HUTT VALLEY NEWS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 16, 13 October 1933, Page 16

HUTT VALLEY NEWS

District Notes of Current Interest

(Special to The Dominion*)

The new shield which has been given to the Hutt Valley Cricket Association is to be known as the Hutt Valley Cricket Association Shield, and is.to be awarded to the runners-up for the Wil-ford-Kerr Shield.

Twelve building permits to the total value of £6107 were issued by the Ix»wer Hutt Borough Council during September, as compared with 15 permits to the value of £5004 for the corresponding month of the previous year. Fees collected amounted to £li/io/-.

Drills have been held during the quarter and have been well attended, states the superintendent of the Petone Fire Brigade, Mr. J. P. Gaynor, in his report to the Petone Fire Board. All alarms of Are had been answered very smartly, and the brigade was called out on eight occasions. TO AID RELIEF FUNDS Railway Workshops Dance More than 300 dancers -were present at a fancy dress dance held at the Rhil* way Workshops Dining Hall recently in aid of the relief funds of the Mayors of Petone and Lower Hutt. Mr. J. Mitchell, deputy mayor of Lower Hutt, apologised for the absence of the Mayor of Lower Hutt, Mr. J. W. Andrews, and thanked those present and the committee for assisting the relief funds of both Petone and Lower Hutt. The judges of the fancy dress were Mr. and Mrs. J. Mitchell, Mrs. Ashton, and Mrs. Burton, and their decision was as follows: Best fancy dress, Miss B. August ("Early Victorian”) ; most original, Mr. J. E. Ord (“Organ Grinder”) ; Mrs. D. McGrath (“Old Woman”), and Mr. J. E. Ord, jnr. (“Black Cat’’). Consolation prizes were awarded to Mrs. and Miss White (“Minnie and Mickey the Mouse”). Novelty and Monte Carlo dances were held during the evening.

CROQUET GREEN OPENS

Ngaroma Club at Petone

Almost the full number of members attended the official opening of the Ngaroma Croquet Club, which was performed by the Mayor of Petone, Mr. D. McKenzie, yesterday afternoon. Mr. McKenzie, who was accompanied by Mrs. McKenzie, was introduced by the president, Mrs. Matthews. Mr. McKenzie expressed pleasure at seeing so many visitors, and complimented the club on the condition of their lawns. It was not so much the winning or losing of the game, but rather the friendship which counted, said Mr. McKenzie, who concluded by wishing the club a profitable season. Mrs. McKenzie then hit the first ball through the hoop.

Dainty bouquets were presented by the secretary, Mrs. 11. Marton, to Mrs. McKenzie, Mrs. W. Nash, and Mrs. Matthews, and the visitors were afterward entertained to afternoon tea.

During the afternoon a photograph of the late Mrs. S. Bennett, one of the foundation members, was unveiled in the pavilion by Mr. McKenzie. Among the visitors was Mrs. Earl McKenzie, secretary of the Wellington Croquet Association.

TROOP’S BIRTHDAY

Hutt Methodist Scouts

Celebrations of its sixth birthday were recently held by the Third Lower Hutt Methodist Scout Troop, which was in charge of S.M. Read and A.S.M. Clarke. A large attendance of Scouts and friends were present, and a most enjoyable evening was spent in games and “stunts.” into which many of the older folk entered.

Later, all adjourned to the hall, where supper was served, the birthday cake, which was supplied by Sirs. H. N. Maunder, being in a prominent position.

After complimenting the troop on the past year’s activities, the Rev. H. Sharp cut the cake.

Those present included D.S.M. Halford, D.C.M. Hoggard, S.M. Day and Mrs. Day from the Second Lower Hutt Troop. TENNIS EXHIBITIONS Arrangements at Petone Central Club Both the bowling green and tennis courts at the Petone Central Bowling and Tennis Clubs are in excellent condition, and the official opening is to be held on Saturday. The membership of the tennis section Is at full strength, and, there is a waiting list of prospective members.

At the end of last season the club ran a very successful exhibition match, and with a view to maintaining general interest in the game, the committee has invited the following players to give another exhibition: Mrs. D. G. France, Miss Dulcie Nicholls, and Messrs D. G. France, N. R. C. Wilson, R. McL. Ferklns, and E. Roussell. It is anticipated that the following sets will be played: D. G. France v. N. R. C. Wilson ; France and Roussell v. Wilson and Ferkins; France and Mrs. France v. Wilson and Miss Nicholls.

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Petone Club’s Activities Officers elected at the annual meeting of the Petone Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club were as follow: —Patron, Mr. D. McKenzie (Mayor) ; vicepatron, Mr. W. Nash; president, Mr. James Kerr; vice-presidents, all reelected ; committee, Messrs. L. Logan, R. Greenwood, G. Winter, L. Price, —. Biggs; delegates to Wellington Centre, Messrs. B. Lippitt and H. J. Sutherland ; delegates to Cycling Centre, Messrs. J. Morris and G. Clarke; starters, Messrs. L. Logans and H. Saunders; handicappers, Messrs. L. Price and G. Winter; club captain, Mr. C. Goddard; vice-captain, Mr. L. Lacey; secretary,’ Mr. R. Wilson; treasurer, Mr. D. Parata. The balance-sheet disclosed a credit balance, and the annual report commented on the increased Interest in the club. Congratulations were extended to Miss N. Brown, who gained a place in the high jump and hurdle race at the Wellington championships, and who was in the winning team at the girls’ inter-house sports. Miss Brown also won the Morris Rose Bowl with a total of 152 points. Mention was also made of Mr. O. Dlsley, who won the cup for town cyclists.

