NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 4048, 13 October 1931, Page 25

NORTH OTAGO.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT. ELECTRICITY POWER CHARGES. At the conclusion of the general business «f the monthly meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board on Tuesday morning, Mr A. N. Hayes took the chair in place of Mr Ireland, with a view to discussing the position that had arisen on account of the increased electricity power charges to the flour mills, which came into operation from October 1. After a lengthy discussion the following motion was carried:—“That the Harbour Board views with alarm that owing to the increased cost of electric current Oamaru is about to lose one of the secondary industries, thereby incurring serious lose of wages and harbour dues, etc.” Messrs M'Dowell, Marshall, Duncan, and M'Culloch voted for it, and none against. The secretary was instructed to arrange a conference on the subject between the Harbour Board, Power Board, Farmers’ Union, and Chamber of Commerce. STATEMENT BY ENGINEER. In an interview Mr I. Dalmer, engineer and manager of the board, said a big .point to be noted was that Christchurch was supplied by the Government with power at less than £5 10s per kilowatt per annum, compared with the rate of country power boards, which was about £8 10s per k.v.a. per annum, a kilowatt being greater than a k.v.a. The city could distribute cheaper, and it was hopeless to expect country boards in the smaller towns to compete with the cities while such discriminating charges were made by .he Government. They tended to cripple secondary industries in the smaller towns, and country districts had to pay for that discrimination. OAMARU JOCKEY CLUB. A meeting of the committee of* the Oamaru Jockey Club was held on Tuesday afternoon. Mr J. R. Mitchell occupied the chair. In reply to a communication suggesting co-operation between the Waikouaiti and Oamaru Clubs in respect to race meetings, the Waikouaiti Club wrote agreeing to the suggestion, and Messrs Houghton, Reid, and Smith were appointed a sub-committee to discuss the matter with officials of the Waikouaiti Club. Mr W. B. Freeman was appointed clerk ®f the course for the January meeting. It was agreed to share the cost of painting the seats in the grand stand with the Trotting Club. An anonymous donor has given a goldmounted whip to the winning jockey of a galloping event to be decided on by the committee. The committee discussed the train arrangements in connection with the January meeting, and the secretary and Mr Houghton were authorised to confer with the department on the matter. It was decided to proceed with the drawing up of the programme after the conference with the Waikouaiti Club. PULPY KIDNEY. Mr D. A. Gill, of the Government veterinary laboratory, Wallaceville, has now established a laboratory at the Pukeuri freezing works for the purpose of conducting research work into the condition known as pulpy kidney, which has caused such heavy losses amongst lambs. Mr Gill is being assisted in the work by Mr S. Hook, of the local Stock Department. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SPRING SHOW. The North Otago Horticultural Society held its spring show in the Drill Hall on Tuesday afternoon and. evening. An outstanding display of spring flowers was on show and large gatherings of the public paid visits during the afternoon and evening. In this time of depression it is remarkable that there were so many entries in the various sections. Last year there were 66 entries in the decorative section, while this year there were no fewer than 81. For ordinary exhibits such as cut bioooms and pot plants there were 186 entries last year as compared with 230 this year. This decided increase in entries indicates that exhibitors are taking a keener interest in the various shows held by the society. The enthusiasm of the secretary (Mr W. J. D. Milne) has also made it possible for an increase in the entries.

The holding of the show in the Drill Hall proved very successful, as it enabled exhibitions to be staged with a still finer effect than on previous occasions. The whole show presented a wonderful display, and those attending commented freely on the quality of the flowers. The weather during the last few weeks has been ideal for flowers. A prominent position in the centre of the hall was occupied by Mr Jones's pot plants, which were well up to the usual standard. A noteworthy feature of the show was the keen competition for the society’s Challenge Cup, which drew three entries. The variety and quality of the blooms in this section displayed good cultivation, and showed the amount of care expended on them, especially on the iceland poppies shown by Mesdames D. Thomson and Kennedy. Some very fine giant rununculus were exhibited by the Ladies’ Club. It is to be hoped that with such worthy efforts this will lead to greater popularity of this deservedly popular section.

