THE OAMARU DISTRICT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23562, 27 July 1938, Page 14

THE OAMARU DISTRICT

WAITAKI ELECTRIC POWER BOARD MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board was held yesterday morning. There were present —Messrs James McDiarmid (chairman), J. M. Forrester, A. Mclnnes, E. S. Brewster, J. C. Kirkness, A. R. Tait, James Newlands. D. J. Ross and A. B. Lang. Accounts totalling ££9136 15s 2d (power fund £7535 18s, loan account £I6OO 17s 2d) were passed for payment. Eleven applications for financial assistance under new range terms were approved. At June 30 the total sum of advances under new range terms amounted to £19,012 11s lOd, and by payments this had been reduced to £7723 13s 4d, Sundry advances for financial assistance had been reduced to £519 16s 3d. The Oamaru Borough Council wrote expressing appreciation of the board’s co-operation in placing men at the. council’s disposal on the occasion of the recent slips in the borough water race.—Received. It was decided to make a grant of £3 3s to the Oamaru Sailors’ Rest. The Power Boards' Association ad.vised that arrangements were being made for power boards to obtain from the Government money at 3 per cent for house building purposes.—Referred to the Standing Committee for consideration and report to next meeting. The engineer (Mr I. Dalmer) was authorised to prepare a remit on the sale of apparatus for consideration at the secretaries’ annual conference. Advice from two garage proprietors of increased charges for oiling and greasing trucks was agreed to. ; A formal resolution was passed restricting the granting of the bonus on electricity accounts to regular consumers only. The Finance Committee reported the following balances and receipts;, the figures for June, ,1937. being shown In parentheses:—Power fund account £ 1463 9s 3d, electricity loan account £7187 2s lid; receipts—current £2564 3e lOd (£2667 8s 4d), fittings and house wiring £I2OB 16s lOd (£1404 12s), cash sales £9O 2s Id (£7B 0s 4d): total £3863 2s 9d (£4150 0s 8d). The recorded sales of electricity for the month of June amounted to £5581 T7s 9d, as against the figure for June, 1937, of £4948 4s 3d. June was a record month for sales of electricity, the highest previously attained being £5194 for September, 1937. Sales for the month were thus almost £4OO up on the previous record., and £633 up on June sales last year. ENGINEER’S REPORT

The engineer (Mr I, Dalmer) reported that the load still continued to grow, and previous records had been , exceeded considerably. The highest demand on thb Government supply for the last quarter occurred on the last day of June, when the demand reached 2254kva, on top of which the board’s plant took care of some 354kva, the total load being 2608kva. During this month this record has already been exceeded, so that the increasing loading on the board's system was a.matter for very earnest consideration, seeing that the cost of power itself was now such a very large proportion of the total costs. The cold weather this winter seemed* to have largely increased the demand for heaters, and considerably more lighting was also being used. During June we received 1,119.400 units from the Government, and generated 27.609 units .by water' set, and 18,753 by oil engine, making a total of 1.165.762 units, which is a record. The increas-. ing demands both in town and coun-

NEWS OF THE DAY (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

try were continually requiring increased mains and transformer capacity. Services and extention to lines had been erected at Hampden, Herbert, Reldston, Weston, Ardgowan. Pukeuri, Rosebery, and Otekaike, a high-tension line had been completed at Kartigi, and a large branch line from Corriedale was being completed and it was hoped vto commence the 11,000 volt extension line in the Kurow district almost immediately. Another line was arranged for at Otiake, and negotiations were in hand for further extensions on Tussocky road me house-wiring dnd inspection departments were kept abnormally busy, and the greatest difficulty was bfpg experienced In obtaining qualified men. During June 12 ranges. 13 water heaters, and 12 motors were installed. 20 new con ' sumtrs were connected, . 72 extensions and alterations earned out 83 transfers, etc., dealt with, 44 radios inspected, and 61 reinspections sr.d tests made. The load added was about 191 kilowatts. There had been a large number of minor infringements ot wiring regulations, and some of a more serious arid dangerous nature. A warning might be issued against the practice of connecting electric irons, radiators. and other heating apparatus from light sockets, which was both dangerous and likely to cause breakdown^ of wiring and littirfgs not suitable for these heavy loads.—The report was received.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY . On Saturday night the Alfred Lodge No. 6 of the Independent Ordpr of Oddfellows held its seventieth anniversary celebrations. The function took the form of a dinner to members, which was held in the Strand Tea Rooms. An excellent repast was provided and over 60 members sat. down to partake of the many good things set out. In proposing the toast to “ The Grand Lodge of The Order,” D.D.G.M. Bro W. Neill (Maheno Lodge) urged the younger members to rally around their respective lodges, and thus to carry on the traditions of their beloved Order. Grand Master Bro. H. J. Clark (Timaru), in responding, outlined the intrinsic excellencies inseparable from true Oddfellowship, and its many benefits given and received Bro. A Wilson coupled with Bro. Peak (Waimate) resnonded to the toast of “Grand Lodge Representatives.” The toast to “The Alfred Lodge” was proposed by Bro. W. Skipner, who drew attention to the meagre information at present given to them concerning the National Security Scheme now suggested by the Government as an extension of friendly societies' activities and stressed the desirability of all becoming' acquainted with its provisions. Only thus could they come to a logical decision as to their conduct at this crisis in their affairs, He pointed out the necessity of all bringing their very best intelligences to bear at this time and thus to arrive at united action in order to perpetuate the existence of the lives of friendly societies. The toast was responded to by N.G. Bro. T Beattie, who in a brief acknowledgment endorsed the remarks of previous speakers. A social was then held In the Lyric Hall. During the evening-songs were given by Sister M. Sherwin and Bro. Gibson, step dancing by Sister Tapley (Waimate), arid Maori numbers by Mr and Mrs Ewart McDiarmid and family. I

