CENTRAL OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 24

CENTRAL OTAGO

QUEENSTOWN LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL A meeting of the Lake County Council was held on Tuesday,‘Cr Lee (acting chairman) presiding. Mr J. D. Watt) resident engineer, Public Works Department, Alexandra, advised that the council’s claims for snow-clearing of State and main highways would be subsidised, together with normal claims. Appreciation was expressed of the inspector’s action in snow-clearing operations.—The council passed a resolution expressing appreciation of the manner in which the traffic was kept open during the snowstorm. At the ihstance of Cr Reid, the inspector was asked to go into the question of provision for garaging plant and housing men at Arrowtown. The Main Highways Board notified that it was prepared to allow' £3 per day for the use of the A.C. tractor, and 36s per day for the Boothmac on the State and main highways. The Prime Minister wrote stating that the council's representations regarding the Glenorchy-Queenstown road would be placed before the Government at the earliest opportunity. A similar letter was received from the Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple).—Received. The Minister of Mines (Mr P. C. Webb) advised that the council’s representations for a grant of £SO towards the cost of improving the Nevis road was receiving consideration.—Received. . . The Minister of Internal Affairs advised that the date for Arbor Day was August 2. If unsuitable, the council was asked to fix another date.— Received. The Transport Department forwarded amendments to traffic regulations. These referred mainly to lighting of motor vehicles, parking provisions. safety glass replacement, and * warrants of fitness for vehicles. Advice was also received regarding the operation of rental vehicle regulations. —Received. The Department of Labour circularised the council in respect of single men who were on local full-time employment under scheme 13. It was stated that, except, in certain cases, all single men be withdrawn and replaced by suitable married men.—Received. The district engineer. New Zealand Railways. Dunedin, advised that the council’s instructions to have the petrol pump at Manson’s garage. Pembroke, removed had been, referred to the respective oil companies in Dunedin. —Received. The Southland Hospital Board notified the council that its apportionment of levy for the current year is £1238 5s payable in quarterly instalments. The board submitted its estimated expenditure for the year.—Received. The acting chairman stated that the matter of hospital rating was brought before the members of the Counties Conference in Wellington, but it was not proposed to make any alterations at present. The Southland Progress League forwarded copies of a broadcast address on “Farm Forestry” given by N. J. Dot a •more.—To be laid on table. The director. South Island Travel Association, wrote asking if the council would repeat its contribution of £l2 10s to the publication “Discovery ’’—Decided to take space in the book and to divide the publicity between Glenorchy and Pembroke. The Otago Expansion League wrote asking if some steps could be taken to render passable, in the spring, the junction of the old Niger Hut road and the new extension round the Blurt. —To state that the council has no funds to spend on the road. , Counties’ Conference The chairman gave a short resume of the business transacted at the Counties’ Conference, which he and the clerk attended last month. Inspector’s Report The countv inspector’s report, which covered the operations for‘the month, referred to an inspection of the Kxn-loch-Routeburn road, made in company with the highways engineer. A report on the work being done on the Glenorchy-Paradise main highway was given. The inspector asked the council seriously to consider procuring another trading unit and reconditioning the Wehr grader. The main track to the scheelite mine had been damaged by the recent rains, so that it was practically impassable, even with horses. The roads throughout the district were generally good, but some roads were still bearing snow. Difficulty was encountered on the Skinners road owing to frozen snow. There was ample work offering.—The report was adopted. General Cr Knowles pressed for something to be done to the Glenorchy-Mmes tracks by the spring.—lt was decided to telegraph the Mines Department asking for a grant. The-financial statement showed that the debit balance at last meeting was £1154 13s lOd. Vouchers paid since the meeting brought the total debit to £2535 Is 7d. Unpaid vouchers before the- meeting would increase this to £3481 14s 2d. Government moneys due from various sources amounted to £2752 3s 4d, and rates due £BOO 9s 10d.—The report was adopted. The council agreed to extra clerical assistance being continued in order to finalise the issuing of rate demands, and also to allow the inspector to give more time to outside work. At the instance of Cr Cockburn it was decided to apply to the Main Highways Board for a readjustment in hire charges for county plant on account of the increased price of petrol. The inspector was asked to push on the improvement in Ardmore street as soon as possible. It was agreed to have the Wehr grader put in order, and to refer the matter of the purchase of another lorry to a committee to report to next meeting. THE WEATHER A heavy thaw during the last few days has helped to disperse the greater part of the snow off the lower levels. Soft rain set in yesterday. PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL An enjoyable social under the auspices of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union was hel * in the Mackenzie Hall on Monday evening. The Rev, D. K. Boyd presided over an attendance of about 80. The costumes worn by the entertainers were of outstanding interest. Period dresses from 50 to 80 years old. in shot silk, sprigged muslin, poplin ?md lace were thrown into relief by a modern wedding gown of magnolia satin. No effort had been spared to make the occasion a success, and in all respects it proved a credit to the organisers. The following was the programme:—Pianoforte solo, Mrs D. K. Boyd; game arranged by Mrs Hore; character song, “ Let’fe Grow Old Together.” Mesdames H. Davies and J. Andrews. Misses B. Hales. J. Anderson and Linley and Gwen Davies; singing competition, three choirs (won by choir No. 2); violin solo, “Shepherd’s Dance.” Mr J. Fraser: knitting competition; charade acted by Mesdames W. Hore, A. Tripp, H. Davies, J. L. Lindsay. J, Andrews, Misses M. Gray. I. Ingles. J. Anderson. B, Hales.. M, Kerr. M. Battin, M. Mclnnes; monologue, “ Jud Brown on Rubenstein’s Piano Playing,” Miss B. Kerr; dialogue, “ Times Is Changed.” Mesdames A, Tripp and W. Hore: duet, “Dreamy Alabama." Mr and Mrs J. Andrews; choral selection, “ Daisy Bell.” Miss Mclnnes and parly. A sale, of ‘ mystery ” parcels in aid of missions brought a ready response. ALEXANDRA New Season’s Lambs' As a sign of the coming of the spring several new season’s lambs can be seen on farms in the Springvale area. The Weather The weather has been mild for the past few davs, no frosts having been recorded. Until Tuesday, however, it was still possible to skate on Hie Manorburn Dam and, although