A magnificent display from the Public Gardens comprised nearly 100 varieties of shrubs and cut flowers, including tulips, anemones, wallflowers, polyanthus, irises, and many other choice flowers, all of which were much admired. There were also on view some specimens of cyclamen which were recently shown at the Dunedin Gardening .Club’s show, and created a good deal of interest. Pot plants occupied a prominent position and provided a wonderful setting of luxurious colouring on all sides. The most coveted award in the narcissi sections, the McLean Memorial Cup, went to Mrs R. K. Ireland, whose display was remarkable for size and colour. The other entrants also maintained the high standard set in previous years. Mr R. Dick displayed a remarkable collection of polyanthus of unusual size and variety. The exhibits in the decorative sections were of excellent quality. An outstand-

ing feature of this section was the mixed bowls, floating bowls, and bridesmaids’ posies. There were not so many table dccoratons as last year, but the decorated baskets were very attractive as was also the florally decorated jug and dish section. A new section, a floating bowl for amateurs, was also exceptionally good. MOTOR ASSOCIATION. There was a good attendance of members of the executive of the North Otago Motor Association at the monthly meeting on Tuesday. The president (Mr H. J. Jenkins) occupied the chair. Mr J. W. Petrie reported fully on the business transacted at the annual meeting of the South Island Motor Union, and mentioned, inter alia, that the asociation's invitation to hold the first quarterly meeting next year was accepted for December, in place of March. A motion of sympathy was passed with Mr B. Steven in the loss of his father. The secretary reported that the signs at the North School seemed to be sufficient for the purpose, and were not worse than those near the other schools.—lt was resolved that the Sign-posting Committee should inspect the posts and report to the next meeting. The secretary of the South Island Motor Union advised that the next quarterly meeting would be held in Blenheim earl}’’ in December. He stated also that he had been asked to write to all associations and clubs, pointing out the damage done to the landscape by the erection of advertising signs. The secretary said that attention had been directed at the meeting to the frequent occurrence of wrong mileage signs. Mr Wynyard had said that the Main Highways Board had no authority over such signs.—It was agreed to recommend that the North and South Island Unions should confer with a view to making representations to the Government and the firms concerned, in order that the nuisance of such signs should be abated. A communication was received from the secretary of the South Canterbury Association, pointing out the bad condition of the approach to the second bridge over the Waitaki River.—The secretary was requested to confer with the county engineer on the matter. One new member was elected. Accounts totalling £25 17s 8d were passed for payment. Mr J. T. Calder proposed that a map should be made by the Sign-posting Committtee showing where signs had been erected in the district.—A recommendation was passed to the committee accordingly. The secretary was asked to see the town clerk and find out whether permission had been granted to a firm to erect a hoarding sign in Wansbeck street. —It was resolved to enter a protest against such a sign. TUNG OIL ESSAY COMPETITION. Out of the 22 prizes awarded for the essay on " Tung Oil and its Uses,” conducted by the Tung Oil Corporation, Ltd., three came to pupils of North Otago schools, each being awarded a cash prize of ss. The successful pupils were Isabel Bain, Dee street, Oamaru; Evelyn Widdowson, Torridge street, Oamaru; and Master Hogg, the Manse, Weston. ASSOCIATED BOARD EXAMINATIONS. Miss Grace Williamson (pupil of Miss H. Cartwright) has been advised that she was successful in passing the rudiments examination of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, with 94 marks. RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the executive of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association was held on Wednesday evening. The president (Mr T. G. Guthrie) occupied the chair. It was resolved to comply with the request of the Hampden Sub-association for a grant towards the relief of unemployed soldiers in that district. It was agreed to support the claims of two soldiers recommended by the Waitaki Sub-association for assistance. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr W. Milne for a contribution to the funds of the association. It was agreed to subsidise the payment of the gatekeeper’s wages by the School Sports Association.

The secretary reported that since the last meeting three soldiers had received satisfactory results in regard to pension claims.

It was decided that a deputation should wait on the Unemployment Committee in regard to the case of a returned soldier who had been awarded the D.C.M. It seemed that it was impossible for him to obtain work through the local labour office. It was also decided that a report be forwarded to the chairman of the Unemployment Board (Mr J. G. Coates) setting forth the full facts of the representations made by the executive of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers’ Association on his behalf and the unsatisfactory manner in which those representations had been received. WAITAKI ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. The monthly meeting of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society was held on Thursday evening. Mr J. M. Simpson presided. The New Zealand Association for the Protection of Native Birds and the Minister of Internal Affaffirs wrote thanking the society for its efforts in connection with the essay competition.—Received. The secretary reported that all hut owners at Gemmell's Crossing reserve had been instructed to clean up around the huts on the reserve. The South Canterbury Society wrote requesting that licenses should not be issued to 18 persons convicted under the Fisheries Act.—lt was decided that license sellers should be notified accordingly. Mr W. Duncan acknowledged with thanks the society’s expressions of sympathy in his illness. In reply to a communication f*om the Minister of Internal Affaire, it was de-

