked that question, your Worship. There is a spiteful hand behind this prosecution, and the police are being used to vent that spite. . Mr Bundle: It seems to me that the parents are satisfied. What is the object of the prosecution? Sergeant M'Gregor stated that a police sergeant in a northern town had been informed in a confidential way, but he could not say what was the Mr Swindley submitted that it was essential to prove that at the time of the marriage the accused knew his age was not 21 years. The evidence of the prosecution fell short on all sides to establish that point. The accused was open to change his belief as to his age between 1934 and 1936, and the evidence showed that he was led to believe he was 21 years of age at the end of 1936. For the benefit of the person who had informed, he had very definite instructions from the family and from the accused's wife to say that the couple were very much in love and very happy, and both parents would gladly have consented to the marriage. There was obviously a hand behind the prosecution. No doubt the police had -done their duty, but thev were being used by the informer, and no possible purpose was being served by the prosecution. He could only characterise the information given to the police as vile. Mr Swindley asked the magistrate for licence to name the informer, but Mr Bundle declined to grant this permission. ~ , Mr Bundle said that the fact that the accused was not 21 years of age at the time of making the declaration did not dispose of the matter. The essence of the charge was that he knowingly and wilfully made a false declaration. Carelesness might be so gross as to be "wilfully and knowingly," but carelessness would not generally bring an accused within the meaning of the section. When charged, the accused said he thought he was 21, and the only evidence against that was that of the nurse. Against the nurse's evidence was the very distinct evidence of the mother in particular, and also of the father, that the accused's mother thought he was 21, and had so told the boy. The object of the prosecution was that consent should be obtained if a party were under 21 years, but in this case both parents were pleased with the boy's marriage, and consent would have been given as a matter of course. Under all the circumstances he was unable to find that a prima facie case had been established, and it would be quite improper to send the case on to a jury. The case was dismissed, Mr Bundle requesting that the name be not pubI lished.

HOCKEY LADIES* COMPETITION Draw and referees for Saturday:— Pirata I A v. Pirata II A, at 3 p.m. (Mir E. Richardson); Waimate v. Athletic, at 3 p.m.. at Waimate (Mr S. Batchelor). MEN'S REPRESENTATIVE TEAM The following players have been chosen to represent North Otago against South Canterbury at Timaru on Saturday:— Blair, Sherwin, Rawson, Muir, Hedges, Hore, Nesbit, Taylor, Beswick, Clark, Churchill; emergencies, Goodall and" Arnott. The referee will be Mr T. W. Jacobs. The bus will leave at 12.30. and any player not available is requested to notify the selector immediately. KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL FUND

PLUNKET SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING The Mayor (Mr M. F. E. Cooney) presided at the twenty-third annual meeting of the Oamaru branch of the Plunket Society, and Mr C. Hedges (chairman of the Advisory Board) and Mr Glen (treasurer) were also among those present. The treasurer (Mr Glen) congratulated the branch on the improved financial position, and gave credit for this chiefly to the lady members and their helpers. The credit balance at the end of March this year was £llß 0s sd, which was considerably more than the balance at the end of the previous year. This had been achieved by the wonderful efforts of the ladies, the photographic exhibition, and the art union. It took £7OO each year to run the branch—the nurses' salaries totalling £487 7s lid alone—and of this sum the branch had to find £450, the Government supplying the balance of £250 as a subsidy. He was sure that the society would be able to continue with its good work, provided the people of the district did all they possibly could to help. In seconding the adoption of the balance sheet, Mr Hedges supported Mr Glen, and said that he, too, had no doubt that the society would still continue to function if fellow townsmen were told what was required of them. If ever the society needed assistance the Rotary Club and the Advisory Board would be very ready to render The Mayor congratulated the branch on the successful year just concluded, and particularly upon the improved financial position revealed. He attributed this largely to the efficient work of the treasurer and to the canvassing of Mr Hedges. The society was very fortunate in having two such stalwarts. Credit was also due to Miss K. W. Williams for her secretarial work. Mr Cooney said he was afraid, however, that the society's work was not appreciated by all members of the community as it should be. The Dominion was now approaching its centenary, and at the celebrations past achievements would be surveyed with pride. The solid foundations laid were due to the early pioneers, and it was easy for their successors to follow on. There was one matter, however, that was less satisfactory. Dr Martin