NORTH OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23204, 31 May 1937, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT)

MINIATURE RIFLE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the North Otago Miniature Rifle Association was held on Friday night at the Oamaru range, the president (Mr C. Andrew) occupying the chair. The majority of the affiliated clubs were represented. The affiliation of two new clubs—Waipiata and Enfield—was accepted. The annual report of the North Otago Miniature Rifle Association states that there appeared to be much cause lor satisfaction generally, although some features were not so satisfactory as in the previous year. The last annual meeting recommended -that the executive adopt the metric-sized target. Between the time of the annual meeting and the commencement of the association's competitions, clubs had adopted the metric target, but with detrimental, and, in some cases, almost disastrous results to club enthusiasm generally. The executive, therefore, came to the conclusion that it would be most unwise to adopt the recommendation. A composite target was evolved, which incorporated the metric-sized black and metric bull while retaining the easier Robert's rings for the lower scores. This was used throughout the year, and, while it. was successful in as far as it "stopped the rot" among the rank and file, it was found that it was not altogether satisfactory from a practical point of view- The question of which target to use this season was one which would be discussed at the meeting. ,'",'. , Absolute harmony had been a feature of the year's activities, there being no friction of any sort to mar the enjoyment of the sport. The North Otago Times Shield competition again attracted'a satisfactory entry, 198 members of different clubs taking part. Teams numbering .37 entered from all parts of North and Centrsl OtciEfo Kyeburn D was successful in winning the shield, with Oamaru D second. Weston A obtained the best score off-the-rifle, with Railway A second. In the individual shooting. J. M. Griffiths (Kyeburn) won the handicap competition and W. Falloon (Weston) the competition off the rifle. In the Ladies Match the handicap .competition., .was won bv Mrs Taylor (Oamaru) and the off-the-rifle competition by Mrs Webb (Cromwell); W. Webb (Cromwell) secured the trotter Cup and Griffiths (Kyeburn).the Williams Cup. The district .championship meeting was held in the Drill Hall, where'toe greatly-increased space and facilities available were much appreciated by all. The unsatisfactory season in regard to the* type of target in use militated somewhat against entries, which were in consequence a little lower than at the previous meeting..' '.-., •' At the triangular representative match between Timaru. North Otago. and Waimate. the North Otago. A team Was successful in winning -the Lewis Shield. The North Otago B team came second in the Falconer Shield match. Teams from the Railway and Oamaru clubs attended the Central Otago championships, where the former was successful in winning the team championship, with Oamaru second. Congratulations were extended to Mrs Webb of the Cromwell Club, who, on this occasion, defeated all comers in the individual aggregate shoot. , Two members topped the individual championship, at the South Island meeting at,. Timaru- Mrs C. Andrew Railway Ladies* Club) and W. Falloon (Weston) winning the championship titles At the Waimate district championships a team fronvthe Oamaru Club won the honours. Last year, for the first time, contact was established with the Otago Association, two teams travelling to Dunedin for an enjoyable match. The A team lost and the B team won. ' .

