The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 32

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. With the exception of heavy rain on Saturday morning last, the weather has been fine during . the week, and the farmers have been able to make good headway with their spring work. Golf. —On Thursday, 18th inst., a team of six lady members of the Wakatipu Golf Club visited Cromwell and played a match against a team of Cromwell ladies, the latter winning by four games to two. Mrs Elliot and Mrs Curtis, of the Wakatipu Club, won their games.— Owing to the rain there was no play on the Frankton links on Saturday.—The

semi-finals of the men’s championship were played last week, A. H. Cooke (last year’s champion) beating J. M’Neill, and A. Griffin accounting for G. Wilkinson. Valedictory.—On Friday evening last Mr and Mrs F. Padget, of the Junction Hotel, Arthur’s Point, were farewelled in view of their impending departure. The function was held in the Arthur’s Point Schoolhouse, Mr James M'Mullan, jun., presiding. In presenting Mrs Padget with a purse-bag and Mr Padget with a wallet of notes, the chairman referred to the keen interest Mr Padget had taken in school matters, and his association with sport, especially football. Mr Padget suitably returned thanks. General.—The erection of the concrete dam at the intake of the Arrow River irrigation works is now completed, and the men now employed (about 40) are engaged in cutting branch races, putting in gauge boxes, and cleaning out the main races. —Mr R. Adamson, of the Otago Acclimatisation Society’s staff, has for the past four months been engaged in collecting trout ova at Hayes Creek. He has secured 2,030,000 ova, and these have been brought to the eyed stage at a temporary hatchery erected at Ayrburn. The eyed ova is now being transported to the Otago Society’s hatchery at Waitati. ' ~ Bible Class Rally—A Bible Class rally was held in St. John’s Presbyterian 'Church, Arrowtown, on Thursday evening. A number of representatives from the Queenstown and Lower Shotover classes were present. Addresses were given by the Revs. J Kilpatrick and Jackson and Mrs W. H. Berry, leader of the Queenstown class. The visitors were afterwards entertained at supper in Mrs Johnstons hall by the members of the Arrowtown class.

LUMSDEN.

This district, in general with others, experienced the hardest winter for sex eta years. Since the heavy snow storms the weather has been unsettled generally. During this last week the weather has been calm and warm, the absence of wind having been noticeable. A change has now set in, and rain is falling. Owing to the cold weather experienced spring growth is later than usual. . Tennis. —The season for this game is now upon us, and enthusiasts are frequently seen on the local courts during t le fine weather. Judging by the number who attend, the membership should be increased by a number of young players. The club has now three courts, and to raise funds to pay off the new one a series of euchre evenings has been held. These have been well attended, and a substantial sum has been raised. A number of local residents have contributed prizes, which have helped to make the evenings a success. The winners of last weeks prizes were Miss Allison first, Mrs MGavock junr.. consolation; Mr R. Scott first, and Mr A. Reidy consolation. The first prizes this week were won by Mrs Biggar and" Mr Aitcheson. the eonPolation prizes by Mrs Gerkin and Mr J. Allison. Golf. —The season is nearing an end, during which numerous matches have been played. In the-semi-finals of the mens competition H. Heath beat M. Reidy, the winner to play L. Gilkison in the finals. The eclectic match was won by Mrs Murphv 43-12-31. and Mrs M'Donald 43-10-33 and H. Heath 38-9-29 and S. Stevens 40-9-31. The following Saturday a bogey match was played, the result being a win for Miss M'Alister and a tie between Messrs L. Owen and R. Scott, which was won by R. Scott on the play-off. Horticultural Society.—The committee of this society has arrangements well in hand for the annual spring show. Numerous sections have had special prizes donated to them, so that competition should be keen. This event is set down for October 18. The following stewards have been appointed:—Flower and vegetable sections. Messrs J. Clouston, M. Reidy. A. Douglas, and F. Lansdell; decorative: Mrs H. Graham; industrial: Mesdames H. Graham, J. Menzies, and J. Marshall; produce: Mesdames Ogilvy, Clouston, M'Cutcheon. and Mr J. Campbell; school section: Lunisden School staff and Miss Brotherston. Town Board. —The nominations for commissioners resulted in 10 names being put forward and a poll taken placed the following in order of votes:—Messrs Heath, Keith, Gerkin, Campbell, Little, Tomlin, Reidy, Maloney, Small, and Tayler. As only seven were required, the three latter names—previous members of the board —were declared defeated.

