NORTH OTAGO AND PROVINCIAL SECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23690, 23 December 1938, Page 12

NORTH OTAGO AND PROVINCIAL SECTION

THE OAMARU DISTRICT

NEWS OF THE DAY

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

A HAPPY GATHERING GREETINGS FROM GOVERNORGENERAL EARLY SETTLERS’ REUNION ASSOCIATION TO BE FORMED It was indeed a very happy thought that prompted the invitation issued by the Mayoj - and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs L. J. K. Familton) to the old pioneers of Oamaru, of 75 years of age and over, to attend an “ at home ” in the Queen’s Hotel- lounge yesterday afternoon, for between 70 and 80 attended the gathering, which pmved exceedingly enjoyable to those attending. The old people were received by the Mayor and Mayoress, and on all sides were heard expressions of appreciation of their action in giving the early settlers of the town an opportunity to meet together and talk together of the good old times of the early days of Oamaru. The following message was received from the Governor-General:— I hope that the Oamaru pioneers will thoroughly enjoy themselves at their reunion to-day. Would you kindly convey to them from Lady Galway and myself our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Galway, Governor-General.

The Mayor read the above message, which was greeted with applause, and said that he was delighted to see so many of the old pioneers of the town present at the gathering. A centenary was nothing to a country which had hundreds of years of tradition behind it, but with a young country such as New Zealand its centenary in 1940 was a very important event, and the spirit of the pioneers was such that they could say that the pioneers had made the road over which they had travelled, and had laid the foundations so well that if they did their part as well as the pioneers had done theirs, this would indeed be a wonderful country. He had spoken to some of the old pioneers, one of whom, Mrs James Irving, flew by aeroplane from Palmerston North to Dunedin to attend the gathering, and another at the gathering had reared a family of 12 and had worked hard for the district. Those were the people to whom they owed so much. As they grew older they lived again the early days, and so Mrs Familton and himself were exceedingly pleased to welcome them and to honour them for what they had done, and to convey to them the season’s greetings. Association Suggested

With the celebration of the centenary in 1940, said Mr Familton, he would like to see an organisation of the old identities formed, so that they would have a place in the town, and so that they might be closely associated with the centennial celebrations. Member’s Congratulations

The Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer, M.P., congratulated the Mayor and Mayoress upon the happy thought that prompted them to convene the gathering. It must have oeon an inspiration to them, and a pleasure to see so many present. He congratulated the old people on attaining such an age and on looking so well. They lived in a peculiar age, tot they were proud of their age nowadays. No one was old; they just grew older, and at 92 years were not old. How could they be when they could fly down from the North Island? Mr Nordmeyer compared conditions of 30 years ago with those of to-day. and said that, although they lived in an interesting time, it was not so startling as the days in which they spent their youth. In the early days of Oamaru they landed in surf boats, and they might well look back with pride on the progress Oamaru had made, until to-day it was an exceedingly pleasant residential town. He jcined in the greetings to the early settlers for the Christmas season, and expressed the hope that an Early Settlers’ Association would be formed, ai.a would play a not unimportant part in the life of the town. Old Waitaki Settlers Mr James Rodman (chairman of the Waitaki County Council) said it was a wonderful inspiration for Mr ana Mrs Familton to arrange the gathering, and the Oamaru Borough Council and the Waitaki County Council were deeply indebted to them, as he was glad to see quite a number present who had formerly lived in the county before coming to reside in retirement in Oamaru. He congratulated the old people, who had borne the burdens, of bygone days, and quoted a inscription of Oamaru in the days of flax bushes, given by Dr Johnston, of Surrey, England, a son of the first Presbyterian minister in Oamaru. He tuanked the nioneers of Waitaki for laying the foundations of the progress of the Waitaki County. They were all proud of Oamaru, which was one of the finest towns in New Zealand. On behalf of the Waitaki County Council and the ratepayers, he congratulated Mr and Mrs Familton, and expressed the hope that an early settlers’ association would be established. He conveyed the season’s greetings to the gathering. “ The Pioneers ” Mr George Meek recited a poem entitled “The Pioneers,” written by himself, and paid a high tribute to David McKee Wright, the pioneer poet of New Zealand, saying it was a pity there were not more Wrights to sing the praises of the pioneers. Mr J. Branthwaite described a number of interesting slides thrown on a screen, showing pictures of early Oamaru, which were particularly interesting to the old people, especially on the occasions, such as in the case of Messrs John Vernor and Thomas Watson, when they could identify photographs taken of themselves and also of friends taken many years ago. Very enjoyable songs were sung by Mesdames McGregor. McWhirter. and Chase, the accompaniments being played by Miss M. Maxwell and Mr F, C. Burry. Afternoon tea was served, and. on the motion of Messrs William Milne, seconded by Mr G. L. Grenfell, and supported by Messrs John Vernor and W. Smyth, it was unanimously decided to form an Early Settlers’ Association of North Otago, the Mayor being re-