sided to advise him that two pairs of quail would be required from the Otago Society for liberation in the Waitaki district. The rules submitted by the sub-commit-tee for the- governing of huts on the reserves were approved with certain modi fications. Mr James Hosking was appointed honorary ranger. Mr J. Forbes, of Waitaki, was thanked for transferring 47 stranded trout to tiie Waitaki. Subsequently a meeting of the Liberation Committee was held, at which duties were allotted to the various members for the liberation of fish in the Waitaki. Kakanui, Waianakurua, and Oamaru Creeks. OAMARU AIR PORT. The North Otago Aero Club advised the Oamaru Borough Council last week that it had made arrangements with Mr J. G. M'Donald, of Papakaio, to lease 80 acres for a landing field, situated nine miles north of Oamaru, and just west of the Hilderthorpe siding. The approaches were good in all directions, the hedges low, and the field was surrounded by paddocks that were very suitable in the case of forced landings. With the help of the County Council grader and roller, 40 acres had been put into suitable condition for landing, while a further 20 acres had been made passable. The field had been approved by Flying-ofiicer Olson, and there was no doubt that it was excellently suited for an air port for North while an adjoining paddock allowed for possible future expansion. The club was grateful to Mr G L. Cuthbertson and the County Council for the use of the plant up to an expenditure of £25, and would greatly appreciate any move on the part of the council in the way of paying for the rent of the field for the first year or two, the rent amounting to £25 per annum When such arrangement had been immed e iately a ‘ nlng CoU ’ d be commenced It was decided to grant £25 to the Aero Club towards the preliminary costs, the matter to be reviewed next year. NEW SPORTS GROUND. A deputation representing the North Otago Cricket Association and the Rugby Union, waited on the Borough Council in reference to the new sports ground at reserve C. Mr C J Marshall informed the coun cillors of the steps taken to inspect the new ground, and submitted that if a fullsized ground was not provided for on reserve C it would be the last chance to Oamaru? SUltabl ° SP ° rtS BrOUnd n,^ r V ' 9'i,SP 1 ' 1 ? Pointed out that there was no full-sized cricket or football ground near the town, and they felt there was an opportunity to secure such a ground on reserve C. The present size of vhe ground was quite inadequate, and they thought it advisable to take advantage of the unemployment scheme to make it a full-sized ground. If the scheme were further advanced, two hockey fields could also be provided. Mr T. W. Jacobs supported the request, pointing out the necessity for a good cricket ground in Oamaru. Mr G. B. Stevenson stated that the union had to cater for 300 players each Saturday, and in a year or two the grounds would be inadequate for the number of players. Under the existing conditions Oamaru was unable to obtain matches against visiting teams from overseas, but. if accommodation could be provided, they would almost certainly secure Ing matches which would be of benefit to the town. If the possibilities of a reserve were utilised, he was sure the union would do its share. Mr J. Palmer supported the previous speakers remarks, and asked the councillors to give the request their careful consideration.

Cr Crawshaw pointed out that so far as the gate money was concerned the reserve would never be fenced, and a charge could On Jy be made on 21 days in each year. Cr Marshall expressed sympathy with the request, but pointed out that support should be forthcoming to make it a place of beauty. Mr C. J. Marshall urged that the position should be viewed not from the point of view of gate money, but from that of healthy recreation. Several questions were answered, and the Mayor informed the deputation that the request would receive careful consideration. The matter was referred to the Reserves Committee for a report. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Friday afternoon. Mr W. Doig (president) presided over a large attendance of members. The chairman reported that at the conference held in connection with the Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs, it was decided to form a branch in North Otago to conduct a separate show in this district, but owing to the lateness of the season it was decided to control the entries from North Otago to the Dunedin Show this year. It was decided to grant £2 2s to the clubs association. Accounts totalling £B9 16s Id were passed for payment. The North Otago Rugby Union wrote requesting that in view of the proposed improvements to the Oval the association prevent the indiscriminate cutting of turf for jumping pits, which, it was suggested, should be made between the side line and the track.—The secretary was directed to draw the attention of the athletic bodies to the request. The Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was granted ground space for a rest tent at the show. The offer of Mr B. Blackmore for High School boys to act as assistant stewards at the show was accepted. It was decided that the assistant stewards be six boys from the school and six from the country. The next meeting was fixed for November 6. The secretary was directed to notify merchants of the grain exhibits section at the show. The following officials were appointed for the forthcoming show:—Chief marshals —horses. Mr C. Dow; assistant, Mr D. Cant; sheep. Mr J. G. Macdonald; cattle, Mr J. R. Gilchrist; pony trots