FLAXBOURNE.

After a hard and long winter, the spring is putting in a very tardy appearance. Cold southerlies have predominated all this month. About a fortnight ago we had a bad south-easter, accompanied by heavy rain and sleet, with much snow on the hills. Unfortunately many people were in the middle of lambing, and a good deal of lose was occasioned. Most of the lambs born during the storm died, and in some eases lambs days old succumbed also. The number of sheep in both Seddon and_ Flaxbourne districts has increased during the last few years, as cropping has

become almost a thing of the past. Most of the cultivation is being devoted to fodder crops for fattening lambs, and only enough chaff and oats are being harvested to feed the teams.

Our spring flower show was Held on Tuesday at Ward. The exhibition of bulbs was wonderful. The cold, wet spring seems to have been enjoyed by them, at any rate.

WAIROA, HAWKE’S BAY.

East Coast Railway.—Uneasiness has been expresed in some quarters in Wairoa lest the newly-appointed commission to investigate the railways problem might make a report that would lead to the stoppage of the East Coast Railway, or any part of it. It has been already shown that the East Coast Railway, when completed, will not be a reproductive line directly, as the cost eventually will be high in the sum total, but is it really necessary that the trunk railway should pay provided it opens up large and fertile areas, and brings the producers of primary products into complete touch with the best markets of • the Dominion at the lowest possible cost ? If ever there was a railway uiiclertaken on reasonable grounds it is the East Coast trunk railway, for when completed it will serve the whole district from Napier to the north of Gisborne, a distance of about 200 miles in length and extending back to the Taupo and the Kaingaroa Plains, easily fed by branch roads leading to the trunk line. For over 50 years the East Coast has been hampered by the fact of its isolation, and by the high cost of getting produce to market, stock especially having to travel by a very roundabout route to reach the Waikato, as one instance. Wairoa people are already beginning to realise some benefit from the railway as far as it has come our way, and the country is already reflecting these benefits. But these are as nothing to what may be expected in the future. Stretching away from Waikari, and even keeping within the Wairoa County boundaries, there is a huge territory awaiting settlement*, whilst behind lie areas up to the Taupo Plateau that will be served by the line when the feeder roads are constructed, and it is here the motor lorries will render great service and not competition with the railway Main Highway. —The Wairoa County Council, which took over the repair and control of the main highway through the Wairoa Borough at the instance of the latter, has made a very good job of the thoroughfare. As soon as the metal consolidates it should be one of the best stretches of road in the district.

Accident. —A middle-aged man, A. E. Costello, of Wairoa, while engaged in bushfelling at Ruakituri on Saturday, met with a painful accident, suffering a severe cut on his head through an axe slipping. In consequence of the numerous slips on the road he did not reach the hospital till Sunday night, when the wound was attended to. He is now reported to be doing well. Holidays.—The opinion has often been expressed that New Zealanders have too many holidays—that- is, holidays of a sort, for not much can be done with one day. Of this class is Dominion Day, which was observed on Monday by the schools, legal and Government offices, and banks. This holiday is one that might very well be abolished, say several residents of Wairoa.

Hockey.—The finals of the Wairoa Ladies’ Hockey Competitions were played on the Wairoa ground on Saturday. The two teams which met each other —Topane and Tatau Tatau —were equal in points, and as the game resulted in a draw, one point each, both teams are still equal, and will hold the Brandon Cup for six months each.

LAWRENCE.

The weather is now much milder, and we have had a few sunny days, which have had a fine effect on the grass and vegetation. The weeping willows are now green. Occasionally there are a few clouds obscuring the sun. There was a smoke round the town yesterday from grass fires. There is a large amount of red-top grass in the neighbourhood, and it grows rapidly, and dies in the autumn, and then gives plenty of material for fires.

