Doings of the District.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 September 1929, Page 7

Doings of the District.

OTAKI NEWS. MEETING OF FIRE BOARD. The quarterly meeting of the Otaki Fire Board was held on Thursday evenin at the station. Present; Messrs W. B. Smith (chairman), A. H. Clerkc, E. Irvine, H. Nicolson, and N. M. Thomson (secretary). An apology for unavoidable absence was received from Mr. Gray. The chairman pointed out that the ■demolition of half-burtied buildings, which it was suggested the Borough Council should give attention to, was .a difficult matter to deal with, and for the present nothing could be done. As for the lire plug asked for near Moutere Hospital the Council had not granted the request as no useful purpose would be gained by installing it. Relative to the parking of cars over lire plugs Mr. Irvine considered this was a matter that should receive every attention, and instanced how the brigade might bo handicapped iu case of lire.

It was decided to again write to the Council on this matter.

Messrs Palliser and Westwood waited on the Board on behalf of the Beach Ratepayers’ Association and pointed out Jfchat at present the residents in that, locality had no fire-fighting appliances Except their garden-hose. In view of this it was thought that the Board might grant a hydrant, especially as there were 125 residents at the beach and a likelihood of lire at any time due to dry rubbish, etc. If a fire broke out it was considered it would spread very quickly and have a good hold before the Brigade, no matter how smart it was, could arrive. It was thought that by the help of two firemen, now resident at the beach, that good work might be accomplished, while residents were willing to receive tuition in running out hose, etc. It was pointed out that there was a Are at the beach on Sunday which caused Mr. Irvine to ask, why had not the brigade been communicated with? There was a good telephone system which could have boon made use of.

Mr. Westwood said that ho was not aware that the telephone was open. It was thought 200 ft of hose would ’he sufficient for all purposes. After the deputation had withdrawn it was pointed out that if such a concession was granted the beach Residents the Eailway and Eangiuru would make similar requests. The railway end had previously done so. It was also pointed out that Inspector Hugo was adverse to granting such concessions and believed in. one central brigade. In view .of this it was decided to take no action in the meantime, although the beach residents wore commended tor their desire to help. It was decided to erect notice boards, pointing out which telephones could be used night or day in case of fire. ’Superintendent Cockrell reported that everything was in good order, and that there had been no calls during the quarter. Three of the brigade, however, had resigned, while two others had .been appointed in their places. The plugs, stated the Superintendent, were- in good order, and the grounds nicely kept by Mr. Pike. It was decided to accept the resignations with regret, viz., Firemen R. Bills, E. Groves arid W. Fairley. It was ■decided to accept Mr. Childs as a'member of the brigade. An application from the Fire Police for six extra armlets and 120 ft of rope -was granted. The balance-sheet as presented was adopted, and accounts passed for payment as follows: —U.F.B.A. (annual sub.) £3, Horowhenua Electric Power Board (outside light) £1 18s lOd, A. Levy, Ltd (armlets for fire police) 15s, Horowhenua Electric Power Boarc] (account to 7/8/29) £2 3s 4d, A. H. Clerke and C. J. Cray (travelling expenses to 20/6/29) £1 IBs 2d, C. V. Pike (cleaning to 25/6/29) £1 12s, C. Y. ! Pike (cleaning to 23/7/29) £1 12s, C. V. Pike (cleaning to 20/8/29) £2, account for paper, stencils, typing and duplicating, 1926, 1927 and 1928 annual reports and balance-sheets (1300 sheets and 13 stencils) £7 10s, H. Fielding, (wood) £l. Estimates and Expenditure, E'xpondcd to 19/9/29: —Telephone, stamps, bureau, etc., £l3 (£6 15s 9d), printing, stationciy, etc., £5 (£1 17s 6d), travelling expenses, £7 (£3 6s 4d), lighting, fuel, etc., £26 (£9 15s 8d), Borough Council instalment, £5 (nil), brigade sub., £5 (nil), interest on loan £9O. (£45 3s), sinking fund, £6O (£3O), sundry unforseen expenditure, £35 (£l6 9s Id), brigade equipment, £lO (£5 5s ■2d); totals, £316 (£llß 12s 6d). EECEIPTS.

