Local and General

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 26 October 1934, Page 4

Local and General

Built between 1850 and 1860 by an artillery sergeant ,ono of the oldest houses ’at New Plymouth is to make way for the erection of a modern dwelling. Its four rooms with stonework chimneys were built by Sergeant William Marjouram, Royal Artillery, who arrived at New Plymouth by the Polar Star at the end of 1854. Sergeant Marjouram was a well-known figure, who organised tlie signalling system from Marsland Hill to Bell Block and Omata and he erected tlie building for his wife and himself. Records show that lie was a devout Christian and outside time devoted to regimental matters, organised religious teaching, the house being used for a Sunday school. Later it became the home of a Chinese market gardener and subsequently a tenement. Already the holiday demand for beach houses has set in and there is a real scarcity of suitable premises at most of the Taranaki resorts. Inquiries are being received in New Plymouth principally from outside the boundaries of the province and there is every indication of there being a large influx of visitors dui’ing the holiday period. In some cases eager prospective tenants have made weekend trips from .as far as Napier .and Hastings to inspect cottages offering and finalise arrangements. South Taranaki camping sites have also excited considerable admiration among motorists, and many have spoken highly of the facilities provided, with the result that there is every prospect of a larger influx of visitors to this district than fn former 3- oars. Two motor cars which, swerved 'to avoid each other at an intersection in New Plymouth yesterday afternoon left tlie road and were involved in a spectacular crash which was fortunately without serious result to either driver. Mrs B. N. Brook, Frankley Goad, New Plymouth, received medical attention for slight shock, a cut over one eye anti a severely bruised right knee, but was allowed to return home. Her car collided squarely with a telegraph pole, smashing in the radiator and severely damaging the mudguards and bod3 T work. Tlie second driver, Mrs. M. Turner. Ponsonby, Auckland, escaped without injury and her car, which ran on to the footpath, was only slightly damaged. The collision between the cars was slight only, the damage being caused by the violent swerves.

According to New Zealand. Gazette notice medical advice may be obtained from New Zealand coast stations by ships of all nationalities. Radio-tele-grams requesting medical advice must state the symptoms of the illness of the person, afflicted, and. a brief description of the medical chest carried on the ship. Such radio-telegrams must be drawn up in the English language, signed by the master of the ship, and addressed “Radio-Medical” followed by the name of the coast station. In very urgent cases, the urgency signal (X.X.X.) may be used in order to ensure priority over all other communications with the exception of those relating to SOS calls. No charge is made for medical advice radio-tele-grams. On November 11 the arrangements for Armistice Bay observance will be similar to those made last year both in Great Britain and in New Zealand. As approved by his Majesty the King, there will be short service at the Cenotaph, followed, by tw minutes’ silence, and the suspension of all vehicular traffic for that period from 11 a.m. As Armistice Day this year falls on a Sunday, the New Zealand Government trusts that the churches will agree'to arrange that the morning service shall commence not later than 10.45 a.rn , and that, in the course of this service, the several congregations may be invited to rise at 11 a.m., and silence be observed for two minutes. Under the No. o scheme of unemployment relief approximately 150 men are now employed on developmental work at the New Plymouth airport. The number employed on the work, which comprises levelling, filling, top-dressing and a certain amount of excavation work, is gradually increasing. The response to the first call for labour was disappointing, only about a dozen men making application. However, even with 150 men on the job. there is scope for the employment of at least 100 more Even with the full number employed the job will last some considerable time, as the improvements planned are extensive.

From 16 applicants from all parts oi Taranaki Mr John Carryer (Stratford) has been selected by the East Committee of the Egmont National Park Board as caretaker of the Strain ford mountain house. He will succeed Mr A. Haldane, who has resigned on account of ill-health ,on December 1. In selecting Mr Carryer the committee took into consideration the facts that lie is, as dub captain of the Stratford Mountain Club, keenly interested in alpine activities, and that he has a thorough knowledge of the mountain. At the meeting at which the appointment was made appreciation was also recorded of the services of the retiring caretaker. During the seven years he had been there, it was stated. Mr Haldane had seen the development of the east side from the stage when access was only possible on foot to its present splendid condition as a tourist resort.

In the last few years throughout Taranaki school and borough jubilees have been general and now’ it is the turn of the Methodist Church movement in the Opunake district to celebrate its sQth anniversary. Of the ex-ministers and home missionaries who have served in the past the following are still living: Revs. G. T. Marshall "Auckland), R. R. Keall (Wellington), T. W. Featherstone (New Plymouth), Rl. Ih_Tiasley (Auckland), R. B. Gosnell (Hastings), C l . Strand, retired (Christchurch), C. Aker (Norsewood), E. S. Harkness (Onehunga), E. B. Chambers (Invercargill), J. Nixon, retired (New Plymouth), T. Coatsworth (Rangiora), R. Tapp (Coromandel), C. M. Roberts (Pahiatua), W. Wilson, retired (Waikouaiti). A strong feature of Methodism is the work of its lay preachers and Opunake has been served by a faithful band, some of the earliest being Messrs. E- T. Cox, J. Guy, B. Wills, G. Watson and C. H. Hurst. The present staff is, Messrs. T. T*. Hughson senr., J. A. Pettigrew, O. W. Field, 8.A., T. Hughson, J. C. Cox, E. Taylor, E. Sears, R. Sears and C. N. Thayer. To Mrs Warner, Opunake, belongs the honour of being the oldest member of the church still living and her family have served the church for many years. Another of the early identities, Mrs J. Guy, died a few months ago. Mrs Hurst, Pihama, has been a member for over 40 years, and Mr W. Pentelow, Oaonui, and Mr T. P. Hughson, Rahotu, w’ere early associated with the work. The present superintendent of the circuit is the Rev. A. R. Penn.