Wedding.—There was a very pretty wedding in the Wesleyan Church yesterday. The bridegroom was Mr Francis Plever, the loom tuner at the Bruce Woollen Mills, and the bride was Miss Elva A. Wetherall, the only daughter of Mrs E. Wetherall, of Colonsay street. The bridesmaid was Miss A. D. Clark, a cousin of the bride, and little Annie Cousins was flower girl. The bride had the usual veil and orange blossoms, and stood beneath an artistic bell lent by Presbyterian friends. The Rev. Philip Bridger officiated. The bride’s eldest brother was married in ■ this church in January last. On leaving the church a little girl presented the bride with a horseshoe as a symbol off good luck and best wishes. The wealing breakfast was partaken of in the Anglican parish hall.

NEWS TOPICS.

The second of a series of lectures in connection with the agricultural course at the Gore High School was given recently. The object is to give the pupils as much practical knowledge as possible of the animals with which they will have to deal. There were present Mr- R. Gibb, Menzies Ferry, who gave the address, Mr J. Hunter, M.A., rector of the High School, Mr R. L. Byars, a member of the Board of Governors, and Mr W. J. Johnston, Gore, who provided the cattle.

FRUIT PROSPECTS. Indications are for a very heavy crop of fruit. Apricots are at present in full bloom, ai)d present a very fine sight, the trees being smothered with blossom For the next fejy weeks growers will be on tenterhooks lest southerly weather should be experienced. A severe frost would do much damage, and, since the crop was partly taken last year, should one occur the results would be disastrous. CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS. The children’s fancy dress entertainment and folk and fancy dress dance in the Memorial Hall at Ophir was well attended, and all present thoroughly enjoyed it. The action dances by the Blacks School children were excellent. The judging was kindly undertaken by Mrs Seoular and Mrs Butcher, whose decisions gave entire satisfaction. The prize-winners were as follows:— Senior boy—Leon Caldwell, Chinaman. Junior boy—Ronald Pont, black and white pierrot. Senior girl—Claire Holden, Eastern lady. * _ . Junior girl—Mina Craig, Mid-Vic-torian lady. —Outside Children. — Boy—Gordon Paterson, clown.

Girl—Maureen Caldwell (powder puff) and Betty Richardson (spring cleaning) a tie.

—Special Prizes.-—

Leo Fahey, Crown tea; Noel Larson, parson; Margaret Drake, Christmas tree.

SOUTHLAND TRAMPING CLUB. One of the most easily accessible and health giving forms of sport is tramping, and, when the wealth of native scenery that is available in Southland is considered, it is surprising that until to-day no tramping club of any description was in existence in this province. That did not mean that there were no keen trampers, though, as was proved by the enthusiastic attendance at a meeting convened on Tuesday evening for the purpose of forming a club. There were approximately 40 present at the meeting, which was presided over by Mr C. Clark, and at which it was decided unanimously to form the " Southland Tramping Club.” Office-bearers were elected as follows: —President, Mr Charles Clark; vicepresidents—Mrs A. J. Deaker, Misses G. Basstian and V. Roscoe, and Messrs R. M. Strang, A. Hamilton, and H. G. Sutton; secretary and treasurer, Mr O. C. Joyce; committee —Mieses M. Burden, P. Macpherson. M. Waterson, and E. Mehaffey, and Messrs R. J, Wilkes, K. R. Reed, J. Cruickshank, and W. Bailey. In accepting office as president, Mr Clark said that there was a wonderful scope for tramping in Southland, but it was a sport that yvas more enjoyed when taken part in by big parties. The low subscription should make it easy for anyone who would care to take on the sport to join up, and he urged all present members to “ rope in ” as many friends as possible. All who wished to join up could communicate with Mr O. C. Joyce, Box 259, Invercargill.

APARIMA BOWLING CLUB.

At the annual meeting of the Aparima Bowling Club, Mr W. S. Hunter presided. Before commencing the business of the meeting the president referred to the loss of one of their members, in the person of Mr W. Hawke. A motion of condolence was passed to his relatives and carried in silence.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said that from a playing point of view the season had been a successful one. More members were required to ensure the financial success of the club. For the purpose of liquidating the present debit, Mr Hunter kindly offered to place his home at the disposal of the club for an evening to raise funds. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet was seconded by Mr Eccleton and carried.