the ice is still there, the thaw that has set in renders it unsafe. The surrounding mountains still have a good coating of snow. Miniature Shooting

The weekly shoot of the Alexandra Miniature Rifle Club was held on Monday evening, when a team match was played between two teams captained by Messrs J. Lunn and R. Simmers. Mr Simmers's team won by a margin of 11 points. In a shoot-off between R. Simmers and H. Hesson, who both scored 76, for the gold badge, R. Simmers was successful. The silver badge for the highest handicap total was won by E. King. The scores were as follows: —R. Simmers 76 —3—79, Hi Hesson 76—3—79, J. D. Lunn 75—4—79, H. Tattersfield 74—4 78, I. Prater 74—4—78, R. Henderson 74 —4—78, R. G. Smith 74—5—79. R. G. Simpson 745 —79. E. King 74—10 —80. I. McLennan 73—7—80. Bowling Club

The annual meeting of the Alexandra Bowling Club was held on Thursday evening, the senior vice-pre-sident. Mr W. H. Hinton, presiding over a good attendance. The annual report of the club disclosed a satisfactory state of affair* The balance sheet ‘showed a total gain of £4O 19s 10s. Before commencing the business of the evening the chairman referred to the death of the first president of the club, Mr Henry Schaumann, who had been president for the years 1909-12. He referred to the work done by Mr Schaumann and asked members to carry the motion in the customary manner. ' , The election of officers resulted as follows: —Patron, Mr W. A. Bodxin, M.P.; president. Mr W. H. Hinton: past president, Mr J. R. McKissock: senior vice-president, Mr A. K. Hamilton: junior vice-president, Mr E. Russell: secretary and treasurer. Mr W. Hewitt: assistant secretary. Mr W, J. Russell; auditor. Mr F. Jack; selector, Mr T. E. Sunderland: Executive Committee —Messrs A. G. Milne. J. D. Watt, E. H. Ravenwood, J. F. Jack, R. Simmers; green supervisor. Mr E. H. Ravenwood; Match Committee. Messrs W. Hewitt and T. E. Sunderland: Entertainment Committee—Messrs C. Robertson, W. J. Russell. A. Cameron, W. Saunders. J. H. Forrest; press steward, Mr S. A. Stevens; delegates to the Central Otago Bowling Centre, president and Mr A. K. Hamilton. It was decided to apply to the centre for permission to run the club’s annual tournament at Christmas. After considerable discussion it was decided to raise the subscriptions from 30s to £2. An amendment that the subscription be raised to 35s was defeated by 16 votes to and notice of motion was given that the matter be reconsidered at the next annual meeting. ■'■ i V • The president and the secretary. Mr W. H. Hinton, both referred with regret to the illness of the past president Mr J. R. McKissock. and both referred to the wav in which he had carried out the duties of president. ** It was decided to make the Dewar Cup competition a game of 25 points instead of 31 as hitherto. It was decided to present two sets of bowls to the newly-formed bowling club at Omakau.

