THE OAMARU DISTRICT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24613, 22 May 1941, Page 12

THE OAMARU DISTRICT

FARMERS' UNION NORTH OTAGO BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT The annual report of the North Otago branch of the Farmers’ Union, to be presented to the meeting on Friday, states, inter alia, that farmers had come through a season of uncertain weather conditions, but fortunately it parted well with a fair amount of moisture in the soil. This induced farmers to respond more readily to the call for Increased production, and resulted in a larger area being sown in wheat than usual. The mild winter conditions were favourable to growth, and after the dry spell useful rains came during late November and early December to make the difference between comparative failure and good yields. The long spell of dry weather during the summer brought the crops on very quickly, and resulted in one of the earliest harvests on record. The yields were very satisfactory, the quality of the grain excellent, and. on the whole, it was one of the best harvests North Otago had experienced for some years. Shortage of labour was more acute than usual, owing to war conditions, and it was fortunate that the weather remained favourable for stock threshing. Root crops and rape were comparative failures, and prospects for winter feed looked very gloomy until March, when ample rain fell and benefited pastures. Conditions had remained very favourable for stock, and green crops should make good progress. Meat and Wool On the whole, the season had been favourable for lambs, and there had been a large increase in the number killed at the works, but the Government embargo on the killing of ewes and wethers came as a bombshell, especially to the back-country runholders, who reI lied on getting their dry sheep away during the latter part of the season. The easing of the embargo to a limited extent had been announced recently, but In any case the loss and inconvenience 1 to sheepowners would be considerable, and the embargo had affected the local fat sheep market detrimentally. Wool appraisals for the last season were quite satisfactory, and the facilities for the display of wool had been much improved in Gamaru since the war commenced. Irrigation After several years of endeavour to obtain a survey of the district for irrigation purposes, the Minister of Public Works (Mr H. T. Armstrong) gave instructions to have this completed, with the result that Mr Watt, engineer, Alexandra, visited North Otago during the summer months, when conditions were at their worst, and, in company with Mr A. C. Hurst, made a thorough inspection of the various localities. The report had not been received yet, but it was understood that it would not bo favourable to irrigation for the higher lands on account of the cost. As usual, after heavy rains, this subject had again sunk into oblivion for the time being. Linen Flax Representations were made 1o the Government to have an inspection made of this district with a view to growing linen flax, and it< was understood that it would be considered favourably during the coming season. It was acknowledged I that certain lands in North Otago would be eminently suited for growing linen flax, but the authorities were afraid of thd long spells of dry weather, and there was also the question of getting sufficient acreage within a reasonable radius of any proposed factory site. Wheat Prices The executive had considered the question of a differential price for wheat that was stocked, stacked and threshed, and wheat dealt with by header harvesters. and the Wheat Committee advised that it would receive consideration when prices for the coining season were reviewed. Small Birds In view of the danger of the spread of the small bird nuisance, the Waitaki County Council had been requested to consider favourably the renewal of supplies of poisoned grain and the purchase of birds’ eggs during the coming season. Milling Oats Messrs W. W. Mulholland and R. McPherson (Wheat Committee) visited the southern districts recently in connection with the pioject of increasing the areas in growing oats suitable for milling purposes. The price had besn fixed at 3s lid per bushel, f.0.b., s.i , Group Representation During the year a change was made in the group representation of this district. Mr A. J. Davey (president of the South Canterbury Union) being appointed to represent North Otago. Several group meetings attended by the president and members of the executive had proved useful and informative. Organisation The branch was again fortunate In procuring the services of Mr A. G. Dawson (Dominion o: ganiser) to canvass North Otago for the renewal of orders. He made ihe most of his time whilst here, and, assisted by members of the executive, was able to report satisfactory results. OAMARU SAVAGE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Oamaru Savage Club was held recently, when a large attendance of members was present. The annual report showed that a suc- ■ cessful year had been taken up with patriotic concerts in the district, by which nearly £3OO had been raised. Koreros were held regularly, and the club orchestra, under the baton of Brave A. Nuttall, had also helped the war effort besides contributing items at the Koreros. The financial position of the club showed a small credit balance, and the position was considered satisfactory in view of the fact that the club entertained big raiding parties during the year. ' The election of officers resulted as follows:—Great Chief, Mr G. Knowles; Deputy Great Chief. Mr H. Hay: Scalphunter, Mr E. C. Ferris; Scribe, Mr M. L. J. Thyne; honorary auditor, Mr R. B. Nichols: Council of Braves, Messrs R. B. Nichols. J. E. McDiarmid, A. Nuttall, M H. H. Jones, J. B. Purcell. H. C. Jeffery, J. Meikle J. D. Burke, J. Gerrie, R. W Walker, J. McMillan. It was decided to hold the first kotcro of the season on May 31, and that future koreros should be held at three-weekly intervals. A vote of thanks was accorded all members of the concert party for their efforts under the direction of ex-Great Chief J. Macmillan and Brave A. Nuttall. MANCHESTER UNITY LOYAL STAR OF THE NORTH LODGE N.G. Sis. T. H. Shirkey presided over the fortnightly meeting held on May 19, when there was a good attendance of officers and visitors. Motions of sympathy were passed with the relatives In the death of Mrs Brookcr and Sergeant Mulhern. Bro. L. Grenfell, of the Loyal Oamaru Lodge, replied to the second toast. The programme for Ihe next meeting is cards and parlour games. SHIPPING ACTIVITIES PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—May 22: 0.13 p.m. Coastal Movements The Wainui is expected to load about Wednesday, May 20, for Wellington, Napier, and Gisborne, via ports. The Waipahi will load about Saturday. May 24, for Wellington, Nelson, and New Plymouth, via ports. The Waipiata, from Auckland, is due about Saturday, May 24, She will load for Wellington and Auckland, via ports.

