NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 29

NORTH OTAGO.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT.

BLUEGUM DISEASE.

Many of the bluegum trees in North Otago, which were planted in the early days of settlement, have been attacked by disease, and are dying off. In some of the plantations the dead trees are converted into firewood. In others they are allowed to remain, thereby spreading the infection to the rest of the plantation. HISTORICAL EVENT. The sale of the Redcastle homestead to the Christian Brothers recalls an interesting event in the career of the original owner, Mr John M'Lean. When he and his brother were in Australia, prior to coming to New Zealand, it is alleged that a conspiracy to do them physical, injury was disclosed in the nick of time by a Chinaman. The Chinaman was brought to .New Zealand, and acted as cook to the M'Leans for many years. When he died a substantial monument was erected over his grave in the Oamaru Cemetery. OLD IDENTITIES. Oamaru can probably boast a larger number of very old identities than any town of its size in New Zealand. There are several nonagenarians, and quite a number of octogenarians who have spent over half a century in the district. Probably the oldest resident is Mr Robert M'Donald, who was one of the pioneers of the grape-growing industry. He is said to be in his ninty-fifth year. Mr Henry Allen is in his ninetieth year. He :s still hale and hearty, and retains tis faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr Duncan Sutherland is well up in the eighties, and is as mentally and physically alert as many in their sixties. Messrs J. H. Milligan, James Ferris, James Reid, T. Fairlie, J. M'Donald, and Robertson are all nearer 90 than 80 years of age, and most of them move regularly about the town. Probably it is the congenial climate that makes the years press lightly upon so many of our inhabitants.

SCENIC RESERVES There are a number of very fine scenic reserves in North Otago that are used as picnic grounds. Unfortunately most of them are situated on private property. One of the most delightful spots, is “Cosy Dell,” on the banks of the Waianakarua River. This has been the rendezvous for picnic parties from Otipopo, Oamaru. and surrounding districts for many years. Recently it was acquired by an Oamaru resident, and it is now fenced off and closed to the general public. 'Several other spots on the Waianakarua River make fine picnic grounds, and it is suggested that one of these be purchased by the Government, assisted by private subscription, a? a [ erpetual scenic reserve. Steps are likely to be taken at an early date to give this suggestion practical effect. TAKE-ALL IN WHEAT. Inquiries, made from farmers who wcre in town on Friday show that the “Takeall” disease in 1 wheat is most prevalent in the Totara, Maheno, Enfield, and Ngapara districts. In other parts of North Otago it is very patchv. As harvesting will not be general until the end of next month, it is too early to give even a rough estimate of the damage that will be occasioned by the fungus parasite. In the meantime, it is satisfactory to learn that it does not appear to be spreading to any extent. MAMMITIS. A number of dairy cows in North Otago have this year been found to be suffering from the disease of the udder known as mammitis. Various remedies have been tried, but none of them has proved entirely efficacious. HOUSE DESTROYED. An eight-roomed house, in the Hakataramea Valley, owned'by Mr B. H. Wilkinson, was totally destroyed by fire one day last week, together with its contents. • Workmen had been preparing a spare 1 room for the carpenters and had left for morning tea ifrhen the fire occurred and could not be suppressed. The insurances total £ll5O. / ELECTRIC I’OWEP v - For some years past persistent endeavours have been made to obtain an adequate supply of electricity for Oamaru and the North Otago district, and on the promise of the Government that power would be supplied from Lake Coleridge when that station was duplicated, the Waitaki Electric Power Board was formed, and proceeded to reticulate the district. As a long delay was inevitable before the Coleridge power would be available, the board installed an oil engine to give an increased supply to Oamaru, which was in great need of further power, and the balance was available for a limited country supply. Some delay was experienced in completing the high-power line from Timaru, but a definite promise was at last obtained that power would be given before Christmas. The board’s plant had been very fully loaded a* times, and the staff was becoming anxious as to the ability to continue taking fresh loads. In fact, one or two breakdowns occurred towards the end of the year, and pressure was again applied to the department to expedite matters and fulfil its promises. However,' shortly before Christmas, n trial was made, of the new lino, and this was found quite satisfactory as far as could be seen, and there only remained the completion 'of switching and • control arrangements. Just then another breakdown gave such concern that the board’s engineer and. manager appealed to the Government engineer for an emergency supply, and this officer very kindly consented to a supply through temporary connections, and at last on Christmas Eve the. long awaited Government supply was received. At pHT' sent the supply is being taken from the sub-station at Weston to the Oamaru power house, and then distributed throughout the town and country. The board's waterpower set is. being used during time of high demand to reduce the load on the Government line, and also to improve the very bad power factor which is caused

