THE OAMARU DISTRICT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24607, 15 May 1941, Page 9

THE OAMARU DISTRICT

PRODUCTION COUNCIL MILITARY APPEALS FARM LABOUR POSITION There was considerable discussion on the question of appeals by farmers and farm workers against military service at h meeting of the North Otago Primary Production Council yesterday morning. Mr a J.i McLeod was in the chair. The Director of National Service. Mr J. S. Hunter, wrote stating that a rehearing in a certain aopeal was not considered advisable, and therefore no further action would be taken , ... Members of the council considered that this particular case was an especially strong one, and, it was stated, if this appeal was not allowed there should be no exemptions. After a frank discussion on the matter, during which it was reported that the appellant had to go into camp for overseas service on June 30, it was decided to write to the Director of National Service asking for fuller information in the dismissal of the appeal. Eligibility for Service In reply to a circular sent out to_the country sub-committees by Mr T. A. Senwood (secretary), several lists of names of farmers and farm-workers drawn in the last overseas ballot were sent in from the country. The Papakalo sub-commit-tee however, advised that it considered that the farm worker had as much right to help to make up reinforcements as any other worker, and the committee was not in favour of sending In names. Mr McLeod said there was evidently some confusion as to the instructions in the circular sent, opt, and it was d«.cidei, to refer the names submitted back to the sub-committees concerned. The council passed a resolution that country sub-committees be informed that the council could not make appeals for parents or employers, who must lodge the appeals, but the council would co-operate in furnishing all information to the Manpower Committee. The chairman and secretary were empowered to make general representations to the Man-power Committee tis to the farm-labour position in North Otago. The Placement Officer (Mr P. Brown) reported that farmers were not making applications for farm labour at present, and the position was judged in Wellington by the demand. There were married men who could be placed on farms. Area In Wheat Advice was received of. the following increases in the area to be sown in wheat this season Herbert, 150 acres increase, Awamoko. 12 per cent, increase; and Papakaio, some increase: but Hilderthorpe reported that owing to the uncertainty of labour fanners were very reluctant to undertake the responsibility of sowing large areas in wheat, and there was every prospect that the area-sown would be less than last year so far as that district was concerned. The Enfield-Kia Ora Farmers’ Union forwarded the following remit:—” That

owing to an increased acreage of wheat being asked for, and the shortage of labour being so acute, the restrictions on the importation of headers be lifted.”— The council decided to forward the remit to the National Council for investigation. The district inspector of factories (Mr Coppell) wrote'explaining the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act. and the definition of the term “ worker,” and advised that a worker under 18 years of age employed under the threshing mill and chaffcutter award, was covered by the provisions of the Act, notwithstanding that his employment might be in contravention of the terms of the award. — Received. TABLE TENNIS NORTH OTAGO COMPETITION The following is the draw for the first round of the North Otago Table Tennis Association's competition, the games to be played on Monday, May 19;— ’ A Grade. —Celtic v. Waiareka, at Celtic; Post and Telegraph v. South School, at. South School: Salvation Army v. St. Paul’s, at Salvation Army. B Grade,—St. Paul’s v. Post and Telegraph I. at St. Paul’s; Waiareka v. Celtic I. at Waiareka: Waiareka II v. Celtic 11, at Celtic: Wesley v. Celtic 111, at Wesley; South School I v. South School 11, at South School; South School 111 v. Post and Telegraph 11, at Post and Telegraph. AMUSEMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE “ The Blue Bird.”—Ranking among the most beautiful films that have ever been produced, •' The Blue Bird ” is to be shown to-night. This colour fantasy from the pen of Maurice Maeterlinck is entrancing entertainment, presented by an extremely capable cast. Its principals are Shirley Temple, Gale Sondergaard, Spring Byington and Nigel Bruce, and the story is the human one of a child who sets out in search of a mythical bluebird that turns out to be the fountain of happiness. There will be a special matinee to-morrow. OPERA HOUSE “Slightly Tempted.”—Starring Hugh Herbert in the hilarious role of a swindler who gets mixed up in his own “ get rich quick ” schemes, Universal’s farce comedy, " Slightly Tempted,” is to be shown tonight. Peggy Moran. Johnny Downs, Gertrude Michael, George E. Stone and Elisabeth Risden are featured. • “Mein Kampf.”—This was the book that avowed to the world at large just what Adolf Hitler Intended to do. Now comes the film " My Crimes,” which shows how he did it. There is a fascination born of actually witnessing events that happened in this film.

