SOUTH CANTERBURY NEWS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22594, 27 December 1938, Page 3

SOUTH CANTERBURY NEWS

BAY CARNIVAL

AUSPICIOUS OPENING

LARGE GATHERING AT CEREMONY

After a period of uncertain weather, the sun shone brilliantly yesterday afternoon, when the Caroline Bay carnival was officially opened in the presence of what was probably the largest attendance yet seen in front of the sound pavilion. At previous carnivals the space available for the public was restricted, but recent improvements have resulted in the removal of two willow trees, which used to spoil the view of the pavilion stage, and the provision of an amphitheatre which enables a large number of onlookers to be accommodated in comfort.

The work of the Caroline Bay Association was referred to by the president (Mr E. C, Scales), who thanked the visitors for their patronage and said that practically all the revenue of the association was expended in extending the amenities of the bay for the benefit of visitors.

The absence of the Mayor (Mr W. G. Tweedy) and the Mayoress was apologised for by Cr. A. S. Kinsman, who said that Mr Tweedy was a keen advocate for the improvement of the amenities and comforts of the bay. The speaker commended the efforts of the association in developing the “most magnetic centre of Timaru,” and expressed the hope that the visitors would thoroughly enjoy their stay in the town.

The assembling of so many people, who could all be seen from the pavilion, had not been possible until the association’s recent work of improvement had been carried out, said Mr Clyde Carr, M.P. The construction of the amphitheatre had originally been estimated to cost £650, but because of subsidies the association had been enabled to have the work completed for about half that amount. A pleasing feature of the work of the association was that all the money spent by visitors at the carnival went bacK to them in the form of improvements at the bay. After Cr. Kinsman had declared the carnival open, a bright entertainment was provided by a concert party featuring Messrs James McFarlane, D. Colvin, James Murray, and Misses Tui Northey and Rita Stone. In addition, a trapeze turn was given by the Aerial Del Gados.

TIMARU POPULAR

MANY VISITORS IN TOWN

THREE SUNDAY TRAINS

Three trains were required to carry the excursionists who travelled to Timaru from Christchurch and intermediate stations on Sunday. Altogether, the passengers numbered between 900 and 1000. Many of them spent the day in Timaru, and others will remain for a week, returning on Sunday next.

Large numbers also travelled to Timaru by trains on Saturday, and again yesterday, and at the moment the town is full of visitors, most of whom have come for the Caroline Bay carnival, which was opened yesterday afternoon. While the railways carried tnost of the visitors, many travelled by motorcars, a good proportion of whom went into camp at the Smithfleld Show Grounds and elsewhere.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT GERALDINE

LARGE ATTENDANCES REPORTED

Special decorations were features of the Christmas services at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Geraldine. .The sanctuary and altar were decorated with Christmas lilies.

Midnight Mass was attended by a large congregation, and the choir sang “De Anglis.” Mr J. J. Laffey conducted the choir and Miss Berna Lysaght was the organist. Mrs J. J. Laffey sang the solo, “Alma Redemtoris,” and the parish priest (the Rev. Father M. J. Fogarty) spoke to his congregation on the spirit of Christmas. Anglican Services Christmas services in the Geraldine parish were well attended, Canon A. H. Norris conducting the services at St. -Mary’s, Woodbury and Peel Forest. There was a large number of communicants. In the evening, a special'carol service was held, and the choir sang anthems. Methodist Church

The anthems, “Christians Awake” and “While Shepherds Watch,” were sung by the choir at the Methodist carol services at, Geraldine on Sunday night. A quartet, Miss I. Logan, Mrs Prosser, and Messrs H. Coombes and L. Neutze, "sang “Silent Night.” The choir sang “Good King Wenceslas,” Mr Sefton Hooper taking the solo part of the King, and Mrs G. Irvine that of the page. The children sang two carols, “Away in a Manger” and “Wise Men Seeking Jesus.” There was a large attendance, and the Rev. F. O. Prosser gave an appropriate address at the evening service.

Presbyterian Church

The Rev. W. J. Couling gave appropriate addresses at the Presbyterian Church. There was a large attendance at the carol service. Mr M. Brown sang the solo, “The Stranger of Galilee,” and Misses E. Sherratt and V. Turner, the duet, "The Virgin Lulls Her Infant Child.” The choir sang the anthem, “O Zion That Bringest Good Tidings.” Carols included “O, Little Town of Bethlehem,” “See Amid The Winter Snow,” “Once In Royal David’s City,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” “O Sing We A Song,” and “Shepherds Awake From Slumbers Deep.”

