NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 4063, 26 January 1932, Page 21

NORTH OTAGO.

' HEWS FROM THE DISTRICT. L YOUNG MOUNTAINEERS. Tour Oamaru boys (Selwyn Grave, «Tohn Amies, Markham, and Ombler), who are making a 1000-miie bicycle tour of the South Island, have been successful in climbing Mount Rolleston (7500 ft near the Otira Gorge. This is a fairly difficult feat, and the boys are to be congratulated on their success. The tour of the boys took them through Canterbury to Hokitika, thence to the Franz Josef Glacier and the Hermitage, Mount Cook, Climbing Mount Rolleston en route. The boys plan to return to Oamaru, via Omarama, by the end of the month.

BOY DROWNED. A boy named Peter Smith, aged eight Jpears, was accidentally drowned in a pool •pf water at the Waitaki Hydro ou Wednesday afternoon. At the inquest it was found that deceased got into difficulties in deep water find was not rescued until it was too late, as continued resuscitation failed to revive bim. The deceased’s home was in Caversham, Dunedin, and he was spending a holiday with friends. The jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death by being accidentally drowned, no blame being attachable to anyone. COUNTRY LAWN TENNIS TOURNAMENT. The final of the Men’s Singles competition in the Waitaki Sub-association’s lawn tennis tournament at Kurow was Won by L. M'Kinnon, who defeated Collins in one of the best exhibitions seen on the Kurow courts. The further results of play are as follow:— Men’s Championship Singles.—Final: L. M'Kinnon beat Collins, 6 —4, C —B, 6—4. Men’s Championship Doubles.—Collins and Nash beat Sanders and Rollinson. 9—l. Ladies’ Championship Doubles.—Misses Stuart and Bloomfield beat Miss Malinanche and Mrs Connor, 9 —3; Misses Collins and Clark beat Misses Clark and Barclay, 9 —5; the Misses Lawlor beat Miss Burnett and Mrs Sutton, 9—7.

Men’s Handicap Singles.—Final: L. M'Kinnon (owe 40) beat E. Booth (owe 15), G—3. Men’s Handicap Doubles. — Second round: M'Kinnon Bros, beat J. Collins and A. M’Kinnon, 6 —3; Sanders and Rollinson beat Appleby and Booth by default. Semi-final: Collins and Nash beat Sanders and Rollinson, G —3. Ladies’ Handicap Doubles.—Misses Stuart and Bloomfield beat Mesdames M'Caw and Tripp, 6 —3; Miss Burnett and Mrs Sutton beat Misses Collins and Clark, 6—4. Mixed Doubles. —First round: Tripp and Mrs Tripp beat Barclay and Miss Barclay, 6—l; J. Collins and Miss M. Murphy beat Blunden and Miss M'Gimpaey, 6 —o; Christianson and Miss Collins beat Booth and Mrs Conpor by default; T. M’Kinnon and Miss Malmanche beat Pavletich and Miss Pavletich, 6—3; Sander and Miss Clark beat A. M'Kinnon and Mrs Johnson, 6 —5; Nash and Mrs M'Caw beat Pavletich and Miss Stuart, 6 —5; Herron and Miss Johnson beat Walker and Miss Bloomfield, 6—5; M'Master and Mrs Clark beat Appleby and Miss Johnson, 6 —2. Second round: Christianson and Miss Cairns beat Cairns and Miss York, 6 —4; Hedges and Miss N. Lawlor beat Rollinson and Miss K. Murphy, 6 —3; Sanders and Miss Clark beat Nash and Mrs M'Caw, 6 —5; Collins and Miss C. Lawlor beat Sutton and Mrs Sutton, 6—2.

