NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 50

NORTH OTAGO.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT. TORT STATISTICS. The following are the port statistics for Oamaru for April:—Coastal cargo, inwards, 548 tons (beans and peas 4 tons, coal 262, fuel oils 5, sugar 45, timber 7, bottles 39, cod liver oil 8, other goods 178); outwards, 1518 tons (barley 72 tons, flour 718. oats 274. oatmeal 13. pollard and bran 280, seeds 20, wheat S 6, emulsion 27, woollens 16, other goods 12). THE RAINFALL. The heavy north-easterly rain continued throughout North Otago on Tuesday. Nearly an inch of rain fell in Oamaru for the 24 hours ended at 9 o’clock on Tuesday morning, while at Ngapara the registration was 90 points. The whole of the rivers and streams are in a flooded condition and work on the farm is out of the question. The month of April has been exceptionally wet, the total registration in Oamaru, as recorded by Mr W. Forrester, being ,88in, as compared with l.GOin in the same month of last year, 1.14 in in 1926, and 1.66 in in 1925. Rain was recorded on 12 (lays, the maximum fall for 24 hours being attained yesterday up to 9 a.m. The details are as follows: —April 3, 4 points; April 6, 74 points; April 10, 15 points; April 25, 20 points; April 26, 57 points; April 27, 26 points; April 28, 26 points: April 30, 75 points. For the four months of the year now expired the total rainfall has been 8.35 in, as compared with 5.90 in for the same period of last year, 8.59 in in 1926, and 4.54 in in 1925. Mr E. S. Brewster, of Awamoko, advises that the rainfall in that locality for April has been 3.15 in, as compared with only 76 points for April of last year. For the four months the total has been 6.88 in, compared with 4.88 in for the same period of last year. At Totara the rainfall registered for the month has been 3.46 in. A NEW MANSE. The tender of Mr Alexander Wilson at about £lBOO has been accepted for the erection of a new manse in Oamaru for St. Paul’s Church. The building, which is to be of nine rooms, is to have the Irfwer storey in stone and the superstructure of wood, with a tiled roof. POPPY DAY. The country collections for Poppy Day have not all yet come to hand. So far the sum of £35 10s has been received, making the total to date £l7O 7s 6d. Fourteen returns have still to come in. The whole of those received have been in excess of the sum collected last year. THE DAIRY BOARD. Mr William Lee, of Goodwood, has definitely decided to be a candidate for the representation of the No. 8 ward— Balclutha to Ashburton—on the Dairy Control Board. Nominations close oil May 20, and the voting papers must be returned before June 15. Mr Lee, who polled remarkably well in the election of 1924. is 54 years of age, and has been engaged in the dairy industry for many years. His father was the founder of tlie celebrated Ayrshire stud on the Otago Peninsula. Mr Lee afterwards went to Momona, where he was one of the founders of the Momona Co-operative Dairy Company, and was a member of the Taieri Drainage Board. He was also one of the founders of the Goodwood Co-operative Dairy Company, and has been chairman of directors of that company for eight years. WEEK ON THE FARM. The weather in the early part of the week was so broken that all farm work in North Otago had to be suspended. At the latter end of the week, however, a warm nor’-wester was experienced, and this dried the surface of the ground sufficiently to permit a limited amount of team work to be done. The threshing mills have been held up for over a week, and threshing from the stack is not yet general. One effect of the warm rains experienced has been the production of a wonderful growth of grass, and the assurance of an abundance of feed for stock for the coming winter. There is, in consequence, a good demand for store stock. Heavy drafts of fat lambs continue to be taken off the rape and turnip crops, and stock generally is in splendid condition. The cream supplies to the Oamaru dairy factories are being well maintained, considering the late period of. the season. It is yet an open question whether the high prices of lambs and wool will have the effect of seriously reducing the area that will be put under cereals in the coming season. " POWER DAMS AND TROUT. The following important communication was read at the meeting of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society from Mr J. T. Bennett: — “ As you are no doubt aware, the Government intends to erect a dam on the

