NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 3763, 27 April 1926, Page 65

NORTH OTAGO.

THE W.E.A. The tutor for the W.E.A. class in Hampden this year is Dr A. Fisher, Professor of Economics at the University of Otago. The first meeting was hell in the Druids* lodge room on April 14, when Mr Dunbar .was re-elected chairman and Mr M. Kain secretary of the class. It was decided to take for this year’s subject “Paths to Progress.” At the first meeting Dr Fisher spoke in general terms on the meaning of first of a series of proposed methods of “Progress,” and at the next meeting the ensuring progress will be discussed under the title “Robert Owen and Environment.” From April 28 onwards, the class will meet weekly during the winter. WAIAREKA SALES. The usnual weekly sale at Waiareka was held on Tuesday, there being a fair attendance. About 3000 store sheep were forward, but the market was much easier, farmers having already fulfilled their requirements. The yarding consisted of aged ewes, with a sprinkling of good wethers and rape lambs. A good demand existed for these. The following prices were realised: Four,six, and eighttoothed ewes, 27s to 30s; five-year-old ewes, 15s to 21s fid; cull ewes, 6s 6d to 11s fid; rape lambs, 21s to 235; cull lambs, 12s 6d to 18s 4d; six and eighttooth wethers, 24s to 26s 6d. Fat Sheep—Wethers, 22s to 31s fid; ewes, 21s to 23s 9d; medium, 15s to 17s 9d. Fat lambs, 26s 6d to 27s 9d. Pigs. —A medium yarding, which sold at last week’s rates. Fat Cattle—The yarding consisted of medium condition. Best, £5 to £5 16s; medium, £3 to £4 10s. FAREWELL SOCIAL. Mr F. W. Ongley, who is about to leave Oamaru for Wellington, was entertained at a farewell social in the M’Lean Hall on Tuesday by the Oamaru Boxing Association. There was a good gathering of representatives of sporting bodies, and the chair was occupied by Mr W. Couper. Among the toasts honoured were ‘ihe New Zealand Boxing Council,” proposed by Mr Forbes and responded to by Mr Ongley; “Borough Council,” proposed by Mr A. W. Moss, and responded to by Cr Crawshaw; “The Police,” proposed b> Mr T. Nightingale, and responded to by Senior Sergeant Shanahan; “Kindred Sports,” proposed by Mr Jacob Mitchell, and responded to by Messrs James Moss, Benson, Grater, Forrester, Palmer, and Hannon; “The Visitors,” proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Mr G. Wilson (Eltham). The toafet of the evening was proposed by Mr J. D. Forbes, who stated that Mi Ongley had been one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the Boxing Association and a very valuable citizen. He had done much to assist the finances of the association. On behalf of the association he presented Mr Ongley with a handsome travelling bag. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and Mr Ongley suitably replied. Various other toasts were honou.el, and during the evening songs were rendered by Messrs Weir, Banks, Earl, James, M'Lean, and Cooper. PERSONAL. Nurse Hollands, who has been doing excellent work in the Waitati Hospital district, is to spend four months at Karitane. Messrs George Livingstone and James Gerrie left Oamaru yesterday for Dunedin. Mr Thomas Cuthbertson, formerly of Hilderthorpe, who is farming in the Wanganui district, is at present a visitor to Oamaru. At the meetings of the Waitaki County Council and Waitaki Electric Power Board on Friday the hope was expressed that Mr William Gardiner, a valued member of both bodies, would soon be restored to health. AN INTERESTING FIND. A Dunedin builder (W. Thompson) made an interesting find at Palmerston last week. He was dismantling a chimney in a very old house, when he came across a collection of coins. These included two sixpences dated 1845, a penny dated 1848, a George 111 penny, a threepence dated 1865, a Chinese token, and several ancient halfpennies. It is believed that the coins found their way to the chimney through slipping behind the mantelshelf on various occasions during the early history of the house. The coins were exhibited in Oamaru yesterday. GENERAL. In responding to a toast at a social function in Oamaru on Tuesday night, Mr John Wilson, who was formerly a farmer at Papakaio, but who has resided for some years in Taranaki, expressed surprise at ihe rapid strides that had been made by this borough in the last decade. He stated that there was no town in the Dominion that