OAMARU GARDENS. During the warm summer afternoons the Oamaru Public Gardens are the rendezvous of scores of residents and visitors to the town, who are afforded an opportunity of contemplative study of the glories of Nature amid delightful surroundings. The spring and summer work that has been carried out, including the utilisation of unemployed labour, has reunited in an exceedingly high standard being reached in blooms and foliage. Relief work has also been carried out in repairing the banks and cleaning out the stream, while advantage has been taken, too, of cleaning up the reserves and environs of the town, so that a general appearance of neatness is to be found in the public areas throughout the borough. The visitor entering the main gate of the gardens will be attracted by the range of colours of the stocks and nemesia, which still make a delightful picture, while the marigolds, having made splendid growth, give promise of a brilliant display in the Tate summer and autumn. Equally pleasing scenes are to be seen in other parts of the gardens, and the display in the greenhouse, of godetias and hydrangeas, is right up to the usual high standard, calling for much admiration from the spectator. The beauties of the gardens will well repay an hour or two spent there on fiunny afternoons.

STRANDED FISH. Large numbers of fish always become Stranded when the water race to Clark’s mill at Maheno is closed, and, on being notified, the Acclimatisation Society has to transfer the fish to the main river. Last week, while removing the fish, two twelve-pounders and numerous other smaller fish were conveyed to the main stream. COMPETITIONS SOCIETY. A meeting of the executive of the Oamaru Competitions Society was held on Thursday evening, Mr H. W. Parker Occupying, the chair. The resignation of Mr R. L. Ashley, on account of his removal from Oamaru, was accepted with regret. A lengthy discussion took place as to the advisability of holding a competitions festival this year, and finally Messrs E. D. Watts, W. Atkinson, H. W. Parker,

and G. Dickel were appointed a sub-com-mittee to draw up a report on the suggestion of a three days’ festival, with demonstration concerts, and submit to a further meeting. STRAYING STOCK. It was reported to the Waitaki County Council on Friday that a complaint hail been received about straying stock, and on the ranger keeping watch on the locality at 5 o’clock in the merning he found that the complainant was the only offender. In an aggravated case of straying stock, in defiance of the ranger, the council decided to support the ranger’s action in prosecuting the offender. IRISH SWEEPSTAKES. Miss Grace Brown, reported to have won £660 in the Irish Sweepstakes, is a daughter of Mr A. H. G. Brown, formerly in business in Oamaru for many years. Brown studied music in Oamaru, gaining her A.T.C.L., L.T.C.L., and is at present teaching pianoforte and theory of music at Culverden, Hurunui, Hawarden, North Canterbury. PUKEURI FREEZING WORKS. Only fair supplies of fats are going forward to the Pukeuri Freezing Works at the present time, the total killings to date being 31,000. WINDOW BLOWN IN. At about 3 o’clock on Saturday afternoon one of the large plate glass windows fronting Thames street in the premises of Messrs Bulleid and Co. fell and crashed into pieces on the footpath. The theory was expressed that the cause of the smash was the heat during the afternoon. but it is generally accepted that the force of the wind caused the plate glass to crack and smash to the ground.