Tweed and others had referred to it—the stationary position of the birth rate. In spite of all the privileges enjoyed in New Zealand the decade of 192535 had seen a decrease of 15,000 in the number of children born. If this continued it would mean that in a century the population would have shrunk tremendously. Those present were taking a great interest in this vital aspect of their nationhood. Concluding, Mr Cooney praised the work the society was doing, and eulogised the services of Mrs T. A. Munro, especially her assistance during the difficult times passed through by the branch. Mrs Munro thanked the committee for its help and co-operation, also the Harmonica Band, the Peter Pan Club for giving the proceeds of a play, and the Plunket members for selling The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mrs T. A. Munro; vice-presidents—Mes-dames M. F. E. Cooney, Clark, Gardiner, W. R. Williams; committee— Mesdames M'lnnes. Edwards, Murray, Rooney, J. Familton, Clark, and M'Stay, as well as the country delegates. NURSES' REPORTS The nurses' reports for the year were as follows (town, Nurse H. Wilson; country, Nurse E. Davies):— Town.—Visits to homes, 1481; visits to office, 2150; new cases for year, babies 60, adults 68; under supervision, babies 90, older children 67; breast-fed babies, 36; partly breastfed, 11; artificially fed, 13. The general health and progress of the babies and older children had been satisfactory. Gratitude was expressed to those who had given children's clothing and other gifts. April, 1937 Visits to office, adults 79, babies 59, older children 9; visits to homes, 151; new cases, 7; breast-fed children, 4; partly, 3. Country.—During the year the work at the Waitaki Hydro had dwindled. Most districts were visited twice a month. The general health and progress of the babies had been satisfactory. Thanks were extended to ladies of the committee in all branches, who, through their interest and co-operation, enabled the work to be carried on, tp Mrs Hore for her help on the fortnightly trips to Herbert, and to all who extended hospitality. Total visits to rooms, 1174; total visits to homes, 2013; new cases for year, 96; now under supervision, 224—babies 137, older children 87—breast-fed babies, at birth 127, at three months 112, at six months 60, at nine months 17. April, 1937, visits to homes, 168; visits to rooms, adults 31, babies 30, older children 21— 82; new cases, 9; breast-fed, 8, artificial 1. The general health of the babies was good. The mileage for the month was 749. TALK BY NURSING ADVISER The statement that she had seen no better system than that of the Dominion Plunket system during her tour of the world was made by Miss U. Fitzgibbon (nursing adviser to the Plunket Society for the Dominion) in the course of her talk to members of the Plunket Society. Before reviewing her tour Miss Fitzgibbon congratulated the society on its annual report, and on the excellent state of its balance sheet. Miss Fitzgibbon gave details of the Canadian National Exhibition, at which the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children staged an exhibit in order to give publicity to the work of the society in New Zealand. Miss Fitzgibbon said that after the exhibition she had a good opportunity of seeing the hospitals in Canada, many of which were community hospitals, that was. public hospitals with private wards. They were well-equipped, having every modern convenience and comfort. She also visited several infant welfare centres, where the nurses were doing preventive and curative work. After that she travelled to Detroit, where she visited the nursery school. Later New York and Washington were visited, and at the latter inspections were made of the children's welfare associations and hospitals, and of the research institution. Each State had a children's bureau, which paid out money annually from a national Federal grant. The bureau also acted in advisory capacities. In England, Miss Fitzgibbon stated, she visited the mothercraft centre established by Sir Truby King in a modest way. There were now six centres in and about London, and one each at Brighton and Cardiff. These six had handled 4000 new cases in the past year. They not only carried out especially good work in England, but also helped to spread knowledge in Europe. In Edinburgh there was another Truby King Hospital run on the lines of the New Zealand Karitane Hospitals. She also saw voluntary organisations, which totalled about 500 and which were mostly now under Government control. In Italy she observed that emphasis was laid or moral work, and in France she noticed that it was confined more to the poorer classes. The speaker finally dealt with the position in Australia, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, where Sir Truby King himself had founded a centre. Miss Fitzgibbon considered that the work was spreading all over the world, and particularly in Australia. In conclusion. Miss Fitzgibbon said she felt New Zealand had a good deal to contribute to the welfare of mothers and babies, and throughout her travels she had seen no better system in operation. She considered, however, that they should not be complacent, but should try to extend the work. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker on the motion of Mr Cooney.