had a more healthy appearance than Oamaru. The enforcement of penalties in connection with building contracts would appear to be impossible in Oamaru at the present t'me. It was stated at a meeting of the Waitaki Hospital Board on Tuesday that it The dental clinic in Oamaru is to be officially opened by the Minister of Health next month. The Pukeuri freezing works continue to be active, and are at present putting through about 3000 head of stock per day. The Waitaki County Council has been advised by the local officer of the Agricultural Department that proceedings were being taken against 16 farmers for failing to cut Californian thistle. The engineer to the Waitaki County Council reported on Friday that the road between the borough boundary and the Waitaki River was now in a better condition than it had been for years. During tin past month the Waitaki County Council has collected £10,593 in rates. The rates collected for the year amounted to £15,949 2s fid. The outstanding rates at the end of the year amounted to only £877 17s Bd. A large body of children froni North Canterbury and Christchurch schools, who have been visiting the Exhibition, paid a short call to Oamaru on Friday.

The Grand Master of the 1.0.0. F., is to visit Oamaru on Tuesdav, and will be entertained at a social and dance by members of the Alfred. Star of Papakaio, Hope of Maheno, and Waiareka Lodges. An Up-to-date pot ■>, weighing 31b t and grown by Mr Marshall, of Enfield, is on view in a shop window in Oamaru. A full holiday is to be observed in Oamaru on Saturday next, when several thousand persons are expected to proceed to Dunedin by train and road for the closing day of the Exhibition. THEN AND NOW. A considerable number of settlers in North Otago have in recent years abandoned wheat-growing in favour of sheepraising. In the early days sheep-raisin? was the principal industry of the district, although wool sold as low as 5d and 6d per pound, and carcases of mutton were not worth more than a few shillings. In the year 1860 the principal flock-owners of the district were as follows: —F. and W. Fenwick, 25,604; Borton and M‘Mas* ter, 18,000; M'Lean Bros., 18,000; W. G. and R. A. Filleul, 16,500; Mathew Holmes, 8500; Charles Hopkinson, 7300; W. H. Tescheinaker, 6000; W. H. Valpy, 6000; W. H. Dansey, 5800: Thomas Ferens, 5750; John M‘Lean, 5187; Rowley, Hamilton, and Wayne, 4789; Fraser and Campbell, 4500; James Hassell, 4500; H. C. Robison, 4100; Edward M‘Glashan, 3500; Reginald Julius, 3000; J. G. Andrew, 3000; Robert Campbell, 2850; Edward Bland Atkinson, 2800; Holmes and Campbell, 2100; P. B. Luxmore, 1520; W. S. Trotter, 800. THE WAITAKI RIVER. It is of interest to learn that in the yc..r 1853, at the very earliest stages of settlement in North Otago, Mr Walter Mantel, who was Commissioner of Crown Lands, desired to change the name of the Waitaki River to “Shakespeare.” The northern Maoris called the river “Waitangi,” which means “weeping waters.,” but the southern Maoris called it ‘‘Waitaki,” meaning “waters diverted.” The proposal of Mr Mantel was not adopted, and the southern Maori name has been retained. Before the river was bridged, travellers were put across the river in Maori canoes. One pakeha-Maori named James Saunders lived with the Maoris at the mouth of the river, and had a Maori wife. He was known as “Jimmy the Needle,” and was the first European to settle in North Otago. THE PIONEERING DAYS. The early settlers of North Otago appear to have endured many privations and Hardships. Mr W. H. Roberts, in his wonderful sketch of the pioneer settlement, tells of a visit to the station of Messrs Pike Bros, in 1856. The wheat, in those days; had to be ground in order to make scones. Mr Samuel Pike had a box-hand-mill, which ground the wheat and separated the flour into firsts, seconds, and bran. The Pikes had no comforts about them. Their hut was built of clay, without any glass in the window. There were no chairs, and empty boxes served the purpose of seats. Firewood had to be carted for eight miles, and the owners of the station did their ow r n shepherding and bullock driving. CENSUS CURIOSITIES. Users of motor vehicles in North Otago are complaining bitterly at the prices at present .'