SOUTH CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21727, 9 March 1936, Page 9

SOUTH CANTERBURY

TIMARU GAGE STRIKES YACHTS Just before the conclusion of the Timaru Yacht Club’s race on Saturday afternoon for the F. S. Cave trophy, a southerly gale played havoc with the participants. The recall flag was hoisted at 4.35 and the race was called off. There was a general return to port, but before the entrance could be reached several vessels were experiencing trouble. Qne or two yachts hoisted jibs, but In most instances all sails were lowered, while awaiting assistance from shore. Qn learning the position, the skipper of the launch Pansy Heather went out to render aid to the vessels furthest out, Muri, AUce, Seaspray and Tawera. All four were taken in tow and the launch struggled against the spu’-wester to reach port, Before the entrance was reached, however, the Seaspray, second in line of the yachts, was upset, her crew being .rescued by those of the other vessels in tow. The launch Quest went out after the yacht Curlew, which by this time was drifting towards the Ninety Mile Beach, and picked her up, also taking in tow Dorothy 11., which was lying in shelter near the mole. Toff, which When the gale struck her, had nearly completed the race, sought the shelter of the Marine Parade. The winning ygeht was Alerte (scr), which did the distance in four hours 32 minutes 57 seconds, Dorothy 11. (Imin) was second in four hours 33 minutes 20 seconds, and Alice (scr) third, in four hours 33 minutes 46 seconds, the race being allowed as the three vessels had finished it. Historical Pageant Encouraged hy the success of its first presentation of the historical pageant “Old Days in England,” the South Canterbury and Mid-Canterbury Federation pf Women’s Institutes gave a repeat performance on Saturday afternoon at Timaru Park, when ideal conditions were experienced and the spectators were enabled to obtain a perfect View of the proceedings from a natural grandstand behind the pond. Greater familiarity with their respective parts resulted in the various casts acting with more confidence and consequently more success than previously. The installation of loud speakers threw the words of the characters to all parts of the area occupied by the spectators. The playing of the Municipal Band, Under Lieutenant W. H. Osborne, contributed in no small measure to the success of the afternoon. The colourful costumes used were the subject of much admiration. Fanners’ Union

The Timaru-St. Andrews branch of the Farmers’ Union at its monthly meeting, at which Mr B. E. Evans presided, decided to support a proposal made by the South Canterbury Pror vincial Executive to hold a farm competition this year. The president commended the idea, but emphasised that success would depend on the ability of fhe promoters to induce farmers to enter. The resignation of Mr G. E. Elliott was received with regret, and the hope was expressed that he would soon be restored to health.

The chairman referred to the variation in "the quality of agricultural lime and said that representations had been made to the Minister with the object of having lime brought as near standard as possible. Mr A. B. Strutters reported that the Minister had written to him as secretary of the provincial executive, saying that he was taking the matter up. 1 \