NEWS IN BRIEF.

Otago Witness, Issue 3609, 15 May 1923, Page 29

NEWS IN BRIEF.

Mr T. H. Russell was last week elected chairman of the Otago Harbour Board without opposition. It was resolved to place on record the board’s appreciation of the services of Mr H. C-. Campbell, the retiring chairman during the past year. The value of the imports to the port of Otago from January 1 to March 31 of this year shov\ r s an increase as compared with the same period of last year of 72 per cent. The increases at the other three centres were:—Auckland, 15 per cent. ; Wellington, 18 per cent; Lyttelton, 12 per cent. Two slips of considerable magnitude have occurred m Bethune’s Gully, on the slopes of Mount Cargill, as the result of the recent rains. Both are approximately about 150 yards long and two chains in width. They were on opposite sides of a stream, and met at their base. Huge trees were uprooted and carried down stream, while boulders weighing as much as five tons were also swept down. The water wheel of a wood-cutting mill was completely tern away and demolished. Mr H. L. Tapley, president of the Overseas Club, was on the 10th entertained by members at, an ‘‘at home ’ a 3 a_ means of congratulating him on his election to the position of Mayor of Dunedin. There was a large attendance of members in the c.ub room and the chair was occupied by Mr J H. Walker. During the evening Mr Taplev was presented by the chairman with the club’s gold badge as a slight token ot esteem and a memento of the club s good wishes for his success in carrying out the important duties attached to his office.