NORTH OTAGO

Otago Witness, Issue 3823, 21 June 1927, Page 29

NORTH OTAGO

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT. f OAMARU HARBOUR BOARD. A special meeting of the Oarnaru Harbour Board was held on Tuesday to consider the question of the formation of a roadway to the western side of the harbour. The chair was occupied by Mr N. H. Hayes, and there was a full attendance pf members. The Secretary read the report of the Special Committee, which had recommended the work. He also read a letter from the Borough Council offering to construct the road for £642 12s. Mr A. M'Kay stated that the Standing Committee was unanimously of the opinion that the offer of the Borough Council should be accepted, and that the road ghould be dedicated to the council. The offer of the council was considered to be reasonable, and the proposal was regarded as in the best interests of the board. Mr M'Diarmid said he had ascertained that a thinner layer of metal than that suggested would not be economical. Mr J. Gerni endorsed the view expressed by Mr M'Kay. Mr R. K. Ireland stated that after inspecting the work he was satisfied that the proporal was a good one. All he desired to be assured was that the Br ugh Council would not have a perpetual right to secure metal from the foreshore. The Chairman said there was no undertaking to this effect. Mr R. B. Meek was of opinion that the price of the work was unreasonable. He considered that they could do with a smaller expenditure. He was not obstructing the work, but he contended that they should conserve the funds of the board. Mr J. A. Macpherson said he had gone thoroughly into the matter, and he failed to see how they could get a good job done for a lesser sum than that estimated by the borough engineer. He thought the offer of the council was a very fair one ao far as the board was concerned. Mr M'Diarmid disagreed with the view of Mr Meek. The board had to put down a good road, or the council would not take it -over. That was a view of the position that they should not overlook. Mr Meek remarked that there would not be a road in the borough made in such an expensive way as that proposed. Mr M'lnnes asked if the road would give access to the tenants’ properties. The Secretary said this would be a question between the tenants and the council when the road was dedicated. Mr H. Ruddenklau thought they should have the opinion of an outside contractor as t whether the cost was reasonable. The price estimated seemed sufficient, in his opinion, to make a concrete road. He thought tenders should be called for the work. Mr Macpherson pointed out that the road would have to be levelled up. Mr G. Livingstone did not see any advantage in splitting hairs over a few pounds. He thought the council’s offer should be accepted. The Chairman said he sympathised with the view of Messrs Meek and Ruddenklau. At the same time, after hearing the explanation of Messrs M'Diarmid and Macpherson, he was satisfied that the work would be an economical one. and he thought it should be proceeded with. Mr Macpherson stressed the point that the council might be losing by the transaction, and Mr M'Diarmid endorsed that opinion. Mr Ireland emphasised the point that the council should not be given a perpetual right to take metal, and he was again assured that this would not occur. On the motion of Mr Livingstone, seconded by Mr Ireland, it was decided that the. offer of the Borough Council be accepted. The board decided to lease a small tenement to the present occupier at £5 per year. It was decided that the engineer advertise, if necessary, for a new or secondhand boiler.

I HARBOUR DREDGE. At the special meeting of the Oarnaru Harbour Board On Tuesday the Engineer (Mr La Roche) asked for authority to approach the Timaru Harbour Board for the use of its dedge for a period of two months, with a right to extend the period for another two months. Mr M'lnnes asked what siltation had taken place in the harbour. The Engineer replied that there had been the usual yearly siltation. The Chairman stated that the work was necessary, and the board had the money. On the motion of Mr Ireland it was decided that application be made to the Timaru Harbour Board for the use of its dredge. THRESHING OF WHEAT. Mr H. Ruddenklau, who was in Oarnaru on Tuesday, told our representative that he had not yet completed the threshing of his wheat. He stated that he had had four mills at work, as he had to deal with the produce of 2000 acres. Mr Ruddenklau mentioned that he was putting about 1500 acres under wheat this season. DEFICIENT MILK. Tn the Magistrate’s Court at Oarnaru on Wednesday, before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., Bertha Jane Thwaites was charged on the information of Inspector Fischer, of the Health Department, with supplying milk of a standard below that required by law. Mr A. G. Creagh appeared for the prosecution, and Mi Hjorring for the defendant. The facts iu connection with the taking Of samples by. the inspector and the results of the analysis were admitted. Mr Hiorring, for the defendant, explained, that these samples had been taken by the i'wpector. Two of these had proved to be correct, so far as solids were concerned, and the other incorrect. Mr Hjorring explained that a bucket of separated milk had, by mistake, been placed in one of the cans by her son. As soon as Mrs Thwaites discovered that samples had been IS* en by inpectot, she went to Mr Fischer and explained the position. There

had been no deliberate attempt to water the milk. Mrs Thwaites had been delivering milk to the Railway Department for some years.