SERIOUS POSITION ARISES r POWER BOARD AND COUNCIL NECESSITY FOR CUTTING OFF WATER SUPPLY A serious position in regard to the supply of water for the generation of electric power at the Waitaki Electric Power Board’s power house was disclosed through a deputation from the Oamaru Borough Council waiting on the board yesterday morning, when the Mayor (Mr K. Familton) intimated that, owing to the supply of water to the power house, residents were deprived of domestic supply, and, therefore, the council of necessity would be compelled, unless a remedy was found to cut off supply to the power house at the end of next March. Cr A. E. Hodge and the town clerk (Mr J. Branthwaitei waited with the Mayor on the board as a deputation. The Mayor, in introducing the subject, stated that during the recent floods the council had seriously to consider cutting off supply to the power house, as the water race broke down, and there was not a week’s supply in the reservoir. When the supply was put on to the power house many residents could not obtain water at all With the reservoir full, the foreman (Mr K. McLean) had carried out tests, and had reported on the position in regard to domestic supply as follows, the figures showing the water pressure when the supply was not turned on to the power house, and those in parentheses showing the pressure when supply was turned on:—Holmes Hill. 201 b (no water); corner of Severn and Wansbeck streets, 431 b (121 b); corner of Till and Wansbeck streets, three houses, 301 b, 321 b, and 331 b (no water at the three houses); top of Ain street. 231 b (no water); McNeil’s, 321 b (no water), corner of Torridge and Ain streets 641 b (301 b. a drop of 341 b). Much as they wanted to work with the Power Board, said the Mayor, the position was now definitely ' serious, and the council believed it was in the best Interests of the borough to discontinue the arrangement for the supply of water to the board after March 31, They were exceedingly sorry to have to do so. but they could not help it. The ratepayers were being penalised. The council would be happy and will-' mg to work with the board in the case of emergency, and to help in any way possible. The council appreciated’ all the board had done during the flood period, but definitely could not continue the service after March. The reservoir was full when the pressures were taken, so the trouble was not dde to the emptying of the reservoir. There was no supply for some residents, and fire risk was increased. Those were the facts, and the council was only trying to protect the ratepayers. The Mayor’s representations were supported by Cr Hodge and the town clerk.

Mr McDiarmid (chairman) made a statement fully setting out the position as it affected the finances of the board. The position of the council was very plain, and the council had elected the easy way by cutting the Power Board off the supply. The council had sold the board a commodity, for which the board paid a huge sum, and now the council could not deliver the goods. For the council to say it had to cut off the board’s supply next March seemed to him as if it would involve a serious breach of contract.

The Mayor ‘ said the contract only applied when the council had water to spare. The council was forced to come to the board.

Mr McDiarmid stated that the charge for water was £d per unit with a minimum of £2OO a year, which had been suggested at various times recently as being too small. Various concessions had been granted to the council, and a further handsome concession of £2OO was made a short time ago. The whole of the plant purchased from the council cost £30,000, some of it being scrapped and £B7OO being written off. The interest. sinking fund, and depreciation charges each year amounted to £960, and the running costs £650. and if the running costs only were considered there would he a saving of £550 a year on Government charges for supply. but if the _ capital charges were taken into consideration there was a loss of £4lO a year. If the concession of £2OO referred to was set off as a gift in view of the use of water, then the running costs would be increased to £BSO, and the loss over all to £6lO. If the council was forced to cut off the water supply, said Mr McDiarmid. then the council should meet the capital charges on the plant, which was useless without water supply. It was a very serious loss, which the council should compensate the board for. He admitted the necessity for the council to come to the board.

The Mayor said he was sorry the chairman had deemed it fit to raise the question of costs. In 1918 the sale of water amounted to £I6OB, in 1919 to £1795, and J 920 to £1386. whereas today it was £266 10s They did not want to get at loggerheads. The Mavor produced the contract between the council and board, and said the term under which the corporation was bound to supply water was for seven years. That period had lapsed and the council'had allowed it to run on, and they had come along to place the position before the board in July to allow the board ample time. i The chairman said' it might involve additional capital expenditure on other plant, and would mean increased charges to town and country consumers.