COMMITTED TO BORSTAL YOUNG THIEF'S ACTIVITIES COLLECTING FOR PATRIOTIC FUND The adjourned charge against a young man, aged 20 years, of stealing a leather wallet, a cigarette case, two golf balls, and £7 10s in money, a total of £8 3s, at Kia Ora on April 6, came again before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., at the Oamaru Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The accused was further charged with being a rogue and a vagabond, in that he collected contributions by falsely representing that he was authorised by the Home Guard to collect contributions for the “ Comforts for Fighters ” Fund. The accused pleaded guilty. Detective Sergeant G. Taylor, who prosecuted for the police, stated that the accused had been going around the district asking for contributions lor the “ Comforts for Fighters ” Fund. He was wearing a Home Guard armlet, and said he collected 5s in one house and Is in another. Tire accused had further stated that he came from Timaru and had collected over £BO in a week, but It was later found that this story was false. He said he had joined the Home Guard, and that accounted for the armlet in his possession. Mr Gumming (child welfare officer) stated that the accused had no authority to collect the money. His was a borderline case, and it was just a question what should be done with him. . Mr Bundle commented that it seemed that the accused had to be under discipline. He would not enter a conviction, but on each charge the accused would be ordered to be detained in the Borstal Institute for 12 months.

THE MISSING LAUNCH PARTS WASHED UP BY SEA HULL TOWED INTO HARBOUR Parts of the launch belonging to Mr Manuel Aspros, which was taken from the Oamaru boat harbour and sunk at sea by some person or persons unknown, on the night of May 10, nave been washed up by heavy seas on the foreshore south of the railway engine sheds, and part of the hull of the launch, which was found floating half a mile out to sea, has been towed into the harbour. The parts washed up on the foreshore comprise the keel, engine bed, engine and propeller, the engine being badly damaged through immersion and the battering of the w'aves. The hull, too, has been badly battered by the heavy seas. The launch, which was from 30 to 36 feet long, was named the Mabel, anc| after its disappearance was located on the ocean bed in about 30 feet of water, three miles off the shore. AMUSEMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE “ When the Daltons Rode ” is tire current feature at the Majestic Theatre. It is thrilling entertainment, with a strong cast headed by Randolph Scott, George Bancroft. Brian Donlevy, and Stuart Erwin. This is another of the biographical features which have become a noticeable trend in recent Hollywood productions. The Daltons were a notorious gang who operated in the West, and their adventures transmitted to the screen make exciting fare. They were forced lo banditrv by unscrupulous land sharks, but retaliated in a way that made them feared throughout a State. Civil Claim.—At the Oamaru Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., judgment by default W'as given m favour of the plaintiff in the civil claims Swdnard Brothers v. J. Creighton for £1 Is 3d (costs, 20s).

