NORTH OTAGO AND PROVINCIAL SECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23590, 29 August 1938, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO AND PROVINCIAL SECTION

THE OAMARU DISTRICT

LQNG BUSINESS CAREER , FIFTY-SIX' YEARS A CHEMIST MR J. R. SEWELL’S RECORD RETIREMENT ANNOUNCED Fifty-six years ago last June Mr J. R. Sewell opened a chemist shop in Tees street, Oamaru, at a time when there were few business premises in Thames street. A few months later he shifted to a shop in Thames street, where Messrs Jeffery and Smith now are, and about six years afterwards he had a new shop built on a Harbour Board lease in Thames street with Totara Tree stone. On Saturday he handed over the keys of this wellknown shop to Mr David S. Bain, thus terminating a wonderful record of service to North Otago. It will be somewhat strange for Oamaru people not to have Mr Sewell in business, for he was the oldest businessman in the town. Moreover, he was the oldest chemist in business on his own account in New Zealand, a record that he is highly proud of. He was chemist by special appointment to his Excellency the Governor-General. Mr Sewell, who was born- at Portobello. served his apprenticeship with Mr H. H. Coggins, and later dispensed for Mr B. Isaacs in Dunedin. During his long period as a chemist he has introduced- a large number of proprietary lines which have earned a wide and excellent reputation. t Connection with Sport All his life Mr Sewell has taken a ‘great interest -ih various branches of sport, and at the present tiihe is patron of the North Otago Coursing Club and a life member of both the Oarrfaru Trotting and Jockey Clubs. For many years he raced his own horse's and gained a fair amount of success on the track... ■ ■■■ i • ■ In conversation with a Daily Times representative .yesterday, Mr Sewell referred to interesting Items connected with the early history of racing and trotting in Oamaru. He recalled when meetings were held near the present course when there were no buildings on the course at all. The course was marked off with poles and the saddling paddock was a small space enclosed with hurdles. Betting was done through bookmakers and there was a tent where a small bar was operated. He was racing horses in Oamaru in the seventies, and he mentioned the names of some of his early animals such as Toxa, Ilex and Remorse. He always remembers Toxa because he cured it after he had been told it was suffering from an incurable disease. He spent weeks doctoring this horse and when it was completely fit he called it Toxa because of the poison it had had in its system.

The time when the North Otago Jockey Club, as it was then called, was facing extinction. Mr Sewell played a prominent part in re-establishing the sport in the district. It was necessary to hold a meeting once in three years to retain the course, and Mr Sewell recalls how he organised a special meeting to keep the club in existence. He still has a race card of the meeting, and it is interesting to note that there are only three of the men mentioned on the card who are still alive. They are Mr "Billy’’ Martin, Mr W. G. Sewell and Mr' Sewell himself. Mr Sewell was a good horseman and won many races in his early days. Coursing was another sport that has always interested him and as a tribute to his services he has been patron of the North Otago Coursing Club since it was reformed. He had many good dogs in training at one time, and with one called Sylvia he was runner-up for the Waterloo. Cup, losing to Sailor Boy. For some years' he was judge for coursing meetings in Oamaru, and judged his last Waterloo Cup at Palmerston North in 1910.

