PROVINCIAL SECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24697, 28 August 1941, Page 12

PROVINCIAL SECTION

, THE OAMARU DISTRICT

MOTORING INTERESTS NORTH OTAGO ASSOCIATION MEETING OF EXECUTIVE Mr James Gerrie (president) was in the chair at the monthly meeting of the executive of the North Otago Automobile Association on Tuesday night. A letter was received from the district agent, Social Security Department, in reference .to subsidised labojir for work at the Glencoe Domain.—Mr Gerrie said that some progress was being made, and the various .bodies had paid their allocations of £2O each. The reserve would be cleared of gorse and wouljd be, planted and put in better order. The chairman’s action in paying the association’s contribution of £2O was approved. The South Island Motor Union advised that it was proposed to defer discussion bh the latest petrol cut until the annual meeting.—Received. V, The' Otago Association advised that a remit would be forwarded to the annual: meeting of the South -Island Union suggesting that the service car and bus services in certain directions should be discontinued while petrol '‘rationing was neeessary.-^rßeceiyed. Speed limits, in. blackout areas and other matters dealt with ,in a report

from, the Safety . Council were forwarded by the South Island Union.— Received. A goodwill grant of £:36 for the year ended June 30 was received from the South Island Mutual Insurance Association, which advised that its annual meeting would be held on September

25. ■' - The Oamaru Borough Council advised that the condition of the South Belt road, between Mersey and Greta streets, had been referred to the fore- ‘ man to confer with the county foreman.—Received. ’ A recommendation was passed to the annual meeting that a sum of money be invested in the present war loan. Six new members were elected, and accounts totalling £lOl 4s 9d were passed for payment. / Anneal Meeting - The annual meeting of members wa» held subsequently. ! :V J . ! Mr Qerne said the association had experienced a good year, and the balance sheet showed that its affairs had been well looked after. He regretted, to report that Mr M. S. Holmes, a past president and member of the executive, hid been indisposed, but : they would be pleased* to know that he was. progressing. They would miss their 1 friends from Dunedin, who were-un-able to be present. The death of Mr A. E. Ansell would be acknowledged by members as a severe loss to the motoring fraternity and the Dominion as well. The membership was being maintained, and he did not expect any great decrease. Several members who were absent on active service had been granted honorary membership, and the next-of-kin were receiviAg full membership , during their absence. . Mr Gertie dealt with the work of the ; Sign-posting - Committee, and pointed but that numerous new signs had been erected, arid old signs renovated and repainted. Fifty pounds h had been spent off this; work aind ,£2O would be spent bn ‘ restriction signs, making ■ a total of £7O. A subsidy would be received on same signs from the Main Highways Board. The chairman also dealt with the Glencoe re- • serve, and said that seven acres would be planted • in native trees. He was pleased that the Oamaru Borough 'Council had acted in the matter of parking areas, and was how clearing and levelling an area in Medway street, which would accommodate 100 cars. To show the position of parking in Oamaru, there were 429 cars in Thames street last Friday between Itchen and Ribble streets. In the restricted areas under the blackrout, the Safety Council recommended a spied limit of 25 miles. Mr Gerrie also spoke Of the additions at the motbr camp, convemerices. buildings and brittle stops cost- ■ trig £542. . ■ ■ ■■■ Mr J. T. Calder seconded the adoptiori of the annual report, but stateo that he did not agree with the chairman on the. Question of parking areas. The area in Medway street was a rc-

Eleclion of Officers The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, Colonel J. Cowie Nichols; past president, Mr J. H. Main; president. Mr James Gerrie; vice-president, Mr 1. Dalmer; club captain, Mr J. T. Calder; deputy club captain, Mr D. H. Thomson; honorary treasurer, Mr J. W. Petrie; auditor. Mr D. V. G. Smith; executive —Messrs H, M. Barclay, W. Gillies, H. A. Munson. R. H. Watson, Bruce Steven, A. A. Mays, H. J. Jenkins. S. M. Taylor, G. Cartwright and D. L. Patterson. CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL BUILDING VISITS DURING MONTH Reporting to the monthly meeting of the committee, the caretaker-attendant of the North Otago Centennial Memorial Building stated that 524 women and 90 children had visited the Rest Room during the month. Sixty-seven cups of tea and cocoa had been served, and babies’ bottles had been heated and hot water and hot baths supplied. Visitors from London, China. Sydney and Auckland had commented favourably bn the building. The committee authorised the provision of direction signs at Dalgety’s comer, and notice boards outside the building. Owing to lighting restrictions affecting the use of the .Rest Room on Friday nights, the committee decided to close the building at 6.15 o’clock until further notice. The attendance figures indicated that the building was filling a long-felt need, and with the approach of summer the committee anticipated an increase in the monthly figures.