The financial report disclosed quite a healthy state of affairs, although the year had seen some heavy expenditure in extra prize money, and more particularly in the purchase of new and up-to-date equipment, for championship meetings. ' This, however, was not a loss, as the material purchased would serve the association well in future years. The association had been fortunate in retaining the ungrudging services of many helpers. .. The officers, target markers, handicappers, those who assisted as range officers and helpers, both at local ranges and at championship meetings, and many others had worked well. The thanks of all members were due to those helpers and to others such as the honorary solicitor, honorary auditor, and the press. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: — Patron, Mr A. A. M'William (Hampden); president, Mr C. Andrew; deputy president, Mr W. T. Ford; executiveMessrs J. M. Robertson, R. Hedges, B. Campbell, J. Dunn. A. Price, E. Nicolson, W. Anderson; secretary, Mr T. Kennedy; treasurer, Mr A. Rennie; vice-presidents—Messrs R. W. Trotter, D. Williams, W. Aitken, J. M. Forrester, A. Brown, W. Webb, J. C. Parcell, A. C. Robinson; auditor, Mr C. G. Meikle; solicitor, Mr H. J. S. Grater. GENERAL A.good deal of discussion took place in connection with the fixation of the affiliation fee for clubs, and, after various suggestions had been put forward, it was agreed that the fee this year be £1 Is. The question of which form of target should be adopted this season also came in for a good deal of discussion. The president considered that if they hoped to keep the clubs together it would be necessary to revert back to the Roberts target, used prior to the metric target. However, he thought the metric target should not be lost sight of, and he suggested that it might be brought into operation more gradually than it had been. .He recommended that a separate competition be held for the metric target.—A recommendation was passed to the incoming committee that the metric target be used for A Grade teams at the championship meeting. Dissatisfaction, was expressed regarding the grading of riflemen for the championship meeting, and various suggestions were put forward for consideration by the neW committee. The secretary was instructed to forwards letter of thanks-to Mr A. Brown for,his services as handicapper to the association, and it was .agreed that a minute of appreciation be recorded. The president expressed appreciation of the, good work accomplished by last year's executive, and thanked all those who had assisted the association in any way pbssiblo. EXECUTIVE MEETING At a subsequent meeting of the executive it was agreed to revert to the Roberts target for this season. BASKETBALL SATURDAY'S MATCHES The basketball competitions were advanced a further stage on Saturday, some good games being witnessed at the Waitaki Girls' High School courts. In the match between W.G.H.S. I and Star 1,-there was good defence by both teams. The centres were evenly matched, but the goal-throwing by both sets of forwards was not as accurate as it might have been. At half time W G.H.S. I led by the narrow margin of 2 goals, but in the second spell drew ahead to make the final score 13—7. The game, however, was more even than' this score indicated. Miss M. S. Fitzgerald was the referee.. . . W G.H.S. II defeated J. R. M'Kenzie s 12—6. M'Kenzie's showed great improvement, particularly in the first half. The school forwards combined well, but their defence was not so strong. Miss M. Newson was the referee The B Grade game between Papakaio and Star I was a fast one. Both teams indulged in short, snappy passes, the ball travelling quickly from one end to the other. Miss D. Cunningham (Star) was successful in shooting several spectacular goals. The centres of both teams tended to crowd to one side of the court. At half time the score was 5—4 in Papakaio's favour. On resuming, Papakaio gained the advantage mainly through the splendid defensive work of the centres, but the forwards combined well, and one oi them shot consistently. Star's forwards would benefit from practice at getting into advantageous positions. The final score was Papakaio 15, Star 7. Miss C; F. Miller was the referee. Star II had the advantage in the match against Southern 11. It was rather a scrappy game. The Southern centres combined well, but the forwards and defence require more practice. At half time the score was s—l in Star's favour. Star's passings was very good in the second spell, and as their shooting was accurate they were able to draw ahead, making the final score 13—6. Miss M. S. Fitzgerald was the referee. , , WGH.S. C defeated Ardgowan 14—11. Miss O. Irwin was the referee. Southern I defeated Airedale 38—3. Miss V. Irwin was the referee.

FARMERS' UNION HAMPDEN BRANCH At the annual meeting of the Hampden branch of the Farmers'. Union, Mr Congalton occupied the chair. There was a representative gathering of farm The balance sheet showed that the financial position was healthy and that the membership was very satisfactory. During the year six meetings were held, with an average attendance of 12 It had been the endeavour of the branch to obtain lighting at both the Waianakarua and Kartigi stations for the purpose of assisting in the loading of stock. The matter would again be taken up by the branch before next winter. A special meeting was held early in the season to discuss the question of the guaranteed price, and then a lecture by Mr D. J. Ross on "A Review of Some Aspects of Farming was thoroughly enjoyed. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. ,„„+„j. The following officers were elected President. Mr Congalton; vice-presi-dent, Mr Geddes; treasurer. Mr Ross auditor. Mr D. Dunbar; secretary, Mt R. Walker. , .. The secretary reported that the Hampden team .had again won the Colonial Ammunition Company s Challenge Shield for shooting, and the branch congratulated the members on their fine performance.. In this connection the branch was indebted to the Hampden Defence Rifle Club, especially the president, for the complete arrangements made for the match, also Mr Ross, the supervisor; Mr Peattie, marker, and his assistant, Mr R. Warwood.