Mr Creagh pointed out that the explanation given was incorrect. If separated milk had been added to the milk, the result of the analysis would have been different to what it was.

Mr Fischer explained the effect of adding separated milk to pure milk. His Worship stated that it was always difficult in these cases to arrive at a definite conclusion. The defences of mistake and accident were generally set up. In the present case it was alleged that separated milk had been added by mistake. His Worship said that if he imposed a nominal fine he would be putting a premium upon carelessness. The Act was a stringent one and was designed to protect the public. Ihe defendant would be fined £lO with court costs (12s), analyst’s fee (10s 6d)’ and counsel’s fee (£3 3s).

PUKEURI WORKS. The Pukeuri freezing works closed down for the season on Wednesday. The opeiations for the season have been most successful from the point of view of the stock handled. The number of ewes, wethers, and lambs slaughtered was well over 250,000, which compares more than favourably with any previous record of the Waitaid Farmers’ Freezing Company. DREADNOUGHT WHEAT. Although Dreadnought wheat has realised a good deal less than other wheats with the millers this season, many farmers are persisting in growing it, probably because it is a heavier yielder than other varieties. A prominent miller, in discussing the matter with our representative, stated that in his opinion farmers were badly advised in continuing t o grow Dreadnought wheat. He did not think there would be much demand for it next season. Solid straw Tuscan was a much better wheat, and this, with Hunter’s, Sensation, and Velvet, was what the millers were lokoing for. Dreadnought, added the miller, was altogether too rough for milling purposes, and in the long run it would be found unprofitable to grow. WOOLLY APHIS. « f'VL season * Papite known as the Aphihnus Mali” was liberated in tho Oarnaru district for the purpose of combating the depredations of woolly aphis in fruit trees. An officer of the Agricultural Department (Mr Inwood, of Dunedin) has been in the district during the last few days and has discovered that the natural enemy has done effective work in destroying aphis. NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION. The monthly meeting of the North Otago Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held on Friday, there being present: Messrs R. B. Meek (president), J. E. Tallentire. J. Hamilton, R. Walker, J. G. Macdonald, D. J. Ross. W. Forrester, A. Rapson, E. S. Brewster, A. Murray, and D. Rodger. Accounts amounting to £3l 13s 9d were passed for payment. The New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board sent advice in regard to the appointment of delegates to the Electoral Committee. — On the motion of Mr W. Forrester, it was decided to support the candidature of Messrs D. J. Ross and D. Williams, who had been nominated by the North Otago A. and P. Association.

Tlie Railways Department wrote, thanking, the union for its support in connection with the recent farmers’ excursion to Christchurch. Tlie Secretary of the South Canterbury Provincial Union -asked for information concerniiiir the yield of potatoes in North Otago. It was stated that the yield in Canterbury, owing to the drought, was not more than two tons to the acre.—Mr D. Rodger and others stated that the yield in North Otago had not been more than half that of the previous season, and it was decided to convey this information to the South. Canterbury Union. 'Tlie Ot-iake branch forwarded a report of its annual meeting, which was received. The Dominion Secretary asked for remits for the annual Dominion Conference. Mr R. Walker stated that he had been informed that it was desired that North Otago should lie represented on the Farmers’ Insurance Association directorate. —The Secretary explained that he had received a circular, but thought it referred only to insurance matters. —Mr D. J. Ross slated that all members of the Farmers’ Union were entitled to vote at the election. —lt was decided that the matter be kept in view next year. The meeting went, into committee to consider a communication from the Culverden branch, the proposals in which were ultimately rejected. Mr G. P. Johnston, of Alma, was elected a new member. THE RURAL FRANCHISE.