NORTH OTAGO SPORTS NEWS OF THE WEEK Rugby.— Allhough the standard of Rugby at the Show Grounds has been good, little interest has been taken so far by tne public in the game, presumably because only one senior match has been played each Saturday. Now that there are four teams taking part In the competition, with two matches each Saturday, it is anticipated that more support will be give;,. With war conditions taken into consideration, nobobdy could have been really disappointed with the games on tire Oval this season, but the public apathv was strikingly demonstrated last , Saturday, when spectators scarcely outnumbered the union officials, and the gate-takings fell a good deal short of £l. It is wellhigh impossible for the union to carry on in such circumstances, and it is to be hoped that better support will be given to this healthy sport for the sake of the young men and boys taking part in it. There w®re a number of sparkling incidents in last Saturday’s game between Old Boys and Windsor. Unfortunately tire country team was short of players, and substitutes filled the vacancies, but the big score of 22 points to nil against them did not x-eally represent the true merits of the Windsor players. The forwards were hard-working, with Ludeman. Milmine. and Mclnally making the most of their opportunities, and were unlucky in not being able to put the finishing touches ■to some good charges. Coilins (five-eighths) played excellent football, but Hay, on the wing, received few chances to show his worth. Sparks at full-back got through his work impressively A feature of the forward play was the example set by White (Old Boys). Though on the light side for a packman, White played a bustling game throughout, w'as always up with the play, and tackled resolutely. Twaddle was the other Old Boys’ forward to attract notice by his good play. McKone, in the five-eighths line, initiated many good movements, and repeatedly straightened up the attack. Unfortunately he received a shoulder injury and had to leave the field. Gardiner w'as the other outstanding back. His powerful kicks to the line at times lacked direction, but his fielding w T as first-class, and he frequently came up from the fullback position to make the extra man. When he set off on the attack his powerful running was responsible for breaking through several tackles before he passed the ball on. He was responsible for making the openings for two tries on Saturday. Hockey Tournament.—Bast Saturday's hockey tournament for the Nisbet Shield proved very successful. The only club to field teams, however, was Oamaru. with four teams. The games were well contested, and the teams put forward their best. No. 3 team, the winners, scored nine goals for and only one goal was scored against It. K. Thomson netted six of the nine, M. Tonkin two, and D. Tonkin one. The combination and speed of the winning team px-oved too good for the others. Lawn Tennis.—R. Hunt defeated D. Robson In the final of the Famllton Cup 6—4, 4—6, 6—4. The winner, who is only 18, put up excellent performances throughout the competition, and thoroughly deserved the honour of holding this handsome trophy. Miss Dora Miller was again the winner of the Irvine Cup, defeating Miss Ingram in the final 6—2, 6 0. This mai'ks Miss Miller’s eleventh success in this competition. Both Hunt and Miss Miller are members of the Meadoxvbank Club. Table Tennis.—The first round of the North Otago Table Tennis Association’s competition was played on Monday night, and so far reports indicate that the local season will be a good one, with a high standard of play. It is too early in the season to individualise any club or player, but after a few more rounds it should be possible to sort out the teams. Both A and B Grade competitions are being played this year, six, teams competing in the A Grade, and 12 in the B.

) . PERSONAL Sergeant Hugh Kirker Mclntyre, who was reported as wounded in Tuesday’s 1 casualty list. Is a Waitaki old boy. and I the son of Hr Hugh Mclntyre, formerly of Messrs Barr and Mclntyre (Oamaru Motors. Ltd.) and Messrs Wright, i Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., Oamaru. and ■ now of Singapore. Prior to his departure for Rotorua. Bandsman H. Rusbatch, of the Oamaru Garrison Municipal Band, was met by members of the band from whom he received a presentation.' The chairman (Mr H. Hay) referred to the guest's conscientious service to the band over a long period of years, and congratulated him on his promotion in his trade. The bandmaster (Mr John Mayfield). Sergeant A. Nuttall, Bandsmen J. Hambley, W. R. Naylor, and A. L. Familton also spoke, and Mr Rusbatch suitably replied. Mr Rusbatch was also the recipient of a gift from the Oamaru Savage Club Orchestra, to which he had given service. Advice has been received by that Private James Hope, of Oamaru. who was reported wounded, is making a good recovery. Visitors to the Town New Club Hotel.—Mr R. N. Hood, Mr S. D. Muirhead, Mr J. Dunn. Mr M. Chetwin. Mr W. J. Williamson. Mr and Mrs J. F. Thomson, Mr A. Tyrrell, Mr G. M. Crawford. Mrs A. Holmer,, Mr O. J. Doidge. Mr L. J. Hughs (Dunedin), Mr E. J. Millar (Invercargill), Mr W. Spong, Miss E. R; Keane. Mr and Mrs Sutherland, Mr H. Clarke, Mr A. Sutherland (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs N. Coughlan (Kaka Point). Mr and Mrs A. G. McDougald (Wellington), Mr J. Farrell (Sydney), Mr and Mrs G. R. McMillan (Otautau).' Queen's Hotel.—Mr E. H. Hood (Auckland), Mr J. E. Phillips (Timaru), Mr R. Lamb. Mr W. Johnstone, Mr R. H. Mason, Mr Thomas L. Leather, Mr C. L. Mareth, Mr G. Kerr. Miss Stella Bayley, Mr H. W. Bundle (Dunedin), Mrs S. T. McKenzie (Waikaka), Mr T. Duthie, Miss Judith Hutchison (Livingstone), Mr and Mrs G. Aston (Blenheim). Mr and Mrs A. E. Grubb (Christchurch).