Waitaki. In my travels recently, I have discovered that wherever these huge dams have been erected the rivers, from the dam site to the set, have been depleted of fish owing to the debris going into the river. Debris includes the residue of huge quantities of high explosive used for blasting, etc., which poisons the fish, also cement refuse, etc. Recently, when in Auckland. I was informed that there were no fish to be seen in tlie . Waikato below the Arapuni dam. Anglers say that the fish were absolutely cleaned out as a result of the dam building operations on the river; previously the river was well stocked with fish. Building operations on the Waitaki will extend over a period of three years, if not longer. I would suggest that there is no time like the present, and now is the time to start and prepare for what is coming. If nothing is done. I venture to say that there will be no fishing in Waitaki when the dam is completed. Some years ago your society started liberating rainbow fry in the Ahuriri at Deep Creek. I would suggest that this be continued for the next three years, and that the number liberated be increased, and a Iso that fry be liberated in the Otamatapaio Creek on Bog Roy flat, below the willows where fishermen camp. These fry will not move far from their place of liberation for. say, two years. By that time the dam will be well advanced. Any 'fish which move down stream will be trapped or stopped by the operations at the dam site, and will work up stream again, and remain there till the dam is finished. When the water backs up. the fish will stay in the dam after spawning in the Ahuriri and adjacent creeks, returning to the streams again when they regain their strength, as they do in the lakes. At the end of three years the fish liberated this year should be in the vicinity of 1.41 b or 21b weight, and fish liberated netx year and the following year w.ll be coming on so that immediately the dam is finished there will be good fishing there to compensate for any los-5 the society may suffer from the depletion of the river below the dam site. As soon as the dam is completed or when the water is backed up sufficiently’ to hold the fish from going down stream. 1 would suggest liberating fry in the Otematata Creek and the creeks nearer the dam. In fact. I would suggest intensive stocking of there creeks for, say, three years. By that time there would be sufficient fish in the dam and the vicinity to carry on the work themselves. It is quite possible the brown trout may’ make the Hakataramea River their shelter during the operations. In that case there will be a few fish left to return to the Waitaki later on, but I would also suggest intensive restocking of the Haka and all the streams below the dam with brown trout fry for three years, following the operations to make up for the depletion in the Waitaki. “I contend that the Waitaki is the best river on this coast; but there is no reason why it should not be a lot better than it is at present or has been during the last few years, if the society’ cares to make it so. The dam will only be about 45 miles from Oamaru. and in these days of fast ears there is every’ prospect of it becoming, a regular haunt for anglers from Oamaru and elsewhere, during week-ends and holiday’s or whenever the spirit moves our local sports to have a day’ or two with the rod. If the suggestions I have made are carried oiit I venture to say’ that your society will be possessed of a new fishing ground which will yield great sport in very short time, and I am sure the society’ will receive the whole-hearted support of all anglers in their district. Visiting anglers will also be much in evidence and Kurow will benefit thereby.” A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Bennett for his interesting communication, the president stating that it was encouraging to fin dfishermeu who took so great au interest in the work of the society. It was decided that it be a direction to the incoming council that Mr Bennett's suggestions be dealt with at an early’ opportunity. The secretary’ was instructed to write to the Department of Internal Affairs, asking that representations be made to the Public Works Department stressing the necessity for the provision of adequate fish ladders in the dam at the hydro-electric works on the Waitaki. SALE OF HORSES. A sale of draught horses was hold in Oamaru on Friday by Mesrs Wright. Stephenson, and Co. Altogether, 45 horses were offered, and the prices realised were very satisfactory. Mr R. McDonald, of Heriot. offered six draughts, the majority of which were aged, and these realised from £33 to £45 10s. Mr J. H. Mitchell, of Studholme, sold six three and four-year-olds at from £36 to £42 10s. Mr J. O’Brien, of Oamaru, secured £44 for a three-year-old filly, Mr T. M'Cone £35 for a