The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr Eccleton; vice-presidents, Messrs W S. Hunter and H. E. Philp; selectors, Messrs Hunter and Rouse; committee— Messrs Walker, Martin, MacDougall, Rouse, and Caigou; green ranger, Mr John Crawford; delegate, Mr Philp; treasurer, Mr John Crawford; secretary, Mr Dooley: Grounds Committee, Messrs M'Lean and Martin; auditor, Mr L. W. Petchell.

AGRICULTURAL CLUBS. Mr J. M‘K. Miller presided over a meeting of the Southland Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs’ Association at Invercargill, at which there were also present Messrs A. Johnston, D. Marshall, J. Milne, J. H.*Reed, S. T. Evans, Henry Smith, Alex. M'Kenzie, D. Leckie, and Mr J. E. Davies (secretary). The chairman first welcomed Mr Reed, the newly-appointed representative of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce. Mr Reed in reply expressed his interest in the work of the association.

Mr M'Fadyen, of Edendale, wrote stating that in his opinion the championship should be awarded by taking into consideration only the dairy type of the calf and its condition. The inclusion of other points, he felt, would destroy the value of the calf-rearing competitions. It was pointed out that if Mr M’Fadyen’s suggestions were adopted the competitors need not fill in their chart at all, and that the championship at the Summer Show really served his purpose best. Further than this, the elimination of the points for record keeping, etc., would give an overwhelming chance to the competitors whose parents owned stud stock. After some discussion it was decided to write to Mr M'Fadyen stating that at the Summer Show the calves were judged solely on their merits as calves and that, since the association’s aims were largely educational, its conditions should remain unaltered.

PORT CRAIG MILL.

“The successful re-establishment of the sawmilling industry at Port Craig means a big thing to Southland.” remarked Mr Tom O’Byrne, who returned recently after spending four days at the settlement. Speaking to a reporter, Mr O’Byrne referred to the flourishing state of the industry there at present, Although the

mill was closed down for over a year, since it had been re-opened work had gone ahead well.

There are now nearly 100 men employed there, 90 of them being actually engaged on work in the bush. There are 24 married couples in the settlement, and about six single girls in employment. There are 50 children, of whom 27 attend school, the remainder being undei* school age. The extent of the industry may be judged from the fact that the mill is working consistently, and about 25,000 feet of timber are put through on a working day. On an average, about half a million feet of timber is shipped from the port. Good red pine is the principal timber handled. From the mill, which is situated at the settlement, the men travel about 9 J miles out into the .-bush on the tramway. While Mr O’Byrne was at Port Craig, a meeting of the Sawmill Workers’ Union was held, and over 60 men attended. On another evening nearly everybody at the settlement was present to hear an interesting talk given by Mr O’Byrne, who described his recent trip round the world. All the children old enough to do so atthey spent a particularly enjoyable and profitable evening.

WINTON EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

In the middle of February last, a proposal was mooted that the secondary pupils of the Winon District High School receive practical instruction in agriculture at the Winton Experimental and Demonstration Farm. The late rector of the school, Mr J. S. Nelson, was instrumental in bringing about this proposal, which has been successfully carried into effect, and at the present time a large number of the secondary boys of the school are receiving valuable knowledge in farming. The Farm Committee has helped m every way possible to advance the instruction, and the instructor in agriculture has also helped considerably. The boys, who pay weekly visits to the farm under their master, Mr W. C. Cleine, should benefit greatly as a result of this instruction.

Theory work is also undertaken at the school, and the various aspects in regard to agriculture discussed, etc. The Southland League wrote stating that Mr J. Robertson had been appointed its representative on the executive of the association. It was decided to write thanking Mr M. H. Mitchell, the former representative of the league for his assistance in the past. On the suggestion of Mr A. R. Johnston, it was decided to ask the four Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Associations—Gore, Wyndham, Winton, and Otautau—to appoint representatives to the executive, on which the Southland Metropolitan Association was already represented. A country school teacher wrote asking if it would not be possible to group the schools according to grade instead of districts, since in her opinion the smaller schools at present had little chance of success. It was decided to reply stating that it was not possible to group the schools as suggested, and to point out that, so far from being handicapped, the smaller schools had been most successful in the competitions The secretary stated Jhat in order to comply with the conditions necessary to receive a Government subsidy a treasurer must be appointed, and Mr J. M'Kay was appointed treasurer combining with it the office of chairman. The secretary also stated that Mr A. L. Adamson had audited the association’s accounts free of charge. It was decided after some discussion to have the calves entered in the competitions earmarked, and an implement for the purpose was donated by Mr H. Smith.

