WANGANUI NOTES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 86, 10 January 1928, Page 6

WANGANUI NOTES

Wanganui, January 9. Albert Tamumu, who, with the late Sam Woon, was a leading backer in the Ratana movement, died at Kai Iwi on Friday night at the age of 78 years. He was the owner of considerable pro-i perty at Kai Iwi, and had also built a fine residence at Ratana. He had been one of the pillars of the Ratana movement right from its inception, and went on tour with the Ratana party to America, England, and Japan. Deceased was taken ill at Ra’ana two weeks ago, and as soon as the seriousness of his condition was realised Ratana immediately. sent for a doctor. As soon as the doctor realised- that the case was hopeless he raised no objection to the unconscious n.ian being removed to his own tribal home at Kai Iwi. A large tangi is in progress at Kai Iwi. A young man, J. Newton, who was training with other cyclists on the race track at Cook’s Gardens yesterday morning, was injured when the cycle he was riding collided with the machine in front fo him. He was thrown heavily on to asphalt and sustained a fractured collar-bone and injuries to his hands. He was admitted to the public hospital, where he was reported this morning to be in a satisfactory condition. The city fire brigade was called out three times on Saturday. The first call was to a grass fire on the Main North Road, outside the brigade’s district. The second was a hedge fire at Gonville Junction. Neither outbreak was attended by any serious damage. At' 10.20 p.m. on Saturday the brigade was summoned to the residence of Mr. E. Williams, Balgonie Avenue, and effected ■ a good save. The fire damaged the ceiling, cupboards, and wardrobes.

A member of the Wanganui Automobile Association states that he must congratulate the farmers of Taranaki on the fine way in which they have improved the safety of motorists by cutting down the hedges at intersections, and by so doing increasing the visibility at. the crossings. He also mentions that quite a lot of people ’ in Hawera Township would do well to note these improvements. A rededication of the Ratana Temple is to take place on January 25, which is Ratana’s birthday. Ano’her big gathering is anticipated. When the opening took place last year the tqmple interior was not finished. The seating accommodation is particularly good, and there is a platform for the choir and pulpit for the preachers. The Japanese, Bishop Nakada, has promised to be present at the dedication service. Andrew Hutchison, farm labourer of Waitotara, was admitted to the public hospital this afternoon, suffering from a compound fracture of the lower jaw and severe head injuries. It is understood that he was driving a brake when the horse bolted, throwing him out and dragging him along the ground. The Parapara Road which, with the exception of roughness, was in fair order right up to Christmas again disappointed motorists, a slip coming down about ten miles from Raetihi. Although only about one chain on 60 miles of road, it was sufficient to cause a great deal of trouble, and quite a number of cars got stuck. ' Heavy rain fell and necessitated the use of chains for a few days over about twelve miles. However, this portion is now dry again, but chains are still required in fine weather to negotate the bad porton near Raetihi. ’