and stock riding, Mr D. Rodger; stewards —Border Leicesters, Corriedale, and haltbred sheep, Messrs W. Macdonald and H o' English Leicesters, Romneys, bouthdown, Ryland, Shropshire, and Lincoln sheep Messrs G. Simpson and J. G. Macdonald; fat sheep, Mr W. Cameron; dogs, Messrs J. Mahoney and S. Gillies; pigs, Messrs J. Mahoney and S. Gillies; *< ia , Messrs J. Trotter (convener), W. Macdonald. W. R. Macaulav, J. R. Gilchrist, W. M’Kenzie. W. G. M'Hardie, L- 4 r übre y> and E. Dunstan; shorthorn cattle, Messrs J. Tisdal and R- Fincham; Ayrshire cattle, Messrs J. Trotter and M Auley; Jersey cattle, Messrs W. Aubrey and A. Copland; Friesian cattle, Messrs ’* • U. Meek and C. J. Cowan; general and fat cattle, Messrs J. Portis and D. Rodger; milk testing—Messrs P. W. Borne, E. S. Brewster, and C. Don; demonstration class and calves, Mr E. S. Brewster; light horses, first dav—Messrs G. Bruce (marshal), J. M. Smith, R. B. Meek, and W. Cameron; second day— Messrs G. Bruce (marshal), P. Wylie, G. Simpson, J. Trotter. Macaulay; draught ‘ lor ®es—-Messrs J. R. Gilchrist (marshal), 1 ' , W t B £ rr £’ W ‘ E - Aubrey, J. M. Sinitn. Tisdall; produce," grain, etc. — Messrs J. Wylie, P. W. Borrie, E. S. Brewster, J. Simpson, and J. R. Tisdall; woolclassing. Mr H. J. Andrew; Award Committee—Messrs W. Doig, II J Andrew. A. W. Woodward, J. G. Macdonald, and J- Gibson; parking of cars, xr Meek; stewards of pony trots, Messrs D. Rodger and Macaulay; grand parade, Messrs J. R. Gilchrist and G. B'uce: gate stewards—Messrs R. B. Meek, J. Gibson, R. Fincham, W. Macdonald, J. Trotter, P. W. Borrie, and C. J. Cowan.

OBITUARY. The death occurred at Awamoa on Wednesday of Mr Alexander Martin at the age of 79 years. The deceased was a native of Wigtonshire, Scotland, and at the age of 13 years he came to Adelaide, South Australia, in the ship Rougemont. Eight years later he left for Melbourne, where he embarked on the steamer Alhambra, arriving at Port Chalmers in May, 1873. After spending a few months in Milton he came to the North Otago district, and first secured employment on the Elderslie Estate. He later took up contract ploughing and cropping. Mr Martin secured a portion of the Awamoa Estate when it was cut up. and resided there up to his death. The deceased was regarded as an expert ploughman. He was twice married and is survived by his wife and a family of one son and two daughters of the first marriage. His eldest son died only a few weeks ago. Mr Martin i 3 also survived by a brother, Mr William Martin. The funeral took place yesterday morning and was largely attended. MEAT BOARD. Mr D. J. Ro;s, delegate to the Meat Board, addressed members of the committee of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association on Friday afternoon on the activities of the Meat Board in the interests of the industry in New Zealand. Mr Ross outlined the steps to regulate the shipments of frozen meat on the constitution of the board in 1922, and as _ the freight arrangements were placed in the board’s hands the board was able to keep a steady flow of meat going on to the British markets for the 12 months of the year. This was one of the board’s most important functions, and it was very gratifying to see that the board’s efforts in this direction were being fully appreciated by the trade. There could be no question that the regularity and continuity of supplies were most important factors in the attainment of success on the British markets, and the authority exercised by the- board over shipments in this way was probably the most valuable work it had undertaken. The increasing competition from other meat-producing countries, not only in their improvement of quality, but also in their expanding lamb production, was noteworthy; and, further, emphasised the need for New Zealand to regulate her shipments. For example, South America shipped 1.947,375 lambs to the United Kingdom in 1921, and 4,946,29 S in 1930. The board had been using every endeavour to enlarge the channels of distribution, and with this object in view allotted to the freezing companies as much shipping space as possible for shipment to West of England ports and Glasgow. The board employed a travelling representative. whose duties largely consisted of continually visiting retailers throughout the United Kingdom with a view to specially extending the trade in New Zealand mutton and lamb. Much valuable work had been done in the North of England in fostering the sale of New Zealand meat, and it wag particularly gratifying to note that the shipments to the West Coast ports had greatly increased this year. The board employed supervisors to supervise the grading of meat at the works, and also to inspect the loading of meat into vessels. As a result of these inspections there has been a steady improvement in the handling of the meat, and this was reflected in its appearance when displayed on Smithfield. It had been the board’s policy to do everything possible to reduce the various intervening costs between the producer and the consumer. The various shipping freight contracts arranged by the board since its formation in 1922 represented reductions amounting to £1,059,000 per annum. Among other reductions in costs secured by the board, special mention was made by Mr Ross of its negotiations in regard to cold storage rates in London. The board purchased a site adjacent to Smithfield with a view to building its own store. Since the purchase of this site, however, negotiations were entered into between the board and the London cold store owners, which finally resulted in total reductions over the rates of 1925 of 10 per cent, off the first month, and 20 per cent, off the second and subsequent months. It was estimated that these reductions represented a saving to the Dominion of approximately £50,000 per annum.

