NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 25

NORTH OTAGO.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT.

REMARKABLE GREENHOUSE DISPLAY.

In the greenhouse at the Oamaru Gardens there is at present a very remarkable display of cyclamen persicum. It is only rarely that such a large and varied collection of this beautiful flower is brought together under one roof. There will presently be almost 350 choice plants of every shade, and in splendid condition of growth. Seen from either end of the house, the long bench presents an unbroken mass of brilliant colour, relieved by a judicious sprinkling of foliage plants. This represents the cumulative work of several years; the culling of inferior varieties each season leaving omy the choicest forms. A more careful inspection will reveal individual plants of exceptional merit, as. for example, the opulent white forms, large in size and of great purity and firm texture. Smaller as to size, but of rich and varied shades, are the crimson, some of which have a depth and glow of colour which are very fascinating. Many visitors will be attracted by the pink, and especially the salmon pink forms, and among these there is a plant of medium size, whose rich colour pales towards the edge of the petals in a way that suggests a waxen texture, though this is really a poor compliment to Nature’s art. Another, though its colour suggests the despised magenta shade, has a beauty all its own. Here and there are examples of crested varieties, which, however, lack the distinguishing simplicity of outline which is characteristic of the species. The central block of the greenhouse is composed of a fine assortment of cinerarias at the height of their development, mostly of the popular stellata and intermediate varieties. The slender habit of the inflorescences is a marked and pleasing contrast with that of the cyclamens, and the whole display is sure to surprise and delight the visitor, especially when, owing to backward conditions outside, spring flowers still tarry later than usual.

OBITUARY.

Following on a lengthy illness, the death took place on Tuesday morning of Mrs E. A. Aitkinson at her residence, Thames street, Oamaru. Mrs Aitkinsou was the daughter of the late Mr William Lambert, of Dunedin, and was married in Oamaru by the Rev. A. Gifford in 1880. ■ She had lived since in Oamaru and_ was an indefatigable church worker taking an especial interest in the Newborough Church. She was widely known for her practical sympathy, and was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. In February last Mr and Mrs Atkinson celebrated their golden wedding, on which occasion they were the recipients of felicitations from their many friends. Mrs Attkinson is survived by her husband, two daughters and two sons. The death occurred suddenly on Tuesday at Lower Hutt of Mr J. E. Broad, a former resident of Oamaru. About 10 years ago he came to Oamaru from Gore, and after some time in business as a saddler removed to Wellington. He was a popular member of the Phoenix Bowling Club and of the Chess Club, and the many friends he made during his stay here will regret his demise and sympathise with the widow and son and daughter.

PORT STATISTICS.

The following are the port statistics for Oamaru for the month of September: —Coastal cargo, inwards 509 tons (softwoods 183, woolpacks and gunnies 47 sugar 40, furniture 18, fuel oils 8, other goods 211); outwards, 1021 tons (flour 665, pollard and bran 158, manufactured oats 30, oats 25, lime 23, wheat 21, woollens 33, furniture 17, Lane’s Emulsion 8, other goods 27); overseas, inwards, 244 tons (coal 201, hardwoods 29, other goods 14); outwards 997 tons (frozen meat 780. wool 158, beans and peas 15, other goods 31).

CUSTOMS RETURNS.

The following are the Customs returns for Oamaru for September and quarter ended September 30 (those for the corresponding month and period of last yeai being in parentheses):—Customs, £736 13s 7d (£697 3s lid); meat export levy, £195 6s 2d (£lB5 12s 3d); marine revenue, £32 4s 3d (£26 5s sd). Quarter: Customs, £lB6O 10s 5d (£1863 19s 4d); meat export levy, £3ll 7s 5d (£421 Ils 7d) ; marine revenue. £93 14s Id (£77 2s 2d); passports, 5 (4). z

THE SUNSHINE.

During the first fortnight of September the sunshine at Oamaru as recorded by Mr D. S. Bain, amounted to 51J hours, and for the second fortnight to 91j hours, a total of 143 hours. Compared with September, 1929, during which 172 J hours were recorded, there is a decrease of 293 hours. There were very few really sunny days, and for most of the month the sunshine was intermittent, with cloudy skies. On four days the sunshine was nil, tlfere were eight days of eight hours and over and one day with over 11 hours.

