NORTH OTAGO NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24950, 24 June 1942, Page 7

NORTH OTAGO NEWS

REMARK RESENTED CLUB PROTESTS TO UNION RUGBY MANAGEMENT COMMHTTEE A letter from the Athletic Club expressing disapproval of a remark made by Mr J. Macmillan at the previous meeting, was received at the weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the North Otago Rugbv Union on Monday night. Mr Macmillan said he thought his remark was harmless, and that it did not call for an apology. There were present Messrs M. F. Woodward (president), A. Marshall, L. Canning, G. Knowles, B. B. Blackmore, J. Ross, A. R. Low, F. Grant, R. H. Watson, J. Macmillan, H. Strachan, Bro. Owen, and the acting secretary (Mr Chase). Grading of Teams Prior to the reading of the correspondence, Mr Low, on behalf of the Grading Committee, reported that unfortunately last Saturday the Athletic Fifth Grade team fielded,only 11 players. There were, however, three or four boys, who in ordinary years might fit into the grade, but who, with the class of boys playing this season, were rather big. The Athletic Club was doing its best to make up the team. The committee was of the opinion that the Athletic Fourth Grade team was in order in the Fourth Grade Competition. The chairman concurred, saying there were a few big boys in the Fifth Grade, but the Fourth Grade was a good team, and played good football. He suggested that the Fifth Grade team be drawn again in that competition for next Saturday s ITI3 tell GS Mr Low suggested that by giving the team the bye it would give the club a better chance of getting the boys together, but Mr Blackmore stated that Mr Burns would wish the two Athletic teams to be playing next Saturday, as it would show boys who were not playing that Athletic had a Fourth and a Fifth Grade team. , , • \ , The chairman's suggestion was adopted. Athletic Club's Protest

The Athletic Club wrote expressing disapproval of Mr Macmillan's remark at the previous meeting, " that it seemed as though the Athletic Club wanted to enter a team in the grade in which it thought it had the best chance of winning." The letter stated that the majority of players at the club's disposal were last year's Fifth Grade players, and the club did not believe in playing young members against heavier players. They wanted to keep the club going, and to give the Rugby Union all assistance. They were not out to win any grade, but to try and give all players available a game. The club had been in existence for 56 years, and it had always been recognised

as a good sporting club, playing the game for the game's sake. They strongly resented the remarks made against them, and had passed a resolution asking Mr Macmillan to withdraw his statement and apologise. Mr Ross: I think we all thought that, but Mr Macmillan " let it out." Mr Woodward: It is hot a matter for us. It is a matter between the club and Mr Macmillan. We are trying to help the club.

Mr Ross: I don't agree with you. The remark was made at a Rugby Union meeting, and a member of the union is entitled to express an opinion. Mr Macmillan said Mr Ross had hit the nail on the head. He (Mr Macmillan) happened to " open his mouth first." He thought his remark perfectly harmless. It was difficult to make up the draw and the competition points with the withdrawal and re-entry of teams. He did not think any apology was required, and agreed with Mr Ross that all members of the union were mom or less interested in the discussion, and he failed to see why he should apologist to the Athletic Club. He bore no illwill towards any club, and tried to arrange the draw to suit all clubs. It was a question of what was most suitable for Rugby in general. The letter was received. General

The gate takings last Saturday amounted to £1 Is 6d. Mr Woodward commented that the games last Saturday were all very interesting. Mr Blackmore remarked that the Waitaki B-Athletic Fourth Grade match was one of the best seen for some time. It was agreed to hold a seven-a-side tournament and a field day on suitable dates later in the season. Owing to the paper shortage, it was decided not to issue an official programme this season, and to thank advertisers for their past support. Draw for Saturday