HOCKEY TOURNAMENT.

The annual tournament was held at Roxburgh. The day broke fine, but at noon a cold squall occurred, and this made conditions somewhat unpleasant, both for players and spectators. There were two grades, seniors and schools. The following clubs were represented:— Roxburgh A and B. Clyde, Milton, Miller’s Flat A and B, Alexandra, Owaka, Poolburn, Lawrence, Roxburgh Secondary, and Coal Creek. School teams consisted of Miller’s Flat A and B, Clyde. Alexandra, and Roxburgh A and B. The seniors were divided into three sections, a win counting tw’o points and a draw one. The following were the section winners:—Milton, Poolburn, and Lawrence. The latter teams played off in the semi-final, Poolburn defeating Lawrence by 1 goal to nil. This left Poolburn and Milton to play for the final, which was won by Milton by 2 goals to nil. The players in the winning team were: W. Savage. V. Scott, L. M'Kinnev, S. Vidal, K. Scott, G. Vidal (captain). The ticket race was won by Mis® M'Keu zie (Lawrence). A very successful dance was held in the evening, which considerably augmented the union’s funds. During the season four teams competed in the banner matches, Miller’s Flat being the winners.

GORE WOODWORK CLASSES.

At Friday’s meeting of the Southland Education Board the following letter was received from the Minister of Education: “ For some time my department has been in communication with the Gore High School Board and your board with reference to the question of providing instruction in woodwork and related subjects for the pupils of the Gore High School. At the present time primary school pupils receive instruction on three days a week under your board’s instructor at Gore, and the woodwork building is unused for the remaining two days of the week, but the instructor is engaged on those two days at Wyndham. One proposal was that another woodwork building be erected at Gore for the use of. the High School pupils, a special part-time instructor appointed and the necessary equipment provided. This, however, would mean unnecessary duplication of both buildings and equipment, and the department has, therefore, recommended that the present woodwork building to be used for the High School pupils on the two days on which it is not used by the primary pupils, and that a part-time instructor be appointed by the Education Board’ as an assistant to the present instructor, to work under the latter’s guidance, and that the instructors undertake the work at. both Wyndham and Gore for both primary’ and secondary* pupils. I under-

stand further that your board has some objection to the above recommendation, 1 mainly on the grounds that instructors are not very efficient, and that it would be difficult to provide fox' senior inspector. While there is something in this contention,. I trust that your board will’ waive its objections and fall in with. 1 the suggestion as a temporary measure, 1 because the suggestion should be given’ a trial before the Government is put to the unwarrranted expense of providing’ another woodwork room and equipment.’ 1 shall be glad, therefore, if your board’ will see its way to give immediate and’ favourable consideration to the request,’ and that, the Education Board and the’ Gore High School Board will make mutual arrangements for providing the! practical work that is so necessary for! boys intending to take up farming op. industrial occupations.” Mr Rice said he preferred very* much that the instructor should remain at Wyndham, but as the present time one of stress the board should fall in the department’s proposals.

It was resolved to ask the department to appoint a capable instructor.

TOKO FARMERS’ CLUB.

The annual meeting of Toko Farmers) Club was attended by about 25 members, the retiring president (Mr W. occupying the chair. The committee’s annual report balance sheet stated that there is a. credit balance of £5B 4s 6d with whicli' to commence next year’s operations, a few subscriptions still outstanding. Oven £5O was expended during the past 12 months on improvements to the and painting the woodwork of the showring. The annual summer show was held oq Tuesday, December 3. The weather was. fine, and the attendance good. The gate receipts exceeded those of the previous year by about £5. The entries in alt sections (with the exception of light; horses) showed a slight increase on the previous year. A special effort was made to popularise the fat lamb and cross: bred classes, and the exhibition in these classes was a record one.

Mr R. G. Cullen (vice-president) was elected as president for the ensuing 12’ months, and Mr Thomas Quill was elected as vice-president.

