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Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Californian city shaken
The Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara, with its entire side wall missing following an earthquake. — Otago Witness, 1.9.1925 COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR A message from Los Angeles states that 65 persons are known to have been killed in the South Californian earthquake, which had its centre at Santa Barbara. ODT boss's recollection It is believed that several hundreds were injured. Some of the finest buildings in Santa Barbara were demolished, and the railway lines were disrupted. Communications were cut off and fire broke out. A dam burst, causing torrents of water to flood the city. The inhabitants are panic-stricken. Aeroplanes from San Francisco and elsewhere, and Red Cross trains, are rushing to the relief of the city. State Street, the main thoroughfare, is described as a ghastly avenue of ruin. Portions of its most stately buildings have tumbled down. The quakes continued throughout the day. The terror-stricken inhabitants, who numbered 30,000, are living on lawns. The damage is estimated at 10,000,000 dollars. During his tour abroad early last year Sir George Fenwick paid a visit to the town of Santa Barbara and, in recording his impressions, he said: "Santa Barbara is a most attractive town with a population of about 30,000. It is growing rapidly, and property within the last few years has increased enormously in value. The secretary of the Rotary Club was most kind and attentive to us during our stay, and showed us some of the beauty spots in the course of an interesting motor drive. During this trip we visited a celebrated mission which dates back to the old Spanish days. It was founded in 1786 by Father Junipero Serra, president of the Franciscan Friars, who came to Mexico with the Spanish-Mexican expedition in 1769. Two centuries before then the records of the early voyages of Cabrillo (1542) speak of the kindness and hospitality of the Santa Barbara Indians. The place was described by Father Serra as a delightful paradise." Balancing risk and rescue Interviewed by a Daily Times reporter yesterday, Superintendent Napier stated that the calling of a fire-brigadesman was essentially one in which all hands had necessarily to risk their lives for the succour of those in danger. A fire-brigadesman, be he officer or newly-joined recruit, cannot be protected by "rules of the road" or idealism. The essential part of the work of a fire service was to reach the point of call with the minimum of delay. Any trained fire brigade officer studied the lives and safety of his men, and it was strongly to be deplored that any person should make the work of the brigades more difficult than it had of recent years been rendered, by the great influx of motor traffic. The whole service deplored the accidents which must, of necessity, occur with the speeding-up of road transit but the risk was all in the day's work, and was part of the service of an up-to-date brigade. So far as Dunedin was concerned, the by-law was most emphatic in that all traffic, on the signal of the siren, notifying that a fire engine was in transit, was to pull up as near the sidewalk as was possible, and all tram cars had to come to a standstill. The Dunedin fire service would greatly welcome a better observance of the by-law governing its freedom of the roads when in actual service. Superintendent Napier added that it was understood that, under the Motor Act, the "Siren" signal is to be reserved for the use of fire engines whilst actually responding to a call. — ODT, 1.7.1925 (Compiled by Peter Dowden)
Otago Daily Times
25-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Parliament resumes
Governor-General Sir Charles Fergusson takes the salute at the opening of Parliament. — Otago Witness, 7.7.1925 COPIES OF PHOTO ARE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR Wellington, June 25: The fourth session of the twenty-first Parliament of New Zealand was opened to-day with the usual ceremonial. As the Governor-General left his house a Royal salute was fired from the guns at Point Jerningham. On his arrival at Parliament Buildings, where his Excellency was received by the officers of the staff of the 1st Wellington Battalion, the band played the Anthem and the Royal Salute was given by the guard of honour, consisting of 100 men from the Corps of Signals under Major R.M. Aldred and Lieutenant N.S. Plank. The galleries in the Legislative Council were crowded with men and women eager to witness the arrival of the Governor-General. The women greatly predominated in numbers, and in one of the galleries there were three little girls who seemed to take a special interest in the proceedings. They were the three eldest daughters of the Prime Minister and Mrs Coates. Members of the Council assembled in due course to await the coming of his Excellency. Lady Alice Fergusson, attended by two of the staff from Government House, was escorted by Mr Basil Stocker, the Acting Clerk of the Legislative Council, to a seat on the floor of the chamber near the Speaker's chair. Then after a brief interval the usher of the Black Rod, Mr Bothamley, wearing his gown and carrying the wand of office, appeared through the main entrance and announced: "His Excellency the Governor-General." Then all the councillors rose, as did also the people in the gallery. "Honourable gentlemen, please he