BATHERS IN DIFFICULTIES. On Saturday afternoon there was a very strong undertow at the All Day Bay beach, and bathers who had been tempted into the water by the heat of the afternoon found themselves in difficulties in the surf. One experienced swimmer, who went out only a short distance, had great difficulty in reaching the shore, when he promptly warned a party of girls, who were closer inshore. It was then seen that a lad, who was further out. was in difficulties and could make no headway against the strong undertow. The assistance of two men nearby was called in, and with the aid of a rope the lad was brought safely ashore in an exhausted condition. It has been suggested that a life line should be installed on the beach, as on Saturday a tragedy was narrowly averted. BOWLING. Seven rinks from the Phoenix Club journeyed to Palmerston and Hampden on Saturday' to play friendly matches with those clubs. The afternoon’s play proved most enjoyable, and at the close the usual compliments were exchanged, and invitations given to the home clubs to play return matches at Oamaru at an early date. The details were as follow: — PHCENIX v. PALMERSTON. (Palmerston names mentioned first.) Stewart, Philip. Korney, Galloway 26, v. J. Grenfell, J. Robertson, J. Mitchell, Bastings 22; Pickett, Moodie, H. Graham, M’Kenney, jun., 20, v. Fowler, Simkin. Thomson. Panckhurst 32; . Cameron. Smith, M'Kerrow 21, v. C. Robertson, H. P. S. Familton, Brown, E. Grenfell 17; Graham, O’Brien, Haggie, Adams 26 v. Forrester, Watts, Bedford. Grant 16. Totals: Palmerston 93, Phoenix 87. PHCENIX v. HAMPDEN. (Hampden names mentioned first.) Ross, Prain, Honeyman, Woodley' 19 v. Cosgriff, G. Grenfell, Foster, Forrest 24; Sprague, Aitcheson, Dick, Mursell 20 v. Weavers, Treseder, Craig, G. Mitchell 17; Burns, Murcott, M'William, Lan<r 14 v. D, H. Reid, G. M'Donald, Crisp, 'bunbar 20. Totals: Hampden 53, Phoenix 61. DEFENCE RIFLE SHOOTING. The Oamaru Defence Rifle Club fired an extra match over the 300 and 600 yards ranges on Saturday. The weather conditions were fine, but a very strong wind of varying intensity and direction made the shooting extremely difficult, and played havoc with the scores, especially at 600 yards. Next Saturday a practice match at 800 yards will be held as a preliminary to the second series of the club championship over the 800 and 900 yards ranges, which will commence the following week. The following are the scores (the first six being prize-winners) :—

CRICKET. ALBION v. OAMARU. Albion won the toss and made a disastrous start against Oamaru on Saturday. Scores : ALBION. First Innings. L. Brooker, b Zimmerman 6 Sampson, b Zimmerman 1 Jacobs, b Smith 76 A. Brooker, c Zimmerman, b K. Sumpter .. 34 Davey, b Familton 64 Geddes, c I. Walton, b K. Sumpter 103 M'Laren, c K. Sumpter, b Uttley .. 34 Palmer, run out 23 Taylor, c Zimmerman, b Gillies .. 20 Howie, b K. Walton 7 Dennis, not out .. 0 Extras 15 Total 383 Bowling Analysis.—K. Walton took 1 wicket for 34; Zimmerman, 2 for 122; K. Sumpter, 2 for 36; Gillies, 1 for 56;

Familton, 1 for 35; Smith, 1 for 45; Uttley, 1 for 31. OAMARU. First Innings. Uttley, not out 19 L.. Sumpter, not out ; ~ 21 Extras .. 10 Total for no wickets .. .. 50 OBITUARY. The death occurred on Tuesday afternoon. at his residence, “ The Grange,” Peebles, of Mr William Gardiner, a very well known and highly respected resident of North Otago. Mr Gardiner had been in failing health for a long time past, and though not unexpected, his death will be learned of with the deepest regret by the whole of the community. He was born at Papakaio, near Oamaru, in 1868, and was the only gon of the late Mr William Gardiner, of Island Cliff. Like his father, he followed farming pursuits, and owned the property at Papakaio known as “ The Grange.” He married the youngest daughter of the late Mr John Nimmo, of Taieri. Mr Gardiner was a noted pastoralist, and he was also a very successful breeder of blood-stock and Clydesdales, owning the well-known draught stallion “ Cedric the Saxon,” as well as the progeny of this noted sire. He was one of the best known figures on the turf in the South Island, and during hig racing career owned some fine performers, including the good stake-earners, John Barleycorn and Corn Rigs. He also owned Waving Corn and Corn Queen. Throughout his lifetime Mr Gardiner took a very keen interest in local body affairs. He was one of the old members of the Caledonian Society, and in his young days was a prominent athlete, especially with the caber and hammer.