quested to convene a meeting in January or early in February to carry this into effect.

The meeting then closed with the very hearty singing of “Auld Lang Syne ” and the National Anthem. Early Settlers

The afternoon was certainly a redletter day in the lives of many of the old people, who thoroughly enjoyed the reunion, and spent a happy time in conversing in reminiscent, mood with their friends. In point of length of residence in Oamaru, pride of place went to Mrs Jasper Nicholls, who was born at Casa Nova 79 years ago, and had resided in Oamaru ever since, and to Mr G. L. Grenfell, who came to Oamaru in 1860. Mr James Wansborough is also one of Oamaru’s oldest inhabitants. So far as age is concerned, the oldest identities were Messrs William Milne and John Vernor, who are both 90 years of age, and Mesdames George Jones (Nen street). Lynch, and James Irving (Palmerston North), each of whom is 92 years of age. Mrs Irving is the early pioneer who flew down from Palmerston North to attend the function, and in a chat with a reporter stated that this was the first time she had flown in an aeroplane, and though she was very sick in the big plane as far as Christchurch, she thoroughly enjoyed the trip in the small plane between Christchurch and Dunedin.

Others present at the gathering Included.the following, the year they arrlvedin Oamaru and their age being indicated in parentheses:—Mrs J. F. Donovan (1874), Mrs C. Adams (1874), Mrs Thomas Wilson (1880), Mr Matthew Lee (1920), Mr R. J. Wilson (1890), Mr R, S. Philp (1885), Mr W. James (1876). Mr F. C. Burry), Mr John Harrison (1880), Mrs M. Taylor (1880), Mrs Mary Lynch (1877), Mrs George Macpherson (1872, 86 years), Mrs David Dorward (1878, 90 years), Mrs Jessie Carig (1882), Mrs C. Rawlings (1894, 81 years). Mrs Sprott (1886. 75 years), Mr John Hartley, Mrs Jessie Orr (1906, 83 years), W. Smyth (1874, 84 years), Mr F. Simkin (1886. 81 years), Mr William Forrester (1912), Mrs Hannah Barry (1875, 90 years), Mr James Wansborough (1869, 85 ye.ars), Mr Alexander Miller (1908, 81 years), Mr John Taylor (1877, 80 years). Mrs John Taylor (1891, 80 years), Mr John Stewart (1874), Mr Peter Murray (1881, 87 years), Mr William Kinninmont (1880, 82 years), Mrs William Stringer (Dunedin and Oamaru since 1876, 77 years), Mr John Crisp (1896, 75 years), Mrs James Ramsay (1896), Mr James Weir (86 years), Mr James Stevenson (1879, 82 years).