RUGBY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE SENIORS

WAITAKI SUB-UNION COMPETITION Points Ch.

June 9.—Seven-a-side Tournament. July 3. —Town v. Country, in the country. July 17.—North Otago v. Eastern Districts, at Palmerston. July 24.—North Otago v. South Canterbury, at Oamaru. August 7.—Town v. Country, at Oamaru. August 14.—North Otago v. South Canterbury, at Timaru. August 28.—North Otago v. Manawatu, at Palmerston North. September 2.—North Otago v. Taranaki, in Taranaki. September 4. North Otago v. Wanganui, at Wanganui. September B.—North Otago v. Wairarapa, in Wairarapa. September 11.—North Otago v. Canterbury, at Christchurch. September 18.—North Otago v. Ashburton, at Ashburton. September 22.—North Otago v. Marlborough, at Oamaru. OLD BOYS v. ATHLETIC The wet conditions on Saturday for the match between Old Boys and Athletic were much more suitable for the latter team, the Maroons adapting themselves more readily to the heavy going. The Black team, consisting, as it does, of a good fast back line and a Eack of young forwards, would have een seen to better advantage on a dry ground, but the saturated state of the field, and the slipperiness of the ball prevented the backs from breaking away in their usual spectacular movements. Most of the credit for Athletic's five-point win was due to the Maroon forwards. The Black pack played an admirable game against their heavier opponents, but as the game progressed the strain began to tell, and the Athletic packmen broke through repeatedly. The Athletic backs successfully adopted the tactics of kicking to a gap in the defence and following through fast, and they gained much valuable ground in this fashion. In the Old Boys' back line, however, Forde was the only one to find a gap, the remaining backs always kicking into the hands of their opponents, who took full advantage of the mistakes. Of the Black backs, Martin was the outstanding player, being very sound on defence. He tackled with deadly accuracy, and kicked well, while his speed enabled him to catch Budd in possession on more than one occasion. Webb, after playing a good game at full-back against Excelsior, was, extremely disappointing in that position last Saturday. Forde stopped many dangerous forward rushes by going down on the ball without hesitation, while his short kicks usually found an opening in the Maroon defence. He. however, made the mistake of cutting in too often. Taylor also proved a good defensive back, and played a solid game. The Black pack contained no slackers, and it put up a good fight under adverse conditions. The Athletic backs adopted sound tactics under the circumstances, and seldom tried to pass the wet ball. T. Dwyer was in good form and carried out some clever movements. Budd also played a steady game, tackling well and finding the line with accuracy. Carrodus was the best forward in the Maroon pack, Park and Steele also doing sterling work. MAHENO V. EXCELSIOR

The excellent turf on No. 2 ground made conditions reasonably good despite the steady rain, and the match between Maheno and Excelsior was fought out at a merry clip. With a little more finish to their play the Blues might easily have gained a victory. In the second spell, in particular, the Blue forwards made most of the play, but over-eagerness and kicking too hard over the line lost several golden opportunities to score, and Maheno gained another two championship points by two tries to a penalty goal, all scored in the first spell. M'Phail, the Green custodian, was always safe, his handling of the greasy ball and kicking being excellent, while his vis-a-vis, A. Wilson, was also always dependable until he had to leave the field through an injury. Byers, a junior, filling the wing position, scored a fine try from a passing movement, and Chisholm, a newcomer to the country team's ranks, played a very useful game, his fielding being very safe. Bruce, Gillies, and Souness made few mistakes, though their opportunities were limited, and their defence against the hot charges of the Blue forwards was generally sound. Of the packmen, Wood (who scored a good try), Cameron, Dougherty, and Rapson were generally in the picture as hard-working forwards. The Blue backs lacked effective combination, and several opportunities that came their way went a-begging. Some good individual efforts, however, were