RUGBY FOOTBALL

LEADING TEAMS BEATEN MAHENO AND EXCELSIOR WIN Greater interest has been added to the senior Rugby competition as a result of the games on Saturday. The main surprise was the defeat of the leading team (Athletic) by Excelsior, which had not previously had a win. The Blues are to be congratulated on their excellent showing, and their win on Saturday will give further incentive to the team in its future games. On the Oval. Maheno just managed to record a win against Old Boys. A feature of the games was the close scoring, Maheno defeating Old Boys 6—5 and Excelsior defeating Athletic 11—9. Maheno and Athletic are now leading the competition, with eight points each. MAHENO v. OLD BOYS The early stages of the game on the Oval saw the Old Boys' backs making every endeavour to open up play, but they did not show their usual combination. The Greens swept to the Old Boys line, where from a penalty Johnston kicked a goal. Maheno 3, Old Boys nil. From the kick off the Blacks made a strong attack, and Cameron was tackled within striking distance. A mark by Souness relieved the position, and then Bruce opened up to Chisholm, who made a good dash down the side line. A scrum gave Maheno the ball, and Gillies ran right through the defence to send an in-pass to Johnston, who scored well out. The scorer's kick failed. Maheno-6, Old Boyes nil. A chain passing movement gave Gray a good break, but instead of making a bid for the line he elected to kick infield. Old Boys had a turn at attacking, and from a penalty Easton had a kick at goal, but failed, and half time came soon after. Maheno 6 points. Old Boys Nil. Play centred round midway at the opening of the second half, the Blacks being the first to take the offensive. After Rutherford had been tackled while making an attempt for the line, the Green forwards took play to the western end, where a try appeared to be imminent, but M'Laren cleared. Then Easton gained further ground with an excellent line-finder a penalty. The Blacks backs set off, and the ball travelled to Rutherford, who was tackled near the corner flag, the ball going out of play. From the throw-in play immediately returned to the other side of the field, where Cameron dashed over for a fine try. Easton converted. Maheno 6, Old Boys 5. Encouraged by this, the Blacks made determined efforts to forge ahead, but their efforts proved futile. After Maheno had worked its way back to Old Boys' territory, Sim and Johnston led a sortie to the line, but an infringement spoilt the movement, and time came with the scores: — Maheno ,-. .. •• 6 points. Old Boys .. • • 5 points. Mr J. Stewart was the referee. EXCELSIOR v. ATHLETIC Excelsior took up the attack from the kick off, the Blue forwards making the pace. M'Kendry and Stewart were associated in a determined effort, winch almost ended in the latter scoring. The Maroon backs made repeated efforts to open up the game, but the defence was particularly sound. The Maroons heeled from a scrum near the Blues line and the ball travelled out smartly to Perkins, who touched down just as he was tackled. Howell missed with the kick. Athletic 3, Excelsior nil. Carrodus placed Athletic once more on the offensive after a good breakaway. Excelsior was penalised, and Howell made no mistake with the kick. Athletic 6, Excelsior nil. On resuming, Park made a bid for the line, but he was soundly tackled, and Thorne came through to send on to Davey for-the latter to