seated," said his Excellency, whereupon the councillors resumed their seats. The naval and military officers who accompanied his Excellency grouped themselves at the head of the chamber. Then followed a pause until the Commoners, who had been summoned to attend in "another place" arrived, headed by their Speaker (the Hon Mr Statham), who was attended by the Clerk of the House, Mr W.E. Kane, and the Sergeant-at-Arms, carrying the mace. At the head of the members of the House of Representatives came Mr Coates, the new Prime Minister, spic and span in morning dress, and the youngest Prime Minister New Zealand has seen for many a long year. There were many present who missed the burly form of their late Prime Minister, who, on so many occasions, had been so conspicuous a figure at such ceremonials. The Governor-General read "The Speech" in clear and measured tones, every word being distinctly audible. After his departure the members of the House of Representatives hastened back to their own premises where presently they were engaged in the usual bombardment with petitions and questions and notices of motion. Senior seen off The esteem in which Senior-sergeant Mathieson is held in Dunedin was conclusively demonstrated yesterday afternoon, when a large number of businessmen assembled in the Grand Hotel to bid farewell to him prior to his departure for Ashburton, to which district he has been transferred, and to make a presentation of a beautiful peggy bag and contents for Mrs Mathieson. The speakers bore testimony to the popularity enjoyed by Senior-sergeant Mathieson, and to the conscientious and tactful manner in which he had carried out his duties, and were unanimous in wishing him the best of prosperity in the future. — ODT, 26.6.1925 (Compiled by Peter Dowden)
Otago Daily Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Reel heavy load
Steam traction engines haul a drum of replacement cable up Rattray St to the Roslyn cable car winding station in Kaikorai Valley (now occupied by DCC housing on the corner of Frasers Rd). Otago Witness, 9.6.1925 COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR A large cylinder, containing about 17 tons of wire rope for the Roslyn cable car service, drawn by two traction engines, held up traffic for some time yesterday whilst being taken from the Victoria wharf to the Roslyn tramway power-house. The cylinder was landed from the steamer West Nilus during the morning. It was conveyed up Rattray and then Maclaggan streets, arriving at its destination without any mishap, although at times it did not appear to be riding too steadily. Perceptions of Jesus It is strange how time reverses the judgments of men. To-day Jesus Christ is referred to as a religious genius, the founder of Christianity. But in His own day it was otherwise. Then He was accounted anything but a religious man. The vocabulary was stretched to find words biting enough and blistering enough wherewith to label him. Truly, He was not a pious man judged by the religious standards of his day. He was a rebel. He stood out against the priesthood and sacerdotalism and paid the penalty for so doing. Mark you, He set up no rival organisation. What he did was to introduce a new spirit into the dry bleached bones of religion. It was for that that He suffered at the hands of men. - by Rev D. Gardner Miller Finest granulated beef fat Thousands of housewives throughout the dominion have found in ''Shreddo'' just what they required - a clean, pure, and wholesome suet that keeps indefinitely, is very economical, and which gives far better results than suet ''in the rough.'' ''Shreddo'' is the purest of selected New Zealand Beef Suet, with all the tissue and other waste matter removed. '' Shreddo'' pours from the packet, ready for use - no cleaning, grating, or chopping up. Packed in parchment-lined 1-pound packets, and obtainable from all grocers. Send three penny stamps for generous Free Sample. Mountain cabbage for indoors Among the New Zealand plants that are occasionally met with in England by residents of the dominion when paying a visit is Cordyline indivisa, that very fine species of our cordyline. We have not seen it grown for purposes of indoor decoration in New Zealand, but Colin Ruse, of the Hyde Gardens, near Luton, writes: ''Cordyline indivisa is one of the most useful indoor foliage plants, and is most effective and serviceable for many purposes of decoration in the dwelling-room, whilst large specimens are useful for a variety of purposes in the garden during the summer; also for standing on terraces, for furnishing vases, and many other positions where specimen foliage plants are required.'' Seal for Mt Cargill Rd Considerable activity is now being displayed on the Main North road between Waitati and Dunedin, where the Highways Board has made a start with the reconstruction work. About 50 men are employed, and a large quarry has been opened about a quarter of a mile below the water trough on the Waitati side. About 25 men are engaged on the Waitati side clearing the water tables and felling the bush and gorse. A blacksmith's shop and a hut have been erected, and a crusher is being placed in position. Surveyors are also at work on the road. It is the intention of the Highways Board to regrade the road, build it up with 4 inches of metal, and to bitumenise it from Dunedin to Waitati. - ODT, 30.5.1925 - Compiled by Peter Dowden
Otago Daily Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Who will be prime minister?
