PROVINCIAL SECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24736, 13 October 1941, Page 9

PROVINCIAL SECTION

THE OAMARU DISTRICT

RETURNED SOLDIERS OAMARU. ASSOCIATION POLITICS DISAPPROVED QUARTERLY MEETING Mr H. C. Lightwood (president) was in the chair at the quarterly meeting of the .Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association on Saturday night. Speaking on the Auckland proposal to alter the constitution of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association. Mr Neil H. Colquhoun said they would be making a grave mistake if they supported the suggestion that party politics should be introduced into the association. Disunity would be created in the ranks if they allowed politics to creep in. Mr Colquhoun moved: "That the constitution of the association be not altered, and that the association remain a non-party and a non-political body." On the motion being seconded, Mr G. P. Cuttriss moved as an amendment that the meeting approve and entirely support the proposal to amend the constitution of the association, to allow the association to participate in the political activities ol the country. Mr Cuttriss advanced many reasons in support of his amendment, which lapsed for want of a seconder. The motion was carried with only one dissentient voice. Alteration in Name On the motion of Mr C. J. Mollison, the meeting confirmed the action of the executive in asking headquarters to change the name of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association to the New Zealand Returned Services' Association. It was pointed out that the alteration would permit returned members of the air force, the navy, the mercantile marine and nurses to become members of the association. Enemy and Refugee Doctors On the motion of Mr G. P. Cuttriss, the following motion was carried unanimously:—"This meeting of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association appreciates the loval and courageous action of the Hawke's Bay Hospital Board in its firm stand against utilising enemy and refugee doctors in the institutions under its control." - Loyalty to the Crown The following remit was again approved: "That all persons , refusing to affirm their loyalty to the Crown should be debarred from employment in Public 'Services, and all employees at present in such services refusing to affirm their loyalty, be dispensed with immediately, and deprived of,all civil rights for all tims." R.S.A. Club Rooms Mr. C. J. Mollison gave an assurance on behalf of the executive, that the matter of R.S.A. club rooms was well in hand, plans had been prepared, and propositions discussed. Provided that no obstacles were put in the way, an appeal would be made to the public very shortly. The appeal was backed not only by the R.S.A., but also by prominent citizens of Oamaru. He did not doubt, if the appeal was made, that it would meet with a generous public response. . Reunion Abandoned Owing to the necessity for conserving petrol supplies, the meeting decided.that the annual reunion should not be held this year. Complimentary Socials The chairman pointed out that at the complimentary- socials to soldiers proceeding overseas, the attendance had been decreasing, and on the occasion of the last social there were 18 different functions to soldiers on the same night. Under such conditions the meeting was asked to consider what form of function should be tendered to the soldiers in future. «» There was considerable discussion on the subject, during which it was suggested that the soldiers should be entertained at afternoon tea; that a women's committee should be set up; and that the soldiers' i*wives and lady friends should be invited

to attend the functions. It was suggested that a small levy added to the annual subscription would meet the cost. The meeting passed a recommendation to the executive to take steps to make the necessary arrangements on the lines suggested. Delegates to Conference Messrs N. H. Colquhoun and A. C. Piper (the secretary) were appointed delegates to the extraordinary general meeting called by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers Association. General A letter was received from Brigadiergeneral E. Puttick, acknowledging the congratulations of the Oamaru Association on his appointment as G.O.C. of New Zealand. The secretary reported that it had been found that the quickest source of information about missing soldiers was the International Red Cross, Geneva. He would be pleased to supply the form of cablegram to anyone requiring it. An invitation was received from Captain Pauling for re'turned soldiers to attend the Armistice service at the Salvation Army on Sunday. November 9. at 11 a.m. The meeting congratulated Sergeantmajor D. McCurrie on having received his commission. Trie' delegates to the Dominion meeting were instructed to guard very jealously against any alterations to the machinery of the War Pensions Act. Social Hour Following the meeting, a social hour was held, the following toasts being honoured:—"The King," "Absent Comrades" " 2nd N.Z.E.F." (Mr J. Mayfield—Mr J. S Dodds); "Delegates to Conference" (Mr H. C. Jeffery—Messrs N. H. Colquohoun and A. C. Piper). Items were contributed by Messrs J. Jamieson, J. E. McNulty, J. Mayfield, G. P. Cuttriss, with Mr J. Macmillan at the piano. DISTRICT NURSES SCHEME APPROVED BY TRADES COUNCIL The question of district nurses for Oamaru was freely discussed at the monthly meeting of the Oamaru Trades Council/; and the value of such a service to the community was emphasised. The council viewed with grave concern the decision of the Waitaki Hospital Board against the establishment of district nurses in Oamaru, and expressed a desire that the board reconsider its decision. Mr J. H. Rapson (Maheno) was appointed the workers' delegate to the Primary Production Council. PERSONAL

Mr and Mrs A. C. Forrest, of Exe street, Oamaru, have received a letter from their son, Lieutenant James Forrest, of the Australian Forces, who was taken prisoner in Crete, that he is in a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany. Lieutenant Forrest writes stating that there are 60 Australian and 700 British officers in the camp, which is large enough for exercise and games. He advised his parents-that he was well. Mr V. R. Slyfield, of the staff of the Bank of New South Wales, Oamaru, has received notice of his transfer to the Auckland branch, and will leave for the north about October 21. Mr Rutherford Peebles, of Christchurch. will replace Mr Slyfield in the local staff.