SHIPPING

PORT OP TIMARU

ARRIVAL (Saturday) Breeze, from Oamaru. D. C. Turnbu! and Company, agents.

EXPECTED ARRIVALS Walplata, Dunedin, December 29. Holmlea, Dunedin, December 29. Goslar, Lyttelton, December 30. Bencruachan, Lyttelton, December 30. Zealandic, Wellington, December 30. Canberra Maru, Dunedin, January 5. Kalingo, Lyttelton, January 5. Orarl, Bluff, January 7. Waiana, Dunedin, January 9. Kaimai, Oamaru, January 11. Waipahi, Oamaru, January 13. ,

I'KUJKCiKD UUf. A.KXUUES Breeze, Lyttelton, December 28. Waipiata, Lyttelton, December 29. Holmlea. Lyttelton, December 29.' Goslar, Dunedin, December 30. Zealandic, Port Chalmers, January 2. Bencruachan, Port Chalmers, January 4, Canberra Maru, Lyttelton, January 5. Kalingo, Dunedin, January 5. Waiana. Lyttelton, January 9. Oran, New Plymouth, January 9, Kaimai, Lyttelton, January H, , Waipahh . Lyttelton* . January Mb fapt

THE HOLIDAYS

SOUTH CANTERBURY ATTRACTIONS

WIDE VARIETY OFFERED

A wide variety of attractions is offered to visitors to South Canterbury during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, and should the weather be favourable large attendances may be expected at the various centres of interest.

The principal attractions are as follows; —

To-day Bowling tourney, pairs. Bay carnival. December 28 Bowling tourney, rirtks and pairs finals. Bay carnival. December 29 Bowling tourney, singles. Bay carnival. Representative cricket. December 39 Bowling tourney, singles final. December 31 Bay carnival. Tennis tourney. Yachting regatta. January 2 South Canterbury Caledonian Society sports. Tennis tourney. Bay carnival. Yachting regatta. Polo gymkhana, Fairlie. January 3 Tennis tourney (finals). Bay carnival. St. Andrews Caledonian Society sports.

COMMERCIAL PASSES

TIMARU EXAMINATIONS

The following pupils of the Girls’ High School, the only entrants, passed in the examinations last month of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce:—

Shorthand—llo words a minute; Pass with distinction, Mary G. Waters. Pass. Eileen E. Beynon. 80 words a minute: Pass, Georgina B. Buckley, Patricia E. Woodley. Typewriting: Senior pass, Eileen E. Beynon. Junior pass, with distinction, Georgina B. Buckley, Dorothy S. Morgan, Mary G. Waters. Book-keeping—Pass: Patricia E. Woodley. Office Practice—Pass, Dorothy B. Andrews, Joyce I. Dickson, Joyce M. Innes, Jean Urquhart, Patricia E. Woodley. Handwriting—Pass with distinction: Jean P. Westaway, Patricia E. Woodley. Pass: Dorothy B. Andrews, Joyce I. Dickson, Heather S. Howard, Jean Urquhart. English Composition—Pass: Patricia E. Woodley.

PERSONAL NOTES

TEMUKA

Notices of transfer have been received by two of the clerical staff of the Temuka Railway Station. Mr E. C. Brittenden has received advice of transfer to the District Traffic Manager’s Office. Christchurch, and Mr L. G. S. Carlyle has been advised that he will go to Springfield. Mr J. Cornwell left Temuka for Napier on Christmas Day to attend a Bible Class rally. Mr L. Butters, formerly Town Clerk of Temuka, is spending a holiday at Temuka.

SEADOWN

Mr J. McMahon, of Timaru, is spending a holiday with Mr Allan Connolly at Seadown.

GERALDINE

Mr and Mrs A. G. Glover and family (Waipara, North Canterbury) were visitors to Geraldine for Christmas. Mr and Mrs H. W. Slater and family (Invercargill) are spending an extended holiday in their Waihi terrace home at Geraldine.

Miss Dora Maister (Wellington) is visiting her parents in Geraldine.

Miss Joan McKechnie (Geraldine) is spending the Christmas holidays in Palmerston North. She will be the guest of Miss Linley Glen, Tokomaru Bay, for the New Year holidays.

Mr and Mrs J. D. G. Willcocks tnd family (Waihi terrace) are spending a holiday in Oamaru. Mr O. Hatton, formerly of Geraldine, but now of Masterton, is the guest of Mr and Mrs A. W.‘ Kelman, Geraldine.