■hnrged for motor spirit. In Wairnatc the letail price is 17s per case, while in Oamaru it is 19s. The garages state that they are in no way to blame, as their prices aro controlled by the wholesale firms. The reason for the difference in price between Oamaru and Waimate is difficult to discover. The Oamaru public considers that it has a substantial grievance. It may be lemarked that the Oamaru Harbour Board recently granted a concession to two large firms for the erection of oil tanks on the foreshore. A condition of the lease is that the tanks must be provided within a definite period. PRICE OF PETROL. The head of one Oamaru household was puzzled over his census paper. He could not understand why the Census Department should require him to write the name of his wif* Matilda Jane in full, and then indicate by the letter “F” or “M in a separate column whether she wa9 a male or a female. So that the census man would have no doubt whatever concerning the sex of his wife he wrote in big, bold letters, “She is a female.” NEWSPAPER JUBILEE. The Oamaru Mail celebrated the fiftieth year of its publication on Thursday by the issue of an illustrated supplement, giving very interesting details of the progress of the district, as well as that of the paper. The preparation of the supplement must have entailed much research on the part of Mr James Mitchell, who was chiefly responsible for its production. LABOUR AND FLOUR. Mr T. Jacobs, president of the North Otago Labour Council, has received a communication from the Hon. O. J. Hawken (Minister of Agriculture), in reply to a letter dealing with the duty on flour. The Mi water says: “I may say that this matter has received the most careful consideration of the Government, and an announcement as to the Government’s policy was issued for publication on February 22. As the decision then announced was the result of careful inquiry, I do not think that any further action on the part of the Government is necessary or possible.” SERVICES RECOGNISED. There was a large and representative gathering in the Oamaru Municipal Chambers on Friday afternoon to do honour to Mr F. W. Ongley, solicitor, who is leaving the district after a lengthy residence. All phases of public activity were represented, including representatives of the Oamaru Jockey Club, Oamaru Trotting Club, and various other sporting bodies. The chair was occupied by Mr W. H. Frith, who expressed pleasure at seeing such a representative gathering, and read apologies from several prominent citizens. He said his pleasure was tempered with regret at the occasion upon which they had met It was a matter for regret that

they had to say good-bye to Mr Ongley, who was born and bred in the district. Mr Ongley had taken an active interest in all affairs making for the welfare of the district. Not only had he taken his share in the civic responsibility of the borough, but he had played an important part in all sporting institutions. He was a man who always did his work with a smile. He had been associated with sporting bodies, and also, the speaker thought, with religious bodies. It was the sincere hope of his many friends that he would be successful in his new home, and that he and his family would be blessed with happiness and prosperity.— (Applause.) On behalf of the citizens Mr Frith presented Mr Ongley with a handsome piece of silveV plate, inscribed: “Presented to F. W. Ongley, Esq., by his friends, on the occasion of his departure from Oamaru. April 23, 1926.” Mr W. Hannon, on behalf of the Oamaru Trotting Club and Jockey Club, presented Mr Ongley with a silver tea service and tray. Mr Hannon stated that Mr Ongley had been a valued member of both sporting bodies, who wished him every success. Mr Joseph Mitchell, representing the Oamaru Jockey Club, endorsed the remarks of Mr Hannon. Mr George Livingstone eulogised Mr Ongley on behalf of the sporting community, and Mr P. C. Hjorring referred to him as a contemporary in the legal profession. Mr Hjorring declared that Mr Ongley had a legal mind, and was one of the most feremost in his profession in the Dominion He ventured the opinion that Mr Ongley would rise to the highest pinnaclo in the legal profession. Mr A. J. Grave endorsed the opinion of Mi Hjorring, and Mr J. A. Macpherson spoke of the humaritarian side of Mr Ongley s nature. Mr Frank Cooney referred to the assistance Mr Ongley had given his family, end to the fine characteristics of Mrs Ongley. Mr D. Williams mentioned that Mr Onglev had been an excellent rifle shot and