WAIMATE First Death in War. —An indication of the popularity of Driver Myles Norman McDonald, the first soldier from Waimate districts to make the supreme sacrifice in the present war, is the fact that his parents, Mr and Mrs Myles McDonald, have received more than 200 letters and telegrams expressing sympathy. Driver McDonald died on April 20 of wounds received during operations in the Middle East. He was 31 years of age. Driver McDonald, who joined the Railways Department in Wellington some 18 months before his enlistment, was born and educated in Waimate. At the time of his enlistment he was a member of the Port Nicholson Silver Band. He joined the Waimate Silver Band as a boy. and became leading cornet player. As an athlete he gained more than local fame. He won the mile and half-mile events at the Canterbury country clubs’ championship meeting in 1929,' and in 1931 he became the Canterbury amateur mile champion, his time for the distance being 4min 3Gsec. He also collected many trophies at South Canterbury and North Otago sports meetings, and was a. foundation member of the Waimate Amateur Athletic Club. Rugby football was another branch of sport in which he was proficient, and lie was a leading senior player for Old Boys’ Football Club.

MOTORING INTERESTS MEETING OF EXECUTIVE BLACK-OUT PROBLEMS Mr James Gerrie (president) occupied the chair at the monthly meeting of the executive of the North Otago Automobile Association on Tuesday night. The chairman congratulated Messrs H. M. Barclay and S. M. Taylor, members of the executive, on their re-election to tho Borough and County Councils respectively. The Oamam Borough Council advised that the question of spraying main thoroughfare kerbing- with a white mixture to lessen risks during the black-out had been referred to the foreman and the traffic inspector for report; and also that the cleaning out of the creek-bed near the motor camp had,, been referred to the curator for report. In reply to the South Island Motor Union’s letter submitting a suggestion by the Commissioner of Transport that the visibility of troops at night would be aided by the use of hurricane lamps, the secretary advised that the use of reflector-studded frames would be fully effective as a warning device,—The secretary's suggestion was approved, and it was decided to appeal to motorists to dim their lights when approaching troops at night. Mr J. L. Passmore wrote expressing thanks for the association;® action in his appointment to the directorate of the Motor World.—Received. The North Otago Rugby Union wrote expressing appreciation of the association’s offer of the use of the camp grounds for Rushy practice.—Rncmved. It was decided to write, asking the Oamaru Borough Council to hold in reserve an area between the motor camp and the railway, as-this area would be a valuable addition to the camp grounds at a later date. ' _ ~ In replv to an inquiry, from the South Canterbury Association, the secretary advised that the North Otago Association had granted £2 2s annually to the South Islands Travel Association, but had not ‘taken any steps about representation on that association. The Otago Association wrote suggesting that the painting ,of posts white at a narrow bridge some 10 miles east of Duntroon would be effective in minimising the danger.—lt was reported that warning signs had recently been erected by the local association, and that the Waltaki County Ccuncil had now completed the painting. It was agreed to make the usual annual grant of £2 2s to the Pelorus Scenic Board Six new members were elected, and honorary membership was granted to the representative of Dr Barnardo's Homes.