Miss Gwen Pugh (Birchwoodl is the guest of her parents, Mr and Mrs R. J. Pugh, Talbot street, Geraldine.

Mr and Mrs T. B. McKinlay (Dunedin) are the guests of Mr and Mrs A. J. Burmester, Wright street. Mr and Mrs C. L. Stringer (Geraldine) are visiting the West Coast. Mr and Mrs A. J. Hopping, who have been visiting Geraldine, have returned to Christchurch.

Miss Marjorie Willis (Christchurch) is the guest of her mother, Mrs S. H. Willis, Macdonald street. Mr and Mrs F. J. C. Turner (Hokitika), who have been the guests of

NEW RAINFALL RECORD

FOUR FEET RECORDED AT GERALDINE

MORE THAN ONE INCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Four feet of rain has been recorded at Geraldine during the last 12 months. This establishes a new record in Geraldine.

Heavy rain was experienced on Christmas Day, and 123 points were recorded by Mr B. R. Macdonald, “Waitui,” for the 24 hours ended at 9 a.m. yesterday. This brings the total for the year to date to 48.46 inches, or 11 inches more than the previous record annual fall of 37.55 inches, in 1936.

For the last 13 months, beginning on December 1, 1937, a total fall of 57.88 inches has been recorded. The average fall for the last 21 years is only 29.50 inches, and the lowest recording during the period was 19.85 inches, in 1931. This year 29 inches more of rain has fallen than in 1931,

BAND ATTENDS FUNERAL

DRUMMER LEONARD BRIGHT

The funeral of Drummer Leonard Bright, corporal in the Geraldine District Band, who died suddenly when the band was playing in Geraldine on Friday, was attended by a large and representative gathering on Christmas Day. The Geraldine District Band, together with members of the Timaru and Temuka Municipal Bands, under Drum-Major J. S. Lorimer, headed the long funeral procession, and played the “Dead March” in Saul. The hymn, “Abide With Me” was played at the graveside.

The Rev. W. J. Couling conducted the services at both the house and graveside, and Superintendent C. C. Knight, and Firemen J. Buckley, W. S. Parr, and G. Toomey were pallbearers. Others present at the funeral were the Deputy-Mayor (Mr A. J. Bell), Mr W. A. Sherratt (president of th’e Geraldine District Band, and chairman of the Geraldine Band Management Committee), former members of the G«eraldine Band and Fire Brigade and present members of the Geraldine Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Inquest Held

The inquest concerning the death of Bright was heard on Christmas morning before the acting-Coroner (Mr W. A. Sherratt) and a jury, comprising Messrs D. C. McKechnie (foreman), R. U. Richards, K. D. Lomax, and W. I. Shears. Constable J. Robertson conducted the inquiry lor the police. A verdict, that the death of Leonard Bright was caused by acute heart failure because of exertion imposed on a heart weakened by previous inflammation, was returned after four witnesses had been heard.

Members of the jury said they also wished to convey their deep sympathy to Mrs Bright in her loss. Mr Bright had given his time freely to local organisations, and would be much missed in Geraldine.

Fanny Bright said that her husband had not been attended by a doctor recently, except about September of this year, when he was suffering from a poisoned thumb. He appeared to be in his usual state of health when he left home to attend the band. He had never complained about suffering from heart trouble. Daniel Brett, band sergeant, said that Bright appeared in his usual good health when he joined the other members of the band on Friday night. Bright collapsed in the street when the band was marching past L. Bennington’s shop. He had not complained during the evening of feeling ill. Robert P. Craig, butcher, said that Bright had been a butcher in his employ. He appeared to be in his usual state of health, and did his work as usual on Friday.

Dr. L. C. Mail said that Bright, who collapsed in the street, died a few minutes before his arrival. Examination disclosed that he was suffering from heart disease.

Mr and Mrs S. H. Turner. Geraldine, have left on a motor tour.

Mr and Mrs A. J. Willoughby (Talbot street) are spending Christmas in Timaru.

Mr George Vial (Geraldine) spent his Christmas vacation in Timaru. Miss Nora Callanan (Geraldine) spent Christmas with her sister, Mrs Ray Cliff, Pleasant Point.

Miss Winnifred Bird (Geraldine) spent Christmas with her parents in Timaru.