three-year-old filly, Mr W. J. Mulvena £35 for a six-year-old mare, and Mr L. Harris (Beaumont) £l9 10s for a yearling gelding, and £l4 10s for a foal. RUGBY FOOTBALL. The North Otago Rugby championship matches were continued on Saturday in fine weather. The grounds were in good order, and the exhibition of football was better than has been seen this season. The attendance was rather disappointing. Athletic (6 points) defeated Excelsior (nil), and Maheno (10 points) defeated Old Boys (6). The junior matches resulted as follows:—Second Grade: Maheno 10 point®, Old Boys 3; Athlet ; c 3 points Excelsior nil. Third Grade: Excelsior 20 points, Old Boys nil. PERSONAL. IMr E. P. Curran, who for some rears has been accountant in the firm of Messrs Dalgety and Co.. Ltd., in Oamaru, has resigned his position with that firm as he contemplates taking a trip abroad. THE RABBIT ACT. Several adjourned cases under the Rabbit Act came before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court at Oamaru on Wednesday. In reference to the case against William Duthie, Inspector Taylor stated that he had visited the property and found

that good work had been done.—A fine of 40s and costs was imposed. Inspector Taylor said he had inspected the property of John Bates, and found that splendid work had been done. The gorse on the property should, however, be removed, as this was a harbour for rabbits.—-The Magistrate said he was dealing with rabbits, and not with gorse. —lnspector Taylor stated that he would probably take preoeedings under the Noxious Weeds Act. —A fine of 40s and costs was imposed.—lnspector Taylor mentioned that the defendant’s property was likely to be infested by rabbits from a neighbour, whose case had been adjourned, and who appeared to be doing very little.-—The Magistrate stated that if it could be proved that the neighbour was not keeping down the rabbits a heavy penalty would be imposed. Inspector Taylor reported having visited the property of J. B. Leen and C. Leen. He found that excellent work had been done, the whole of the burrows on the river flat having been ploughed in. He did not anticipate any further trouble from the rabbits on this property.—His Worship fined the defendant costs. A FARMER FINED. At a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court at Kurow on Tuesday, before Mr 11. W. Bundle. S.M.. a farmer at Hakatarainea was charged with being intoxicated while in charge of a motor car.—After hearing evidence, the Magistrate fined the defendant £5, but, owing to his livjng on a backblocks property, (lid not suspend bis license. An order was made that the name of the defendant be suppressed. MAINTENANCE CASE. The ease in which Mrs Todd claimed a variation of a maintenance order, ami maintenance for herself, from her husband (William Todd), again came before the court in Oamaru on Wednesday. Mr I. Jljorring, for the complainant, stated that since the last court day no settlement had been reached. The respondent’s counsel bad permitted him to inspect the complainant’s books. The complainant could not subsist upon her business, but was seeking a position elsewhere. Mr Hamilton, for the respondent, stated that he had examined the books, but was j not satisfied that they revealed the whole of the complainant's transactions. Airs Todd, under examination, s'ated that her books showed no payments for meat, groceries, bread, or gas, as these bad been paid for out of her children’s allowance, plus what she had drawn from the Post Office Savings Bank. She had offered to sell her business to her husband for £3O, but he would not buy it. Since August, she had banked £222 16s, and had paid £129 17s 4d for fish. lhe Magistrate suggested an arrangement under which the respondent should contribute £1 a week to his wife in the meantime. Mr Hamilton stated that his client was willing to supply 10s worth of fish per week, but the complainant stated that I she would not be satisfied with this. The Magistrate made an order for the payment of £1 per week. ALLEGED SPEEDING. Another batch of motorists was before the court at Oamaru on Wednesday on charges of driving motor cars along Thames highway at a greater speed than 18 miles per hour. Edgar G. Lee, who. Constable Warin" stated, had been motoring at 30 miles an E OUI \ T W ,\ S 20s, and costs. Adrian tr. Waddell, who was alleged to have been travelling at the same speed, was fined a similiar amount, with costs as were also Walter Taine (Dunedin), Harry Fitzgerald (Dunedin), Henry S. Shack(Dunedin), and James Watt (innaru). CLEARING OF GORSE. „,. T vr S’’ 0 P a Sjp rat ®> Court at Oamaru on \\ ednesday the adjourned case in which George Bilton was