serve, and should be kept as a reserve. He doubted whether the counciL had the right to convert it into a parking area. It was an area that could be converted:into a beauty spot. The statement of accounts was presented by. the treasurer (Mr J. W. Petrie), the financial position being ’considered satisfactory. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. , General , After considerable discussion the meeting decided to take no further action in the present clans and proposals in regard to further accommoda-

tion at the motor camp, which had been referred by the executive to annual meeting. Mr J. H, Mein reported on the association’s finances, and pointed out that the funds had been increased by £l6O during the past year. The funds available for investment amounted to £9OO, and the annual revenue was £7OO. He suggested that the association should invest £SOO in 3 per cent. War Loan.—This was supported by members, and carried unanimously. Mr R. H. Watson spoke on the suggestion that the association should secure rooms in Oamaru. and pointed out that perhaps ground floor room* could be obtained in the P r Returned Soldiers’ Club build mg.--Messrs J. Gerrie. R. H. Watson and D. H Thomson were appointed a committee to go into the matter and report to a general meeting of members. The borough inspector (Mr N. t Colville) spoke briefly on the regulations to be .observed by motorists during the black-out. and asked members to give attention to the 'requirements on lighting and parking mght Hf' thanked the secretary (Mr H. Hay and members for their assistance and co-operation during the past 12 months Mr J. H. Main drew attention to the danger at pedestrian crossings In the black-out. and suggested that the position could be improved by the use of road-reflecting studs and better light ing at these crossings.—Mr Gerrie suggested that the association should purchase a set of studs for the crossing at the Queen’s Hotel, and this was agreed to. It was also agreed to ask the council to provide more lighting at the crossings. • A recommendation was passed to the executive requesting it to investigate the question of giving free legal advice to members. • ■ : . A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring members of the executive (Messrs M. S. Holmes, J. Campbell and J. . Tisdall), the council officers, and the caretakers of the motor camp (Mr and Mrs G. W. C. -v \ Mr J. H. Main gave notice of motion that the resolution passed at the last annual meeting, that no donation exceeding £SO be granted by the executive without reference to a general meeting of members, be rescinded.

HOME GUARD DEFINITE TASK OF DEFENCE MORE OAMARU MEN WANTED Brigadier O. H. Meacj and Lieuten-ant-colonel J. G. Jeffery visited Oamaru on Tuesday in connection with defence matters in Oamaru. They inspected the harbour defences and the general defence scheme of the town itself, and Brigadier Mead has given instructions that the Home Guard is to form a full battalion at war strength in Oamaru for the protection of the town and harbour. This is apart from the National Military Reserve, which will be a mobile unit. Major J. F. Tonkin, commander of the Home Guard in Oamaru, in an interview ■ yesterday pointed out that at the present time the three companies of the Home Guard comprising the Oamaru Battalion, totalled 470 men, whereas the war establishment of a fighting battalion was 654. Between 170 and 200 men were, therefore, still required to make a complete battalion. He hoped that this could be accomplished within Oamaru and the immediate vicinity. Brigadier Mead had also stated that as far as Oamaru was concerned there would be no classification of the men into classes I and 11. The issue of equipment would be proceeded with as soon as it was available from army stores. The Mayor, Mr J. C. Kirkness, stated that Brigadier Mead felt that in other organisations there were a considerable number of fit men, who might see the opportunity of taking their places in the Home Guard. In the present crisis—-and it was no use blinking the fact that there was a crisis—it was the duty of these men to be prepared to guard their own homes in their own localities. Mr Kirkness strongly emphasised the necessity for men who could handle a rifle and stand up to reasonable training, not necessarily long route marches, to offer their services. With Brigadier Mead, he appealed to men in the Emergencv Precautions Scheme who could see their way to do so to link up with the Home Guard at this time. As the Home Guard now had a definite job to perform, the Mayor made ah earnest appeal to all reasonably fit men, who were not members of the National Reserve or other similar organisations, immediately to enrol at the Home Guard office, Court Buildings, Oamaru. Transfers from the Emergency Precautions Scheme to the Home Guard could be arranged on application through the unit commanders. National Reserve