seen on the part of Davey, Papps, and the M'Kendrys. The brunt of the attack fell to the Blue van, and here Jones, Munro, Weller. and J. Easton were a hard-working quartet, who relished the tight going and led many loose charges. J. Easton was responsible for Excelsior's points, kicking an excellent goal from a penalty. NOTES One of the best passing movements seen on the Oval for many a day occurred in the second spell of the Old Boys-Athletic junior match. J. Hall (Old Boys' five-eighth) cut out his man, and set up a passing rush, and with perfect timing and co-ordination the Old Boys' backs threw the greasy ball about to score a spectacular try, and win the match by 6 points to 3. It was good Rugby and good team work. It is pleasing to note on Saturday that an offender was promptly penalised by the referee for pushing a player from behind, but there were several cases, that went undetected, of holding on to a player's jersey when he did not have the ball. SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT The North Otago Rugby Union has everything in train for the coming seven-a-side tournament to be held on June 9. Entries close on June 4, at 5 pm. The following officials have been appointed for the tournament:— Draw Committee—Messrs Knowles, Woodward, Turner, and Meikle; weighing steward, Mr C. Wylde Brown; blackboard stewards, Messrs B. B. Blackmore and R. E. Dimick; Judicial Committee—Messrs Knowles, Woodward, and Wylde Brown. Oval: Controller Mr M. F. Woodward; stewards, Messrs R. Young and A. A. Mays. No. 2- Controller, Mr J. Hopley; stewards, Messrs W. Brundell and W. M'Donald; No. 3: Controller, Mr B. Turner; stewards. Messrs R. H. Watson and L. Ward. No. 4: Controller. Mr A. R. Low; stewards, Messrs D. Hollow and L. Barsdell.

SATURDAY'S GAMES Saturday's game on the Oval between Old Boys and Maheno should be one of the hardest tussles to be witnessed this season, and patrons should not miss it. These two teams are level in points as runners-up to Athletic, and both will make keen bids to outdo the other. The game should be interesting from the initial kick-off until the final whistle, and there should not be a dull moment. Excelsior and Athletic will try conclusions on No. 2 Ground, and, after its very good showing against Maheno last Saturday in keeping the Greens to a lead of only three points, Exceisior should provide strong opposition for the Maroons, who will, no doubt, be out to maintain their lead in this competition. All the lower grade games should be equally as interesting. ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY'S ANNUAL REPORT The annual report of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society states that while the revenue exceeded that for the previous year by £4l 6s 2d, very considerable extraordinary expenditure, such as anti-irrigation expenses i-orf 7s Bd, travelling expenses of delegates to conferences in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin (£ls 8s 7d), and an increase for ova and costs pf liberation from £72 17s lid to £125 9s. 9d and an increase of £32 for ranging, have caused expenditure to leap from £286 in 1936 to £456 this year, the final result being that the excess of assets over liabilities had been reduced from £829 19s 7d to £719 10s Id, a decrease of £llO 9s 6d. The report stated that the expenditure in connection with the irrigation from the Kakanui River was not only wise, but essential, and that the increased expenditure on rainbow ova was justified by the many reports of the very fine rainbow fishing in the Ahuriri River. • Council Meetings.—Apart from committee meetings. 12 ordinary council meetings, one special council meeting, and two special general meetings were held during the year, the attendances of councillors at the ordinary council meetings being as follows:—Messrs Holmes 12, Andrew . 9, Bastings 10, Boyle 9, Chalmers 11, Currie 8, Dun 9, Duncan 9, Fischer 10, Lindsay 6, Stevenson 8, Stringer 5, Swinard 11, Thomas 10, Orbell 6. New Council.