charged with failing to , guise on his propertv was called on Inspector Taylor stated that since the adjournment the gorse had been cleared to lus satisfaction • -M r for the defence, stated that it had taken only 50 hours to destroy the gorse. In these circumstances he asked that no conviction he entered. His Worship said that unless the case was withdrawn he would have to enter a conviction. Inspector Taylor stated that he could not see his way clear to withdraw th” case. A fine of IQs and costs was imnosed. THE WHEAT SITUATION. In conversation with Bur representative a prominent North Otago flourmiller stated that the millers as a body had no objection to the wheat growers forming a pool if they thought ■ they would derive any advantage from doing so. Ihe flourniiller pointed out that the millers had recently made an offer to pay a certain price for 25 per cent of tneir requirements for next season this was done with the object of endeavouring to stabilise the industry and to induce farmers to grow wheat. While the 5s lid per bushel f o.b. offered for Tuscan the 6s 3d for Hunters, and tlie 6s 8d for Velvet was a -minimum guarantee, it did not represent the maximum that individual millers murhf pay Nevertheless, it was as much as the millers were able to guarantee with flour at its present price Itwas pointed out that while the price of flour in the South Island was £l7 10s per ton for local consumption, the price for shipment to Wellington and northern ports was £l6 5s per ton. which meant £l7 Its per ton landed at those ports. While a considerable portion of the southern flour had been shipped north a large portion of the North Canterburv flour was consumed locally. . In order to bring about an equalisation between the nrofits of the millers Distributors, Ltd., had devised an equalisation scheme. Under this scheme the average price per ton secured by the the millers was about £l6 13s. ’ The term of _ the contract between the -millers expired in September next and unloss the cont’-act was renewed Distributors, Ltd.. would cease to function. The result would be that those millers who shipped north would have to accept £l6 5s per ton, which with open competition would force down the price throughout' the South Island to £l6 5s or lower. This would cause a reduction in the value of wheat. The

flourniiller stated that there was every prospect of tlie contract between the millers being renewed, but in view of tho possibility of its non-renewal a standard price could not be fixed for the whole ot next season’s requirements. Already contracts had been made on the basis of the prices offered, and it was probable tiiat others would follow. The flourmillers pointed out that the whole of the output of those making early contracts Mould be purchased at the standard price, but there was no guarantee of what the pt ice would be. Once the 25 per cent, ot the millers’ requirements was filled it was for the growers to decide whether they would take the risk of the market and grow without a guarantee. SALE OF PROPERTY. Tho goodwill of the leasehold of Mr Duncan, at Bortons, was offered at auction on Thursday. 'The property, which cornpiises 540 acres, was knocked down to Mr le Sor. formerly of Waitaki, for lhe market value of the land at this price is approximately £l5 per acre. Mr Duncan’s stock was also sold, and realised good prices, as high as 29s being paid for forward store lambs. 4 TNCREASED PRODUCTION. In an address to members of the Oamaru Rotary Club, Air G. _S. Cray, of liniaru. referred to the enormous expansion of the primary industries in the Dominion. He stated that there had never been a decade in the history of the Dominion in which the increase in the output of primary products had been so great as in tho 10 years ending 1927. The opinion, he said, was generally expressed that it was the increase in prices that liad swelled the value of our output, but that factor was not so important as the increase in volume, and that increase had been achieved in spite of the fact that the country had had to find food for 2u0,000 more people, a very small proportion of whom were on the land. The increased production had not been created by any noticeable extra labour on the farm, nor was there any marked addition to the settlement bn the land. The main cause of the growth was tlie appreciation ot better methods of working, recourse to the advice of departmental experts, and especially the use of fertilisers. He quoted many instances showing how phosphates had increased production', the most striking being a case in Southland, where a farm of 1850 acres was carrying 11,000 sheep and nearly 200 head of cattle.