NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 3833, 30 August 1927, Page 29

NORTH OTAGO.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT.

MORE “ SHINER ” STORIES

Many years ago, in Oamaru, “ The Shiner,” whose death was recently reported, observed a pompous manager of a local firm proceeding down Thames street. “ Good day, my lord,” saluting the manager, “can I stay in town to-night, sir?” “Yes,” he replied, “if it suits you—it's nothing to me, but why do you ask?” *’ Well, from the conceited manner you were walking down the street, I made sure the whole town belonged to you.” ’’The Shiner,” along with a number of his countrymen, was digging potatoes on Totara Park. It was good year, and the crop was averaging 22 tons to the acre. At midday the men all met on the headland to boil their billies for dinner, and their talk was generally about the size of some of the potatoes they had dug up. “ The Shiner ” remarked that just before he knocked off for dinner, he had unearthed an enormous tuber, that was so large that it would not go into a bucket. None of his mates would believe him. Therefore, he invited them after dinner k> go down the paddock and see for themselves, which they did. When they got to where be had been digging, he picked up a bucket, and looked out for a goodsized potato. He placed the bucket beside it, and told them to watch and see if it would go in. Of course, the potato lay where it was, and “ The Shiner ” retired very quickly under a shower of clods and potatoes. It may not be generally known (hat “The Shiner” took over Gabriel Reid's claims -when the latter left Gabriel's Gully for Australia. i RANGIORA FATALITY. Mr Willram Holme Hartley, who died from injuries sustained through his head striking a telegraph pole while motoring at Rangiora, was the eldest son of Air and Sirs John Hartley, old residents of Oamaru. He received his early education in this town. Sluch sympathy is felt for the parents of the deceased in their sudden bereavement.

PERSONAL. Sir T. Doyle, who has been manager of the North Otago Times for the last 10 years, and who has now been promoted to the Timaru Herald, was met by the staff of the Times last week and presented with a silver and oak inkstand. Sir A. B. Lang has been appointed by the Hampden Borough a member of the Waitaki Power Board to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sir G. Gould. Sir A. Sehnack, formerly of Oamaru, and now of Christchurch, has been appointed judge of the B grade band contest to be held at the end of the year at Temuka. COASTAL STEAMER AGROUND. The coastal steamer Opihi (638 tons) grounded on the mud bank outside th Oamaru breakwater at about 7 o’clock on Tuesday morning. She was in charge of Captain Arnold, who was making his maiden voyage in her. The harbourmaster (Captain Cox) states that the signal was hoisted against entrance to the port as the tide was low at the time. Tlie vessel was floated off at high tide, and berthed at the wharf. She is apparently undamaged.

WARDEN'S COURT. The application of Alfred Adams for a license to mine at Maraewhenua again came before the Warden’s Court at Oamaru on Wednesday. Mr Pollock, who appeared for the applicant, stated that the work of forming a road was well advanced, and he hoped it would be completed very shortly. A further adjournment was made until September 28. THE PAST WEEK. The past week has again provided disappointment for the farmer. The sun shone brightly on Wednesday and Thursday, and the ground was rapidly drying, when another heavy downpour of rain occurred on Friday. This will, it is feared, prevent the sowing of wheat in any quantity in the spring. The present indications are that the area under wheat will not be nearly as large as last year. Early-sown crops are, however, looking remarkably well. Lambing is in progress, and the percentage is expected to be a good one. The prospects for the dairy season are bright, and cows are already beginning to come in. Potato planting is not expected to be undertaken to any considerable extent. The tod-dressing of pastures has been delayed by the weather.

WHEAT-TESTING LABORATORY. The question of the establishing of a wheat-testing laboratory in the South Island was considered at Friday's meeting of the Farmers’ Union in Oamaru. The chairman stated that a proposal had been made to finance the laboratory through a levy on flour and on the wheat growers. The need for producing a better variety of wheat had long since been recognised. Mr A. Murray thought a great deal could be done by scientific research. After seccral members had spoken, it was decided, on the motion of Mr Tailentire. that this executive supports the proposal for the establishment of a scientific laboratory. PROTECTIVE DUTIES. At Fridays meeting of the North Otago Executive of the Farmers’ Union, a letter was read from the Auckland Provincial Executive, asking for support of a resolution demanding a reduction in the protective tariff, with the view of ultimately abolishing protection entirely. Mr Meek: This is another Auckland stunt. He pointed out that Auckland chiefly depended upon dairy produce. It wanted to get the best it could for dairyproduce, and allow everybody else to work for themselves. The proposal to abolish the tariff would not commend itself to North Otago.