At the meeting of the North Otago Executive of the Farmers’ Union on Friday, Mr D. J. Ross drew attention to the anomaly in the voting for members of the Power Boards, Hospital Boards, and Harbour Boards. In one case the parliamentary franchise was used, and in the other only ratepayers voted. Mr Ross was r.f opinion that counties and boroughs should have the sama franchise. He did not care what this franchise was. He moved that it be a remit to the Dominion Conference that the franchise in connection with the election of members of the Harbour Boards, Hospital Boards, and Electric Power Boards be the same for counties as for boroughs. The motion was carried.

It has been pointed out,, in this connection, that the law provides that the elections shall be held on the roll in existence in each local body district. An attempt has previously been made to extend the parliamentary franchise to the counties, but this has been strenuously opposed by the Counties Conference. LAND FOR NOTHING. A letter was read from a settler in the Rotorua district at the meeting of the North Otago executive of the Farmers’ Union on Friday, stating that Crown land was being offered for nothing in his district, and strongly recommending those in search of land to avail themselves of this opportunity, which was described as "the chance of a lifetime.” The settler stated that he had done well on land in the same locality.—The communication was received

THE FARM SCHOOL. Mr R. B. Tennent, of the Agricultural Department, was present at the meeting of the executive of the Farmers’ Union in Ouuiaru on Friday. He stated that it had been arranged that a farm school should be held in Oarnaru on June 27 and 28. He indicated the series of addresses that would be delivered on the two days. The idea in arranging the programme was to give an opportunity for discussion at the end of each address. The lectures would not be as numerous as last year. Among those giving addresses would be Dr Cockayne and Dr Hilgendorf.

Mr W. Forrester expressed disappointment that provision had not been made in the programme for an address on the pig industry. Nor had provision been made for a social on the second evening of the school.

Mr Tennent stated that an address on the pig had been given last year, and it war thought it might not be desired again. Several members expressed the opinion that an address on the pig would be well received.

Mr Tennent: Very well, I shall arrange for an address on the pig. The only danger is that, Mr Gorringe being such an enthusiast, many of you may give up sheep for pigs.— (Laughter.) Mr E. S. Brewster asked if an address would be given on the mortality in lambs. Mr Tennent said the subject would be dealt with, but not in a special address. It was decided that a social be held in the evening of the second day of the school. Mr Tennent was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for attending the meeting. EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS. Mr R. B. Tennent stated at the meeting of the Farmers’JJnion in Oarnaru on Friday that 12 plots had been placed at the disposal of the Agricultural Department in North Otago for experimental purposes. These extend from Duntroon to Hillgrove, and embrace practically all qualities of soil in the district. The areas hai e been pegged off, and will be sown down in the course of a few days. TICKLING OF WHEAT. In the course of an address to the Farmers’ Union in Oarnaru on Friday, Mr R. B. Tennent stated that the Agricultural Department had been continuing its experiments this year with the drypickling 6f wheat. It had a machine from America that was used to mix copper carbonate with the seed wheat. A demonstration of the dry mixing, which was now common in Australia and America, would be given at the farm school. Dry pickling had come to stay, as it was proved to be a remedy for smut in wheat. WOMEN UNIONISTS. Mr R. B. Meek introduced the question at _l* riday’s meeting of the • Farmers’ Union of forming a women’s division of the union in North Otago. Ho pointed out that women’s divisions had been formed in various parts of the Dominion. Ho thought that there should bo no difficulty in forming a division in North Otago. The women would be of great assistance to them in many ways. ,^ r J- G. Macdonald: Thev would solvo tho wheat problem and daylight savino- — (Laughter.) Mr R. Walker thought that if greater enthusiasm was not displayed among the women than was displayed among” the men,, there .would be some difficulty in forming a division.