THE COLERIDGE SHORTAGE.

Advice received from Lake Coleridge is to the effect that the situation as regards the water shortage is much the same, and that practically no improvement has been made. The demand for supply locally has risen during the past week, and consumers evidently do not realise that the situation remains critical. In respect to late shopping it has been found impossible to secure uniformity, and the Waitaki Electric Power Board has again Requested retailers to reduce lighting to a minimum and close at 8 p.m. It appears that restrictions will have to continue until the lake has risen to a safe level, possibly extending to the end of November, and even then no guarantee of a safe margin can be assured.

VITAL STATISTICS.

The vital statistics for Oamaru for September are as follow:—Births, 19; deaths, 16; marriages, 7. The figures for the quarter are: —Births, 57; deaths, 47; marriages, 25. During September the registrar officiated at two marriages and at four during the quarter.

NEW ZEALAND MADE POPPIES. The decision of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association to purchase for next year’s sales those poppies made under the control of the Christchurch Association. has met with the approbation of headquarters of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. The secretary of the local association (Mr Neil H. Colquhoun) has received a communication from the general secretary congratulating the local executive on its decision to assist the manufacture of poppies in New Zealand by New Zealand disabled soldiers.

AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY The members of the Oamaru Amateur Theatrical Society have for some time past been practising assiduously for the production of “Our Miss Gibbs” towards the end of the month. The proceeds from the production are to be devoted to the funds of the North Otago Rugby Union, which has experienced a rather lean financial time during the past season. The standard _ achieved at the rehearsal of “ Our Miss Gibbs ” gives promise of an exceptionally successful production, the cast of local performers being an excellent one, whilst the ensemble work should be as good as any witnessed on the amateur stage in Oamaru. The cast is as fol—Our Miss Gibbs, Miss Tui Salt; Madame Peanne, Miss Olive Bennett; I< a dy Hetty, Miss Edna Fraser; Duchess of Minster, Mrs Laura M’Dowell; Hughie Pierrepont, Mr Graham Dickel; Toplady, Mr S. Hook; Timothy Gibbs, Mr B- Syverston. The production of “ Our Miss Gibbs is under the direction of Mr B. Syverston, and Mr G. M. Whale is the musical director.

OAMARU JOCKEY CLUB.

The annual meeting of the Oamaru Jockey Club was held on Friday afternoon. Mr W. Gardiner presided" over a large attendance of members. The annual report and financial statement, disclosing a net profit of £B2 8s 9d for the year, were adopted. In moving the adoption of the report ar >d balance sheet, Mr Gardiner said the club had made a small profit, which must be considered satisfactory under the adverse circumstances in which it was labouring. He thought the Oamaru Jockey Club must be considered the most unfortunate club in the whole Dominion. It held two meetings during the year—one in March and the other in July. The March meeting, which promised to be most successful, was marred by disastrous weather and hard going, many horses being scratched. The July meeting, unfortunately, clashed with the test football match in Christchurch. The club was always in difficulty in regard to its dates. The application for the new year dates was defeated, but he hoped the club would try again, and surely sooner or later it would get what it was justly entitled to. Again the Gaming Bill had been defeated or ’ " ,1 - would not have cared if a vote had been taken by the House, but tne i.

talked out. Mr Forbes had promised that the Bill would get a fair spin Could it be said that such took place? It could not. He hoped the club would have a more successful year, and would have more evenhanded justice dealt out to it. The taxation on racing, however, was so severe that it would be most difficult for country clubs to carry on. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr W. Saunders for bis assistance in obtaining the dates for the club. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—President, Mr W. Gardiner; vice-president, Mr J R. Mitchell; auditor, Mr W. M'Combie; committee—Messrs G. Bruce, T. P. Crawford, W. Gardiner, W. A. Gardiner, J. Henderson, E. P. Houghton, F. Jones, L. Kelcher, G. Livingstone, J. R. Mitchell, T A. Munro, J. O’Brien, W. P. Reid, and Dr Fitzgerald. At a subsequent meeting of the committee the following Grounds Committee was appointed:—Messrs O’Brien, Livingstone, Kelcher, Houghton, Reid, and Gardiner. The usual annual- subscription was granted to the North Otago branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Eight new members were elected. It was decided to apply to the Racing Conference for January 17 and July 14 as racing dates for next year. The secretary reported that the final payment of £3OO to the Joint Building Committee had been authorised, making the total contributions by the club £6550. There might be a refund, and a complete statement would be brought forward when the matter was completed. The action of the chairman in authorising the payment was confirmed.