Mr Dalmer (engineer) said the council was better off financially than formerly, the charges to consumers were half those formerly, and they had had the same trouble with residents on account of shortage of water, and the position was no worse than when the board started

The Mayor pointed out there were more residents to-day Mr Dalmer replied that the decrease in pressure was intermittent. It would be a disaster to the whole community, including the council, if the water supply were cut off. Was there no way of getting over the trouble? Mr McDiarmid said if they could possibly manage to get over the trouble by mutual co-ordination, it was most important that they should do so. Mr Kirkness said he had discussed the matter with the engineer, and he hoped some way would be found out of the difficulty The council had taken a very serious risk, as the reservoir had gone down six feet daily With a reservoir at the cape, the council had incurred an exoenditure of £2OO a year for pumping to facilitate the operations of the board in both town and country, so the concession had really been handed back. After further discussion Messrs McDiarmid, Forrestei, Kirkness, and Dalmer were appointed representatives to meet the committee of the council in conference to discuss possible means of meeting the position

DANCE AT HERBERT A very successful social evening and danpe were held in the Herbert Hall with the object of raising funds for the newly-formed Glencoe Ladies' Basketball Club. A large number of. friends and supporters spent a very enjoyable time in dancing and games, the music for the dancing being supplied by Misses C. Anderson and L. Finlayson. A tap dance by Miss L Finlayson was much appreciated. The winners of the Monte Carlo were Mr and Mrs C, Thomas, and of the lucky spot waltz Mr Wederell and Miss M. Campbell. Mr H. Newson was a very efficient M.C.

BULK POWER CHARGES NO REDUCTION POSSIBLE MINISTER’S STATEMENT TO BOARD A letter was recived by the Waitaki Electric-power Board yesterday from the Minister of Public Works (Mr R Semple) in reference to the board’s representations concerning a reduction in bulk supply charges for electric power. Anxious as he was to see the bulk supply rates reduced, stated Mr Semple, such reduction had to be studied in conjunction with the electric supply account, which at present showed large deficiencies of sinking fund to be provided. It was not always remembered that ever since the inception of Government hydro-electric power bulk charges had been offered below cost in a long-sighted endeavour to build load, and at the present time the result of that policy in a rapidly expanding load and revenue, which it was hoped would, in a few years, provide for the accumulated deficiencies, and enable the Government to make a reduction in charges. Meantime an examination of results indicated quite clearly that the existing bulk supply charge had not prevented the local authorities from making many periodic reductions in their -selling charges It was the intention of the Government to reconsider the whole question of electric supply, and in that case bulk charges would definitely come under review. Until that was done he was not in a position to make any pronouncement. Mr Newlands asked. Did Mr Semple realise his responsibility in the matter of lower charges to cities which penalised industries in the smaller towns? Was it quite fair that rural supply authorities should pay £2 10s per k.v.a. more than the cities? Mr Semple' was not stating the case fairly Mr McDiarmid said in the cities there was a set-off in the capital charges bn plants. The South Island was shaping well in regard to sinking fund deficiencies until the Waitaki scheme, which was saddled on the South Island alone, instead of on both islands. ■ Mr Newlands said Waitaki was favourably situated as regards work and stability, and in his opinion would eventually pay better than any of the schemes. Mr Semple’s letter was received, and the question left for reference as a remit to the conference. The ’engineer (Mr I. Dalmer) suumitted a report on Government supply on similar lines to the statement made by Mr E. Hitchcock, (general manager of the Christchurch Municipal Electricity Department) published in Tuesday’s Otago Daily Times, and added that it. would be a major disaster if power were cut off through any mishap to plant, quite apart from shortage of power for developmental purposes. The Government should be urged to expedite installation of further plant, and also ensure a further water supply at the earliest possible moment. —The report was received.