SHIPPING ACTIVITIES PORT OF OAMARU High Water—December 23: 4.6 a.m. and 4.28 p.m. Notes The New Zealand Shipping Company advises that the s.s. Tongariro has been allotted to load refrigerated and general cargo at Oamaru for London about January 19. The Waikouaiti was due at Newcastle yesterday, she completes at Port Stephens and Sydney, and proceeds to Dunedin direct, thence Timaru, Lyttelton, Oamaru, and Bluff. The m.v. Breeze will Iqad at this port on Saturday for Wellington, Picton. and Wanganui. The Kaimai is expected to load at Oamaru about Wednesday, January 11, for Wellington, Gisborne, and Napier, via ports. (CINEMA ENTERTAINMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE “I See Ice" “I See Ice,” George Formby’s latest picture, is showing to-night and tomorrow afternoon and night at the Majestic Theatre. This attraction is a rollicking story of a country boy making good as a photographer’s assistant, whose ingenious camera, which he conceals in his tie, is a terrific asset in leading himself and his girl friend to fortune. Hs great ambition to become a member of the staff of a London newspaper leads George into some screamingly funny and embarrassing situations. Watch him at a dinner party, ruining, through an uncontrollable fit of hiccups, a soulful excerpt from “ Tannhauser,” sung by Gavin Gordon; hit, adventures on a train en route to London on which he pulls the communication cord and makes his “get-away” from the resultant confusion by masquerading as an unbalanced lady, and the final spectacular mix-up at an ice hockey match, where some members of the team are detailed to seize George’s camera at all costs. Plans are at the Bristola. There will be a complete change of programme on Christmas Day (Monday). OPERA HOUSE “ Trader Horn ” Love in the midst of a cradle of savagery; a romance amid the perils of the primeval jungle; spectacle, thrills, wild animals in their native state, a girl as savage as the beasts themselves, lured <to civilisation through love of a man from the outer world —these are some of the outstanding elements unfolded in “ Trader Horn,” showing at the Opera House finally to-night. Transcribed from a famous book of the old African jungle, and filmed in the heart of Africa’s wilds, in the greatest motion picture expedition of all time, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production sets a new mark in entertainment. “ Varsity Show ”

“ Varsity Show,” a musical comedy along altogether different lines, and possessing a sparkling cast, shows at the Opera House to-morrow night. A star individual, Dick Powell, and a star combination, Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians, are the top-liners in this melodious, fast-paced tale of college life as the movie makers sec it—and as doubtless all college boys and girls wish it were. “Varsity Show” is a refreshing relief, in its story, from the well-worn “back stage” routine in which many musical comedies have been kept. There is an air of briskness and youth and gaiety to it, rarely found in movie-musicals. “Air Devils ” Universal’s “Air Devils,” a dramatic thriller of love, battle royal, adventure, and comedy on a South Sea island, comes to the Opera House to-morrow. “Air Devils” tells of the fights and frolics of Blake and Purcell, as two ex-marines. The picture, a Trem Carr production, was filmed aganist the picturesque Monterey Bay country in northern California, and near the United States Marine base at San Diego.

VALEDICTORY FUNCTIONS MR C. WYLDE-BROWN Mr C. Wylde-Brown, who has retired from his position as manager of the Oamaru branch of the Bank of New South Wales, and is leaving Oamaru to-morrow to take up residence m Tauranga, was entertained at a social function recently by business friends and representatives of other banks. Mr M. F. E. Cooney presided, and in presenting Mr Wylde-Brown with a wallet and fountain pen, spoke of the prominent part which the recipient had played in the sporting and public life of the town. The Mayor (Mr L. J. K. Familton) and several other speakers also extended good wishes to the guest, who suitably replied. A further valedictory function to Mr Wylde-Brown was held by the members of the North Otago Club, of which he had been a member for several years and president for two years. Mr L. R. Jordan (president) presented the guest with a suitcase, and also a compact for Mrs Wylde-Brown, and spoke of the valued services he had given the club during his membership. Several other speakers endorsed the remarks of the president. ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL ANNUAL PRIZE LIST