METHODIST CHURCH QUARTERLY MEETING FINANCIAL STATEMENT The Rev. W. R. Francis, who presided at the quarterly meeting of the Oamaru Methodist Church, reported that the circuit rolls were gradually becoming more stable. The junior roll showed 24 members, and was not yet completed. The senior roll now stood at 134, and the infant membership roll was still to be completed. The financial statement for the quarter ended September 30 was presented by Mr O. A. Wylie (circuit steward), and showed a debit balance of £4 15s 3d. Mr Francis stated that the action of tlu Ladies' Guild in keeping the finances of the church from showing a permanent, deficit was greatly appreciated, but he felt that the congregation should be made to realise that it was the personal duty of every member to keep the balance sheet from showing a deficit. Collections for the next quarter were: Overseas missions (November 12), Sunday School anniversary (November 9), and Orphanage (November 21). Mr Drake (Orphanage representative) had recently been in Oamaru, and had collected £3 12s for the Orphanage Fund. The Youth Board had written stating that the Oamaru allocation was £6. whereas the amount sent forward was only £3 16s. This matter had been discussed by the Oamaru Youth Council, which had no recommendation to make, and it was left in abeyance meanwhile. Centennial Appeal Referring to the recent visit of the Rev. Leslie B. Neale in connection with the Centennial Appeal, Mr Francis stated that the total promised to date was £1620, £3O of which would go to the Dunedin Central Mission. The remainder would stay in Oamaru, and was at present offsetting overdraft interest charges in the bank. Proposals for future disbursements were as follows:—Elimination of trust debt; curtains to partitition off the church in order to make it warmer and bring the congregation forward; replacement of heaters in church (to be regarded as urgent); building a new Sunday school. It was decided that the trust should be asked to obtain estimates for heating systems, and submit them to the next quarterly meeting for approval. MiFrancis stated that Mr Neill felt it would be a good thing if the Dominion organiser for the Centennial Appeal (the Rev. G. H. Goodman) were asked to visit the back country districts surrounding Oamaru, in an endeavour to augment the fund, and it was decided that such an invitation be extended to Mr Goodman. Ministerial Stipends Mr Wylie reported that at the recent conference the matter of ministerial stipends was investigated, and it now aopeared that the Oamaru minister was receiving £25 a year below the stipend fixed by conference. A committee was appointed to rectify this state of affairs at an early date.

Reports on the Sunday school and Bible class activities were received from the representatives present. It was regretted that Miss Common had found it necessary to resign from the leadership of the senior girls' Bible class. It was decided to forward a letter to Miss Common expressing appreciation of her faithful service over a long period of years. The class had secured as leader Mrs E. F. Butler, who, as Sister Jean Dalziell, had had considerable experience in foreign mission fields, Mr Francis mentioned that the Enfield Sunday School would hold a combined service in December, and commended the fine work of Mr Dennis among the Sunday school scholars at Enfield. Invitation to Minister A formal invitation was extended to the Rev. W. R. Francis to continue his work in Oamaru. Mr Wylie, on behalf of the meeting, expressed appreciation of the excellent work Mr Francis was achieving in the church as a whole. Mrs F. Familton was appointed the church's representative to synod, which would meet at Timaru on November 19. Messrs C.. H. Gilling and F.* Chase were re-appointed circuit stewards for the ensuing year. It was decided not to send a representative to conference this year. In accordance with a recommendation from conference, Mrs Familton (president of the Oamaru Ladies' Guild) reported that the guild membership was between 40 and 50 members, and that a very satisfactory meeting had been held recently. All the members were interested and active in the work, and the finances of the guild were very satisfactory. It was proposed to hold a garden party during November. No • recommendations as to the training of local preachers were received.. The question of which was' discussed at the previous quarterly meeting,, was again brought up, and it was decided that, sudject to their acceptance, Messrs M. Knight, L. McCallum, H. Fagan. and A. Johnston, should act in this capacity. United Mission Mr Francis reported that the United Mission in Oamaru had been discussed at the ministers' recent meeting, and it had been decided that some time next winter there should be a concerted effort on the part of all the churches in Oamaru. The matter of supply to the pulpit during Mr Francis's absence in camp had not been completed, and he suggested that this matter should be left to the circuit stewards and himself to arrange. The uniting qf the various churches in the district was discussed. Mr Francis spoke of the great amount of work which would be necessary in connection with the business organisation of the different churches, before the scheme would be workable. He, himself, thought it would be an excellent thing, giving as it would to all the world, a wider vision and a grander witness of the service which the church as a whole strove to render to God. The meeting closed with the benediction. RIFLE SHOOTING OAMARU DEFENCE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING There was a fair attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Oamaru Defence Rifle Club on Friday night. Mr R. Smith (president) occupying the chair. Mr Smith said the club depended on the supply of ammunition for its activity during the coming year, and how it would fare was a matter for conjecture. In the past season, the shooting had been quite up to standard with the poor ammunition available. It was really very creditable, and some good scores had been put up with ammunition that had been condemned years ago. The annual report and the balance sheet, which showed a satisfactory financial position, were adopted. Election of Officers The following officers were re-elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, Major H. S. Orbell; president, Mr R. Smith; deputy president, Mr H. Koppert; vice-presidents Messrs C. Hedges and W. Gibson; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. Koppert; assistant secretary, Mr E. Roney; committeeMessrs G. Allan, G. Doran, R. McLatchie, W. Smith and I. Steenson; handicapper, Mr R. McLatchie; custodian, Mr H. Koppert; auditor, Mr R. Finch; publicity secretary. Mr H. Koppert. General It was decided to institute a retaining fee of 5s for the coming year, as it appeared doubtful if any ammunition would be available. In the event of there being shooting this season, the full subscription of 15s will be payable. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Major H. S. Orbell for his continued interest in the club. The matter of fixing the opening day and work on the range was held over in the meantime. Presentation of Trophies The following trophies were presented by Mr Smith:—Club Championship Belt, H. Koppert; short range handicap aggregate, J. Gibson; long range handicap aggregate, H. Koppert; Nichols Cup (handicap aggregate all ranges), J. Gibson; Mosley Memorial Cup (handicap aggregate, '6OO yards). W. Fallbon; Hopwood Cup (most possibles), L. Finch. AMUSEMENTS Majestic Theatre.—The comedy, " The Doctor Takes a Wife," with Ray Milland and Loretta Young, will be shown finally to-night. Opera House.—For the double bill to be shown to-night, " East of the River," with John Garfield, and " Three Men from Texas," of the Hopalong Cassidy series, are the attractions.