Miss Mary Lysaght (Timaru) is spending the Christmas vacation with her parents. Mr J. W, H. Patrick (Wellington) is the guest of Mr and Mrs S. Patrick, Talbot street. Mr T. H. Bannehr (Geraldine) is visiting Christchurch.

Mr and Mrs J. Webb (Dunedin) are visiting Geraldine on holiday. Mr Desmond. Lewis (Wellington) spent Christmas as the guest of his parents, Mr and Mrs J. H. Lewis. Mr W. Patrick (Christchurch) is visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs R. Patrick, Geraldine.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT GERALDINE

BUSINESS NOT AS GOOD AS LAST YEAR

People thronged the streets in large numbers in Geraldine on Friday night, in spite of the wintry conditions. Most shops reported that their returns did not come up to the record returns of last year, but stated that the returns for the Christmas period were satisfactory nevertheless. The cold weather and the fact that Friday was not the real Christmas Eve rather detracted from the usual bright evening.

PICTURES AT GERALDINE AND FAIRLIE

ATTRACTIONS FOR TO-NIGHT

“Girl Overboard,” a mystery story set on board ship, is the attraction at the Geraldine Municipal Theatre tonight. Gloria Stuart heads the cast. Laughter, music and romance are brewed delightfully in “Everybody Dance,” a Cicely Courtneidge picture, which will be screened at Fairlie tonight.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

WILLOWBRIDGE

Mrs W. J. Fletcher presided at the monthly meeting of the Willowbridge Women’s Institute. An address on a visit to Queenstown was given by Mrs S. Cox, who was assisted by Mrs W. Fletcher. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames Smith and, Fletcher. Two special competitions held during the afternoon were won by Mrs R. J. Patrick and Mrs S. J. Richmond. Th® results of other competitions were:—Bloom, Mrs S. Cox and Mrs W. Smith (equal) 1, Mrs W. J. Fletcher 2; roses, Mrs W. Smith 1, Mrs W. Fletcher 2, Mrs S. J. Richmond 3; Christmas present, Mrs W. Smith 1, Miss A. Faulkner 2, Mrs W. T. Richmond, and Mrs S. J. Richmond (equal) 3; peas, Mrs W. J. Fletcher 1. BURKE’S PASS

Mrs Scott presided at a meeting of the Burke’s Pass Women’s Institute. Mrs Scott made a presentation of two serviette rings to Miss Anderson on the occasion of her approaching marriage.* The competitions resulted as follows:—Pansy, Miss Grace Mackintosh 1, Mrs Smart 2; Christmas cake. Miss Anderson 1. MORVEN

Miss D. Wellwood presided at the monthly meeting of the Morven Women’s Institute. The date for the annual picnic was fixed at January 12. Mrs A. W. Barnett gave an address on her trip to Great Britain. The competitions resulted as follows:—Rose, Mrs W. Hassall X, Miss J. Meredith 2; bloom. Miss R. Stokes and Miss J. Meredith (equal) 1, Mesdames E. Stokes, H. Baker, E. Marshall, and C. Stewart (equal) 2; Christmas card. Miss R. Stokes 1, Mrs A. S. Sutherland 2; handkerchief, Mrs H. Baker 1, Mrs C. Stewart 2; organdie article, Mrs H. Baker 1, Mrs C. Stewart 2.

PAREORA

The monthly meeting of the Pareora Women’s Institute was presided over by Mrs Whitticase, the meeting taking the form of a social evening, to which members invited their husbands and friends. A _ pianoforte duet was played by Miss L. Coote and Miss R. Munro. Songs were given by Miss G. Wilkes and Mrs R. Depree. Some notes on early Pareora, collected by Mrs A. Munro, were read by Mrs C. Moore. A talk on the Coronation was given by Sister Adams, of Timaru. An advertisement competition was won by Mrs L. Hayward.

_ Results of the monthly competitions were as follows:—Bloom, Miss L. Coote 1, Mrs R. Depree 2; flowers, Mrs H. Anderson 1, Miss G. Whitticase 2; gift costing not more than Is, Mrs L. Hayward and Mrs R. Depree (equal) 1; gift costing not more than 6d, Mrs R. Depree 1, Miss L. Hayward 2.

KIMBELL

Mrs Waters presided at the monthly meeting of the Kimbell Women’s Institute. It was agreed to contribute gifts to the school committee for the children’s picnic, and also to forward plants for the new flower gardens at the school. The social hour was devoted to a community sing of Christmas carols, Mrs Ross and Miss Waters were hostesses.