find touch well upfield. After Excelsior had swept the field and a score seemed possible, the Maroons came back again to the attack, and from an excellent passing movement Kilgour went over for a well-de-served try. Park's kick failed, and the half time score was:— Athletic 9 points. Excelsior Nil. The fact that they were nine points down did not in any way deter the Blues, and they were decidedly on top in the second spell. Soon after recommencing J. Easton landed a remarkable penalty goal from well out, the ball rolling over the crossbar.— Athletic 9, Excelsior 3. Park was later unlucky with an attempt at a penalty, the ball hitting the upright. R. M'Kendry sent Excelsior to the attack with a lengthy line-finder, and from a crosskick by Stewart, Thorne gathered in and dashed over the line but lost possession. J. M'Kendry was there, however, to touch down. J. Easton converted.—Athletic 9, Excelsior 8. Munro received an injury and was replaced by Clelland. Then J. Easton had his chance from a penalty, and, although the kick was taken from well out, he sent the ball over between the posts amid great enthusiasm.—Excelsior 11, Athletic 9. Athletic livened up considerably, and the backs threw the ball about, but the defence remained as solid as at the start. It was when the Blues were attacking hard that Dwyer made a spectacular run unfield, but Stewart saved the situation, going down on the ball well. He was penalised for hanging on, and Park had a shot from the penalty, but failed. Time came with the scores:— Excelsior .. .. 11 points Athletic 9 points Mr L. V. Bryant, was the referee. JUNIORS Waitaki 19, Old Boys 8. THIRD GRADE Waitaki 14, Athletic 9. St. Kevin's 9, Old Boys nil. FOURTH GRADE Athletic A 10, Waitaki A 3. St. Kevin's 32, Waitaki B nil. Athletic B 6, Excelsior 3. FIFTH GRADE Waitaki B 5, Waitaki C 3. St. Kevin's 9, Waitaki A 6. MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING RAILWAY CLUB The average for the first 10 men at the weekly shoot of the Railway Club was 77.4 compared with 78 for the previous shoot. A. Rennie won the rifle button and L. Brehaut the handicap button. The highest scores were as follows:—G. Brightwell 79—2 80, C. Andrew 79—2—80, J. Mackie 78— 2—Bo, C. Jones 78—6—80, C. Rennie 77 _4_Bo, V. Barker 76—4—80, S. Jones 74_7_80, J. Robson 75—5—80, C. M'Curdy B. Kennedy 69—12 —BO. A. Banks 77—2—79, J. Tempero 75—4—79, E. Simpson 75—4—79, W. Kennedy 73—6—79, J. Halvorsen 69 10—79, F. Smith 71—8—79. C. Hinkley 78—0—78, J. M'Pherson 75—3—78. J. R Campbell 70—8—78. H. Whitrow 69—9—78. Miss Melba Wilson won the handicap button and Mrs Mackie the rifle Dutton at the weekly shoot of the Railway Ladies' Club, the best scores being I —Mrs Mackie 79—5—80, Miss O'Donnell 78—4—80. Miss Wilson 77 B—Bo Mrs Andrew 75—5—80. Mrs Hore 68 _14_80. Mrs Cayford 74—5—79, Miss M Wilson 70—8—78. Mrs Robertson 641-13—77. Mrs D. Black 69—7—76, Mrs M'Fadeen 09—5—74. Mrs Anderson 70 S Mrs Barclay 64-7-71. Mrs Gilbert' 47—15—62. Miss Middleton 44—15—59. HOCKEY At Waimate on Saturday afternoon. South Canterbury defeated North Otago by three goals to two. The came was evenly contested throughout, and plav in the second spell was exciting and of a good standard. For South Canterbury goals were scored bv Rodger. Hughes, and Hawkey, and for North Otago by Nisbet and Taylor. Messrs L. Davies and T. W. Jacobs were the umnires. In the ladies match. Athletic and Waimate drew, with four goals each.