NEWS OF THE DAY

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

“Too Many Rules and Regulations” “ There are too many rules and regulations in the chemist business to-day,” said Mr Sewell when asked why he had decided to give up business. “You have to get permission from the authorities for practically anything you do nowadays, and I was heartily sick of it. Business to-day is not what it used to be. There are far too many in the field and these chain stores are killing our firms. Anyway, I have been long enough in business, and I feel I have earned a rest.” Mr Sewell’s business has been practically a “ one-man ” firm since it was established, and it seemed to Oamaru people that Mr Sewell was always In his shop. Consequently, he will find it difficult to fill in his days of retirement and, as he admitted to the reporter, he will not know what to do with himself. But he will always have the thought that his lengthy services to the community have been deeply appreciated and that he has earned the respect of residents of the whole district. OAMARU STONE IS THE INDUSTRY DYING? UNABLE TO COMPETE WITH CONCRETE USE NOW CONFINED TO NORTH OTAGO Concern is felt In certain quarters in Oamaru at the manner in which the district’s famous white stone is being used less and less throughout the Dominion for building purposes, and it would appear that, through the increased use of concrete, the industry is in danger of becoming practically extinct. The demand from centres outside North Otago is practically negligible, and it seems that the future use of this limestone building material will be confined to North Otago, where transport charges will not make the use of it more costly than reinforced concrete. History of Industry It was in 1860 that the first house was built in the town with Oamaru stone and it was not long before the value of this material for building purposes was realised. After the formation of a Vigilance Committee on October 9, 1861, the development of th» stone-quarrying industry was undertaken and in a comparatively short time a fairly substantial trade was in existence. A great deal of the output was being absorbed in the town and district, but there was also a good demand for it from all parts of New Zealand and even from Australia. Since those early days the industry has steadily progressed and many imposing buildings in various parts of the Dominion have been built with Oamaru stone, among these being First Church (Dunedin), the Roman Catholic Cathedral (Christchurch), St. Paul’s Cathedral (Dunedin), and the Waitaki Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools. Other buildings, including the University of Otago, have been finished off with Oamaru stone. In fact, this excellent building material has even found its way to Canada in recent years, but this export to overseas countries is now practically done with. The extent of the limestone deposits can hardly be estimated but they must be enormous, as the country from Kakanui right up to Enfield, is composed of limestone ridges. Only a small portion of these has yet been worked so that supplies of the material should be available for countless years io come. A Doubtful Future At the present time, however, it does not seem that the industry will show the same rate of progress as in its earlier history. Reinforced concrete and plaster walls have grown in popularity in recent years until the demand for Oamaru stone from outside districts has dwindled away and even in North Otago itself people do not seem anxious to make use of this valuable natural material.

Neither the method of quarrying the stone nor its handling for building purposes has advanced much in recent years. True the circular saw has replaced the crosscut saw and motor transport has come into being, but there are some who feel that more modern methods could be employed in extracting the stone from the earth. Except for the slightly higher price for stone due to recent wage increases, there pas been no appreciable advance in the price of Oamaru stone, and it can still compete with other materials; Its weight and size, however, make transport to other districts expensive, and this is probably the chief reason why it has taken a back place with ccncn ie. bricks, and plaster. It is a matter for regret among North Otago people that the Government has not made more use of Oamaru stone in some of its building programmes to assist this old-established industry. An example of this is furnished in the town’s Post Office, which is built of concrete, and also in some of the housing schemes undertaken by the State. The Advantage of Stone Judging by the few houses that have been erected with Oamaru stone in North Otago in recent years, it would appear that the advantages of using this building material are not fully appreciated uy local residents. Houses built with stone have a remarkable life when compared with wooden or plastered dwellings. They preserve uieir appearance far longer and their upkeep is less than half that of other houses. There is no painting with stone, and the material is the best answer to the borer trouble which is so disastrous in New Zealand houses. On top of all this, there is the question of insurance. Premiums for stone houses are about onc-lialf of those for wooden and plaster dwellings, and this is a fairly big consideration for the owner. ' Properly roofed and finished, there is practically no house or public building that is more attractive than the one built in Oamaru stone, which can be artistically carved and finished. Oamaru stone is unequalled in the world, for it combines purity of colouring, fineness of grain, evenness of texture, and remarkable lasting qualities. Thus it seems a great pity that such a valuable old industry is being allowed to fall away, and there are many who consider that the Government should do something to assist Oamaru to make use of this product that has won for it the title “ the White Stone City,” signifying as It docs the enviable qualities of cleanliness, beauty, and solidity.

RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIPS NORTH OTAGO DISTRICT MEETING RECORD ENTRIES RECEIVED WESTON THE CHAMPION TEAM The North Otago Miniature Rifle Association’s championships were held at the Drill Hall, Oamaru, and again the meeting attracted record entries, numbering 48 teams from all parts of North Otago and Central Otago. The large number of competitors in teams and individual shoots must easily have, constituted a record for the whole of New Zealand, for no fewer than 197 marksmen were engaged. The champion team was found in Weston with 391, with Awamoko second with 389. The A Grade teams’ match resulted in a tie for Maheno and Railway 11, with 390. Ranfurly I won the B Grade with 389, and the C Grade went to Kawarau with 372. In the individual aggregate, A Grade, four tied for first place with one point down, as follows:—J. P. Kearney, O. C. Gould, F. H. Longman, A. North, A. Stewart won the B Grade aggregate with two down, and.D. H. Walsh the C Grade with five down. The ladies' match was won by Mrs Mul-. rooney with 78, and eight ladies tied for the handicap with 80. Results are as follows: Champion Teams Weston 391, 1; Awamoko 389, 2; Hampden 387 and Railway A 387, equal. 3; Maheno 385, 5; Railway B 391, 6; Oamaru A and Oamaru B 380, equal, 7; Kawarau 377, 9. A Grade Maheno and Railway II 390, equal, 1; Weston I 389, 3; Kawarau, Totara I. Awamoko I 388, equal, 6; Railway 1 and Weston II 386, equal, 8; Awamoko II 383, 9; Hampden 382, 10; the first six being in the prize list. B Grade Ranfurly I 389, 1; Pukeuri 387, 2; Volunteers 384, 3; Maheno 380, 4; Hampden 379, 5; Cromwell 378, 6; Railway Ladies 375, 7; Ranfurly II 370, 8, the. first six being in the prize money. C Grade Kawarau and Hampden II 372 (equal), 1; Railway Ladies 366, 3; Hampden I, 364, 4; Pukeuri 363, 5; Oamaru Ladies 359, 6, all being in the prize money, INDIVIDUAL A Grade Individual.—J. E. Kearney 80, A. North 80, W. T. Ford 80, G. A. Campbell 79, J. P. Kearney 79, E. V. Roney 79, W. Gorinski 79, J. Richardson 79, H. Koppert 79, O. C. Gould 79, F. H. Longman 79, D. Marshall 79, J. C. Parcell 79, G. E. Gibson 79. Aggregate.—J. P, Kearney 159, O. C. Gould 159, F. H. Longman 159, A. North 159, W. T. Ford 158, J. E. Kearney 158, W. Gorinski 158, G. E. Gibson 158, K. Falloon 157, G. A. Campbell 157, E. V. Roney 157, D. Marshall 157, L. Willetts 157, J. C. Parcell 157, A. Bell 157, C. H. Andrew 157, H. Koppert 157. B Grade Individual.—S. Robbie 79, E. G. Henderson 79, R. Weir 78, R. Mercer 78, J. Robinson 78, R. Fowler 78, D. Borrie 78. A. Stewart 78, J. Dalton 78. E. Nicolson 78, R. J. Wilson 77, R. Hedges 77, Jack Johnston 77, C. Rennie 77, W. Goodall 77, E. Nicholson 77, J. Mulholland 77, A. Wood 77. Aggregate.—A. Stewart 158, R. Hedges 156, R. Weir 156. E. Lee 156, E. G. Henderson 156, C. Rennie 156, J. Mulholland 155, R. Mercer 155, J. Robinson 155, J. Dalton 155, W. Goodall 155. C Grade v Individual.—D. H. Walsh 79, Mrs Mulrooney 78. Miss E. Peterson 77, Mrs A. F. Key 77, Mrs Betts 77, W. Camerdn 76. G. C. Hurst 75, D. Biggs 75. Aggregate.—D. H. Walsh 155, Mrs Mulrooney 154, Mrs A. F. Key 153, Mrs Betts 150, W. Cameron 149, Miss E. Peterson 147, G. C. Hurst 147, D. Biggs 147. Ladies Off-the-rifle. —Mrs Mulrooney 78, Miss E. Peterson 77, Miss M. O’Donnell 77, Mrs A. F. Key 77, Mrs Betts 77, Miss I. Murray 77, Mrs McFadgen 76, Mrs Waby 75. Mrs Thyne 75, Miss Hall. 75, Mrs Andrew 75, Mrs Goodall 75. Handicap.—Miss E. Peterson 80, Miss O’Donnell 80, Mrs McFadgen 80, Mrs A. F. Key 80, Mrs Betts 80, Mrs Mulrooney 80, Mrs Campbell 80, Mrs Goodall 80. Presentation of Trophies During a suitable interval the trophies won in the shield competitions were presented to the winners by the president of the North Otago Association (Mr W. T. Ford), who congratulated them on their success. They were as follows: North Otago Times Shield (handicap).