B- Rodger thought the matter might be held over to disco-ver what progress was being made in other districts. Mr A. Murray suggested that members’ wives be invited to attend the next meeting of the executive. After further discussion, it was decided that ladies be invited to attend the next meeting, to consider the question of forming a division. Mr Tallentire pointed out that as many ladies a 3 men attended tho Otiake meetings. A Member: Do they provide a cup of tea ? Mr Tallentire: They do. The Chairman : That’s a point worth considering. BARLEY SHIPMENT. A shipment of over 1000 bags of North Otago barley is being made to the Old Country by the steamer Mamari. This is an experimental shipment, to test the Home market with that of New Zealand lhe prices secured this season for free barley have not been remunerative to tho growers. A FINE WEEK. The past week, though exceptionally cold has been generally fine, and tho ground being in good working order, plough teams have been kept very busy. The indications are that the winter sowing will be well an to the average. Although the demand for seed wheat Irom the merchants has not been exceptionally strong, it has been ascertained that many farmers are making over the fence” purchases. Notw thstanding. the poor prices ruling for ho'h oats and barley, a fairly large urea is being sown in these cereals. A good dca 1 of the barley is. being sown under contract. Preparations are now being mado for the planting of potatoes. The Pukeuri freezing works, having closed down for the season, . there is little movement in stock. Dairying is now at its lowest, and the culling of herds has commenced. SNOW IN OAMARU. For the first time for several years a fall of snow has occurred in Oarnaru.. On Saturday morning residents awakened to find tho surrounding hills covered in a mantle of white, and a small coating in the yards on the flat. On the higher country a heavy fall took’ place, and for miles the landscape resembled a sheet of white. In some places the snow was two or three inches deep, while in others it was nearly a foot. It is feared that on the outlying, stations considerable losses of sheep will be reported. CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION. A procession of the Blessed Sacrament was held in the grounds of Redcastle College on. Sunday. The procession was headed by the Bishop of Dunedin, and a large number of priests and laity took part in,

the interesting cerpmony. Appropriate p Vas rcndcre d by the sth Mounted Rifles Band, under Hon. Lieut. Whale. FARMERS’ UNION PRESIDENT. A proposal is to be made at the Dominion conference of the Farmers’ Union that the If corh' 1 prCSldent 1* Paid an honorarium or ±,250 per year to meet his travelling expenses. lhe proposal was discussed in comimttee at the meeting of the executive of the Farmers’ Union in Oarnaru on Friday last, and tho local delegates were given a direction as to the course the North Otago executive considered should be adopted. OBITUARY. • TIIC d^' lt b occurred on Saturday morning of Airs John Williams, one of the earliest residents of Waiareka, in her /Gth year. lhe deceased came to North Otago in 1878. and had resided at Waiareka for nearly half a century. She was a prominent worker for the Anglican Church. Her husband predeceased her 17 years ago. She is survived by three sons and a daughter. The sons ‘include Air Herbert Williams, of Awamoa and the daughter is Airs J. M'Nally, jun., of Windsor. RUGBY FOOTBALL. The championship matches were continued in Oarnaru on Saturday 'in fine but bitterly cold weather. Excelsior defeated Malieno (the holders of the shield) b;. six points to nil, and Old Boys vanquished Athletics by 29 to 11. Old Boys are now leading by three points for the championship. SCOTTISH SOCIETY. The North Otago Scottish Society held its fifth annual meeting in the Lvric Hall on Saturday evening. The chair was occupied by Chieftain W. Couper, ami there was a good attendwance of members. The annual report (already published) was read and adopted. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £72 12s 6d The following councillors were elected for the forthcoming year :—Alessrs R. B Meek, W. Couper, J. A. MacPherson. G. Gardiner, D. Miller, A. Crichton, S. Molhson. H Ross. J. Ferguson. R. J. Alelville, J. G. Christie, H. Archibald. C. SicvSievwright, W. Gillies, W. Miller, A. Aloffitt, and J. W. Petrie. The executive officers are to be elected at the next meeting of the society. Crieftain W. Couper congratulated the members on the very successful year experienced, and mentioned that there were now over 350 financial members. < J^ es thanks were accorded Chieftain W. Couper, Mr G. Gardiner, the ladies tor organising the refreshments at the various socials during the year, and the press. It was decided to hold a’ series of dance rehearsals during the winter. • A t, tlle conclusion of the meeting ’an enjoyable concert was held, items being contributed by the following:—Dance (sailor’s hornpipe), Miss Aluriel Lee; Irish jm Miss Jessie Jardine: Highland fling, Aliss E. Shanahan and Alaster Pat Shanahan; songs—Mr J Barker. Mrs Kinder, Misses Marshall and Hill, Airs Hoskin, and Mr James, recitation, Air C. Janies.