Mr Ross outlined the research and experimental work carried out, and the scientific survey made of the meat industry, which shower that, although there was no need for radical alterations of technique, there appeared to be room for improvement at each stage of the chain of treatment. The board had been

closely watching the recent developments in rapid freeing of meat, and the introduction of quickly-frozen meat in carton packages. It had always recognised that toe export of pork was a now and growing industry that must be helped, and had specially arranged with the shipping companies a low frieght rate on pork, ini>- nn S half what it was in 19-u. There was no doubt that the outlet tor New Zealand pork was gradually widening, and that New Zealand pork was becoming favourably established on the omithfield market. Dealing with advertising at Home, Mr Ross said it was no exaggeration to’ say that the advertising campaign had been the means of popularising New Zealand amb at Home. They had had a valuable background provided by the Empire e m g nn?° ar(1 '> Last year tlie board spent £13,000 on advertising, and intended to spend £20,000 this year. Mr Ross also dealt vuth the question of exporting third grade lamb from New Zealand. In Australia they had dropped exporting third grade because it disorganised the trade. America could supply that grade, but it was not wise for New Zealand, and they should export only the best quality which commanded the best prices. If thev exported third grade only a few farmers would gain and many would lose. He also spoke of the suggested amalagmatiou of the Dairy and Meat Boards, which seemed outside the bounds of possibility. Mr Ross, in speaking of Mr Lvsnar’s Bill, supported the constitution of the board and the method of election of members, and pointed out the advantages in the administration. He also dealt with the allotment of prizes for fat lambs for export, stating that A. and P. associations could arrange for field days at freezing w-orks, when farmers could see the lambs alive and dressed. The final award was made at Home, so they could see what the trade at Home really wanted, and the suggestion was that a farmer could send Uon 1 PCn °* 20 l a,ll bs for such competi-

E ' i S ' Lrewster asked Mr Ross whether the board intended to sell the rQi d onn tore , site , in .London. It cost £31,000, and the income last year, and Mr Ross replied that the board intended to hold the site, as it was a valuable one, and they were getting indirectly a saving on cold storage of £50,000 a year through having the site. Mr Brewster also questioned the figure of £l2OO tor travelling expenses for Mr Forsyth at Home, and Mr Ross replied that a great deal of that was for travelling in an endeavour to open up fresh markets J The question had been raised at Wellington, when they thought the expenses particularly low in view of the ve GV Rtmd work Mr Fosyth was doing. At the conclusion of his address Mr tlrnnl s aS aCCorded a ver J’ hearty vote of GOLF. 'cinb e w B n° Key Ma > tch P’? yed by the Ladies’ Club yas won by Miss B. Cuthbertson (8), 3 down, followed by Mrs Brown (13) 4 down, Mrs M’Beath (13), 4 down, and S’ Cuthbertson (23), 4 down rii e L e 2 vas no ,? olf P’ayed by the Men’s Club, but a working bee of about 20 members spent Saturday afternoon in excellent work on the fairways. MOTOR ACCIDENTS. In turning the corner of Thames and Eden streets on Saturday evenin" a I imaru motorist ran head on into the telegraph post at the corner, badly bending the front axle of his car. None of the occupants was injured. A collision also occurred on Saturday afternoon between two cars on the Main South road at the cross roads near the monument at Deborah. The cars, which were proceeding in the opposite direction to each other, were fairly badly damaged, but the occupants were unhurt. DAFFODIL COMPETITION. Considerable interest was taken in the daffodil competition held by Oamaru enthusiasts, in which 12 blooms each were exhibited by the competitors. The judging was carried out by Mr Clapperton, and the awards were:—Mr R. Dick 1, Mrs R. K. Ireland 2. Mr J. Hambley 3. The best bloom in the competition was “Militant,” shown by Miss Clapperton.