—Railway Ladies B 1, Pukeuri D 2, Railway A 3, Totara C 4. Robertson Memorial Cup (off-the-rifle). —Railway A 1, Maheno A 2, Weston A 3, Awamoko A 4. Individual Handicap.—Miss J. Cook (Railway) 1, W. Kirk (Totara) 2, Mrs Ree (Kawarau) 3, W. Falloon (Enfield) 4, Miss Keith (Railway) 5, L. Clark (Weston)'6. Individual Off-the-rifle.—W. Vemt (Kawarau) 1, A. Gibson (Awamoko) 2, A. Rennie (Railway) 3, D. Grant (Maheno) 4, W. Gibson (Awamoko) 5, C. Andrew (Railway) 6, G. Brightwell (Railway) 7, C. Hinkley (Railway) 8. Ladies' Team Off-the-Rifle.—Railway Ladies A 1, Cromwell Ladies A 2, Oamaru Ladies A 3. Ladies’ Individual Off-the-Rifie.—Mrs Andrew (Railway) 1, Miss Liddell (Cromwell) 2, Miss Murray (Hampden) 3, Mrs Ree (Kawarau) 4. Ladies’ Metric.—Mrs Bell (Cromwell) 1, Mrs Arbuckle (Cromwell) 2, Mrs Andrew (Railway) 3. The District Individual Metric Championship has still to be decided between the 12 leaders in the first four rounds, K. Falloon (Weston) being at present in the lead. HOCKEY COUNTRY DEFEATS TOWN In the ladies’ annual Town v. Country fixtures, played at Ngapara on Saturday, Country proved much too good for the town players, and winning both games comfortably. Both Town teams failed to score, and the games resulted as follows:—A Teams: Country 6, Town nil; B Teams; Country 8. Town nil. Messrs Barsdell and McDonald controlled the games. Men's Game Oamaru (scr) 10 beat Pirates (4) 5. The game was evenly contested in the first half, but after Sherwin received a badly cut eye and left the field, Oamaru had much the better of the game. For the winners goals were scored by Blair (4), Nisbet (3), Thomson (2), and Port, and Docherty netted for Pirates. Boys’ Game Oamaru 7 beat St. Patrick’s nil. Goals were scored by Sherwin (4). G. Minty, A. Minty and Cameron. Mr T. W. Jacobs controlled both these games.

SEASON IN NORTH OTAGO PROSPECTS VERY BRIGHT ABUNDANCE OF FEED STOCK HAS WINTERED WELL The heavy late autumn and winter rains, the severe frosts, and the delayed spring have combined to make prospects for the coming season in North Otago the brightest for many years, and farmers are looking forward to a good year in every respect, except, perhaps, prices for their produce. A stock and station agent who has recently made a tour of North Otago has returned very optimistic as to the coming season. For the first time for many years North Otago has received an ample rainfall, and the subsoil has been soaked to a highly satisfactory degree. Stock has come through the winter exceptionally well, and it is doubtful if ewes have ever looked better than this year. Feed is plentiful, and there have been no false “ springs ’’ to retard growth. In other years there have been warm spells of weather followed by severe frosts, which have cut down feed disastrously, but there has been a pleasing absence of this fault this year. . , .. Although somewhat delayed by the wet weather, farmers are now getting wheat in, and far greater areas are being sown than was anticipated earlier in the year. With average conditions during the spring and summer these crops should do well after tne thorough soaking the ground has received. , Although the subject Is a controversial one, the pulpy kidney disease should be less serious this season on account of the excellent feed. It is now considered that the tall grasses offer less chance of pulpy kidney among lambs than with short grass In hot weather, which causes the milk to be rich. Farmers who give this question careful study can now prevent this complaint from taking heavy toll of their flocks. - The ravages of the white butterfly caused considerable concern in North Otago last year, and there seems little hope of much improved conditions m this respect this season. The parasites have not been liberated in sufficient numbers in the district to