Another member remarked that the aboli lion of the protective duty would be no good for this district. The communication was received.

THE WHEAT PROBLEM. The wheat problem continues to exercise the minds of farmers in North Otago. At Friday's meeting of the FarmeYs’ Union Mr R. B. Meek stated that, at the request of the Prime Minister, he had attended a meeting in Christchurch on Tuesday last to discuss the wheat question with Mr Jones, who represented the Government. Mr Meek said the details of what transpired were not for publication, but he indicated the result of the conference. It transpired that the Government is willing to make the duty such that wheat-growing could be profitably undertaken. The millers and the wheat-giowers were, however, at variance on the question of the cost of milling. It is understood that the millers want £4 10s per ton for gristing, while tho farmers and the Government are of opinion that £4 is quite sufficient. Mr A. Murray thought too much was being made of the wheat question. The Government should give them an adequate protection duty, and then allow things to take their own course. The Prime Minister had made a definite pronouncement ’at Timaru, and he should stand by it. The Chairman said he had heard the Prime Minister’s promise at Timaru. WAITAKI POWER BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Waitaki Electric Power Board was held on Friday, there being present Messrs J. M. Forrester (chairman), J. M'Diarmid, J. Newlands, W. H. Frith, A. B Lang, A. MTnncs, and T. A. Munro. A motion of condolence was passed at the death of Mr G. Gould, and Mr A. B. Lang, his successor, was welcomed by the chairman.

Mr Norman Hayes wrote on behalf of the residents of Hakataramea, asking what steps should be taken to secure a supply of electricity for that district. —The Engineer reported that the matter had been referred to the Public Works Department. A reply had been received from the South Canterbury Power Board, stating that it would offer no objection to the Wa'taki Power Board taking over this area. The Finance Committee recommended accounts for payment amounting to £5030 19s Bd. It also reported bank balances as follows:—Power fund, credit, £8464 Os 4<l; capital account, credit, £5BB 15s Id. The committee approved of the treasurer s action in placing £5030 on fixed deposit, and also aproved of four applications for financial assistance, the amount involved being £253 Bs. The Secretary reported that the receipts for the month ended August 17 were as follow: —Current, £2781 0s 2d: fittings, £Bl2 7s sd; house wiring, £1165 18s: services, £249 3s 3d; miscellaneous, £lO5 18s 6d.

The Engineer’s report for the work done during the month was read as follows:—

Though a good deal of wet weather has been experienced, good progress has been made, and we arc now in view of the completion of most of the main feeder lines within the not very distant future. There will still be. of course, a number of smaller lines and extensions to undertake, while a lot of- other work will then be possible, and. in fact, from the indications already showing, it will be necessary- to increase many portions of our reticulation and provide more and larger transformers, etc. A very representative meeting was held at Kurow on the 9th instant, a strong commitee being formed to assist in canvassing the district for the greatest possible support of the board's proposals. We hope it will be found that revenue guaranteed will warrant the construction of this line immediately, but it is essential that everybody who can shall join up now. I am pleased to report that further revenue is now premised for the Duntroon line, and this is now assured, and is under erection. In this connection it is worth noting that frequently it is the small side or- branch lines off the main routes which really make the whole scheme possible, the business on the actual main routes being too small to pay for the heavycost of these lines.

The application of residents in the Hakataramea district is having attention, and an inquiry has been made to the Public Works Department regarding the terms under wind' it will be possible and advisable to give a supply. We are advised by the South Canterbury Power Board that there will be no objection to this board taking over the district concerned. The chief obstacle is the financing of the work, and it would seem that some special loan must be raised under a rating guarantee by the district to be defined, unless, of course, money is otherwise found by applicants. However, the matter is being investigated, and all steps taken to get finality as soon as possible, so that work maybe proceeded with later qu if possible without delay.