Juniors: Waitaki v. St. Kevin's, Oval, 245 p.m.; Town Combined, a bye. Third Grade: Excelsior v. Waitaki, No. 2, 2.45 p.m. Fourth Grade: St. Kevin's v. Waitaki B, No. 3, 2.45 p.m.; Waitaki A v. Athletic, Oval. 1.15 p.m.. Fifth Grade: Waitaki A v. St. Kevin's, No. 2, 1.15 p.m..; Waitaki B V. Athletic, No, 4 2.45 p.m.; Waitaki C, a bye. Sixth Grade: Waitaki B v. St. Kevin's, No. 3, 1.15 p.m.; Waitaki A v. Waitaki C, at School. Seventh Grade: St. Kevin's v. Waitaki A, No. 4, 1.15 "p.m.; Waitaki B v. Waitaki C, at School., HAMPDEfT PLUNKET SOCIETY Mrs T. R. Gould (president) was in the chair at the annual meeting of the Hampden Plunket Society. The report and balance sheet, presented by Mrs M. E Murray, 'were adopted. The president thanked all members for their co-opera-tion and continued interest in the work of the society. All the office-bearers were re-elected. It was stated that the annual appeal concert was again well supported, and through the generosity of Mr R. Adamson and party from Weston the society's funds were augmented by a generous donation. Votes of thanks were accorded all donors of gifts for the Emergency Precautions Scheme. Nurse Ellett reported that 121 visits were paid to homes in Hampden and 51 visits to homes in Moeraki-Kartigi and Hillgrove Thanks were accorded the Mayor (Mr W. E. Murcott), Nurse Ellett, Mr J. R. Gould for auditing, the Church Committee for use or the vestry, and all others who assisted during the year.

DEFENCE COMMITTEE THE FIRST MEETING There were present at the first meeting of the Oamaru Citizens' Auxiliary Defence Committee, the Mayor (Mr J. C. Kirkness), Lieutenant-colonel J. F. Tonkin, Major M. H. R. Jones, and Messrs Neil H. Colquhoun, R. K. Ireland, and R. Finch (secretary). The following matters were dealth with: — 1. A recommendation to the proper authorities that all reservists other than those actually in the mobilised armed forces, should automatically be posted forthwith either to the Home Guard or to the E.P.S.

2. Consideration of a scheme to create unification of command of the Home Guard and the E.P.S., to promote co-ordination of activities in the interests of efficiency. 3. Strong support of the movement to have a military training centre established at Oamaru. 4. Citizens are invited to assist the committee's work by submitting to the committee suggestions concerning any matters affecting local defence and civilian assistance to the armed forces. MAGISTRATE'S COURT TRAFFIC OFFENCES Inspector N.' E. Colville, of the Transport Department, prosecuted in the following traffic cases, which were heard before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon:— Vera M. Slater was fined 5s with costs (10s) for driving without a licence. For failing to comply with the lighting restrictions, Douglas Charles Ledingham and Joseph Rusbatch were each fined 20s with costs (12s). Rusbatch was also convicted and ordered to pay costs (Is) for driving without a warrant of fitness. Richard A. J. Portis was fined 5s with costs (12s) for driving without a warrant of fitness. James Cox was fined 5s with costs (10si for cycling on the footpath. Thomas Clare was fined 10s with costs (10s) for driving a horse-drawn vehicle without a light. DOG TRIALS OMARAMA COLLIE CLUB As a result of the annual trials held by the Omarama Collie Dog Club the patriotic funds will benefit substantially. Mr L. Waldron was judge, and there were 36 and 32 entries respectively in the two main events. Results:— Head and Hold in Ring (open): D. Anderson's Boss 47J points, 1; C. Eden's Spot. 43J, 2; J. Anderson's Bob, 43, 3; J. Dupree's Fade, 35, 4. Maiden specials: J. Anderson's Bob 1, J. Dupree's May 2. Maiden competitors: J. Dupree 1. J. W. Cochrane 2.