cope with the pest, but they are doing great work in tne north, and no doubt the white outterfly will cease to be a worry to farmers in the near future. It is not anticipated, however, that the coming season will be quite so helpful to the white butterfly’s spread as was the weather last summer, when wet spells were followed by warm, humid cipnditions. But farmers are considering the best ways to overcome to the best of their ability the ravages of the pest during the coming season, . Although prospects are bright concerning feed, stock and crops, the outlook for good prices is by no means so encouraging. It is too early to predict what will be offering for wool and meat, but it is felt that farmers will have to look to quality and quantity of stock rather than high prices to make the season a prosperous one. VALEDICTORY MR T. GALLOWAY PRESENTATION AT HOSPITAL Mr ; T. Galloway, who has resigned his position as dispenser at the Oamaru Public Hospital to take up an important position at Hokitika, was met by members of the Waitaki Hospital Board and office staff, and members of the medical, nursing and honorary staff at the hospital prior to his relinquishing his duties. The gathering was a striking tribute to the esteem in which Mr Galloway is held, and a gold watch was presented to him by Dr Bevan Brown (medical superintendent) in recognition of his valued services to the hospital, and asked him to accept a crystal vase.for Mrs Galloway, with their best wishes for their future happiness and prosperity. In the absence through indisposition of the chairman of the board (Mr W. Forrester), Messrs James Rodman and A. Mclnnes and Dr A. Smith Morton, on behalf of the honorary staff, spoke of Mr Galloway’s many good qualities and of his services during his engagement at the hospital, and joined with others in good wishes for his future success. Mr Galloway made a suitable reply. Tribute from Chemists Mr Galloway has resided in Oamaru for 15 years, and, prior to his engagement at the Oabaru Public Hospital, he was manager of Lane’s Pharmacy, Thames street. On Saturday night he was the guest of the Oamaru chemists and friends at an informal dinner at the Strand Tea Rooms. Mr W. Kinder occupied the chair, and a short toast list was honoured, and Mr Kinder presented a fountain pen to Mr Galloway as a token of the esteem and high regard in which he was held. Eulogistic reference was made to Mr Galloway’s genial nature and. his sterling worth, and to his business ability and qualifications in his profession, the speakers being Messrs M. F E. Cooney, J. R. Sewell, F. G. Plunket, D. S. Bain. C. Byrne, D. Farrant, T. Halligan and Rutherford. Mr Galloway made an appropriate acknowledgment of the presentation and goodwill expressed. Mr Galloway will leave to-day to take up his new duties at Hokitika. SHIPPING ACTIVITIES PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—August 29: 5.24 a.m. and 5.47 p.m. Arrival.—The s.s. Waipiata (2826 tons, Waters), at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday from Dunedin. Departure.—The Waipiata, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, for Wellington and Auckland, via ports. Notes The Waipiata will load here on Saturday, September 17, for Wellington and Auckland, via ports.. The New Zealand Shipping Company’s motor vessel Opawa is scheduled to arrive at this port on Wednesday September 7, to commence discharge of west coast United Kingdom ° a The Waipahi will load this morning for Wellington, Nelson and New Plymouth. via ports. The Karelu, from Newcastle and Sydney, via Hobart, Bluff, Dunedin, Timaru, Lyttelton, and Oamaru. is due here about September 7. The Wainui will load on Wednesday. August 31, for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via ports. , The Poolta, with coal from Westport, Is expected here on Friday, September 2.