It will be seen from report below that it has been found impossible to proceed with supply to Georgetown, as the support, especially in the township itself, has been quite inadequate. Although in manycases we have found a tendency- to wait and see by would-be consumers, it has usually happened that sufficient support has been given to warrant work proceeding, when many hesitating residents sign up, but in the case under review I cannot recommend further action at present, and we are turning attention to other parts of the district where requests for supply are pressing

A meeting is being held at Five Forks immediately, and it is hoped good support will be given. The Assistant Engineer advises as follows—Pole work is now finished in the Tokarahi district, and work is proceeding on the Duntroon line. The wiring gangs are at present in the Waitaki district, where work will be finished this week, when a start will be made to wire up the Ngapara-Tokarahi line and branches. Transformer erection is proceeding in the Waitaki district also, and we hope to liven this up in the course of a week or so. Canvassing has been carried out in the Duntroon and Georgetown districts, and some preliminary committee work done for the Kurow line. While in parts of the Georgetown line a fair response was made, the township is hopeless, and altogether the results arc disappointing. The required revenue for the line and branches proposed is not less than £230 per annum, and only some £149 has been signed for after hard work and a considerable amount of canvassing at some cost and delay. We are now investigating the Kurow district, and propose preliminary work in the Five Forks district, to keep well ahead of the

construction gangs. A very interesting switching-on ceremony was held at Moeraki on the 16th inst., the township having responded remarkably well, while tie fishermen installed two leading lights to enable safe negotiation of a troublesj.-ne reef known as the “Blind Roller.” It lias been fond necessary to enlarge the transformer capacity of the south line, and a change-over was" successfully made last Saturday at the sub station near Maheno, power being cut off for the purpose. The inspector advises that all Moeraki and Hillgrove connections have been made, while wiring has been completed at Waitaki, where testing and inspecting are being carried out ready for switching-on in a few days. House wiring is in progress at Tokarahi. We have now some 140 ilectric ranges installed, and it may be mentioned that our water heating system is iow very satisfactory, provided it is properly carried out. In this connection it is essential that the board’s recommendations be strictly adhered to by all plumbers. (Note. —Many boards have found it necessary to issue specifications for water heating, and absolutely refuse lo connect installations not conforming to same). A fair amount of work is in progress in the borough also.

Mr Freebury advises that some 213.140 units were received from the Public Works Department during July, while we generated by water and oil a further 16,377, making a total of 229,316. Although June was a very heavy month, July exceeded it by some 6602 units. The highest load for a half hour during July was 590 k.w. Eight transformers were put into commission in tho month and work commenced on the overhauling of old transformers in the borough. REPRESENTATIV E FOOTBALL. A match between North Otago (maroon) and Eastern Districts (black) was played on the Oamaru show ground on Saturday in the presence of a large gathering. In spite of heavy rain the ground was in fair order. Tin display of Rugby considering the conditions was a good one. and in the early stages of the game the Southerners executed some brilliant passing movements. The game ended: North Otago, 25 points; Eastern Distracts, 11 points. The teams were as follow: —

North Otago.—Full-back, W. Brown, 14,2; three-quarters—A. M'Kerrow 11.2, J. Grainger 9.12. A. L. Hubbard 11.10, five-eighths—D. S. Loder 11.0, H. Kent 10.0; half-back, K. MacDonald 10.8; forwards—W. Cameron 12.8, W. Cleland 13.5, R. Cameron 13.11. J. Newlands 12.3, J. Pringle 11.4. A. Clarke 13.6, A. Pringle 11.4. A. Sim 12.6; wing-forward, J. Hoplcy 12.12. Eastern Districts.—Full-back. J. Dempster 12.8; three-quarters. N. MacDonald 13.3, A. Davidson 13.6, A. Walker 12.1: five-eighths—C. Nicholson 12.7. C. Weir 11.7; half-back, T. Lorenz 11.10: forwards —H. Simin 12.6. J. Duncan 14.8. W. M'Leod 13.8. E. Ashby 13.0, H. MTntyre 14.3. F. Fitzgerald 11.8, G. Brown 14.0; wing-forward, R. N’Gill 12.8. GOLF. The North Otago Golf Club played a bogey match on Saturday, which was won by Scott (8), 1 up. The best of tlie other cards handed in were those of S. Cuthbertson (15). all square; M’Ewan (10). 4 down; T. Wright (11), 4 down ; Nicholls (14), 5 down ; E. A. Read (4), 4 down. OBITUARY. The death occurred at his residence in Oamaru yesterday of Mr Patrick M’Grath in his 78th year The deceased had oeen in the Dominion for over half a century, and was for many years connected vith the New Zealand Police Force. He was a senior-sergeant at Oamaru, and Invercargill, and was well known in the Auckland district. He leaves a grown-up family.