Pereonal

The Rev. and Mrs A. R. Chisholm, of Hampden, are visiting Alexandra. Mr A. R. Harris, radio inspector, has been in Alexandra during the week on business. . . , , „ Mrs J. H. Timmings, who has been spending the winter in Dunedin, has returned to Alexandra. ROXBURGH Ladies’ Bowling Club The annual meeting of the Roxburgh Ladies’ Bowling Club was held on Wednesday last at Mrs Allen s residence. There was a good attendance of members. Mrs Allen being ur the chair. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mrs Allen (reelected); vice-president, Mrs Uren; secretary and treasurer, Mrs McKmght (re-elected); committee. Mrs Rooney and Miss Stewart: Match Committee— Mesdames McKinnel, Waigth and McKnight; delegate to 0.L.8.A.. Mrs Campbell (Dunedin).

Borough Council Meeting Before commencing the business of the monthly meeting of the Roxburgh Borough Council, the Mayor (Mr F. A. Laloli) stated that the council met under distressing circumstances. The council had suffered a sever loss in the death of Cr McVey, who was respected for his gentlemanly bearing and likeable manner. Cr McVey was a resident of Roxburgh for over 12 years and had been a councillor for 11 and a-haif years The Mayor moved a motion of condolence to the widow and relatives in their sad loss, which was seconded by Cr T. Waigth. and carried by those present standing in silence. Mr J. R. Waigth acknowledged his appointment as picture operator. Received The ’ Department of Health advised that in connection with the site for the Children’s Health Camp at Roxburgh it would be necessary for the council to advise the Crown that this area was not now required for recreation purposes. and the council therefore handed back this site to the Crown. The Department of Internal Affairs advised that industrial efficiency licences could now be issued to Meal garages now that the three applications were in order and passed by the department. The works report stated that, due to the thaw after the snow, the water in the creek became dirty, but with successive thaws had been dirty without any appreciable rise in the level. A pew contrivance for helping to cut off the water supply to the reservoir when the water became dirty had been installed. in which Cr Waigth stated that he had every confidence. It was decided that the Reserves Committee go into the question of what form Arbor Day should take, and also as to what kind of trees should be planted, and whore. . , It was decided that the territorial platoon bd allowed the use of the men’s dressing room for an office and fittingout room. It was reported that all those who had been nominated on the committee to represent the Physical Welfare Comm.iitee for the Roxburgh district had accepted the appointment, and Mrs J. Merggr had been appointed as the representative. of the Women's Institute. On the motion of the Mayor, it was decided that a letter be sent to the Prime Minister stating that the council had learned with regret of the necessitv for him to undergo a serious surgical operation, and in expressing the council’s sympathy it was hoped that lie would have a speedy recovery to good health.

It was reported that work had been commenced on the felling of the trees around the Anglican Church. These trees had assumed such proportions that it was deemed advisable to remove them, already the roots had lifted the stone wall around the church Grounds. necessitating rebuilding. Three Austrian pines were felled, which were 80 feet high, and it is of interest to note that these trees were planted 59 years ago.

Roxburgh Trotting Club There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Roxburgh Trotting Club, the president. Mr F. E Vercoe. occupying the chair. Before opening the meeting, the president asked those present to stand in silence as a mark of respect to those members who had passed away since the previous annual meeting. The president stated that the track was in good order. It had been top-dressed and rolled, and a bad hollow had been filled in. Numerous posts had been strengthened and repaired. The noxious weeds were bad. and something would have to be done to clear the course. This, however, would be attended to at an early date. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The following new members were proposed:—Messrs T. R. Capon, J. Williamson. A. McNeilly. H. Armitage. A. Campbell, and T. Youngston, Vacating the chair. Mr F. E. Vercoe stated that he had enjoyed his term of office, and before retiring from the chair he would like to congratulate the new secretary. Mr B. P. de Lantern-. on the efficient manner in which he had carried out his duties. The

election of officers resulted as follows: President. Mr F. E. Vercoe (reelected); vice-president. Mr D. Kelly (re-elected); auditor, Mr W. J. Henderson: secretary. Mr B. P. de Laulour: Executive Committee—Messrs V. Parker. V. George. C. Blakely. T. Blanchard. G. Boyce, and T. Stockdill. It was decided that members fees be the same as last vear. The next meeting will be held on December 9.

First Aid Work The Roxburgh branch of the St. John Ambulance Association has resumed classes, and there has been a good response from members.

Personal

Mr ,H. McMahon returned to Roxburgh last week after a holiday spent in Australia.