Reform Party MPs Gordon Coates (left) and William Downie Stewart. — Otago Witness, 26.5.1925 COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR Discussing the political situation created by the Prime Minister's death, the Auckland Star remarks that Downie Stewart's indifferent health will probably prevent him taking the position of Leader, in which case that role will probably fall to Mr Coates. Marks of respect The paper remarks: "With Mr Coates as Prime Minister, also holding the two important portfolios of Railways and Works, the office of Postmaster-general would be vacant. The most important vacant portfolio will be that of Minister of Finance, and the Reform Party may feel disposed to place this in the hands of Mr Downie Stewart. Another of Mr Massey's portfolios, almost of equal importance, is the State Advances Department, which handles some £7,000,000 per annum, and assuming that Mr Downie Stewart accepted the one he will be likely to be asked to take over the other." The Mayor (Mr H.L. Tapley) has declared a holiday from noon on Thursday, on the occasion of the funeral of Mr Massey. All the local schools were closed yesterday. The children were paraded, the flags drawn up to half-mast, and after brief addresses had been delivered the National Anthem was sung. The schools will be closed again on Thursday. Royal sympathy The following cable message has been received by Mrs Massey: "The Queen and I join in the sorrow which has befallen you by the death of your dear husband. The dominion will mourn the loss of a Prime Minister who held that office with honour and distinction before, throughout, and since the Great War. We heartily sympathise with you, your family, and the people of New Zealand, and feel sure that those sentiments are shared generally throughout the British Empire. (Signed) George, R I" Message from iwi On behalf of the Maoris of the Poverty Bay district the following message, signed by Messrs W. Pitt and W. Delamere, on behalf of the Whanau Apanui, Ngatiporou, Aitanga, Amahuki, Rongowhakaata and Tamunuhiri tribes, has been forwarded to the Native Minister (the Hon J.G. Coates): "We deeply deplore the loss and our hearts are sad at King Death having taken toll. The giant totara has fallen, and the earth has been shaken to its foundation. Farewell, old man. Go to the home of your ancestors, and the multitude take word hence that the generations who follow are aiming to carry on the good works founded by you. " Widow's appreciation With a fortitude that is characteristic, yet striking, Mrs Massey bore her husband's illness, and now that the end has come she expresses, in her own words, in the following message her grateful appreciation of the comfort and assistance she has received from the people of the dominion: "The affection expressed for my husband and the assurances of prayers on his behalf to the Almighty, in Whom he believed, have been a revelation to us and have been a great comfort during the past six weeks. We are all most grateful." To lie in state Arrangements are being made for Mr Massey's body to lie in state in the main vestibule of Parliament Buildings. The body will lie in state from to-morrow until Thursday, when the funeral takes place. — ODT, 12.5.1925 (Compiled by Peter Dowden)
Otago Daily Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Thrills for expo visitors
The roller coaster at the NZ and South Seas Exhibition, known as the Scenic Railway, pictured under construction in July 1925. — Otago Witness, 28.7.1925 COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR Some information on the Amusement Zone was given at last night's meeting of the directors of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition Co. Recognising the important part which this section will play in attracting visitors, the directors have decided to construct an amusement park which will appeal to all tastes and which will leave little to be desired. The scenic railway will not merely be a small engine and carriage moving along rails. On the contrary, it will be a modern contrivance and the track — an elevated structure — will rise in places to 45 feet, making the greater portion of the journey a breathlessly fast gravity ride. The Caterpillar is another novel device which will give a thrilling ride. It consists of a light, circular truck on which a continuous series of 24 carriages is kept revolving about a central shaft. After one or two revolutions the operator suddenly shifts a lever and a movable cover is pulled over the seats so as to cause the whole moving contrivance to resemble a careering caterpillar. No sooner have the passengers accustomed themselves to the tunnel when two big blowers beneath the track are thrown into action, and it will not be surprising if some of the passengers make a mental review of their past sins and resolve to lead better lives in future, if they get out alive — which they do at the end of their penny worth, or whatever the price may be. ''The Whip'' is one of the more popular rides. It consists of a large oblong floor round the edge of which 12 tub-like cars are operated. At each end of the floor is a large grooved disc on which run stout endless cables. One of the discs is fitted with rack gear and is rotated. The 12 cars are attached to the cable by steel brackets so designed so as to allow the cars to swing outwards at the corners, thereby greatly increasing the speed. While on the straight only a moderate speed is maintained, but as soon the ends are reached a remarkable velocity is reached. Next in order of importance is ''The Merry Mix-Up'', a central structural steel tower supporting 12 arms with a chair hanging from each. The machine is made to revolve and the passengers swing in and out right merrily. Those who venture only to look on derive even more fun from the ''Dodgem'' cars than do the passengers themselves. These little vehicles are like tubs and are built to seat two. They run on a steel floor, and the ceiling, a suspended one, is of electrically charged woven wire with which the cars are connected by their trolley poles. The fun lies in the fact that they are extremely hard to steer and when a dozen or so riders are occupying the floor together the result can be imagined. Of course they are built so that no damage can result through collisions (which occur frequently). The foregoing (including a ''Fun or Joy Factory'') are looked upon as the outstanding amusement devices, and these, together with innumerable games, sideshows etc, will go to make what is claimed will be the finest amusement zone south of the line. Police on show The Exhibition directors are making every endeavour to see that the police force in Dunedin is strengthened adequately during the Exhibition period, and arrangements are being made in Wellington with this in view. It is suggested that representatives of the Australian police and detective forces should be brought to Dunedin as they should prove invaluable in identifying undesirable visitors from their own cities. — ODT, 8.5.1925 (Compiled by Peter Dowden)