boxing enthusiast, and an estimable citizen. The Chairman! Mr Frith) stated that it was most gratifying to find the spontaneous expressions from leading citizens It had been said that when thieves fall out honest men come by their dues. It seemed to him that there was no indication of the legal gentleman in Oamaru falling out (Laughter.) Mr Frith stated that if Mr Ongley. were ever to return to Oamaru he would be sure of a warm welcome. — (Applause ) Mr Ongley, who was received with great applause, thanked the speakers for the very kind words that had been said concerning him. He stated that it was part of the creed of the legal profession to help those who needad help. This spirit imbued the whole of the profession in Oamaru. He stated that he was leaving Oamaru because he wa9 not satisfied. He wanted to get more happiness than he thought he could get here. He was. very sensitive about his family, and was very proud of it. He thanked the citizens heartily for the very fin© send-off they had given him. This he would never forget.—(Loud applause.) The gathering terminated with the enthusiastic singing of “He’s a jolly good fellow.” CLYDESDALES. Two prominent Clydesdale enthusiasts from Victoria recently visited the Kakanui stud, where a number of high-class colts are to be seen These were unsold at Mr J. W. Smith’s sale last year. The visitors were very much impressed with these colts. They considered Bonnie Balmedie a very high-class animal, and were emphatic that he would beat the best horses they had in Victoria This horse has shown great growth and development since he was last seen in public. A RECORD YIELD. The past season has been a recordbreaking one so far as cereal-growing is concerned in North Otago. Many yields of wheat of over 70 bushels to the acre have been reported. Mr Janies Smillie, of Glenary, however, has easily broken all records. He has secured a yield of 88 bushels an acre from a 32-acre paddock of Sensation wheat. Nothing like this ha? been reported in North Otago. THE PAST WEEK. The past week has again been a gootP one for the farmer. A few light showers have fallen, but these have merely seemed to stimulate root crops. There is an abundance of grass in all directions, and fat stock is coming on finely. ,Ploughing operations are still in progross, and it is now evident that there will be a very considerable sowing of spring wheat. The digging of potatoes for shipment has commenced, and will become general in the course of a few days. Threshing from the stack is proceeding apace, and wheat of excellent quality is now coming in. The farmers generally are very optimistic concerning the future. POPPY DAY. The town sales of poppies brought to the funds of the Returned Soldiers’ Association £l2l as—a decrease of about £2O on the takings last year. The country returns aro still to come in and are expected to realise well over £IOO. The thanks of the association are due to the many ladies who helped in the disposal of the poppies. ELECTRIC POWER BOARD. A statement submitted by the engineer (Mr J. Dalmer) on Friday last showed the working results of the Waita. Electric Power Board for the past year to have been as followsßeceipts: Sale of current (all supplies). £12,385; rents. £l4; showroom profits. £ll4;—total, £12,513. Expenditure: Management and general, £1272; generating, £3925; distribution and sales, £1141; interest and sinking fund payments, £2BB7total, £9225. This leaves a profit on the year’s working of £3288. RUGBY FOOTBALL. RUGBY FOOTBALL, SENIOR. Old Boys 14, Athletics 3. Maheno 0, Excelsior nil. JUNIOR. High School A 21 v. Old Boys 7. Maheno nil v. Excelsior nil. High School B 3, Athletic nil. The North Otago Rugby Sub-union commenced its championship fixtures on Saturday in fine, but foggy, weather. The display of football was not particularly impressive, though In both senior matches