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD SUCCESSFUL AFTERNOON FUNCTION The Oamaru Townswomen's Guild held a successful Afternoon function in the Queen’s Hotel lounge, when £43 for the " Comforts for Fighters ” Fund was collected. Over 100 people were present and were received by the president of the committee, Mrs R. K. Ireland. Afternoon tea was served by the members of the guild, whose fhanks are due to Miss Boyle for the use of the lounge and the tea facilities. Madame Winnie Fraser was in charge of the musical programme, which comprised songs by Mesdames Cogswell (Kurow), N. Glass, Miss H. Sumpter, and Madame Winnie Fraser, Messrs C. Campbell and G. H. Donaldson. The accompaniments were played by Mesdames D. E. Neave (Kurow). G. H. Donaldson, C. Campbell and H. F. Maude. Mrs Ireland thanked all for attending and the contributors to the musical programme. BASKETBALL NORTH OTAGO ASSOCIATION The annual report of the North Otago , Basketball Association states, inter alia: Tlie season had been a satisfactory one from every point, of view. The association’s decision to become affiliated to the New Zealand Basketball Association proved satisfactory. As usual. A, B and C Grade competitions were played, and congratulations were extended to the winning teams on their performances. Representative matches were played, the association’s representatives giving a good account of themselves. The position of the finances of the association were very satisfactory, and a contribution had been made to the Red Cross appeal. Thanks were due to the officials, the South and North School Committees, and Miss J. B. Wilson for the use of courts. Although many of the players were engaged in war work, there was every reason to believe that the approaching season would be a successful one.

PALMERSTON Rugby Football.—The following is the draw for Saturday's matches;—Shag Point v. Dunback, at Palmerston: Palmerston v. Waikoualtl, at Waikouaiti; Seacliff. a bye. Palmerston Club will be represented bv the following:—Oliver, Mercer, Mitchell, Murdoch (3). Aitchison. Philip, Strachan, Haldane, McGregor (2). Kelly, Roberts, Lindsay, Gray, Gunn, and Wilson.

Plunket Society.—The annual meeting of the Palmerston branch of the Piunket Society was held in the Plunket room on May 16. The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted, and the nurse's annual report received. Mrs Ballingall was re-elected as president of the branch, with Mrs Brown and Mrs Forrest vice-presidents. Mrs Gray was elected secretary, with Mesdames Mann, Mcßae. Borton, and French and Miss McKenney as the General Committee. Mrs Ballingall. reviewing the work of the committee during the past year, referred to the revenue derived from catering at the sale yards, and thanked all who assisted in this work by waiting at table and supplying foodstuffs. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr W. A, Spence as auditor and Mr W. .T, Mann for his services as advisory member. Comforts for Fighters.—Dr T. T. Thomas presided at‘the weekly meeting of the committee, held on Tuesday evening. Reports were received from the sub-commit-tees which attended to the Air Force Band visit and the ladies' street market, both of which proved financial successes. Comprehensive votes of thanks were passed to all who assisted with these functions, especially to the ladies who provided tea for the band. Mrs Wedge reported that everything was prepared for the Mary Pratt concert, and that arrangements were well in hand for the Women’s Institute card evening in the Town Hall on May 26 and the Pipe Band ball on May 28. • The secretary reported that the following amounts had been received to date and paid over:—Telephone appeal. I £165 18s 6d: community sing, £29 15s lOd: ' W.D.F.U. day. £39; Air Force Band visit. £24 10s; Palmerston collection (£55 Os 7d. less paid to radio telephone appeal, £SO), £5 Os 7d: raffles, £4 X9s:—total. £269 3s lid. In addition, the women’s street market produced £l7 14s 8d and other raffles £6 ss, leaving aoproximatelv £lO7 to be collected to reach the zone’s allocation of £4OO.

Saravati Club.—The monthly meeting was held on May 17, when a musical programme arranged by Miss Doris McGregor was presented. Those contributing were Misses I. Lang, R. Mann, and R, Wright (pianoforte). Miss K. Ireland, Mrs S. E. Smith. Misses D. Low and H. Brown, Mrs Jones, Misses Palmer and N. Brown (vocal), Mrs M. Gray, and Miss D. McGregor (recitations), and Mrs Borton and Mrs Mcßae (readings). A play reading by the Drama Circle ended a most enjoyable evening.

Mayoral Installation.—The ceremony of installing the Mayor-elect, Dr T. T. Thomas, will take place in the Town BaH supper room at 5.15 p.m. on Monday next. The several councillors will also be sworn in.