The retiring members of committee were re-elected, with’Mr R. Allison to fill the vacancy caused by Mr R. G. Cullen being appointed president, and Mr D. RussellJ jun., to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr J. S. Inglis. Other offee-bearers elected were auditor, Mr J. J. Lane (re-elected) ; treasurer, Mr. C. J. Clery (re-elected); hon. veterinary surgeons, Messrs W. D. Snowball and T. Lewis.

A meeting of the committee was held subsequent to the annual meeting, Mr Cullen presiding. Mr Alexander Campbell was re-ap: pointed secretary at the usual salary (£25). ■

Judges were nominated for the varipug classes for the forthcoming show and tbe grounds committee was elected.

PERSONAL.

Mrs James J. O’Kane left Alexandra last week on a visit to Sydney. Mr Long, of Middlemarch, has nosy taken up his residence at Alexandra.

The Milton Ladies’ Bowling opening day has been fixed for Wednesday afternoon, October 15. Mrs James Gray has been elected president of the club, with Mrs H. A. M'Callum as secretary and treasurer. The club’s balance sheet shows a credit balance of £2 10s.

The funeral took place on Tuesday izi Blacks Cemetery of Mr John Ryan,‘late licensee of the Railway Hotel, Lauder, M 1 ’ Ryan died on tire previous Sunday night from heart failure after a long period of illness. He leaves a widow but no children. The Rev. Mr Spillane com ducted the funeral services. A very enjoyable party, with a score of guests from Omakau and Ophir, wag given by Mr and Mrs M. Moran in their home on September 18 to celebrate the coming of age of their neice, Miss E, Kearney. Miss Kearney is the youngest of a family of 10 children of the late Mr and Mrs E. Kearney, of Ophir.

Mr P. R. Stewart (formerly manager ot Messrs James Gray and Son’s drapery department) and Mrs Stewart have left Milton to take up their future residence at Gore. Prior to departure, Mr Stewart was entertained at a complimentary function by the executive of the Bruce Returned Soldiers’ Association, of which he was president, and presented with a gold-mounted fountain pen.

The Rev. P. O’Dea, who was transferred from Omakau to Gore some two years ago, paid a brief visit to Ophir and Omakau a few days ago, and his many friends were pleased to see him looking so well. Father O’Dea had charge for. 25 years of the two Roman Catholic churches in Ophir and St. Bathans, and for that long period travelled by his gig the 24 miles between the two chapels every Sunday, summer and winter. A large number of friends and wellwishers paid a visit to the residence of Mrs Carroll, of Alexandra, to offer her hearty congratulations on attaining her eightieth birthday. A birthday cake, surmounted by 80 miniature candles, was presented by one of the party. The recipient was delighted with the honour conferred upon her. She also received many handsome presents.

MOTOR COLLISION.

A collision between two cars on Friday evening at the corner of Clyde and Argyle streets,’ Balclutha, where the narrow lane, known as Bigell street, intersects, attracted a great deal of attention. Mr Molyneux Porter was driving from the south along Clyde street, when a Ford ear, driven by Mr Reid, of Finegand, ran into Clyde street from Argyle street. In the collision which occurred, the. Citroen struck the hind wheel of the Ford with force enough to cause the opposite hind wheel to come off. whilst one of the front wheels of the Citroen was severely

buckled. Fortunately both drivers excised presence of mind, and no one was injured, although both cars held other occupants besides the drivers. The corner where the accident occurred has been the scene of a number of similar accidents, and it is high time that something was done to warn motorists of the danger they run by not reducing speed when approaching it. Posts with warning notices have been suggested as a means to the desired end. Experts were of opinion that had the collision last night not occurred on a smooth asphalt road the damage would have been greater As it was, one car gave with the impact, and slid round, thus lessening the shock.

PROGRESS LEAGUE. A public meeting was held in Roxburgh bh Wednesday to discuss a proposal for the establishment of a progress league for the town and district. It was felt that there were manylhings requiring attention that were outside the scope of the existing local bodies, but could be dealt with by such an organisation. The Mayor (Mr Laloli) presided, and there was a large attendance of the public. It was unanimously decided to establish a society to be called the Roxburgh District Progress League, the minimum subscription to be 2s 6d. The constitution of a similar body was read to the meeting, and it was decided that a committee consisting of the Mayor and Messrs Simpson (secretary), J. H. Waigth. jun., J. Jull, J. B. Gilmour, and A. E. Alexander should draw up a suitable constitution and submit it to a further public meeting to be held on October 15.

GORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The annual meeting of the Gore Cham- , ber of Commerce was held on Tuesday evening, Mr D. L. Poppelwell presiding over an attendance of 15 members. The annual report stated that the number on the roll was 35. Since last annual meeting a comprehensive scale of mercantile charges and recommendations thereon was submitted by a sub-committee, and Subsequently adopted by the executive for the regulation of commission charges on the sale of lease of property valuation and fee for collection of rent, interest, and debts; printed schedules have been distributed to members. Questions affecting railway services were frequent on the order paper. While some little success and satisfaction has resulted, the fact remains that an adequate seasonal supply of sheep trucks for fat and store live stock, improved passenger train service, and overhead bridge at Mersey street are urgent matters which demand continued effort from those interested in order to move the department to activity With regard to the Bluff-Dunedin-Melbourne service, an official announcement was made about this time last year that, with the promised aid of a Government subsidy, a contract had been arranged with the» Union Steam Ship Company for a regulai round trip service every 12 days. This service was inaugurated in October, but unfortunately, the wreck of the Manuka terminated an interdoininion service long agitated for in the south, and designed to increase and expand a profitable export trade in fish, cheese, condensed milk, cereals, and other primary produce, and also calculated to increase the tourist traffic from Britain, two-thirds of whicn is estimated to come to New Zealand via Australia. Representations were made to the departmental head for an additional ‘constable at Gore for night duty, and were viewed favourably, and the local force has been augmented as suggested.— The report was adopted. <7 The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —President, Mr A. J, Kerse; vice-president, Mr E. A. Pigeon; committee —Messrs A. L. Dolamore, R. Fisher, R S. Green, W. L. M'Goldrick. W. B. Johnston, W. Scobie, A. V. Caverhill, D. L. Poppelwell, A. D. Stewart, T. Sherbourne. A, S. Fleming, and C. Steel; secretary Mr A. H. Aitken; auditor, Mr W. Gee. It was decided to write to the Prime Minister protesting against the action of the associated banks in .doubling the charge for keeping accounts.

WRONG KIND OF SETTLEMENT. During a discussion at. the meeting of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union Mr' John Christie mentioned a recent visit to the Brooksdale estate, in the Tapanui district, purchased by the Government for closer settlement. The land was, he stated, no doubt all right for the class of settler that could afford to pay £5OO a year in rent and expend a sum of £2OOO in stocking his place. On the Wilden settlement, in the same district, it was much the same thing; the rent and cost of stocking would be too much for a poor man. and that class of settlement would do nothing towards solving the unemployed difficulty. Such purchases on the part of the Government became, in his opinion, merely a case of buying land for people who already had it, or at least were in a position to get it.—Mr A. A. Jenson: “Yes, those settlers would get farms anywhere, without Government aid.”

HOSPITAL INSURANCE SCHEME. At the last meeting of the Clutha branch of _ the Farmers’ Union Mr John Christie read an interesting paper tracing the history of hospitals in Britain from the earliest times, when the use of anaesthetics was unknown, and the mortality from septic infection was as high as from 50 to 60 per cent. In those days entering a hospital was a dangerous experiment. He contrasted that with the modern hospital, even in New Zealand, with its sterilised operating theatre and every aid to health and success in operations that science could devise. Passing on to the payment by patients, he criticised those who systematically avoided payment of their dues as hospital patients, and sympathised with those who, through poverty, were unable to pay. Since joining the South Otago Hospital Board he had given much thought to thia aspect of hospital administration. Public hospitals had more and better equipment than private hospitals, and should be available to all classes of the community. Adequate finance, however, had to be provided for the payment of doctors and nurses, and it did not seem fair that the whole burden should fall on the ratepayers. An arrangement had been made with the friendly societies of the district,