OBITUARY MR G. L. CUTUBERTSON It was with widespread regret that the news of the death of Mr George Lyon Cuthbertson. aged 62 • years, at the Dunedin Hospital, following an operation, was learned by the residents of Oamaru yesterday afternoon. Mr Cuthbertson was engineer to the Waitaki County Council, and was one of the most familiar figures in both the town and the country, his long service with the council causing him to be very well' known throughout the length and breadth of the county, and he was very highly respected and esteemed. He was born at Otahau, Southland, a member of a very wellknown Southland family, and as a boy went to Invercargill, where he received his education at the Southland High School. He qualified as a surveyor at Invercargill, and served with Mr Duncan Macpherson for several years. , He married Miss Sheila Macdonald, and about 1902 went to Clyde, staying there till about 1908, when he returned to Invercargill and started practice as a surveyor on his own account. In 1915 he accepted the position as engineer to the Waitaki County Council Oamaru. remahiing in that position until his death. As a youth, Mr .Cuthbertson was a fine footballer and athlete. He was a keen rower, was x member of the Invercargill Rowing Club, and was widely known throughout Otago and Southland for his skill in cycle racing. In this sport he won quite a number of important races, and represented Southland against Otago in the days of provincial cycle racing. In Central Otago he was a representative lawn tennis player, At Oamaru he took up the game or bowling, and was a member of the Meadowbank Bowling Club, but during the last 30 years his all-absorb-ing hobby, and one in which he achieved considerable distinction, was golf. He was a member of the North Otago Golf Club and a holder of the North Otago Championship title on six occasions, also the Invercargill and Southland Championship titles for many years. He attended the New Zealand golf championships. Mr Cuthbertson has left behind him a very fine record of faithful service to the Waitaki County Council His qualifications as a surveyor and draughtsman enabled him to carry out much work of an important nature in the county, and in this direction he willingly gave assistance to local organisations. He was responsible for the designs and plans of several modern concrete bridges in the county, and undertook the plans and specifications of the State highway through the county which has now been sealed This year, also, he prepared plans for the deviations and formation of the Pukeuri-Kurow highway, which is now in the course of sealing. He was a fine, upright character who gave of his very best to ratepayers, his deep interest in the welfare of the county being shown by the fact that while in Dunedin Hospital he wrote his last works report for the council fneeting on Friday last. He was a thorough sportsman, and will be greatly missed by all sections of the community throughout North Otago. He is survived by his widow, two sons, and ‘hree daughters—Mrs A. W. Joll (Waipawa) and Misses Brenda and Joy Cuthbertson (Oamaru).

PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—July 27: 2,30 a.m. and p.m. Arrival.—'Waipahi (1783 tons, MacNicol), at 6.30 a.m yesterday from Dunedin. Departure.—Wuipahi, at 12,15 p.m. yesterday, for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via ports. The Karetu, with coal from Newcastle is expected here about Saturday. The Waipiata is due here about Wednesday, August 3, to load for Wellington and Auckland, via ports. The Waipahi will load here about Saturday, August 6. for Wellington Nelson, and New Plymouth, via ports The Wainui will load on Wednesday, August 3. for Wellington. Napier, and Gisborne, via ports.

“ POPULATE OR PERISH ” NEW ZEALAND’S DANGER PLANNED IMMIGRATION ADVOCATED There was a fair attendance at the Little Theatre on Monday night to listen to an address by Mr A. Leigh Hunt (chairman of the Dominion Settlement Association) on New Zealand’s vital for a greater population.. The Mayor (Mr K.. Familton) presided, and introduced the speaker to the audience, and, on behalf of the Rotary Club,,Rotarian E. .F. Armstsng also extended a welcome to Mr Hunt.

In his introductory remarks. Mr Hunt thanked the Oamaru people for helping in the initial stage of a movement which, he hoped, would go right through the Dominion, as meetings were being held under the auspices of the Rotary Clubs. He thanked Dr Stubbs for his assistance in the matter, which was of vital importance to the safety and prosperity of New Zealand. They wanted their children to live under the British flag, but he believed the country was in imminent danger, and wanted to arouse public opinion to this danger and the need for meeting the position. He quoted the density of population in various countries, including Japan, at 1500 per square mile (only 16 per cent, of her lands were arable) compared with 15 in New Zealand. Peace to Japan under these Conditions meant death, and no powerful nation would sit still and let that happen. The alternative to force was a proper distribution of population. The dominions had a population of less than half that of the Mother Country, but the area of land was 75 times greater. Nothing that was not just could endure.