.■ During their stay in Oamaru, Brigadier Mead and Lieutenant-colonel Jetferv discussed defence matters with the officers of the Oamaru National Military Reserve. Brigadier Mead inspected the National Reserve Battalion, and said he was very pleased with the appearance and efficiency of the men. Brigadier Mead has been making a tour of New Zealand, inspecting the various units of the National Reserve. OAMARU REBEKAH LODGE MONTHLY MEETING The N.G.. Sister F. E. Hendry, presided at the monthly meeting of the Rose of Oamaru Rebekah Lodge on Tuesday night. Sister Patterson reported on the activities of the Social Committee, and advised members that there would be a song evening at the next meeting. At the conclusion, of the meeting cards were enjoyed by members. Manchester Unity W.M. Bro. A. C. Kay presided at the monthly meeting of the Past Grands’ Lodge, which was held recently. Past officers’ degrees were conferred on .Sister KL F. Shirkey, and one candidate was proposed for membership and initiated into the lodge. It was decided to hold a ritual practice at the next meeting, m September. The programme for the coming lodge night will be indoor bowls. ITEMS OF INTEREST IN AND ABOUT TOWN Civil Claims.—ln the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, before Mr H. W. Bundle. S.M., judgment by default was s given for the plaintiffs in the following cases:—W; Grenfell v. R. Maddigan, £2 7s 7d, and costs (£1 9s 6d); W. A. Leggett v. W.-J. Galbraith. £3 11s Bd,'and costs (£1 6s 6d); S. E. Ineson v. William Russell, £53 ss, and costs (£4 2s 6d); E. Coggfer v, D, M. Munro, £1 17s 6d. and costs (10s). Warden’s Court—At a sitting of the Warden’s Court vesterday. before Mr H. W. Bundle as Warden. William John Mulvena (Mr H. S. Grater) applied for a renewal of his water-race licence for three heads from the Otiake Creek. The renewal was granted for a period of 15 years, as from June 20, 1940. BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT OAMARU No. 1 THE WINNERS A successful handicap tournament, organised by the members of the Oamaru Basketball Club, was held in the Drill Hall on Monday night. Eleven ■ teams competed under the following handicaps:—Ardgowan, Polytechnic 11, plus 3; Oamaru 11, Woolworths, plus 2; Waitaki 11, minus 1; Star, Polytechnic I, Southern, scratch; Mercury, Waitaki. I, Oamaru I, minus 3. Results:— Section I.—Oamaru I 4. Waitaki II 2; Star 8, Polytechnic I 4; Oamaru I 9, Star 3; Polytechnic I 7, School II 3. Section winner: Oamaru I. Section 2.—Polytechnic II 8, Woolworth’s 4; Mercury 4, Southern 1; Polytechnic II 6, Mercury 4; Woolworth’s 5. Southern 3. Section winner: Polytechnic 11. Section 3.—Waitaki I 6, Ardgowan 2; Oamaru II 6, Ardgowan 4; Oamaru II 6, Waitaki I 5. Section winner: Waitaki I. Semi-final.—Oamaru II 4, Waitaki I 7 Final.—Oamaru I 7, Waitaki 14; Oamaru I 7, Polytechnic .3. Winner: Oamaru I. SHIPPING ACTIVITIES PORT OF OAMARU, High Water. —August 28: 7.32 a.m. ana 8.1 p.m. Coastal Movements The Wainui is due to load on Tuesday, September 9, for Wellington, Napier and Gisborne, via ports. The Waipahi is expected about Tuesday, September 9, to load for Wellington, Nelson and New Plymouth via Timaru and Lyttelton. 1 . The Waipiata is due about Saturday. September 5, to load for Wellington and Auckland, via ports. This vessel is expected to sail from Auckland to-morrow. MINIATURE RIFLES Glenavy.—W. McCulloch 80. D. McCulloch 79. A. Coumbe 78, E. Simpson 78. N. Gibson 78. G. Hamilton 7R J. Broadley 77. A. Cuthbertson 77, J. Paul 77. N. Andrews 77, J. McCulloch 76, A. McCulloch 76. L. Selman 76, S. Maiharoa 76, A. Borrie 75. B. Duff 73. D. Morrison 74. J. Maxwell 74, I, Carroll 73, H. Collett 73, A. Pringle 73.

OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS The following committee reports arid recommendations will come before the monthly meeting of the Oamaru Borough Council on Thursday night for confirmation: — Finance.— The Finance Committee reports a debit bank balance of £9552 10s* 3d, and recommends payment of accounts amounting to £ 1092 Is 3d, and confirmation of payment of accounts amounting to £BB3 8s lid. That the Mayor’s action in consenting to transfer of lease, L. W. Clarke to C. G. Kilgour, be approved; that half the general rate of the Show: Grounds be remitted to the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, as in previous years; that half rates be allowed in respect to the dwelling, section 11, 12 H.8.P., such being vacant and unoccupied; that consent be given to the proposed subdivision of section 21, block XVII, as shown on the plan submitted by D. O. Evans; that a grant of £6 be. made to the Sailors’ Rest as in previous years; that consent be given to transfer of , lease of section 6, block 46, estate M. Collins to D. G. Williams. Water.— The Waterworks Committee cannot recommend granting a supply to A. H. G. Brown for watering willows; that the Eveline Centennial Hall Committee be advised that the estimated cost of a service pipe to the hall was £lO, and that the annual charge would be £3 for ordinary water, plus thr usual fee for conveniences.