The competitions resulted as follows:—Decorated wand, Miss M. Smith 1, Mrs Allan 2; gooseberries, Mrs Mason 1, Miss M. Smith 2; bloom. Miss M. Smith 1 and 2.

FAIRLIE A meeting of the Fairlie Women’s Institute was held recently. Mrs M. L. West presided. Mrs • Parr was congratulated on her appointment as president of the newly formed branch of the Women’s Division at Skipton. Congratulations were also extended to Mr D. Jeune on being awarded a grant by the Carnegie Co-operation. Mrs E. J. Robertson gave a report on the oneday school held recently for officers and members. Mrs Fraser and Miss Fraser, Kimbell, gave a playette entitled “The Lady Help.” Mrs J. S. Strang sang a Christmas carol, and under her leadership a community sing of Christmas carols took place. Hostesses were Mesdames E. Lee, J. Fraser, D. Jeune, K. Tovey, J. Hall, J. Trotter, and S. Jones. A competition for a Christmas novelty resulted;— Mrs Monahan 1, Mrs Fahey 2.

TEMUKA MOTOR CAMP

POPULARITY INCREASED

The popularity of the Temuka motor camp has again increased. This has been proved by the number of Christmas holiday makers, who, in spite of wet weather, started to come to the camp on Saturday. But for a slight shower in the afternoon Saturday was very fine and a pleasant, warm night was spent by those under canvas or in caravans. Christmas Day, which broke fine, was marred by heavy showers in the afternoon.

More than 30 families occupied the camp each day, said Mr H. Phillips, the caretaker, yesterday. Most of them were South Islanders, as campers from the north were held up by heavy booking on the interisland steamer express. Great interest was being shown in the new accommodation building which has been purchased by the Temuka Progress League, said Mr Phillips. One portion was on its intended site and the other was still behind the pavilion as the ground was too soft to attempt to place it in position. Although the structure i; by no means ready for regular use, one man who was without tent or fly, spent Saturday night in one of the rooms. Motorists continued to arrive yesterday. Some intended staying as long as a month, said Mr Phillips, the fishing rivers, the swimming baths, the tennis courts, the picturesque Domain, and the facilities at the camp being great attractions.

PRESENTATION TO CURATOR

TEMUKA DOMAIN WORKERS

Men employed on relief schemes in the Temuka Domain expressed their appreciation of the manner in which the curator (Mr George Fletcher) had treated them during the year, by meeting on Friday afternoon and presenting him with a well-filled wallet of notes. Mr Dudley Waters made the presentation.

INCREASE IN BUSINESS

TEMUKA RAILWAY STATION

Figures supplied by the Temuka railway station show a substantial increase in the volume of business transacted during the three weeks ended on Saturday, December 24, compared with the same period last year. They are as follows, with last year's figures in parenthesis:—

Fares booked, 2101 (1721); passenger revenue £307 ((254); total revenue. £666 (£541); sheep consigned 5828 (3465).

EXAMINATIONS FOR WIREMEN

Results recently published show that Timaru leads the 20 centres in the Dominion with the highest percentage of passes at both the written and practical examinations for electrical wiremen. Details are:—

Written—Timaru 71 per cent., five passed out of seven candidates, I; Oamaru 50 per cent, two passed out of four candidates, 2. Practical—Timaru 100 per cent, five passed out of five candidates, and Napier 100 per cent., three passed out of three candidates, 1; Invercargill 78 per cent., seven passed out of nine candidates, 3. Of the six successful Timaru candidates five are students of the Technical College evening classes; Pitman’s Speed Shorthand Certificates have been awarded at the November examination to the following students of the Timaru Technical College:—

50 Words a Minute—Ngaire J. Hutt. Daphne O. Milne.

70 Words a Minute—June Barker, Joyce M. Gardner, Gwenyth M. Osborne.

80 Words a Minute—Nancy E. Budd. Doris M. Doyle, Rayna Wilson. 90 Words a Minute—Ngaire G. Mattingley.

100 Words a Minute—Jean T. Begg; Mary A. King, Marie K. Story.

ORDERLY TRAFFIC

LARGE VOLUME AT TEMUKA

A tremendous volume of motor traffic from the north and the south passed through Temuka over the Christmas week-end. Traffic Inspector W. Tait, who coped with the traffic, said that although large it was very orderly, and in consequence the roads were free from accidents or any trouble. The traffic was orderly in both the day and night patrols; said the inspector.