The following is the prize list of the St. Joseph’s School, Oamaru:— Form ll—Dux of school (prize presented by Mr McNulty): Joan O’Brien. Arithmetic: Mary Harney. Colour work: Mona Flett. Handwork; Joan Collins. Comprehension: Joyce Cagney. Composition (Athenaeum prize): Iris Dunn. Writing (prize presented by Mr C. A. Browne): Iris Dorward. Form I—Class prize: May Mills. Second in merit: Margaret Clare. English: Marguerite Milter. Arithmetic (I): Mary Douglas. Arithmetic (ID; Mary Wills. Standard IV.—Class prize: Mary Ahern. Second in merit; Betty Browne. English: Gertrude Meehan. Hand and colour work: Enid Burden. Composition: Patricia Mooney. Standard lll.—Class prize: Joyce Gray. Second in merit; Maureen Daley. Arithmetic: Gretta Cooney. Recitation: Shirley McCormack. Standard ll—Class prize: Ngaire Browne. Standard I—Class prize: Burke Reilly. Special Prizes Attendance: Myra Greaney. Politeness (senior, prize presented by Mr Ahern): Mary Arscott; junior, Margaret Douglas. Conduct (prize presented by Mother Prioress, Rosary Convent): Margaret Douglas, Ellen Dwyer. Catechism: Standard I, Jim McNulty; standard 11, Nonie Emmerson; standard HI, Kathleen Reilly; standard IV, Mary Ahern; form I, Joan McNulty; form II (prize presented by the Very Rev. Father O’Reilly): Mary Meehan. SCHOOL VACATIONS WAITAKI BRIDGE SCHOOL The annual break-up of the Waitaki Bridge School was held recently. Mr Hollamby (chairman) presented the prizes. The afternoon took the form of a concert. The handwork, sewing, writing, and drawing done by the pupils made an excellent display. The programme included songs, plays, and playettes. TAPUI SCHOOL Mrs Malcolm presented the prizes at the annual prize-giving of the Taput School. Mr Henderson, on behalf of the committee congratulated the teachers on the improvements to the school surroundings. The following was the prize-list:— Form I.—Allan Thomas 1. Standard IV.—Colin Slyne 1, Harold Cant 2. . 1 Standard ll.—George Mackay 1, Thelma Malcolm 2. , _ . Standard I.—Myrie Mackay 1. Janice Ruddenklau 2, Leslie Thomas 3. Primer 3—Gillian Ruddenklau. PERSONAL Mr and Mrs W. T. Ford and Master Lindsay Ford (Hampden) left yesterday on a camping tour of Nelson, Marlborough and Westland. Visitors to the Town Queen’s Hotel.—Mrs Selby Smith, Miss Rawlins, Mr H. A. Brown, Miss C E Brown (England); Miss A. Galbraith (Scotland); Miss A. Morrison (Sydney); Mr A. G. Drake, Mr and Mrs Misscal, Mr Burns, Mr McCoy, Mr Harding. Miss Harding Mr A M. Andrew, Miss Howlison (Dunedin); Mr and’ Mrs A. C. Burton (Wellington).

Heavy Rainfall Commencing just before 1 p.m. yesterday, a severe thunderstorm was experienced in Oamaru, and although it lasted for about 20 minutes only, 20 points of rain were recorded by Mr William Forester. This makes a total of 81 points since 9 a.m. on Wednesday, and brings the monthly total to 3.9 in, and the total to date for the year to 34.68 in. PALMERSTON Gun Club Fair weather conditions prevailed for the Christmas shoot of the Palmerston Gun Club last Saturday afternoon, and the members present enjoyed a pleasant afternoon competing for Christmas trophies presented by club members. In the first match, a six-bird handicap, possibles were registered by J. Rov (12yds). W. Sutherland (16yds). and J- H. Roy (13yds). Other scores were: F. Roy (11yds). F. W. Robinson (11yds), A. H. Cowan (11yds) 5, and W. Roy and J. R. Roy 4. This was followed by another sixbird handicap, possibles being registered by A. H. Cowan (11yds) and J. H. Roy (15yds). The following secured five birds:—N. Matheson. W. Sutherland. F. Roy. and F. W. Robinson. The third match, a six-bird double rise, resulted in four members each securing 5’s —F. W. Robinson (11yds), F. Rov (11yds), J. H. Roy (15yds), and J. Roy (14yds). R. Cameron (13yds) and W. Sutherland (18yds) secured 4. The final shoot was another six-bird handicap, possibles being gained by J. Roy (14yds), W. Sutherland (20yds), J. H. Roy (17yds), and F. Roy (11yds). N. Matheson, W. Roy, and F. W. Robinson scored 5. Lawn Tennis The following ranking matches have been played in connection with the Eastern District Lawn Tennis Subassociation’s ladder, without alteration to the ranking:—A. Hagan lost to R. Grubb I—6. I—6; J. Preston lost to A. Cochrane 2—C, 2—6; E. Glover lost to E. Sheat I—6.1 —6. 4—6; G. Thomson lost to C. Gaftaney 3 —6, 2—6; Miss L. Dempster lost to Miss N. Pickett 4—9.