The prospective needs of New Zealand for population were measured by Lord Astor’s Committee, and this country should provide for a total of 13.000. people compared with its existing population of 1,500,000. The speaker dealt with the populations of various countries and their population increases, whereas in other countries such as Great Britain it whs falling rapidly, and unless something happened the East was going to take charge of the world, and the white civilisation would be doomed. In a few years in New Zealand the death rate would overtake the birth rate, and the Government Statistician had stated that the position here was very critical. If the birth rate went back to 1880. it would not matter, and nothing short of a miracle or spiritual revival would make any difference. That was a terrible thing for a young country. In the olden days there were large families compared with to-day, but they had to do something more than tax bachelors and spinsters and childless couples. They had to put mothers in their rightful place, and had to remove their difficulties. The falling birth rate was bad enough, but they were also losing population by migration. The danger from Japan was obvious, especially when Britain had her hands full in Europe. The most vulnerable parts of the Empire were the sparsely populated west of Australia, New Zealand and North-West of Canada. He quoted the views of Sir Philip Gibbs, and the words of Mr Malcolm MacDonald, who stated that if Australia and New Zealand did not develop their countries, then someone else would. He also gave the views of other prominent people, including Lord Bledisloe, who stated that no country with a meagre population was safe from aggression from the outside. He dealt with the steps being taken at Home to meet the danger from air raids and gas attacks, and said that when. Britain took such steps as she was doing there was some reason for it. He also quoted Mr Chamberlain’s statement that so long as Britain was undefeated at Home, even if they lost some possessions overseas, they might be able to recover their, afterwards; Mr Savage had said that the first line of defence was population. That was two years ago, but what had he done about it? If they had a cordon of warships around the country and could defy the world, it could not endure, because it was morally wrong. The economic structure was built up for an expanding population. There were only two remedies—one, repudiation, which) they would scorn, and the other, to\ get a population to help share the burdens. Pension and social security schemes would be bankrupt. These were something promised which could not be fulfilled, unless they went in foi migration. Every difficulty the country whs suffering from, except religion, was due to lack of population. They had become a nation since the war, but their mental outlook had beer, for butter and cheese products. They should be prepared to pay for defence, and it was essential to develop the secondary industries. Mr Hunt dealt with various Industries which could be started in this country, speaking especially of minerals. afforestation and fishing, and the further development of the primary industries to include the growing of seeds and sugar beet. There was a need for a planned migration scheme, under chartered companies, to bring out young people, artisans, and tradesmen, from Great Britain. Britain was spending £200,000,000 on doles and getting nowhere, and she would set aside £50,000,000 to assist planned migration. To-day they would get the British migrant and British finance, but in a few years they would get neither They could start at 50,000 migrants a year, and would have to get up to 100.000. Any objective short of that would be futile. There was a great urgency in the matter. They had either to do this or submit to a more virile race. He appealed to New Zealand patriots to assist in this movement The country they lived in was in danger, and it was a matter of life or death. There was a tragedy approaching, and only combined effort Would stave it off.

A resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting, that the meeting draws attention to the serious position of the Dominion owing to its sparse population, and its imminent decline, which is fraught with the gravest consequences, and urges, as a matter of immediate and vital importancej that all parliamentarians and public men actively support the formulation of a long-range plan for the introduction of suitable migrants from Great Britain on a substantial scale under planned and organised schemes, and that a Dominion conference representative of all Interests be held no* later than October next for this purpose.

The resolution was proposed by Rotarian E. F. Armstrong, and seconded by Rotarian F. Milner, and votes of thanks were accorded the speaker for his address, and to the Mayor for presiding.

WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION LITERATURE CUSS There was a good attendance at the weekly meeting of the Workers’ Educational Association Literature Class recently when a delightful evening was spent with Dickens and Thackeray The lecturer, Mr F. A. Crimp, introduced the members to the amazing and extraordinary world created by Dickens. This was a strange world in a strange atmosphere, a world of streets "full of folk,” peopled with men and women and children for their delight, a busy world and yet almost entirely unintellectual. The lecturer spoke briefly of the greatness of Dickens as an imaginative writer of how “ the mind can make substance, and people planets of its own with beings brighter than have been, and give a breath of forms which can outlive all flesh." The characters of Thackeray were contrasted with the static characters of Dickens, and styles, plots, and artistic methods were discussed. Readings from “ Mrs Lirrilor’s Lodgings,” "Pickwick,” and “Esmond,” followed, and some recorded sketches from Dickens by Bransby Williams were heard.

TRAFFIC OFFENCES PROSECUTIONS BY POLICE A sitting of the Oamaru Magistrate's Court was held before Mr H. W. Bundle. S.M.. yesterday afternoon. Senior Sergeant McGregor conducted the prosecutions for the police. James Rennie Patrick was fined 10s and costs (10s) for parking a car cn a pedestrian crossing. For cycling on a footpath, Henry Hartley Wilson was fined 10s and costs (10s). Herbert Simpson Corson was convicted and discharged for selling a rifle other than under permit, there being no attempt to evade the responsibility, the matter being brought under the notice of the police by the defendant himself. James Stewart Campbell was fined 20s for drunkenness, in default 24 hours’ imprisonment; and a charge using obscene language was adjourned for 12 months conditional on the defendant’s conduct being satisfactory. ADULTERATED MILK Gilbert Falls was charged with selling adulterated milk. Mr H. J. S. Grater appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty, admitting the analysis of the milk as shown by the analyst’s report and that the requirements of the taking of samples by Mr A. G. Fischer (health inspector) had been complied with. Senior Sergeant McGregor stated that the added water was 12.7 per cent. The defendant’s excuse was that he had purchased the milk from the employee of another vendor. Evidence was given by Mr Fischer that the employee mentioned had been dismissed for dishonesty, that the Stocx Department approved of the defenuant’s dairy and farm, and that the defendant was of good character. Mr Grater stated that the plea of not guilty was made to enable the full facts to be placed before the court. Falls found himself in an unfortunate position through the method of the purchase of milk from a b°y whose conduct had been far from satisfactory, such a purchase being customary among vendors to make-up the shortage of milk on the rum Mr Bundle said that the defendant must be convicted. The milk contained 4.6 per cent, fat, but the percentage of added water was high. The defendant had said that the offence was not wilfully committed, but that was no defence under the Act. He might have bought milk in which there mighl have been added water, but the obligation on the defendant was absolute. The defendant must not sell adulterated milk. He took into consideration the defendant’s circumstances, and imposed what he considered a small penalty. The defendant was fined £2 10s, costs (10s), and expenses (13s 3d).