PERSONAL.

Mr L. Topliss, who has been the Oamaru manager of the Waitaki Dairy Company for the past 14J years, has resigned his position as from the end of the month. During this period Mr Topliss has achieved much success as a butter maker. Under his management his factory secured the championship for New Zealand for the best butter for export at the Auckland Exhibition in 1926, and second prize in 1927. His other honours include the managers’ supremacy class in 1926 and in 1927; the 150gns King George Cup in 1927; two South Island championships at the Manawatu and Waikato Winter Shows in 1926; South Island grade medal in 1922, and in the following three years his factory had the highest grade in the South Island. During the past nine years his factory has graded 94.24 for export butter. Mr Topliss has always shown a keen interest in dairying subjects, inaugurating herd testing and lectures to dairy farmers. always strongly advocating the breeding from purebred cattle. He intends taking a lengthy holiday before taking up new duties.

Mr and Mrs Arthur Champneys. of Killara, Sydney, who returned from England by the Rangitata, are visiting Mr and Mre Burry, Wharfe street.

Miss Berry, who has resigned from the staff of Burton’s Emporium to take up a position with Messrs Arthur Barnett’s, Ltd., Dunedin, left for Dunedin on Satur day. . On Saturday the staff of Burton’s Emporium assembled to bid Miss Berry farewell, when she was made-the recipient of a travelling case from Mr H. B. Burton and a toilet set from the staff. In making the presentations, Mr Burton spoke of Miss Berry’s ability and good qualities, and of her good work during the six years she had been associated with

the firm. He regretted losing her, but expressed all good wishes for her future happiness in her new position. Messrs Edwards and Jackson added their felicitations, and Mias Berry suitably acknowledged the presentations. LAWN TENNIS. There was a large gathering of lawn tennis enthusiasts and friends at the opening day of the Totara Club’s courts on Saturday afternoon. Fine weather prevailed, and a thoroughly enjoyable day’s outing was spent by those present. During the afternoon, Mr Moir, in the absence of the president (Mr Ewing), declared the courts open, and in doing so wished the club every success for the ensuing season. He also thanked those who had spent so much time in improving the courts. The Meadowbank Club enjoyed a very successful opening of its courts on Saturday afternoon, when there was a large gathering of members and representatives of sister clubs. Mr James Robertson (president), in a happy speech, declared the courts opened for the season, and Mr K. M'Donald replied on behalf of the playing members. LECTURE ON GARDENING. A very interesting lecture on gardening was given by Mr J. Tait to the members of the Haeremai Club. Mr Tait mentioned that various necessary items, such as background, nature of the soil, had to be taken into consideration when planning a garden, and also referred to the creepers, such as jasmine, winter sweet and passion flower, which were suitable for small gardens. There were also many kinds of spring flowers suitable, such as azaleas, polyanthus, forget-me-nots, hyacinths, and tulips. He also referred to the various types of heath, and stated how if snowdrops were planted beneath heath they would flourish better than if planted in any other way. Mr J. M‘Kay thanked the speaker for his instructive address. GOLF. The following are the 12 best cards of the Medal Match played on.Saturday:— Orbell, 98 (21), 77; Kilpatrick, 88 (10), 78; Fowler, 96 (18), 78; M'Kenzie. 99 (20), 79; Cook, 106 (27), 79; Ryan. 104 (25), 79; Nichols, 94 (13), 81; M‘Ewan, 88 (6), 82; Rivers, 91 (9), 82; Mathieson, 90 (8), 82; L. Wright, 98 (16), 82; M‘Cul-