WAIMATE Caledonian Sports The handicaps for the professional events at the Waimate Caledonian sports, to be held at Victoria Park, Waimate, on Boxing Day, are as fol- | lows:— ! CYCLING Half-mile.—Hall scr, Sutherland syds Sutherland 15, Newlove 20, Willmoit 30, Fleming 30, Doyle 40. Jackson 60, Loper 75, Henderson 75, Wilce 85. Parfltt 155. Rouse 160. Rooney —, Pinnell I Mile.—Hall scr, Sutherland 10yds, Newlove 20. Sutherland 25, Willmoit 55. Fleming 55, Doyle 75, Jackson 110, Loper 135, Henderson 135, Wilce 155, i Parfltt 155, Rouse 160, Rooney —, Pm- ! nell —. | One Mile and a-half.—Hall scr, | Sutherland 10yds, Newlove 25, SutherI land 35, Willmott 75. Fleming 75, Doyle 100, Jackson 155, Loper 185, Henderson 185, Wilce 210. Parfltt 210. Rouse 220, Pinnell —, Rooney —. I Two Miles—Hall scr, Sutherland , 15yds, Newlove 30, Sutherland 45, Willmott 95, Fleming 95, Doyle 125, Jackson 185, Loper 225, Henderson 225, , Wilce 260, Parfltt 260, Rouse 270, Rooney —, Pinnell —. ~ „ One Mile and a-half Scratch.—Hall scr, Sutherland scr Sutherland scr, Willmott scr, Loper scr, Doyle scr, Jackson scr, Loper scr, Parfltt scr, Rouse scr, Rooney scr, Newlove scr. Mile Local—Hall —, Sutherland —, Sutherland 6yds, Willmott —, Fleming Doyle —. Jackson —, Loper scr, Henderson —, Pinnell 10yds, Wilce 20. Parfltt —, Rouse —, Rooney 60, Newlove —. RUNNING One Mile Open.—Cassin scr, Cormack 10yds, Squire 20. Aiding 40. 440 Yards.—Pledger scr, Hunter syds, Cassin 10, Cormack 10, Pullan 16, Crampton 16, Williams 18, Cunningham 20. i 880 Yards Open.—Cassin scr, Cormack syds, Squire 10, Sadler 25, Aiding 25. Allington 30. 220 Yards Open.—Fitch scr, Hunter 4yds Pledger 5, Williams 15, Crampton 15, Sadler 18, Houston 18, Cunningham 18, Crampton 19. Allington 20. 120 Yards Caledonian Handicap.— Fitch scr, Hunter 2yds, Williams 9, Pledger 5, Pullan 9. Cassin 10, Crampton 10J, Sadler 10£, Allington 11 J, Houston 10J, Crampton 11$. 75 Yards Open Handicap.—Hunter scr, Pledger 2yds, Williams 4 h, Crampton s|, Sadler SJ, Houston s£, Fagan 6, Crampton 6, Allington 6. TEMUKA Presentation to Mayoress On Tuesday evening members of the Temuka Borough Council and representatives of newspapers paid a surprise visit to the residence of the Mayor, when a presentation of a crystal reading lamp was made to Mrs Buzan, who for many years has provided supper for the councillors and press representatives at council meetings. The presentation was made by the Deputy Mayor (Cr W. H. McMillan) on behalf of the subscribers, and Mrs Buzan made an appropriate acknowledgment.

Terrific Hailstorm Peals of thunder and flashes of lightning heralded a terrific hailstorm which passed over the Temuka district on Wednesday afternoon. Between Temuka and Timaru the driving mass of hail was so thick that some motorists driving north and south slackened speed almost to a walking pace, and in one or two instances the cars were brought to a standstill till the storm had passed as visibility was almost totally obscured. It is difficult to estimate the damage to crops and growers of stone fruit. Luckily the strawberry season is about finished or the storm would have ruined all the crops in its track, some growers relying almost entirely on their crops, as one of the principal means of obtaining a livelihood. Fortunately the storm was of a patchy order, portions of the wheat belt near the lower ranges missing the full force of it. In Temuka itself all traffic was stopped temporarily, and at 5 p.m. 72 points of rain were recorded. One resident on the eastern side of the borough who possesses a set of recording instruments stated yesterday morning that the weather indications for the Christmas holidays were still doubtful so far as this part of South Canterbury was cohcerned.