By-laws.— The By-laws Committee recommends that the Plunket Society be granted September 19 as the date for a street collection; that the Oamaru branch of the New Zealand Red Cross Society be granted permission to hold a street day collection towards the end of November; that the foreman and traffic inspector be authorised to construct a cycle stand over the channel opposite Hallenstein Bros.; that the question of the danger at pedestrian crossings at night, and re-painting of street markings be referred to th'n chairman. Conveniences. —The Special Committee appointed to select a suitable site for the public conveniences recommends that they be built at the rear of the Opera House, parallel to Severn street, and immediately north of the shrubbery adjacent to the Centennial Building. Wdrks.— The Works Committee recommends that the letter from the Oamaru Harbour Board accepting the council’s decision to maintain the road from Arun street to the Foreshore road, on condition that the board bears half the cost, be received. That, the letter from the oil fuel controller* requesting the council’s co-operation in reducing petrol requirements to the absolute minimum, be received, and that he be advised that every endeavour is being made to conserve supplies. That the Oamaru Beautifying Society be granted permission to carry out the following work:—To plant the banks of the Oamaru Creek, east and west of the Thames street /bridge, and to remove the unsightly fence in Test street and replace it with a small rustic one: that the Beautifying Society’s request for permission to plant Lombardy poplars at 10-foot intervals in Arun street between Tyne and Tees streets, be declined, and alsp that the requests to plant the road to the Public Hospital in kowhais, thorns, or ribbonwoods. flowering gums in Tyne street, bluegums at the corner of Tyne and Arun streets, and a few gums in Test street, be referred to the chairmen of works and reserves, with power to act; that a handrail be erected at the steps in Dee street; that as requested by the Department of Housing Construction, the work of laying kerbing, channelling, and asphalt in Nore and Frome streets be put in hand when convenient, the basis of the department’s share of the cost being £4 6s 6d per chain; that in order to complete as far as possible the laying of kerbing, channelling, and asphalt on the south side of Frome street.'the three property owners on the east side of Colne street be canvassed with a view to ascertaining if they were willing to bear their proportion of the cost; that the Waitaki Electric Power Board be quoted 7s 6d per cubic yard at the quarry for crushed metal, and also that the board be advised that the council cannot quote for sand as scooped to dump on beach; that the portion of the Beautifying Society’s letter with reference to the trees in the Thames street avenue be referred to the curator for report, and that the society be thanked for its offer to co-operate in the beautification of the proposed parking area in Midway, street.

Reserves.—The Reserves Committee recommends that section 10, block 95. be reserved for a parking area, and that the Waitaki Electric Power Board be advised accordingly; that the curator’s report on the thinning of the plantations be received, and that he be granted authority to thin the six acres and a-half at reserve E,. and the four acres and a-half at reserve F, and also furnish the cost of each section on completion of the work. Abattoirs. —The Abattoirs Committee recommends that the letter from the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, in respect to fees payable and returns required under the abattoir by-law, be received. EVELINE CENTENNIAL HALL OFFICIAL OPENING At a meeting of the Eveline Centennial Hall Committee the chairman (Mr B. B. Blackmore) stated that the member for the district (Mr A. H. Nordmeyer) would open the new hall on Saturday at 2.45 p.m. Other speakers will be the chairman of the Waitaki County Council (Mr J. Rodman), the Mayor (Mr J. C. Kirkness), and the rector of the Waitaki Boys’ High School (Mr F. Milner). The Oamaru Garrison Band will be in attendance. AMUSEMENTS Majestic Theatre.—” Tom Brown's Schooldays” will be screened at the Majestic Theatre to-night and on Friday, and there will be a special matinee to-day, commencing at 2 o’clock. Opera House.—Jack Holt takes the part of a good-hearted sherriff in “ Fugitive from a Prison Camp,” which will be shown in conjunction with “Land of Fighting Men” at the Opera House to-night and to-morrow night. PERSONAL Mr James Kingan, of Kauru Hill, has accepted nomination as a candidate for the vacancy on the Waitaki County Council, caused by the death of Mr David Rodger, who represented the Incholme Riding. FREE OFFER For a limited period only, every cu«tomer buying a 2s jar of Lem-O-Cream (the new cream for softening and beautifying the hands) will receive FREE a 2» 6d jar of Mcrcolated Wax for Skin Blemishes, Acne, etc. Get In early, as the supply is limited. U.F.S. DISPENSARY, THAMES STREET, OAMARU.