SEA MONSTER UNUSUAL VISITOR TO OAMARU LARGE SEAL AT FRIENDLY BAY RESENTS INTRUSION BY ONLOOKERS On Saturday Oamaru received' an unusual visitor in the shape of a large seal or sea lion, which came into the harbour and made its way up on the sand at Friendly Bay. The sea monster is about 10 feet long, but some doubt exists as to its species, many onlookers thinking it a sea lion, whilst others consider it an unusual species of seal, as instead of a smooth coat, it is covered with a kind of very dark fur, somewhat similar in nature to what is generally known as sealskin, which, it is understood, is obtained from a special species of seal. Be that as it may, this seal or sea lion appears to be somewhat sick, and has apparently come ashore to rest before it returns to the sea. It has come right up on the sand opposite the bay pavilion, to the edge of the shingle. On one of its sides is a gash in its skin as if it had been struck by the bow or the propeller of a steamer, or perhaps it has received the injury from a rival monster of the deep. • On persons approaching it bares- its teeth and utters a deep, weird growl, rearing up its head in resentment or people coming too near to it. It was, an object of interest to many residents during the week-end. GOLF BANKS CUP SECOND ROUND COMPLETED The second round in the Banks Cup competition was completed on Saturday, the best cards returned being as follows:—Mrs Barclay and Ryan i)!--21—70, Miss K. Robins and A. Miller 104—26—78, Miss McLay and P. Mulligan 102—23—79, Mrs Wylie and M. J. Wilson 91—11—80, Miss N. Fraser and T. Hedges 107—27—80, Mr and Miss B. Cuthbertson 87—7—80, Mrs Preston and V. R. Hedges 105—234—814, Mr and Mrs J. E. Farrell 112-29-83 Mrs Donaldson and J. A. H. Scott 101—17J—83i, Miss G. Hall and M. A. 15 83 J, Mr and Mrs Ireland 99—154 834, Mrs Meek and F. W. Humphries 102—174—744, Miss Garry and McKelvey 116—294—864, Miss E. Hall and RB. Nicholls 103—16—87, Mr and Mrs Forrest 120 —324—874. Aggregate Scores Mrs Barclay and Ryan 79—70—149, Mrs Wylie and M. J. Wilson 74 154, Miss McLay and P. T, Mulligan 77—79—156, Mr and Miss B. Cuthbertson 80—80—160, Miss K. Robins and A. Miller 82—78—160. Mr and Mrs Farrell 80—83—163, Mrs Donaldson and J. A. R. Scott 814—834—165, Mrs Meek and F. W. Humphries 804 —844 —165, Miss G. Hall and M. A. Fastier 824 834—166, Miss E. Hall and R. B. Nicholls 81—87—168. The first two pairs will play off for the trophy in match play. Ladies’ L.G.U. Match ~ The best scores in the L.G.U. match last week were as follows:—Silver Division, Mrs Wylie 88—17—81; Bronze Division, Miss McQuade 101 —21—80. Bogey Draw The draw for the Bogey Match on Wednesday Is as follows: — First Tee.—Miss McQuade v. Mrs Barclay; Mrs Ireland v. Mrs Irving; Mrs Brown' l v. Miss Mackie;. Mrs Spooner v. Mrs Duthie; Mrs Smith v. Miss M. Ireland; Mrs Wilson y. Miss Garrey;. Mrs Porter v. Miss Nicholls; Miss Armstrong v. Mrs McDouall; Mrs Wylie v. Mrs Crawshaw; Mrs Meek v. Mrs Forrest; Mrs Grater v. Mrs Fotheringham; Mrs Mcßeath v. Miss. McLay; Miss B. Cuthbertson v. Mrs Ewart; Mrs Donaldson a bye; Mrs Jordan v. Miss K. Robins. Tenth Tee.—Mrs Hall v. Mrs .Tait; Miss Clark v. Mrs Rcxby; Mrs Preston v. Miss Brewster: Mrs Hendra v. Mrs Mitchell: Mrs Steenson v. Miss S. Simpson: Mrs Kerr v. Miss Gerrie; Miss Oed v. Miss Maude; Mrs Bradley v. Mrs Walker; Mrs' Miller a bye. Week-end Players The draw for the week-end Bogey Match is as follows: —Miss Catto v. Miss J. Fraser; Miss E. Hall v. Miss G. Hall; Miss Clark v. Miss Jean Fraser; Miss D. Hall v. Miss Hanley, Championship Round The qualifying round of the championship will be played on September 14, and matches on the following days. KINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE “REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM” vAlthough the producers of “ Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,” which shows tonight, have taken a great many liberties with the original story, they have created an excellent background for the brilliant child star, Shirley Temple, to play against. Little Miss Temple has long since passed the stage when she was remarkable only as a child prodigy who carried out instructions in an entertaining and childish fashion, for in her recent pictures she has shown definite ability as an actress. In “ Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm ” she again reveals her histrionic qualifications, which, combined with her piquant