EXCELSIOR FOOTBALL CLUB ANNUAL SMOKE CONCERT PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES There was a good attendance of members and supporters at the annual smoke concert of the Excelsior Football Club on Saturday night, Mr R. Elder (president) being in the chair. In spite of the reduced membership through members serving overseas, the club experienced a successful year in the junior grades and the following trophies were presented:— Jubilee Challenge Cup, presented by explayers to the member who, each year, on and off the field, does most for the club, ,V. Bain; Heselwood Cup, for the most improved junior, G. Mitchell; Mr R. Elder's trophy, for the best forward, H. McKenzie; Mr J. Mcintosh's trophy, for the keenest country player, Bert Oldham; Mr N. McLeod's trophy, for the best back, V. Irvine; Mr W. G. Williams's trophy, for the most promising forward, F. Adams. The following toast list was honoured:— " The King," "Absent Members," " North Otago Rugby Union " (Mr J. Ross—Mr M. F. Woodward); "Referees' Association" (Mr V. Bain —Mr J. Macmillan); "Excelsior Football Club " (Mr A. Marshall—Mr R. Elder); "Sister Clubs" (Mr J. F. Beattie —Messrs R. Turvey, Athletic; W. Yorston Maheno; J. McKone,' Old Boys, D. Grant, Duntroon): "The Veterans" (Mr T. Patterson—Messrs J. Herron and J. Mcintosh); "Entertainers" (Mr W. G. Williams—Mr E. Greaves). Items were contributed by Messrs A. Watson, B. Scally. Halkett, Hammill. E. Greaves, C. McLeod, R. Park, D. Kedzlie and K. Bremner. Mr J. Macmillan played the accompaniments.

ITEMS OF INTEREST IN AND ABOUT TOWN Fishing in Kakanui.—The Kakanui River was in splendid order on Saturday for fishing, and Mr W. Yorston secured 14 nice trout up to 21b in weight. Presentation to St. Kevin's.—On Saturday night Mr M. F. Woodward (president nf the North Otago Rugby Union), accompanied by members of the Management Committee, paid a visit to St. Kevin's College, and presented to K. O'Connor (captain of the first fifteen) the Burns Shield and the Ralph Cup, which St. Kevin's won in the union's junior competition. Opening of Bowling Green.—The Pukeuri bowling green was opened on Saturday afternoon with a full green of players. Mr C. Neill (nresident) declared the sreen open for the season, and greetings were conveyed to the club by Messrs J. Purcell (Phoenix). A. Marshall (Meadowbank), J. Camobell (AwamoaK T. Livingstone (Maheno) and R. Cox (Weston). Lawn Tennis Tournament.—A progressive tournament was held on the Awamoa courts on Saturday afternoon, the winners being Miss Brenda Stubbs, a junior member of the club, who won all six game l ' and Mr J. H. Main. Rainfall.—The rainfall recorded by Mr William Forrester in Oamaru so far this month amounts to 33 points. SHIPPING ACTIVITIES PORT OF OAMARU High Water.—October 13: 8.50 a.m. and 9.18 p.m. Coastal Movements The Wainui will load on Wednesday next fop Wellington, Napier and Gisborne, via ports. The Waipahi is due on Tuesday. Octber 21, to load for Wellington, Nelson and New Plymouth, via ports. The Waipiata is due to-day to load for Wellington and Auckland, via Timaru and Lyttelton.