THE FIRST CAR BUILT BY MR F. R. DENNISON There have been various claimants for the distinction of owning the first motor car in New Zealand, but, according to the Motor World, Mr F. R. Dennison, motor engineer, of Timaru, and brother of Mr G. C. Dennison, of Oamaru, drovd a car of his own building in 1900, and asserts that his was the first. Mr Dennison states that when he passed through the outskirts of Timaru in his car in June--1900, Mr C. W. Wood located him and took him to see his first car, which he was then building, and which could not have been on the road running under its own power for some considerable time after that date. The accuracy of the statement that Mr McLean’s car landed in New Zealand in 1898 was in question, Mr Dennison stating that he believed that Mr N. Oates imported the first car into this country, the car landing here fully one month after his own car was on the road. , , Mr Dennison States that the whole of his car, except the rims, tyres, and chains, was built in Christchurch from raw materials. The engine was a four-cycle, horizontal, open crank type, 4J inch bore, and 6 inch stroke, water cooled, with kerosene fuel and hot tube ignition and hot vapouriser. It had one direct gear from engine shaft to rear axle, transmitted by two heavy quod-cycle chains side by side, and cone clutch. . . Describing his first trip in his car, Mr Dennison said he left Christchurch early in'June, 1900, and all went well until he reached the Selwyn River, which was unbridged, where the car got stuck in the boulders. loose shingle, and water, and the engine broke away under full throttle and the chains snapped. He fitted new chains, and. with the engine running at fuh all the way, he gradually got across and made a non-stop to Rakaia. Next morning he got within two miles of Ashburton, when the rear axle broke This was repaired at Ashburton, and he was able to reach Ashburton that night. Next morning he started again, and found the road in a very bad state all the way from Tmwald to the Rangitata River, and at night he reached the Arundel Hotel. On the following day he arrived at Temuka, where his services were called in by Mr Twomey to make adjustments to a new engine to obtain correct timing at the Temuka Leader office. Mr Dennison, on continuing the journey, went around the outskirts of Timaru and arrived that night at Studholme Junction. On the following day he reached Hilderthorpe, the place of his birth and his old home, and two days later he arrived at Oamaru. A week later Mr Dennison left on the return trip to Christchurch, but on going down the big terrace approaching the Waitaki River at over 30 miles an hour the fuel tank behind his seat went up in a blaze, and he had to jump for his life. The whole thing was instantly enveloped in flames, and came to rest against the railway bank. He was able to recondition the engine, fit it with a petrol carburettor and electric ignition, arid install it in another car, which did several years of useful work afterwards.

WESLEY YOUNG WOMEN'S BIBLE CUSS * ANNUAL MEETING i Tpe annual meeting of the Wesley Young Women’s Senior Bible class was held on Monday night, the Rev. W. B. Pickering being in the chair. The meeting opened with a hymn, followed by a prayer and reading. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted, the chairman commenting on the excellence of the reports and congratulating the office-bearers on their work. The following officers were elected:— Leader, Miss -M. Common; sub-leader, Miss M. Gunn; secretary, Miss R. McDonald; treasurer. Miss D. Cross; minute secretary, Miss R. Amies; reporter, Miss N. Slater; convener Flower Committee, Miss P Familton; Social Committee —Misses' M. Chalmers, H, Gibb. M. Burt, L. Chase, and E. McNeill; organist. Miss R. McDonald: librarian. Miss H. Gibb. The Rev. Pickering expressed the hope that the ensuing-year would be as successful as the last.