—The following nominations have been received for the new council:—Messrs C. Andrew, A. T. Bastings, E. Boyle, J. B. Cume, I. Chalmers. A. Dun, J. S. Duncan, A. G. Fischer, R. R. Gibb, M. S. Holmes, A. Lindsay, R. S. Orbell, G. B. Stevenson. J E. Swinard, and W. Thomas, and as 15 have been nominated for the 15 seats no election will be necessary. Angling in the Kakanui —The season on the whole could, from an angler's point of view, be taken as a good average one. The total number of fish taken was probably rather less than in the previous season, but the average size showed definite improvement, and it would seem that the raising of the takable limit a few seasons back was now beginning to show results. Weather conditions were, on the whole, not up to the average. There was a lack of warm evening weather, which is conducive to ideal fly fishing conappointed with their results, largely ditions, and many anglers were disbecause of this. In the earlier part of the season, when there was a fine flow of water, many good catches of particularly well-conditioned trout were taken. The population of the river was definitely large, and a satisfactory proportion were well-grown fish. Some fine specimens were taken during the vear, several over 101 b, and quite a number from 51b upwards. Upper Waitaki.—The Hakataramea maintained a good flow of water, and much better bags were taken during the earlier part of the season, a new feature being the number of rainbow caught in all parts of the river, ranging from Jib to 4£lb in weight. Some were caught as far as 20 miles up the river. It was three years since the first rainbow were caught at the traps, and they were greatly on the increase, which was due in a measure to the fair stocking of the Waitaki and the Hydro dam. It was apparent, reported Mr J. Scott Main, that the past stockings of yearling brown trout of from 7 to 11 inches in the Haka water, had been a complete failure, the fish immediately making for the. Waitaki, even when liberated 20 miles up from the hatcheries. At the traps last season they trapped 82 trout in 21 days at the end of April and early in May, which was abnormal, as he had never seen trout run in the Haka in April under normal conditions. The significance of this extra spawning run was reflected when he said they had done no stocking of the Haka water for three years, and they seemed to have no fly fish for the angler. Despite splendid river conditions for spawning, natural regeneration was a complete failure in this stream as far as his observation as an angler and a fish culturist went to show. Since the completion of the Hydro dam, the angling for trout in the Waitaki around Kurow and Hakataramea had improved greatly, the fish averaging 21b to 41b, with odd rainbow trout up to 3.}lb. Taking the fishing for trout and salmon throughout the season, they could congratulate themselves on quite a good season, and superior to the previous two seasons. Waitaki River.—The trout fishing season opened well, with fish in good condition, but without many large fish, and good fishing continued up till January. That month and February were fair, and then anglers concentrated on salmon. The heaviest trout taken, of which a record was made, was a good fish of 12»}lb, caught by Mr E. Thompson. Mr J. G. Kibblewhite secured one of lOJlb, and Mr C. H. Swinard caught 18 trout, the heaviest being BJlb. A well-known angler took five fish in one day, weighing from 31b to 101 b, his catch totalling 331 b. Salmon Fishing.—The opening of the salmon season was very fair, the fish running in, large numbers about the end of February, and anglers met with a fair amount of success. Mr E. Thompson caught 15 salmon of a total weight of 2251 b, his heaviest fish being 191 b. In Mr C. H. Swinard's total of 12 salmon his heaviest was also 191 b. Mr Ivan Swinard caught 13 salmon of a total weight of 1881 b, his heaviest being 251 b. Mr J. G. Kibblewhite caught nine salmon weighing in all 1621 b, and had the honour of landing the biggest fish of the season, weighing 311 b. Mr J. Scott Main reported that the enormous quantity of salmon herded below the Hydro dam had not yielded the fish expected, but bags of four and five salmon were quite common, and up to 14 salmon a man a day had been caught there. Freshwater Fish Research. —During the year the council caught, tagged and liberated 51 fish in the Kakanui, the tags being numbered from Kl to Ksl. The council would be grateful to any anglers who caught tagged fish if they would return the tag to the secretary immediately, together with scales and weight and length. The council again expressed gratitude to the North Otago Angling Club for hearty co-operation