MEN'S GOLF NORTH OTAGO v. WAIMATE The weather conditions on Saturday were ideal for the match between North Otago and Waimate at the Awamoa links. After some interesting golf, the match resulted in both teams being all square. A feature of the day's play was the performance of R. Deacon (Waimate) in holing out in the seventh ("Arena") in 1. At the conclusion of the match Mr Woodward (president of (he local club), expressed pleasure at having a visit from the Waimate players. Mr Tennant replied on behalf of Hie visitors, and thanked the North Otago Club for its hospitality. He hoped that the Oamaru players would at. some future date travel to Waimate for a return match. Results (Oamaru names mentioned first): — FOUR-BALL (MORNING) Crimp and Milnes beat Deacon and Tennant, Hargrcaves and Fastier lost to Wilson and Mitchell, M'Dowell and Woodward lost to Travers and Stephens, M'Culloch and Farrell lost to Borric and Morgan, Father Marlow and Mawhinney lost to J. Lowe and Laurenson, B. Patterson and Treseder beat C. Holmes and O'Hara. Totals: Waimate 4 wins, Oamaru 2 wins. SINGLES (AFTERNOON) M. J. Wilson £, Deacon £; Mathieson beat Tennant; Nicholls lost to Wilson; Domigan A, Mitchell I; Milnes lost to Travers; Grant beat Stephens; Mulligan beat Borrie; Christie beat Morgan; K. Kinder £, Lowe I; T. Hedges beat Laurenson; Cook J, C. Holmes h\ Hurst lost to O'Hara. Totals: Oamaru, 5 wins; Waimate, 3 wins. LADIES' CLUB The winner of the Bogey Match last week was Miss M. Armstrong 4 down, followed by Mrs M'Culloch 7 down and Mrs Ireland 7 down. In the draw for the first round of the Foursome Knock-out, to be played on June 4, Mrs Fotheringham and Mrs Sinclair will play Mrs Irvine and Miss Garrey. The draw for the second round, to. be played by June 12, is posted at the club house. The draw for the Medal Match on Wednesday is as follows: First Tee.—Miss M'Quade v. Mrs M'Beath, Mrs Jordan v. Miss P. Robins, Mrs Rickman v. Miss P. Lane, Mrs Porter v. Mrs Ireland, Miss E. Familton v. Mrs Burton, Mrs Meek v. Miss Armstrong, Mrs Brown a bye, Mrs M'Culloch v. Mrs Ireland, Miss J. Christie v. Miss E. Nichols, Mrs Butler v. Miss C. Lane, Mrs Wilson V. Mrs Spooner. Thirteenth Tee.—Mrs M'Ewan v. Mrs Donaldson, Mrs Finch v. Mrs D. Smith, Mrs Barclay v. Mrs Ewart, Miss Garrey v. Miss R. Donaldson, Miss M'Donald v. Miss M. Simpson, Mrs Forrest v. Mrs C. Rowe, Miss M'Lay v. Miss Maxwell, Mrs Crawshaw v. Mrs Irvine, Miss K. Robins v. Mrs Sinclair. Tenth Tee.—Mrs Hall v. Miss Fraser, Mrs Steenson v. Miss S. Simpson, Mrs Roxby v. Mrs F. Grant. RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION UPPER WAITAKI BRANCH The annual meeting of the Upper Waitaki branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association was held on Saturday night in the Soldiers' Memorial Hall, Kurow. Mr A. H. Chapman presided over a good attendance of members. The chairman gave a cordial welcome to the members of the Oamaru executive, and to returned men from the Waitaki Hydro who attended the meeting. Mr Chapman explained that the Hydro branch was now disbanded, and members intended to join up with the Upper Waitaki branch. He said that the meeting was one of the best gatherings of returned men held at Kurow, and he thanked members, and especially the committee, for the support they had given him during his term as president. They had all worked for the benefit of the association and to give assistance to their Comrades, and he specially thanked Mr D. A. Small for his work as secretary of the branch. The membership had dropped a little last year, chiefly through comrades passing away and others leaving the district. The executive appealed to returned men who were not members to join up with the association, and so assist the association to help comrades who might be in distress. Thanks were due to the many supporters who assisted the branch—poDpy sellers, ladies' committee, Anzac Day helpers. Mr D. E. Neave (honorary auditor), Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association. Hydro members, Oamaru Municipal Band, the clergy, and public generally, and the press. They also returned thanks to the North Otago Soldiers' Aid Association for assistance given to unfortunate comrades during the past year, and Mr Dan Connor, who had again given of his best in enrolling members. The annual report and balance sheet, showing assets amounting to £95 14s 7d (general fund £26 Is 3d, distress fund £6B 4s 6d), were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr W. J. M'Lean; secretary, Mr D. A. Small; vice-president. Mr Alexander Don: executive—Messrs H. Stewart (Kurow), E. Deans (Hydro), J. R. Hill (Otiake), A. H. Chapman (Kurow), P. Wright (Otekaike), H. Hill (Duntroon), G. Harrison (Otekaike). the Rev. W. Edgar (Kurow): associate member to attend Oamaru Executive meetings, Mr W. J. M'Lean. Arising out of general business, a recommendation was passed that the incoming committee appoint a publicity member, and on the question of boundaries, Mr Neil H. Colquhoun pointed out that every returned man had freedom of choice to join any branch of the association he wished. It was agreed to hold a meeting at Duntroon with a view to securing members in that district, and a further recommendation was passed to the committee that where there was no relative in the district, a member be appointed to attend to the memorial tree.