WAIAREKA SALE PRICES FIRM There were fairly large yardings at the Waiareka stock sale yesterday, and prices were firm, cattle showing an improvement FAT CATTLE Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For B. Gardiner (Peebles), 1 heifer £B. 2 £6 15s, 1 bullock £8; J. Perniskie (Enfield), 1 heifer £5 15s. Dalgety and Co. sold; For the Grange, Ltd. (Peebles), oen of steers £9 ss. 2 £9, 1 £7, 1 heifer £5 10s. National Mortgage and Agency Company sold: For a client, 1 empty cow £8 10s; .Grange, Ltd. (Papakaio). 2 empty heifers £7 15s, 1 £8 10s. STORE CATTLE Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For J. Perniskie (Erifield), 1 heifer £2 ss, 2 steers £2 7s fid; S. Little (Hampden). 1 Ayrshire bull £5 10s. DAIRY CATTLE Dalgety and Co, sold: For P. J. Kearney (Awamoa), 1 cow £B. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sola. For J. Perniskie (Enfield), 1 heifer £4; D. M. Borrie (Papakaio). 1 cow £6 15s; S. Little (Hampden). 1 cow £6 15s, 1 £4 10s, 1 £6 ss. 1 £5. 2 £5 10s. • • FAT SHEEP Loan and Mercantile Company sold; For clients, 1 wether 265. 14 245. 8 225. 15 ewes 14s 6d > Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For client, 1 lamb 19s. National Mortgage and Agency Company sold: For A. J. Gillies (Five Forks), 12 ewes 16s, 10 14s, 10 12s; J. A. Schaffer (Queen’s Flat), 12 ewes 14s, 9 16s 6d, 46 16s; G. S. Pringle (Tokarahi). 74 ewes 9s, 14 4s 6d. North Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association sold: For G. Calder (Ardgowan), 46 ewes 14s, 10 16s 3d, 10 17s 3d; D, T. Garvan (Ngapara), 2 ewes 16s 6d; F. McCutcheon (Five Forks), 7 ewes 21s. , ' „ STORE SHEEP Loan and Mercantile Company sold: For client, 22 wethers 17s, National Mortgage and Agency Company sold: For R. A, Walker (Hillgrove), 53 Romney crossbred ewe hoggets 19s 3d, 62 Romney -wether hoggets 12s 3d, 67 full and failingmouthed three-quarter bred ewes 12s 9d. PIGS Messrs Bruce Christie and Co. sold: For C. Parker (Awamoa), 4 weaners 22s 6d, 219 s 6d, 1 19s, 218 s 6d; T.‘ Brown (Weston), 2 slips 21s 6d; J, Scally (Totara), 3 weaners 20s 6d, 2 20s, 218 s; W. Rowlands - (Enfield), t weaners 18s 6d, 217 s 6d; F. White (Kauru Hill), 2 small weaners 15s, 4 13s.

KINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE Three rollicking midshipmen provide as many triple threats in romance, drama and football in “ Navy Blue and Gold,” which opened yesterday at the Majestic Theatre, and which shows again to-night. Robert Young, James Stewart and Tom Brown are the midshipmen, with Lionel Barrymore as a veteran navy coach,- long retired, but still active in heart and spirit. Florence Rice is the girl for whom Young and Stewart are rivals for romance. Each of these sterling players gives a flawless performance. “LAUGHING IRISH EYES”

“Lauighing Irish Eyes,” showing tomorrow and Friday, is the story of the rise to fame of a laughing, singing boxer. The role is taken by Phil Regan, a comparative newcomer to the screen, and one who is held by Hollywood magnates to have great potentialities. Evalyn Knapp is the leading lady. Walter C. Kelly takes the part of a blustering Irish .fight promoter, ,who is having little luck. He goes to Ireland to find a champion. He does find his man. but identities get mixed, and Regan goes to New York to. do the fighting. After several, reverses in his romance with Miss Knapp, he captures his love by singing “ Londonderry Air,” and “Laughing Irish Eyes,” and later ■ clinches a win in the sawdust ring. Included in the associate programme isa special release, showing a day in' the lives of the Dionne Quintuplets. It was filmed on their third birthday. Dr Dafoe also appears. The box plans are at the Bristola.