in all matters pertaining to research, particularly in the collection of scales and data. Mr A. Parrot (biologist to the Research Committee) submitted a report on the information to be gleaned from a sample of fish scales, and Mr D. F. Hobbs (field biologist) submitted his report on his findings on the spawning of brown trout in the Kakanui River. Mr I-lobbs stated that the action of the society in arranging for its ranger to patrol the river during the spawning season, while useful in affording protection to the stock, greatly facilitated investigation work. This was the first occasion on which he had been able to find, anywhere in New Zealand, evidence of a satisfactory degree of protection being offered to spawning fish. His thanks were tendered to the society for its intelligent co-operation in the work, and to the many anglers who had afforded assistance, and especially to Mr S. Pile, through whose generosity in providing accommodation, much of this work had been made possible. Ranging.—The council had again given considerable attention to rang-

ing during the year. The district was large and difficult to range, and more | cases of poaching would be detected . if anglers and sportsmen would report all cases immediately. It was inconsistent to shield malefactors and at tne same time grumble about shortage of fish and game. ' Liberation of Fry.—The council ordered an increased number of rainbow ova and liberated 250,000 rainbow fry in the Ahuriri River, and while the expense was great, it had been proved to be thoroughly warranted by reports received, which went to show that tne society's effort to establish these fish had met with marked success. Two hundred thousand brown trout fry were liberated this year in the Kakanui River and 10,000 in the Oamaru Creek. Feathered Game.—The shooting season for 1936 opened in bad weather in many parts of the district, and numerous shooters were disappointed. The game appeared to be more numerous in North Otago than usual, but very few. big bags were obtained. Pukeko were very much on the increase, and several complaints had been received about the damage done by these birds. Game on the Waitaki seemed to be increasing, this river forming a natural sanctuary for native game owing to its inaccessibility. More quail from Central Otago were liberated and were reported to be doing well and becoming thoroughly acclimatised. It was pleasing to note that berrybearing trees and shrubs were being planted in some districts. This the council hoped would encourage many beautiful native birds, and it appealed for the co-operation of the people in protecting them by waging war on German owls, ferrets, stoats, and other pests. ~ , , Amalgamation.—The council had been gravely considering .the proposed amalgamation of acclimatisation soj cieties, and had given the matter much thought. The council was opposed to amalgamation, feeling that the society had done splendid work, and that the wonderful co-operation of its voluntary workers throughout the district would be to a great extent lost to acclimatisation if amalgamation took place. There were, however, some aspects of the proposal which would be of undoubted advantage, and these were not being lost sight of. If they were forced to amalgamate they would prefer to join with the Otago Society, retaining the local committee elected annually by licence-holders in this district. Thanks—The thanks of the society were due to the Department of Internal Affairs and the Marine Department, Mr A. E. Hefford (chief inspector of fisheries), Mr J. MPhail (Kurow), the North Otago Angling Club, Mr S. H. Pile, Professor Percival, Mr A. W. Parrott, and Mr D. F. Hobbs, Mr W. Yorston, the Reserves Committee and their helpers, the police, the press, the rangers, and those who sold licences. The society specially thanked Mr J. S. Main, of the salmon hatchery at Hakataramea, whose knowledge and kindly assistance and advice was always at the society's disposal. Appreciation was also expressed to Mr W. E. Parry (Minister of Internal Affairs) and Mr R. Semple (Minister of Public Works) for their helpful attitude towards the society's representations in the matter of irrigation from the Kakanui River. Gratitude was also expressed to Mr Thomas Brooks for his good work at the Waitaki bridge over a number of years. MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING INTERCLUB MATCH A triangular match was fired on the Volunteer range between the Railway, Hampden and Volunteers' Clubs, Hampden proving the winners. The following are the results:— Hampden A.