there were occasional glimpse* of correct Rugby. GRAND NATIONAL RAfFLE. It has now been decided tliaG the ballot for the prizes in the Grand National raffle will take place in the Opera House at 7 o’clcok this evening. It is expected that there will be a large attendance of the public on this occasion. ANZAC DAY. ANZAC DAY. Anzac Day was celebrated in Oamaru in beautiful wtather, and appropriate services were held in all the churches. The most interesting and impressive event of the day, however, was the ceremony of unveiling the North Otago War Memorial by Lieut.-Colonel Hargest, of Mandeville. The memorial, which was designed by Mr Eerie Miller, of Dunedin, and erected by Messrs Bingham and Co., of Dunedin, has been the subject of some controversy, chiefly in regard to the site. Nevertheless, all the citizens joined together yesterday, as they did when the foundation stone was laid by Viscount Jellicoe. to do honour to the heroic dead. The memorial takes the form of a foursided obelisk 42 feet in height, with a base of Bluff granite 20 feet square mounted on a low platform of granite. The material in the obelisk is Sicilian marble finished to a sanded surface. Round the side of the pedestals are carved shields with crossed torches as symbols of eternal life, and crowning the shaft on two sides are the familiar symbols of the Cross and wreath. In the north side of the memorial is a receptacle for a roll of honour, this being a -ompartment with a locking steel door covered with sheet bronze embossed to the pattern of the torch and wreath. In the receptacle was placed a casket containing a volume of vellum in which are inscribed the names of all those whose services the memorial is designed to commemorate. On the southern side of the monument are two bronze figures designed by Mr T. J. Clapperton, of London. They represent a soldier in uniform and the service equipment of the Western front, and a little urchin, such as might have been met with in the streets of any of the villages of Flanders, looking with gratitude into the face of the warrior. They are a beautiful conception of the ideals of service in the Great War.

The proceedings at the unveiling ceremony, which was preceded by a procession consisting of returned soldiers, Friendly Societies, members of the Fire Brigade, Territorials, Cadets, school children, and bands, were opened by the rendering of a selection by the sth Regimental Band. The National Anthem was then sung. The Rev. G. F. Stockwell (Methodist) read two appropriate passages from Scripture, which were followed by the hymn “St. Anne.” A prayer was delivered by the Venerable Archdeacon Russell, and a Scripture lesson was read by the Rev. Mr Clark (Baptist). After another hymn, and scripture lesson by Captain Neeve (Salvation Army), the Mayor (Mr James M‘Diarmid) delivered a stirring address. Mr M‘Diarmid said they were gathered together to commemorate the heroic services and sacrifices of those who had maintained i e honour and integrity of the Empire, and left a heritage for future generations to enjoy. They were l.iere that day to dedicate to these gallant men an imperishable monument which would honour their memories for all time. It was 12 years since the outbreak of the Great War. and 11 years that day since the historic landing of the New Zealand troops on Gallipoli. On that day the heroic manhood of New Zealand was destined to take part in a grand but tragic enterprise that would immortalise their memory. Ihe word Anzac would last as long as the world endured. To the young people assembled that day the Great War would possess only an historic interest. The returned soldiers present would remember the mn”rh past and the enthusiastic send-off they were given in the expectation that the war would soon be over. The conflict had lingered on until over 100,000 of the best of this manhood had gone away. Of these 18,700 had made the supreme sacrifice arid many thousands of others had been maimed and wounded. Appalling sacrifices had been made, and the suffering of those who fought in the Great War were beyo: computatlm. When they thought of those tragicsacrifices and the appalling outnouring of blood might they not hope that the nations would find some more humane method of settling international disputes in the future. They looked to the League of Nations and the combinations for peace to devise some scheme which would avert the horrors of war. The promoters of the war memorial had been able to provide a very fine monument with the funds available. He described the steps which had been taken in the matter, and saia that thanks to the generosity of the people the memorial was being mounted without a penny of debt upon it. The committee transferred it to the safe keeping of the civic authorities, in the hope that when the people passed it in their daily movements they would think of all for which it stood.