OPERA HOUSE "hitch Hike lady” Here’s a new contender for the kinema hall fame, beautiful Mae Clark, in the story of a girl who hitch-hiked her way to high adventure and saved the happiness of two people through her love and devotion. Alison Skipworth, a grand actress in one of her grandest-roles, stars iin Republic’s latest production, "Hitch Hike Lady,” in the role of the dear old widowed woman living in England, whose, son, as she thinks, owns an orange farm in ■America, called “Rancho San Quentin,” when, in reality, he is an inmate of the San Quentin Penitentiary. When the mother has £IOO left to her in a will, she decides to visit her son. Complications follow thick and fast in one glorious hurricane of laughs, action and fun. Alison Skipworth, beautiful blonde Mae Clark, Jimmy Ellison, the inimitable Arthur Treacher and his confederate, and Warren Hymer, are all featured in this the year’s grandest comedy. It shows tonight and Thursday. Also on the bill of excellent fare is the fast-moving western drama, “Law Beyond the Range/' starring the popular Tim McCoy and Billie Seward, FRIDAY’S AND SATURDAY’S PROGRAMME Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers, two of the screen’s most arresting personalities, are united in R.K.O. Radio’s “Stage Door,” bracketed with Adolph Menjou. Both players are vivid top ranking favourites in their own right and together provide an audience magnet unequalled in films. Miss Hepburn steps into a modern characterisation of a stage-struck society girl of much the same type that won her the academy award in “ Morning Glory,” a picture in which Adolphe Menjou was also featured. Miss Roger* is cast as a night club entertainer who scorns to climb to the top of Broadway except on merit. “Stage Door” is a film adaptation of the New York stage play by Edna Berber and George S. Kaufman, in which Margaret Sullivan was starred. Gail Patrick heads the featured cast, which includes Constance Collier, Andrea Leeds, Samuel B. Hinds, and Lucille Ball. GENERAL NEWS Over 200 couples were present at the pamaru Labour Party’s ball, held in the Scottish Hall on Monday night. The hall was beautifully decorated with greenery, streamers, balloons, and various light effects. The guests of the evening were the Rev. Mr Nordmeyer M.P., and Mrs Nordmeyer, who were accorded a very warm welcome with t h l, sm ?. in C. of “ For He ’ s a Joßy Good ieHow. The music was supplied by Rae’s Orchestra, and Mr C. Craig ably earned out the duties of the M.C The winners of the “Lucky Spot” were Mr Watson and Miss Norman, and the winners of the lucky number. Mr and Mrs Collins. Altogether the function was an outstanding success. OAMARU LADIES’ CHOIR On Monday night the Oamaru Ladies' Choir, conducted by Mr Murray A. Pastier, will give a concert in the St. Luke’s Hall The choir will be assisted by the Oamaru Little Theatre Society, which will present a very witty one<act comedy entitled “Heaven on Earth.” The choir numbers comprise ail types of compositions suitable for ladies’ voices. They include a beautiful Bach aria, trios by Eric Coates, Alec Rowley and others, and also two numbers arranged by the conductor, one being an original version of the oldtime tune " Three Blind Mice.” Written in the whole-tone scale on the

modern note. The programme also includes a solo, a trio sung by Mesdames Glass and McGregor and Miss Millar, a duet, and a bracket of classical arias by Miss Lyla Wylie. A very fine presentation is expected, for the choir is singing with a fine understanding of the interpretation of -the compositions, and, comprising as it does the best voices m the town, the tonal quality and expression are of a very high standard. At the close of the choral part of the programme an instrumental trio will present incidental music, to be followed by the one-act play. The author, Philip Johnson, has seized on the worthy machinations of two parents to dissuade their erring daughters from rather ultra modern ideas on matrimony. He has dealt with the theme in a very humorous vein and contrived a most entertaining comedy. The people of Oamaru are assured of a most enjoyable programme, and it is expected that a very large audience will be present to. encourage these two very active societies. PERSONAL Queen's Hotel. —Mr M. 'W. Mevan (Pago Pago); Mr R. F. Wyatt (Auckland), Mr £. H. Ferguson. Mr J. T. Gillan, Mr John Mee, Mr Draker, Mr F. M. Bartlett, Mrs R. M. Warded, Miss E. J. Reid, Mr G. F. Parsonson, Mr J. Gore, Mr N. H. McMullan, Mr Edie, Mr Murney, Mr Calvert, Miss J. Robertson (Dunedin); Mr G. Biggar (Wellington); Miss Johnson (Christchurch). ARBOHDAY ■ The Minister of Internal Affairs has fixed August 3 as the day for* the observance of Arbor Day, but owing ,to the unsuitable condition of the ground, the Oamaru Borough Council has decided to hold tree-planting ceremonies to mark the occasion on August ,17. PALMERSTON v Saravati Club The July meeting of the Saravati Club opened with a “bring and buy sale.” There was a good attendance of members and friends, and the various goods were readily disposed.of,-bring-ing in a satisfactory sum to dear the debt ion the club’s piano. Interesting Sections' were won by Mrs G. B. i .and Miss "Pickett,. These were followed by a bright and attractive programme arranged by Miss Pickett. The following items were rendered;— Misses D. Mann and H. Brown, piano .duet, “ Rosamunde ” (Schiibert); Mrs Wedge,., vodal solo, “ Matilda"; Miss S. Payne,'piano solos, “To a,Wild Rose ’ and. “ Waltz ”; Miss : vocal 'solo, “Pipes of Pan"; Miss M, Finnic- piano solo. “ Fantasia ” (Mozart); Miss D. McGregor, recitation, “ Courting Under Difficulties Mesdames Low, Thomson and Whittleston, vocal trio, “Bowl of Roses”; liss E. Philip, pianos solo, “Harmonious Blacksmith” (Handel); Miss Martin, vocal solo, “A Birthday Miss N. Pickett, piano solo, “ Concert Study” (Liszt);.Miss J. Robertson, recitation, “ The Listeners ”; Miss ;E. Sheat, piano solo, “ Staccato Caprice ”; Misses E. Brown and M. Henry, vocal duet, “Silent Night"; Miss I. Lang, piano solo, “Spanish Dance"; (ATbenez); glee, selection from “16lanthe ”; Misses N. Pickett, - Martin, Sheat and Philip, double duor “Zampa ” (Herold). . ,