whereby the latter paid half the fees, ensuring free hospital treatment for their members, to his mind that was not quite enough If a scheme of general insurance for hospital treatment could be devised it would, he thought, be a very good thing for the community. The secretary of the local board (Mr W. Roy) had gone into the question, and had thought that if the adult population over 16 years of age would pay 14s 6d a head, that would be equal to 60 per cent, of hospital fees in case of sickness. He (Mr Christie) thought that £1 a head would not be too much, and that would make their local institution one to be proud of, and would reduce, if not eliminate, the rates on land for the purpose of hospital upkeep. It would also remove the haunting fear of mounting fees in the minds of poor patients. A levy of £1 a head over the whole population of the district over 16 would also provide funds to enable the board to secure retaining fees for the set vices of specialists from Dunedin when needed It might be difficult in a rural population, but he thought it could be done, and would supplement the Government subsidy materially. At any rate, he considered something would have to be done to secure sound finance, and relieve the board from the iniquitous business of trying to collect from those who did not have the money. He would like to know it the district would support such a scheme. After considerable discussion it v as agreed, on the motion of Messrs Holgate and Jenson, that the branch should support the principle of hospital insur2,? ce .-~ It , wa ? further agreed that Mr Christie should be asked to speak on the subject at other centres in the district.

CRITICISM OF POWER BOARD. At a meeting of the Clutha branch of the Farmers Union Mr J. A. Johnston presided over a representative attendance. The chairman reported as to the meeting held at Milton. when trenchant criticisms of the Otago Electric lower Board had been indulged in by Mr R. S. Thompson and others. The speaker added that the board had made a loss of £4OOO in August, and if that rate were continued the loss would be nearly £50,001) a year. The board had made a frightfully bad bargain with the Milton Borough Council, and every bit of power being sold in Milton was being sold at a loss to the board. J. he loss on the Alii ton contract had been £7OO last month. Mr Holgate (who had also attended the Mi ton meeting): It was £lOOO between Milton and Milburn.

The chairman:_ And on top of that the board is faced with the necessity of erecting a new iron line from Berwick to Milton.

Mr John Christie: It is not much use " flogging a dead horse,” and if these losses are going to continue the best thing the board could do would be to offer the whole thing (lock ; stock, and barrel) for sale to the Dunedin City Council. Mr J. Wood: It has been suggested that the board should get the City Corporation to lower its charges for current If you buy wrong you can’t sell right that is evident.

Mr Christie: Undoubtedly the board did buy wrong, but it is not fair to ask those members who joined the board lately to resign now. If all were to resign, I wonder if Mr Thompson would offer himself for election.

Mr A. Jenson: The whole trouble is that Mr Thompson did not tel] use what was wrong with the board before. Mr Christie: The great mistake was when the ratepayers gave the board a blank cheque for £200,000, and allowed it to run Up an overdraft of £50,000.

Mr Russell (a member of the board), on being appealed to, said it was a fact that the board bad been compelled to use its capital for extensions, and it woulu have to continue to do that until it could make a profit. The capital had had to be increased to allow that, and when it came to the end of its capital he did not know what would happen. People who joined up now were just as much entitled to the light as those in the earlier areas. He would not like to say that the price charged by the City Council was too high but by not putting in an auxiliary plant at Kaitangata the board had been paying the City Council on the peak load all the time. If they had only had a peak reducing plant at Kaitangata, as originally intended, then the result to-day would have been different. The chairman: There is not a chance of'a steam plant at Kaitangata now. Mr Wood: And now we have the board buying current from the City Council at a profit to the latter of 100 per cent, on the cost of production. Mr Russell said he thought the ratepayers could force the Government to install a steam plant at Kaitangata, as it would cost £lOO,OOO to extend the Waitaki plant to meet the needs of South Otago, whereas a steam plant at Kaitangata would cost only £30,000. * The chairman: If Waitaki does not come through at the end of two years from now, the Otago Board will be left with its poles and its lines, but no current.

Mr Russell: The poles on the line from Miltori have nearly given out. They seem to have been of sapwood in the beginning. The position is really serious. The board is paying at the peak load rate all the time, and the Farmers’ Union might well take the matter up. and press the Government to help the Power Board

Mr Christie: Certainly we are not getting anywhere by “ scaritis.” Mr Russell: The Provincial Council of the union might be asked to do somei thing. There is no assurance that, the power will come through from Waitaki in 1932, when the agreement with the City Corporation expires. After some further discussion Mr Russell said that the Otago and Southland Power Boards would shortly hold a conference on the question of the availability rate, and the subject was allowed to drop.