—W. T. Ford 79, K. Gdanitz 77, P. Mansell 77, E. Nicholson 76, A. Wright 76, A. H. Peattie 74, T. Gibson 73, R. Mercer 73, J. Joyce 73, Dalton 71, J. Aitcheson 70, R. Ford 67- total, 886. Railway C—C. Andrew 77, J. Mackie 77, J. MTherson 77, T. Brehaut 77, C. Smith 74, J. Campbell 78, G. Ward 73. C. M'Curdy 72, J. Robson 71, F. Sloan 70, J. Tempero 67, W. Kennedy 64; total, 877. Volunteers.—S. Robbie 76, E. Necklen 76, J. Carlson 75, R. Jackman 74, R. Hedges 73, G. Hedges 72, E. Mitchell 70, D. M'Currie 64, L. Kilgour 64. I. Hedges 62, W. Walsh 59. F. Falconer 67; total, 832. Hampden B.—M. Gdanitz 78, L. Wilferd 74, T. Joyce 72, Miss M. Woodley 69, A. Dawson 69, H. Yeoman 68, R. Ford 67, Miss G. Murcott 62, Miss D. Murcott 55. J. Aitcheson 70, Dalton 71, J. Joyce 73: total. 828. FARMERS* UNION The annual shooting match held by the New Zealand Farmers' Union was won this year by the Hampden team, the only North Otago team to compete. The match was fired over 300, 500 and 600 yards. The Hampden team comprised H. Nicolson 98, W. Nicolson 93, W. Ford 90, R. M'Kerrow 88, E. Nicolson 84.—Total 453. H. Nicolson was the highest scorer, and W. Nicolson was second. OBITUARY MRS HENRY DOVEY The death of Mrs Elizabeth Ann Dovey at the age of 88 years takes another from the diminishing band of early residents of this district. Mrs Dovey was born in Northern Ireland in 1849, and came to the Dominion in 1874 in the ship Invercargill. which was making her second trip to New Zealand, arriving at Port Chalmers in October, 1874. Mrs Dovey remained for a short period in Dunedin, where she married before coming to Oamaru in the follftwing year. After a residence in Oamaru of over 20 years, Mr Dovey was a successful applicant at the ballot for the Maerewhenua Settlement in 1897, and he successfully farmed his selection for about 15 years, when he and Mrs Dovey returned to live in Oamaru. Mr Dovey died about 13 years ago. Though of a reserved disposition, Mrs Dovey was widely known throughout the district, and will long be remembered by a wide circle of friends for her kindly and cheery manner and hospitable nature. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs M. Grant (Christchurch). and three sons, Messrs James (Black Point), Harry (Waitepeka), and George (Te Houka, Balclutha). GENERAL NEWS At 3.30 a.m. yesterday morning the Oamaru Fire Brigade received a call to the Club Garage, Thames street, occupied by the New Zealand Railway Bus Services, where one of the rural delivery cars was ablaze. The car was completely destroyed. A couple of the beams of the roof of the garage were burned, and two buses on either side of the blazing car were damaged through the paint being scorched and windows broken. The outbreak was quickly subdued by the brigade. The cause of the fire is not known. A preliminary meeting of stock agents, woolgrowers and others interested in the formation of a class for the study of wool will be held in the New Zealand Express Company's room, Oamaru, at 7.45 p.m. tomorrow, when the syllabus will be outlined by Mr J. M'Gregor, instructor. It is expected that there will be a large attendance at to-morrow night's meeting. The civil cases called at the Oamaru Magistrate's Court yesterday morning before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., were either adjourned or settled out of court. At 4.15 p.m. on Tuesday, a baby car, driven by Miss Eileen Elizabeth M'Quade, was proceeding out of Caledonian road and was turning north when a car driven by Mr David Blanchard, of Maerewhenua, collided with it just past the intersection. The baby car was overturned, but, fortunately, Miss M'Quade was uninjured. Both cars were slightly damaged but no one was hurt. There was a further good gathering at the fortnightly euchre tournament and dance held in the Waitaki Hall. The prize-winners in the ladies' section were Miss F. Logan first and Mrs S. S. Simpson second, with Mr F. Sidon first and Mr R. Searle second in the men's section. Consolation prizes went to Mrs J. Sladden and Mr S. Searle. After supper dancing was inlulged in 1o music supplied by Mrs Hewson, with Mr G. Todd as M.C.