The secretary's honorarium was fixed at £8 Bs, and appreciation was expressed of the services given by the retiring president (Mr A. H. Chapman) and the secretary (Mr D. A. Small).

Mr H. C. Jeffery (Oamaru) addressed the gathering, and, after paying a tribute to the work of the Upper Waitaki branch, thanked the members for their support of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association. Mr C. J. L. Mollison referred to the work of the retiring president (Mr Chapman) and ex-secretary (Mr Middleton), and thanked them for the work they had done for the returned men of the Upper Waitaki. At the conclusion of the meeting a pleasant social hour was spent, several toasts being honuored. GENERAL NEWS Entries for the Waiareka sale tomorrow comprise wether lambs. Romney crossbred ewe lambs, forward lambs, fat wethers and ewes, and fat cattle. Further entries are invited. The Scottish Society's weekly dance on Saturday night proved as popular as ever, the Scottish Hall being filled with dancers who thoroughly enjoyed the programme of old and new dances. Mr G. C. Craig was M.C. Mr T. G. Tyson presided over a special meeting of the Kakanui Athenaeum and Hall subscribers, for which Mr W. G. Wilson had given notice of motion at the annual meeting that the office of caretaker and librarian be combined, and that a suitable salary be paid for the work done. —The motion was seconded by Mr Paton. and. after discussion, was carried. It was decided to call for applications for the position for a period of three years from July 1, the salary being fixed at £l2. A fire was discovered at 1 o'clock yesterday by an employee at the rail-

way goods shed, the outbreak being confined to the chimney and roof of the goods office, which is the old station building. There was little damage done to the building, the Fire Brigade making a good save. The office books and receipts were undamaged. PORT OF OAMARU High water.—May 31: 7.1 a.m. and 7.25 p.m. The Union Company's intercolonial freighter Karetu will load at Sydney and Newcastle early next month, completing at Hobart for direct discharge at Oamaru, via ports. The Waipahi is due to load about Saturday next for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via Timaru and Lyttelton. The Wainui will load here on Wednesday. June 9, for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via ports. The Wingatui, from Auckland, arrived on Saturday nighfr, and will load here to-day for Wellington and Auckland, via usual ports. The Tongariro. which commenced loading here on Wednesday for London and west coast United Kingdom ports, is expected to sail to-day for Port Chalmers to continue loading. MAJESTIC THEATRE "GARDEN OF ALLAH" Robert Hitchen's lovable story, " The Garden of Allah," will have its final screening to-night at the Majestic Theatre. With a powerful cast headed by Marlene Dietrich, Charles Boyer, Basil Rathbone, C. Aubrey Smith, and Joseph Schildkraut, this production is filmed in beautiful technicolour. The story keeps well to the book, and created a wonderful impression on Saturday's larfe audience. The supporting items comprise a news, Travelogue, latest Mickey Mouse Cartoon, and a variety item by the well-known George Wallace. Plans are at the Bristola.