Huntaway (open): J. Aubrey's Bob, 47 points, 1; J. Middleton's Don, 41, 2; J. Aubrey's Tip, 39, 3; A. Patterson's Tibby, 38J, 4. Maiden specials: J. Aubrey's Bob 1, F. Middleton's Don 2. Maiden competitors: J. W. Cochrane 1, J. McKenzie 2. Other special prizes: J. W. Cochrane, D. Anderson, C. Eden, E. McGimpsey, J. Dupree. WAIAREKA SALE FAT SHEEP PLENTIFUL There was an extra big yarding of fat sheep and medium yardings of fat cattle and store sheep at the Waiareka sale yesterday. Prices: Fat cattle—Best steers, £lO 10s to £l2 15s; best cows, £5 to £7. Fat sheep: Wethers, 26s to 30s; best ewes, 18s to 245. Store sheep: Wether hoggets, up to 18s 6d. Dairy cows, £5 to £7. PigS: Best pigs, 18s 6d to 22s 6d; medium, 14s to 16s; small, 10s to 12s 6d. WAIANAKARUA FAREWELL SOCIAL There was a large gathering of residents at the Waianakacua School to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Burgess, who are about to leave for Walmahaka, where Mr Burgess, who has been teacher at Waianakarua for the past year, has been appointed head teacher. During their stay in Waianakarua Mr and Mrs Burgess have always been willing helpers in any cause for the welfare of the district. Mr J. Hutton, on behalf of the residents, presented them with an envelope of pound notes, with all good wishes for their future happiness and success. Other speakers were Mr J. Dick (Hampden Bowling Club). Mr Martin (Hampden Home Guard), the Rev. Mr Murdoch, and Mr J. Wood (chairman of the School Committee). Mr and Mrs Burgess suitably acknowledged the gift and good wishes. Enjoyable items were contributed by Betty McKerrow and Gwen Hutton (pianoforte dueth Colleen Aitchison (Irish jig), and Shirley Gibson (song). Euchre prizes were won by Mrs G. Green and Mrs J. Dick (consolation) 3jgj£»*lr Lee and Mr H. Gibson (consolation). Mrs W. Sharpe and Mr N. Robertson supplied the music for the dance, and Mr R. McKerrow was M.C. PERSONAL Captain Pauling has received official advice of his appointment as a chaplain in His Majesty's Forces. At the weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the North Otago Rugby Union on Monday night motions of sympathy were passed with Mr and Mrs C. G. Meikle in the death of Mrs Meikle's mother, and with the relatives of the late Mr A. J. Geddes, of Invercargill, a good friend of the North Otago Union and a past president and selector of the New Zealand Union. AMUSEMENTS Majestic Theatre.—The comedy " Feminine Touch," featuring Rosalind Russell, Don Ameche, and Francis Kay, will be shown at the Majestic to-night. Opera House.—Robert Donat, who made such a hit in " Mr Chips " and " Monte Cristo," will appear finally to-night in the United Artists comedy, " The Ghost Goes West." ITEMSTOF INTEREST IN AND ABOUT TOWN Tides.—To-day, at Oamaru, high tides will be at 11.24 a.m. and 11.52 p.m. Women's Club,—Mr F. Crimp gave an informative talk at the monthly meeting of the Literary Circle of the North Otago Women's Club on " Inns in English Literature," illustrating by readings from various authors the important part that inns have played in the social life of the community. He was accorded a vote of thanks, which was proposed by Mrs Andrew Hamilton. Welcome Home Social.—The first welcome home to a soldier of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. from the Enfield district was accorded to Private A. Hellewell by a large gathering of residents in the Enfield Hall. Returned soldiers formed a guard of" honour. Mr J. F.. Rowlands presented Private Hellewell with an inscribed medal, other speakers being Messrs J. D. McLeod, E. R. McLeod, R. Tetoa, and the Rev. Mr Fordyce. Private Hellewell made a suitable reply. The euchre prize was won by Mrs E. H. Watson. Music. for the dancing was supplied by Messrs F. Crump and T. Henderson, and extras by Mr H. Portis. Mr F. Rowland was M.C. Items were contributed by Messrs A. Allen, F. Tipa, and R. Tetoa.