POULTRY PRODUCERS MEETING WITH BOARD MEMBERS CO-OPERATION URGED At a largely attended meeting of poultry producers in the Borough Council Chambers members of the New Zealand Poultry Board discussed important questions regarding the Egg Marketing Regulations. The members were—Messrs T. S. Dove (chairman), J. W. McClinchy, A. E. Knowles, A. J. Severn, T. Gill, and the Rev. W. F. Stent, together with Mr J. W. McCannon (head of the egg marketing section of the Internal Marketing Department), and Mr R. F. Sullivan (Internal Marketing Division, Dunedin). Mr G. McLatchie presided, and expressed pleasure at the attendance, which showed that producers wera taking an interest in the board’s activities. Mr Dove said that Oamaru was a large centre as far as egg producers were concerned. and the idea of the tour was to ascertain the producers’ opinions of the regulations, and assist them and co-oper-ate with them in the best way possible. The board knew that the regulations wrn not 100 per cent. They had been fighting for a satisfactory system of eggmarketing for the last 30 years, and at last they had one. With the co-operation of the producers in the Dominion, the faults in the regulations could be ironed out. Mr Dove referred to the question of pulp and chilled eggs. This should be a job for the producer. The problem of a shortage of feed did not, to his knowledge, affect the local producers, but in northern centres it was being rationed. The maximum price of eggs, and its variations in different parts of the Dominion, was also discussed. The tribunal now had a better idea of the flexibility of the poultry trade. Mr McCannon stated that, without a doubt, the co-operative factory system, as adopted by the dairying industry, had proved a great success. He would like to see the poultry industry run on the same lines. There was adequate scope in which the poultry trade could be built up to an industry, and therefore provide security for the growers. Regarding the licensing of producers, the industry had to be run on straight lines, and if any producer cut his prices, which was not necessary, he would lose his licence. Some producers, coming under the category of private sellers, were not doing the industry much good, and these had to be eliminated. When the war broke out the prices of everything went up, and with the best of intentions the Government made a stable price, the poultry producers being hit the hardest. Mr T. Gill said that the price for eggs should be the same in all four centres, and if any centre was short, supplies should be forwarded from the centres with a surplus. Mr Knowles urged more co-operation between the local producers. About six years ago, the producers in Auckland had co-operated, and as a result' they were getting good prices for their eggs in that centre, They were trying to buildd up an industry on the basis of the producers, and it was for the producers to co-operate and help the industry. After several questions had been answered. Mr T. Gill moved that the local producers should meet again next Wednesday to discuss matters relating to the industry, with a view to co-operation. A .vote of thanks was passed to the speakers for their information on the regulations. ITEMS OF INTEREST IN AND ABOUT TOWN Election Results.—Owing to lighting restrictions, progress results in connection with the county elections cannot be displayed outside the County Chambers. The county returning officer (Mr R. K. Gardiner) )ias arranged to co-operate with the borough returning officer (Mr J. Branthwaite) in announcing results at the Wear Street Hall. Fined For Drunkenness.—Alexander Swain, alias Ross, alias Baxter, alias Swan, appeared before Mr H. W. Bundle. S.M.. in the Oamaru Police Court yesterday and was charged with drunkenness. Detective Sergeant G. Taylor, who appeared for the police, stated that Swain had a long list, and had just recently been released from the Invercargill gaol. Swain was fined 10s, in default 24 hours’ imprisonment, and was placed in the custody of the.’ police. Farm Labour,—Members of the Manpower Committee, which held a sitting in Oamaru yesterday, met the president and secretary of the local Production Council and discussed with them matters in relation of the scarcity of farm labour in North Otago. SHIPPING ACTIVITIES PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—May 15: 6.10 a.m, and 6.40 p.m. Coastal Movements The Wainui is expected to load about Wednesday, May 28, for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via ports. The Waipahi will load about Tuesday, May 20, for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via ports. The Waipiata, from Auckland, is due about Wednesday, May 21. She will load for Wellington and Auckland, via ports. PERSONAL Visitors to the Town New Club Hotel.—Mr D. D. Tucker, Mr W. G. Taylor (Christchurch); Mrs I. Pilkington, Mr T. Pilkington (Akaroa); Mr D. Shallard, Mr R. Scott, Mr and Mrs W. Samson, Mr S. D. Muirhcad, Mr O. J. Doidge, Mr R. Stirling, Mr H. T. Larson, Mr and Mrs A. Gooch, Mr A Gooch, Mr J. A, Wright (Dunedin): Mr R, Freeman (Wellington); Mr and Mrs A. J. Robertson (Invercargill); Mr and Mrs T. A. Brook (Auckland). Queen’s Hotel. —Mr J. F. Buckliail (Taranaki); Mrs I. V. Buckhail (Wellington); Mr C. H. Night (Australia). Mr Harris A. Woolfc. Mr James A. Francis (Christchurch); Mr F. J. Robinson (Timaru): Mr T. A. Harrison. Miss C. White. Mr W. Gunnyon, Mr W. Robinson, Mr M. W. White, Mr C. Sommei - ville, Mr W, Clarke, Mr M. Grant, Mr P C Cameron, Mr E. C. Patterson. Mr H. W. Bundle. Mr W. Gunnyon (Dunedin).