Tribute to Retiring Postmaster LOWER HUTT GATHERING Eloquent tribute to the esteem in which Mr. A. N. Wallace, postmaster of Lower Hutt, who has been promoted to Blenheim, and Mrs. Wallace are held by residents was paid last evening when they were presented with an illuminated address and a well-filled wallet. The Council Chambers were filled to capacity. The address reads as follows.

“To A. N. Wallace, Esquire. The citizens of Lower Hutt and environs desire to express to you, on the occasion of your transfer from the district, their sincere appreciation of the services vou have rendered, not only in your official capacity as postmaster, but also as a private citizen, during your residence here. “Your interest in all activities having for their objects the welfare of the district and its residents has been of undoubted help, particularly in matters of a charitable nature. In this connection may be mentioned your association with his Worship the Mayor s relief committee, local unemployment committee and charity ball. “In congratulating you on your wellearned promotion, we desire to express our regret at your departure from Lower Hutt, and at the same time extend our best wishes for the future welfare of both Mrs. Wallace and yourself. On behalf of the local bodies and other institutions of the district, we hereunder subscribe ourselves: —For the Lower Hutt Borough Council, J. W. Andrews (Mayor), B. S. Knox (town clerk) ; for the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board, A. Anderson (chairman) ; for the Hutt River Board, F. J. Jones (chairman); lot the Petone and Lower Hutt Gas Board, W. G. Loader (chairman) ; for the Lower Hutt Chamber of Commerce, T. E. Ward (president); for the local unemployment committee, J. Mitchell (chairman); for the Lower Hutt relief committee, W. P. Williams (honorary secretary).”

In making the presentation, the Mayor, Mr. J. W. Andrews, on behalf of the residents of Lower Hutt, expressed regret at the departure of two of the best-known citizens, and wished them every success in their new sphere. Of Mrs. Wallace, the Mayor said that ever since he had been associated with the town he had found her connected with all committees working for social progress. He did not think (hat there had been any function held for the alleviation of distress without the assistance of Mrs. Wallace. Miss Joan Wallace, too, had been associated with kindergarten work.

Mr. Wallace, continued Mr. Andrews, had always given a little more than was expected. During the speaker’s period as president of the local Chamber of Commerce he had been associated with Mr. Wallace, who had been largely responsible for many measures introduced in the interests of Lower Hutt business people and , the town generally. He had done an enormous amount of work on the Mayor’s Relief Committee, and had been connected with ail charitable functions in the town. As a postmaster one could not wish for a better officer. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and the business people, Mr. T. C. Ward, president, expressed to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace gratitude for their great help. Mr. Wallace’s duties had not been confined to the post office, and he had devoted much of his energies to the interests of the business people. One great factor was that he had always volunteered willingly. While citizens of Lower Hutt congratulated him on his advancement, they were sorry to lose him. In reply, Mr. Wallace said that credit for anything he had done as postmaster which was worthy of praise should be given to the department which he represented. “I am proud to know that I am a representative of one of the most efficient departments of State in the world,” observed Mr. Wallace. “If I have done anything outside my duties which deserved credit, it is to the department which trained me that the praise should go. There are hundreds of postmasters in New Zealand working for the Unemployment Board, and I doubt whether the board could function if it did not have them.” Mr. Wallace went on to say that he and Mrs. Wallace had made many friends in the district, and they were sorry to leave them. Both he and his wife sincerely thanked the residents for the address and the accompanying present. The evening concludd with cheers for the guests, and the singing of “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” Later in the evening a surprise party visited Mr. and Mrs. Wallace at their home. The party was unique in that every member of the staff was present, including many ex-members.

Mr. N. N. Aldershaw, on behalf of the staff, presented Mr. Wallace with a handsome table lamp. Messrs. J. Lodge, T. Langford, and D. Jones also eulogised Mr. Wallace’s capabilities as postmaster, and Mr. Wallace suitably repied. NEW APPOINTMENT Mr. A. Leslie, of Temuka Mr. A. Leslie, postmaster of Temuka, has been appointed postmaster of Lower Hutt in place of Mr. A. N. Wallace, who has been promoted to Blenheim. This announcement was made by Mr. Wallace when speaking at Lower Hutt last evening. He stated that Mr. Leslie had been appointed by the department, and he had received a telegram that evening from Mr. Leslie notifying him that he had accepted the position. Mr. Leslie, explained Mr. Wallace, was a brother to Mr. “Dorrie” Leslie, of Wellington.

Interesting details of the growth of the Lower Hutt district were given by Mr. A. N. Wallace, postmaster, when speak/g at a gathering in his honour last evening. During his seven years’ residence, said Mr. Wallace, he had seen the population increase from 7000 to approximately 17,000, and the number of houses grow from 1685 to about 4250.

HUTT VALLEY Y.M.C.A. Tenders for New Building Tenders for the erection of the Y.M.C.A. building in the Hutt Valley are being called by the National Council of the Y.M.O.A. The building, which is in the nature of a memorial, is being erected out of special trust funds which have been held, for the purpose,

BOY SCOUT EVENING A very pleasant evening was spent at the Catholic Hall, Miramar, on Wednesday, when a rally of the Miramar Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, attached to St. Patrick’s Group took place. Parents and friends of the boys and girls concerned were present, evincing the liveliest interest in the-various games and evolutions indulged in by the Scouts.

The gathering was honoured by the presence of acting-Commissioner General Sir Alfred Robin, who always takes a warm personal interest in the fostering of new groups,