by the poorly loaded motors on the system. It should be noted that the board has to pay both for the highest demand during quarter and for the lowest power factor. Therefore) it is essential that the load be kept down to the most economical point, and that the power factor be made as hig as possible. For the latter purpose the board is offering special rates to consumers who improve their power factors, and is compelled to charge higher rates where the power factor is bad. CRICKET. The match Albion v. Oamaru was resumed on the school ground. The weather was warm, but showers fell during the greater part of the afternoon making the ball greasy and the outfield, which held too much grass, slow. . Owing to the holiday in Oamaru, Albion were two men short and Oamaru three. In response, to Albion’s 155, Oamaru had on the previous Saturday lost seven for 110. The remaining batsmen caused no trouble, adding only three runs. Albion in their second innings, after_a bad start, made 122 runs, Chalmers hitting lustily, for. 44 not out. Requiring 164 to win in 80 minutes, Oamaru went for the bowling and reached the total in the last over of the day. Smith carried his bat for a vigorous 80. The following are the scores:— ALBION. First innings . 155 Second Innings. Jacobs, b Zimmerman 6 Keith, run out 9 A. Brooker, c Kinder, b Zimmerman... 3 Carrington, b Zimmerman 6 C- Brooker, b Milnes 9 L. Brooker, c Zimmerman, b Milnes 4 Todd, b Smith ... 22 Chalmers, nqt out 44 Dickel, b Kinder 4 Extras ... ... ... 15 Total .' 122 Bowling Analysis.—Zimmerman three . for 36 runs, Milnes two for 43. Smith one for 11, Kinder one for 12. OAMARU. First innings 113 Second Innnings. Smith, not out 80 Milnes, b C. Brooker 21 Zimmerman, b Keith "... 37 Uttlcy, not out 23 Extras 7 Total (for two wickets) 168 Bowling Analysis.—Keith one wicket for 61, Carrington none for 53. C. Brooker one for 36. ’ ' FAREWELL GATHERING.

The Waitaki Hall was filled to capacity with residents from Papakaio, I’ukeuri, Hilderthorpe, Glenavy, Tawai, Oamaru and Waitaki, the occasion being a farewell to Mr and Mrs E. Lear and 'amily, who had received notice of their transfer to Timaru. Mr W. Smart and Mr Goodman (Oamaru) kindly supplied the music. Messrs A. Smillio and J. Hyland controlled the floor most satisfactorily. Prior to the supper adjournment, Mr C. Harper referred to the impending departure of. Mr and Mrs Lear from the district. During their stay they had rendered wonderful service to the public and their loss would .be keenly felt. Mr Lear had been a member of the Hall Committee for years, and had been a tower of strength to that body. As a member of the School Committee he had served several terms and his presence on the committee coincided with the school’s most prosperous years. On the Soldiers’ Memorial Committee he had been unflagging in his efforts to perpetuate the sacrifices of our boys. As a member, and during the last two years as chairman of the Waitaki Islands Trust he had carried out an arduous task with credit to himself and satisfaction to the license-holders. Mr Lear was the moving spirit in the formation of the Magazine Club, and was also an active memer of the Glenavy Sports Club and the Glenavy Football Club. Mrs Lear was an active worker on thn Red Cross sewing guild during the war, and had been one of the foremost workers in every cause for the good of the community. Mr R. P. Henry (Tawai) expressed his pleasure at being present to honour Mr and Mrs Lear who. he said, were most active workers for the district’s welfare. Tn Mr Lear’s administration of the Waitaki Islands ho had found him to be a thorough “white” man. He wished Mr and Mrs Lear .and family every success in the future.

Mr J; Walker (Glenavy) referred to Mr Lear’s efforts as a member of "the Glenavy sports and football clubs, and also wished the guests of tbe evening every happiness. Mr W. Smart (Oamaru) fully subscribed to the tributes paid by the* previous speakers. The Chairman, in handing to Mr and Mrs Lear a well-filled wallet of notes, thanked them on behalf of the community for the services they had rendered, and wished them every success.

Mr Lear was with cheers and musical honours. He stated that Mrs Lear and himself and family regretted leaving so many kind friends. Any service _ they had performed was more than repaid, by the kindly sentiments expressed. In going from Waitaki they were leaving some of the best sports he had ever come in contact with. He thanked them for then* flattering tributes and handsome gift.