PORT OF OAMARU High Water.~May 27: 3.54 a.m. and 4.16 p.m. , . .„„„ , _ Arrival. —The Wainui (1633 tcms, Collier), at 9.30 p.m. on Tuesday, from Dunedin. . , Departure.—The. Wainui, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, for Wellington, Napier and Gisborne, via ports. NOTES The Waipahi will load to-day for Wellington, Nelson and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wingatui, from Auckland, is due here on Monday next. On completion of discharge, she will load for Wellington and Auckland, via ports. The Tongariro commenced loading here yesterday for London and west coast (United Kingdom) ports. The Karetu will load at Sydney and Newcastle early in June, completing at Hobart, for direct discharge at Oamaru, via ports. Messi-s Dalgety and Co., Ltd., as agents for the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, Ltd., have received advice that the Pakeha will load at Oamaru on or about June 7 for London and Continental ports. She will be loading frozen mutton, along with general cargo. PERSONAL At the annual meeting of the Oamaru branch of the Plunket Society, a motion of sympathy with Dr R. S. Orbell and his sons in the death of Mrs Orbell was passed in the usual manner. The president (Mrs T. A. Munro) said Mrs Orbell had been president of the branch in its early stages. She haft been ever ready to help the committee members, who felt that they had lost a sincere friend. New Club Hotel.—Mr C. Chattras (Auckland); Miss W. Fitzgibbon (Dunedin) ; Mr and Mrs F. H. Hawker, Miss Hawker, Mr S. Leigh, Mr F. E. Beltcliff (Christchurch); Mr R. Carroll, Mr C. O. Mathias (Dunedin); Mr C. Phmmer, Mr R. P. Black (Wellington); Mr and Mrs R. A. Hoskin (Invercargill). Queen's Hotel.—Mr A. L. Callick, Mr D. R. M'Diarmid, Mr J. O. Breen, Mr D. M'Culloch, Mr Maxwell, Mr Palmer, Mr Clark. Mr Overton, Mr Fleming, Mr Carrington, Mr Marshall, Mr Cameron, Mr Richards, Mr Welch, Mr Cooper, Mr Sutherland. Mr Mr Graham, Captain Trewain, Captain Rathbone. Mr Joblin. Mr Gunnyon (Dunedin). , ~ . Cable advice has been received that Mr lan F. G. Milner, eldest son of Mr F. Milner (rector of the Waitaki Boys High School, Oamaru) has been awarded one of the valuable Commonwealth Fund Fellowships. Mr lan Milner is in residence at Oxford University as a New Zealand Rhodes Scholar. Only two of these fellowships are available each year for students from the British dominions.

Previously acknowledged Mr D. V. G. Smith and L. M Mr R. K. Ireland .. £ 191 1 1 5 S. 0 8 0 0 d 0 0 0 0 198 8 0

Pts. Ch P.W. L. D. F. A. Pts Athletic 5 4 1 — 58 45 8 Old Boys ., 5 3 2 — 63 59 6 Maheno 5 3 2 — 75 42 6 Excelsior 5 — 5 — JUNIORS 41 91 — School 4 3 — 1 102 21 7 Old Boys 5 3 2 — 65 44 6 Excelsior 5 3 2 — 71 63 6 Athletic 5 2 2 1 45 42 5 Maheno 5 — 5 — 9 126 — THIRD GRADE St. Kevin's 5 5 — — C8 3 10 Athletic 6 5 1 — 76 42 10 Old Boys 6 3 3 — 65 70 6 School 5 3 2 — 141 37 6 Southern 6 15 — 45 81 2 Excelsior 6 — 6 — 3 165 — FOURTH GRADE Athletic A 4 4 — — 64 20 8 School A 4 3 1 — 51 8 6 St. Kevin's 4 2 2 — 38 43 4 Athetic B 4 13 — 24 36 2 School B 3 — 3 — FIXTURES 3 61 —

P. W. L. F. A. Pts Duntroon .. 3 3 — 56 9 6 Tokarahi .. 2 2 — 20 17> 4 Ngapara .. 3 1 2 21 37 2 Pirates .. .. 2 — 2 12 17 — Kurow .. .. 2 — 2 3 34 —