The hymn “Land of Our Birth” was sung, and Lieut.-Colonel J. Hargest, D. 5.0., M.C., unveiled the memorial. Before doing so Lieut-Colonel Hargest said he regarded it as a great honour to be privileged to perform such a ceremony He conveyed a message from the Southland men who were holding a demonstration on that day. He congratulated the people of North Otago upon providing such a nfie memorial to those who had made the supreme sacrifice in the war. Returned men on that memorable occasion would think of their old comrades and the stirring associations of the great enterprise. It was pleasing to him to know that the idears for which they fought had not been forgten. People would, he hoped, go away from that ceremony with feelings of pride for the manhood of - New Zealand. Eleven vears ago the historic landing had been made on Gallipoli. The impetuous men who made the landing had proved to the world that they were willing to fight to the last for the Empire and the cause of righteousness. They had on that occasion lighted a torch that would burn for all time. The memorial they were unveiling commemorated the services of all who had taken part in the Great War. It reminded them of the landing, and of the evacuation of Gallipoli on a bitter winter’s night. It remind** them of the immense sufferings endured in Sinai. It reminded them of the undying heroism of the men in France and during all those days of horrible trench warfare. It reminded them of the Somme, of Messines,

and of Passchendaele, the latter being thd only place in which they had failed through. \ sheer inability to go forward. The deter* f mination of the Australians and New Zealanders at the Somme had saved tho ' British army, and had earned tins , undying gratitude of France. Those were' a few of the things they could not forget. He had never heard of a returned soldier 1 speaking of his sacrifices, but they always ' spoke of the happy associations of the » battlefield. He was glad to see so many / returned soldiers on parade that day. It was his privilege for two years to be } associated with the North Otago men, i and that was why he was pleased to be; with them that day. The period be had \ served with them was the happiest of his f experiences in the war. They were a solid, decent lot of men, for whom he had \ the greatest admiration. Lieut.-colonel f Hargest then narrated several incidents of the war in which North Otago men were ■ concerned, and specially mentioned Fr.'in's Jones, who made the supreme sacrifice, , and Private Harper. In conclusion, he 1 asked the present and future generation's \ to keep before them the great ideals for ! which the men had fought and died. No ( nation could be said to be great that had ) not suffered, and the suffering of the war I would make a greater Empire, and if they \ kept alive the ideals of the war the future » of the Empire would be assured. f A casket containing the North Otago j roll of honour was then presented by the i president of the Oamaru Returned [ Soldiers’ Association (Rev. W. Maclean, M.C.) to the Mayor, and placed by the latter in the receptacle in the memorial, in the presence of the War Memorial Committee. A prayer of dedication was delivered by the Rev. W. Maclean. The hymn “Eventide” was sung, and the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Ivo Bertram. The “ Last Post” and “ Reveille” were sounded by a bugler, and a . march past and the placing of floral tributes on the base of the monument concluded an impressive and memorable ceremony. The guard of honour for the occasion was provided by the Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association. After the unveiling ceremony the returned soldiers 1 and public marched to the South African J monument, where a wreath was placed upon the base by Mrs M‘Lean, wife of the president of the Returned Soldiers' ' Association. The “Last Post” and “Re*j veille” were also sounded here. * HORE SALE. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company and the National Mortgage and Agency Company held one of their periodical combined sales of horse* on Saturday. There was a fair-sized entry of a miscellaneous character, but the said was dull and dragging. Thirty-one draughts wrere offered, and about half of ■ these found buyers. There were a few, f young Morses of a good kind, but these! gererally failed to reach vendors’ reserves,, and were withdrawn. The bulk, however* consisted of old and stale animals, for which there was little demand. The best price wa9 secured by a five-year old mare for which £4B was given. Seven-year-old mares and geldings sold at from £29 ta £33, aged mares at from £l7 to £24, and aged geldings at from £22 to £3l 10s. There were no buyers for the hacks and 1 ponies offered.