and engaging personality, make her the star of the production in the true sense of the word. As adult entertainment is the keynote of this picture, a large cast of adult players has been engaged. Randolph Scott and Gloria Stuart are gloriously in love; Jack Haley and Slim Summerville make merry; Bill Robinson dances with Shirley at tap-speed; and other talent includes Phyllis Brooks, Helen Westley. the Raymond Scott Quintet, Alan Dmehart, and J. Edward Bromberg. The six new songs which stud the musical score and will add to the humming repertory of people everywhere are “An Old Straw Hat,” “Alone With You,” “ Happy Ending,” “ Crackly Grain Flakes,” “Come and Get Your Happiness,” and “Toy Trumpet.” In addition, Shirley sings a medley of all her famous hits of the past. There is. a first-class supporting programme. The plans are at the Bristola and the theatre. OPERA HOUSE PAUL ROBESON IN “BIG FELLA” “Big Fella,” showing to-night and to-morrow night at the Opera House, is designed to exploit the personality and glorious singing voice of Paul Robeson, and in this it succeeds admirably. for Robeson has never been heard to better advantage on the. screen, and his acting is delightful. Elizabeth Welch admirably seconds her compatriot, and contributes' liberally to the entertainment with' songs and an attractive, well-shaped performance. The story is a simple one. but it provides the star with scoring opportunities and has many human touches. The recording and photography are ' excellent. Paul Robeton dominates the picture by a delightfully human portrayal. He has quite a number of good songs, and he presents them in his own incomparable way. “THREE SMART GIRLS” Without any doubt the most pleasing personality on. the screen to-day is Deanna Durbin, and her offerings can

be repeated .again and again, to satisfied houses. A return season of “ Three Smart Girls” comes to the Opera' House on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, with a special matinee pn Wednesday. Plans are at - the Bnstola. ' ITEMS OF INTEREST IN AND.ABOUT TOWN Lime Street Terraces The stone terraces' in Lune street, which collapsed during the heavy rain a short time ago. have now been completely rebuilt, ,/ « New Plunket Rooms As the Government grant to cover subsidies for centenary memorials and celebrations Is £ 150.000 for’ the Whole of New Zealand, it is,, thought that the subsidy for the new Plunket and rest rooms will not be a Very large, one. A meeting of the local committee is to be held shortly, and it is likely that the erection of this amenity for Oamaru will be proceeded with as soon as possible.’. Toe H Fair On Saturday a very successful fair was held by the Oamaru Toe H in St; Luke’s Hall, the-proceeds being for the picnic fund of the Otekaike Special School., The members of Toe H, with the assistance of the’Ladies’ Workers’ League, did excellent business with patrons from the. heavily laden stalls'at the fair, for which everything had been very generously contributed by the business men of the town, together with very liberal assistance received from branches of the Women's Institute and the Women’s Division. National Party There was an excellent attendance at the meeting held in the Awamoko Hall last week, to listen to speakers from the Oamaru National Party on current political topics. Mr ,E. S. Brewster was voted to the chair, and the speakers were Messrs C. Hedges (chairman of the Oamaru Executive) and ‘J. B. Chapman. After the meeting a local committee was set up, with Mr E. S. Brewster as chairman, and Mr A, Ritchie as secretary. Public Notices Entries for to-morrow's Waiareka sale include several of. store sheep and some pens of fat sheep and cattle. Further entries are invited,— Applications for the position of greenkeeper at the Awamoa bowling green close on September 3. PERSONAL Mrs Connop- and her son (Hastings') have been visiting friends in Oamaru, and will go on to Dunedin this week, to attend the Ranfurly Shield match on Wednesday between , Otago and Hawke’s Bay. ‘ Mr John Hunt (Wanaka), a son of Sir William Hunt, was a visitor to Oamaru on Saturday. Mr J. A. Colenso will be accompanied by Miss Noela ColenSo bn A trip to Sydney and Melbourne. leaving Oamaru to-morrow. ,- „ Miss M. H. Marwick and Messrs W J. Davies and T. J. Guthrie visited Dunedin over the week-end to attend the investiture of the Order of St. John by the Governor-General (Lord Galway) at St. Paul’s Cathedral.