MAN POWER COMMITTEE APPEALS AGAINST MILITARY SERVICE PALMERSTON AND OAMARU SITTINGS The Man-power Committee, consisting of Messrs D. C. Cameron (chairman), W. R. Clarke. J. C. H. Somerville, and M. Grant (secretary), held a sitting at Palmerston yesterday morning. Four appeals were dealt with, as follows: —R. L. Smith appealed for R. W. Smith. —Withdrawn. A. Snell and F. N. McGregor.— Dismissed, appelllant not to go into camp until June 1. J, N. Nichol appealed on behalf of T. E. East.—Adjourned sine die. subject to his joining independent Mounted Rifles or Home Guard. All four appeals were made ,on the grounds of undue hardship and public interest'. The committee commenced its sitting at Oamaru yesterday afternoon. Appeals against overseas service were dealt with as follows;—J. M. Foley, farmer— Released from service until August 31. T. A. Wright, on behalf of T. D. Wright, farm labourer. —Released from service until July 31. A. H. White, dairy farmer.—Released from service until July 31. A. J. Gillies, farmer.—Released until August 31. W. M, Cooper, on behalf of L. W. Cooper Released until July 14, All these appeals were on the ground of undue hardship. Several farmers appealed on the ground of public interest for L. Clyne, shearer, Tapui.—Released. On the ground of public interest and undue hardship, six appeals from territorial service were lodged by the Oamaru Woollen Mills for J. B. Weir. A. E. Mitchell. A. G. M. Tait, H. C. Mursell, V. G. W. Irvine, and A. J. Eady.—Adjourned, provided they joined the Home Guard within 14 days. NORTH OTAGO SPORTS NEWS OF THE WEEK Rugby.—lt was fortunate with Athletic and Excelsior unable to field senior teams in the Rugby competition, that Duntroon has been able to send In a team from the country. Otherwise .there could be no senior games this season. Old Boys met Country on the Oval last Saturday, and ar. interesting game resulted. The country side fielded a solid pack of forwards, who were fit and carried on the game al a good pace throughout. Among them were such well-known players as Strachan, Geddes and Hedley, who kept on the ball. D. Grant, another representative player, was on the wing, and McLean, also a representative player, filled the centre position. Carlyon. at full-back, played an excellent game, fielding and kicking well. Greaves, an Excelsior and representative player, was in the fiveeighths’ line. Both Grant and Greaves had opportunities of adding to Country’s score with penalty kicks at goal, but neither was successful, and Old Boys won by 8 points to 3. Gardiner, the Old Boys’ full-back, also had several kicks at goal, but was unsuccessful. He failed to reproduce his form cf a fortnight ago, when he drop-kicked a goal from just inside halfway. Robson kicked the only goal of the match when he converted a try. Old Boys’ victory was due to the clever work of the inside backs, Robertson and McKone. They scored both tries for their side. Robertson paved the wav for McKone to score in the first instance, and McKone sent Robertson away for the second try, the latter having to run three-quarters of the length of the field to score. Twaddle and Thompson were perhaps the pick of the forwards. WOMEN’S WAR SERVICE AUXILIARY MEETING OF COMMITTEE Miss J. B. Wilson presided at a meeting of the Oamaru District Committee of the Women's War Service Auxiliary on Tuesday. when it was reported that over seventy members were attending Mr Gillies's class for instruction in transport. Preparation for classes in gardening and farm ■work are now in progress, and also for a course of lectures in first aid to be given by Miss Marwick at the Waitaki Girls’ High School on Thursday evenings, commencing after the school holidays. At the request of the Mayor (Mr L. J. K. Familton), arrangements for the billeting of Air Force bandsmen were undertaken by the auxiliary. RED CROSS SOCIETY CONTRIBUTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED The honorary secretary of the Oamaru Red Cross Society (Mr-H. P. Kent) acknowledges the following contributions:— Awamoa-Totara Sub-centre £2 11s 6d, Waianakarua Sub-centre £2 3s, Duntroon Sub-centre £53 Bs, Kakanui Sub-centre £1 9s 3d, employees of McDonald’s lime works (fortnightly contributions) £6 Bs. Kia Ora Sub-centre £5 16s Id, Livingstone Sub-centre £2 18s 6d, T. Perry (Totara) £1 4s, Ngapara Sub-centre £9. HAMPDEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MAYOR RETURNED UNOPPOSED The sitting Mayor (Mr W. A. Murcott) has been returned unopposed for the borough of Hampden. Owing to the withdrawal of a candidate there will be no election for the Hampden Borough Council, the following being returned unopposed (the asterick denotes the sitting members): —*E, H. Bishop, *P. Craig, J. Dick. *W. T. Ford, *W. Gillies, F. Hampton, *W. McAlister *J. Murcott, and *H Payne. Mr A. B. Lang has been returned unopposed to the Waitaki Electric Power Board.