At various times he sat for terms on the Oamaru Harbour Board, Waitaki County Council, and Waitaki High Schools Board of Governors. He was long associated with the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the Oamaru Jockey Club, holding the position of president of the Jockey Club for several years past, while he was a life member of the A. and P. Association. He was a member of Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning. He first joined the Waitaki County Council in November, 1914, as a councillor, and was elected chairman of that body in May, 1925, retaining that position until last year. Some time ago Mr Gardiner suffered from serious ill-health, necessitating the removal by amputation of both his legs. With characteristic pluck, and undaunted by the handicap which faced bim in life, he retained his interest in public affairs until March 4, 1931, when, after attending a meeting of the Oamaru Jockey Club he was striken down with a seizure, lapsing into unconsciousness upon his return home. During the last days of his life Mr Gardiner was an invalid, but he faced the future with a degree of courage and fortitude which only those who knew him could appreciate. In his last years he turned his abilities towards the further helping of the district in which he had spent his useful and honourable life. The country as a whole, aud North Otago in particular, will be the poorer for the passing of a true sportsman and gentleman. He is survived by Mrs Gardiner, four daughters (Mrs .Patrick, of Willowbridge; Mrs George Stringer, jun., of Oamaru; and the Misses Gardiner) and two sons (Messrs Arthur and Baden Gardiner), to whom the deep sympathy of the community will be extended in their bereavement. The funeral on Thursday afternoon was probably the largest ever seen in Oamaru, hundreds of cats following the cortege to town, whilst hundreds of pedestrians joined in on the way to the Oamaru Cemetery. The dignified and consoling burial service of the Presbyterian Church was conducted by the Rev. A. C. Wedderpsoon, of Peebles, and the impressive Masonic oration was delivered by Chaplain W. Miller at the graveside. The bearers were Messrs W. Stewart (Dunedin), G. Livingstone, J. R. Mitchell, J. O’Brien, J. Hall, and J. Henderson. There were present Mr A. E. Ansell, M.P., representatives of the Borough Council, including the Mayor (Mr J. M. Forrester), the chairman (Mr A. M'lnnes). councillors, and staff of the Waitaki County Council. Waimate Countv Council, Waitaki Electric Power Board. Harbour Board, High School Board of Governors, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Farmers’ Union, North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association, Oam aru Jockey Club. Oamaru Trotting Club, land Caledonian Society, and members.of the Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning. "Many beautiful floral tributes were forwarded to’ mark the last resting place of one of

North Otago’s foremost citizens. Ao a mark of respect the flag was flown at halfmast at the Waitaki County Council’s offices, and the North Otago Club, of which Mr Gardiner had been president for the, past 20 years, was closed. Feeling reference was made to the passing of Mr William Gardiner at Friday’s meeting of the Waitaki County County Council, of which Mr Gardiner was chairman for some years, and it was decided to send a letter to Mrs Gardiner and the family.

The death occurred at his residence, Alma, on Tuesday of Mr Henry Simms, who had resided in this district for over 40 years. He was born in Ulster, Ireland, 76 years ago, and came to New Zealand as a young man. He worked for the late Mr Cornelius Todd. Enfield, and later took up farming at his late residence. The deceased carried on contract ploughing, and was a very capable and efficient farmer. He also interested himself in honey production, and big apiary was regarded as one of the best in the district. Mr Simms took a good deal of interest in the activities of the district. He was one of the original members of the Totara Hall Committee, and for a number of years was a member of the School Committee. He was also a trustee for the lotara-Alma-Deborah soldiers’ memorial, and during the war he wag an active worker for all patriotic causes. He leaves a widow and two daughters.

300 yds 600 yds. Hep. Tl. Rfmn Koppert .. .. 44 43 1 — 88 Rfmn Leslie 46 41 1 — 88 Rfmn W. Smith 42 42 3 — 87 Rfmn W. Gillies 42 39 6 — 87 Rfmn Mosley .. .. 41 42 2 — 85 Rfmn Allan 44 38 9 — 84 Vice-pres. M'Latehie 38 37 6 — 81 Rfmn Murdoch .. .. 39 31 10 — 80 Rfmn G. Gillies 44 33 2 — 79 Rfmn R. Smith .. .. 36 39 3 — 78 Rfmn Campbell .. .. 45 28 —- — 73 Rfmn G. Doran .. .. 33 35 1 — 69