VALEDICTORY

Evening Star, Issue 22618, 9 April 1937, Page 12

VALEDICTORY

A large gathering of Oarnaru railwaymen honoured (Mr A. Brown (signalman) last Monday night with a farewell party. Mr Brown has been transferred on promotion to the position of guard at Springfield. Mr C. Andrew (president of the Railway Miniature Rifle Club) presented the guest of the evening with a tobacco pouch, and expressed good wishes for his future. On behalf of the combined staffs, the station masetr (Mr J. Paterson) made the presentation of an attache case, and congratulated Mr Brown on his promotion. The recipient made a suitable reply. RECITAL AT WAITAKI HIGH SCHOOL Apart fom the fugue by Saint-Saens, the numbers selected by Mr M. A. Fastier for his broadcast recital in the Hall of Memories at the Waitaki Boys’ High Schcpol were something of a disappointment. The presentation for the broadcast included the ‘ Finale ’ from Vierne’s ‘ Third Organ Symphony,’ a composition by Alec Rowley, and an intermezzo by Alec Rowley, and an bracket certainly showed off the tonal qualities of the beautiful instrument at Waitaki to advantage, which helped to offset the _ lack of appreciation and understanding. The soloist for the evening was Miss Angela Hendry, of Dunedin, whose fine contralto voice was given full expression in two interesting brackets, the second comprising two French numbers by Caillavet and Francois Coppe. The programme was obviouslv enhanced by Debussy’s concert suite for organ and piano. Miss Isabel Dawson gave an interesting performance at the piano, but it was noticeable that her finer movements were overpowered by the organ at times, thus robbing the presentation of much of its beauty and appreciation. The recital concluded with further organ numbers by Mr Fastier. CORONATION CELEBRATIONS —Oamaru’s Part.— Noteworthy among the variety of entertainments to bo provided in Oarnaru in an endeavour to fittingly celebrate the Coronation of our King and Queen will be a torchlight procession on the evening of Coronation Day. Elaborate arrangements to make the occasion a memorable one in the history of the town were decided upon last night at a public meeting at which the mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney) presided. The gathering was representative of practically every section of the community, including the chairman of the Waitaki County Council (Mr J. Rodman), and keen interest was evinced by all in the manner in which the town would celebrate such an auspicious occasion. • After much discussion, during winch various suggestions were elucidated, it was decided to have a one-day celebration, beginning on the morning ot May 12. It was pointed out that the Rugby Union would be bolding a seven-a-side tournament on that day, but in view of the fact that admission would be charged for, it was decided not to include this function as part of the celebrations. Both Messrs F. Milner and J. Rodman emphasised that the functions should be free to all. and to this end it was decided to hold a procession early in the afternoon, terminating at Orana Park, where a children’s demonstration would be held. In the evening the procession won d again he held, terminating nt.Fnenaly Bay, where a gala is to be hold. The suggestion of an official ball round little favour with the majority. At the children’s display in the afternoon it was proposed that Mr Mu-

ner should give an appropriate address, supported by the mayor. The decoration of the town receiveddue consideration. It was suggested that the Retailers’ Committee accept the responsibility of engendering a spirit of festivity among the shopkeepers and business owners so that Coronation Day would see the town at its best. Illuminations and special lighting displays were also considered,_ and this matter was left to the Retailers’ Committee. The suggestion by Mr Milner that the secondary schools should arrange two arches was quickly approved, and it was agreed that an arch be erected at the entrance to the town from the north near Orana Park. Other arches will be erected at the Severn street bridge and at the entrance to the town from the south, possibly at _ reserve C. Boy Scouts will also assist with the celebrations. They will be in charge of the bonfire to be built on the Cape, the work to be convened by Mr J. Dodds. ' The following were appointed to the Procession Committee;—Messrs J. Weir (convener), H. L. Familton, A. F. Crump, A. Barsdell, M. Austin, A, W. Woodward, C. F. Jones, Bruce Meek, Sergeant-major M'Currie, and Mesdames C. Hay and W. Webster. The Mayor stressed the importance of the occasion, and expressed the hope that the townsfolk and the farming community would rally round and assist to make May 12 a day of lasting impression to all concerned. PERSONAL Queen’s Hotel Guests.—Mr Rhodes, Mr F. Mayne, Mr J. A. Bradley, Mr Duerdon (Dunedin), Mr J. F. Robinson, Mr A. N. Charlton (Timaru), Mr H. MacGregor (Kurow), Mr G. P. Genn, Mr and Mrs Chapman, Mr Dunn, Mr and Mrs Harris (Christchurch). New Club Hotel Guests.—Mr and Mrs J. Maling, Dr T. Mating, Mr H. Gormlev, Mr J. G. Young, Miss A, Ormond, Mr C. Neill, Mr W. Fraser, Mr W. C. Boyes, Mr D. E. Selby, Mr E. Barry, Mr H. Porter (Christchurch), Mr R. B. Scott (Auckland), Mr A. D. Blair, Miss K. Muldowney, Mr R. Carroll, Mr G. M. Gillespie (Dunedin), Mr H. Piillar (Cromwell), Mr and Mrs J. Hamilton (Hampden).