During the quarter the auditor paid Ilia annual visit and the Board’s hooks were duly audited to 31/3/29. No requisitions' were made by the Department. Prior to the meeting Mr. Smith (chairman) made an inspection of the ■brigade and expressed himself well pleased with their appearance and the fine, set vices rendered at various txincs.

OBOQUET CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the above club was hold at Mrs. Bills’ residence yesterday, when there wore a good many members present. Apologies were received from Mesdamea Bramley and Olliver, who were .unable to be present through sickness. Mrs, Cook occupied the chair. . Tho secretary presented her report

and balance-sheet for last season’s work which was thought very satisfactory. The members complimented Mrs. Bills for work done. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Chair, Mrs. Cook (in place of Airs. Olliver, resigned,); secretary, Mrs. Bills (re-elected); committee, Mesdames Smith, Bramley, By moods, Knight (re-elected). Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Lowry were elected in place of Mrs. Wyatt and Mrs, Olliver. Five new members joined. A. discussion took place re ladder matches which must be played by the end of November so as. to enable the members to be bisqued before starting play for the tournaments which arc held later in the season.

Arrangements were made for the opening day and arranged that a working boo meet at the pavilion on Thursday afternoon in next week. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs, Cook for taking the chair, also one to the secretary for providing afternoon tea and use of room. Report.

The report was as follows: —“Ladies, I have much pleasure in presenting to you the report and balance-sheet of the Otaki Croquet Club for season 1928-29 which commenced on Wednesday September 26th, 1928, and closed on April ’27th, 1929. On the opening day we had visitors from Levin, Manakau and Municipal greens. Wo held a farewell afternoon for Mrs. Wyatt, who left the district quite early in the season. On this occasion the members presented Mrs. Wyatt with a nice rose-bowl. Mrs. Wyatt had been a most energetic member of the club and all regretted losing her-. Play for the season was much improved by all the members. Mrs. Knight proved the champion player for the season, with Mrs. Olliver second on the list. Play for the Brandon A and B brooches was very keen all through the season. This competition resulted as follows: Mrs. Knight won the A brooch trophy and Mrs. Bymonds the B brooch trophy. We held a competition afternoon for members only for several small prizes, one being a miniature cup given by Mrs. Whitcombe, of Wanganui, and won by Mrs. Noble. These afternoons were much enjoyed by all members, making quite a change from ordinary play. Towards the end of the season we received a challenge from the Municipal Club, for ,a match between two of their members and two of ours.. The players, viz., Rev. and Mrs. Isaacson and Mrs. Olliver and •Mrs. Knight, resulted iu a win for our club. We held a doubles tournament for prizes donated by Mr. Brandon, also a singles for prizes donated by Messrs Freeman and Palmer and ‘to these gentlemen our Mhauks are duo. We have to thank the bowlers for many kindnesses during the season and especially to Mr. Palmer for work done and preparing our lawn for special occasions. On our closing day w,e had visitors from the Manakau and Municipal Clubs, thus ending a successful season. . Trusting our coming season will be even more successful. —I am, etc., A. L. BILLS, Hon. Secretary.”

MUNICIPAL CLUB. The Municipal Club held their annual meeting on Wednesday ■when the following report was read: — “The Otaki Municipal Croquet Club had a very successful season. . The number of members is not very large and every endeavour should be made to increase the membership. The lawns throughout the year were generally speaking in good order. The interest in the various club competitions was well maintained and many interesting games were played. ’’The Brandon rosebowl was won by Mrs. Wilson; the A brooch by Mrs. Warnoek; the B brooch by Mrs. Hagan; Mrs. Pearse’s trophy by Mrs. Shaw and C. H. Isaacson second; Mrs. Synnott’s trophy by Mrs. Kilmister; Mr. Kilmister’s trophy by Mrs, Morgan. In addition the Nicholson Mallets were won from Levin, but lost afterwards to Manakau. The social side of the game was not forgotten and wo look back to many enjoyable afternoons. The standard of play improved decidedly during the season and we may look forward to still greater improvement during the coining year. Owing to the distance it is probably impossible for Otaki to take part in the inter-club games arranged at Palmerston North by the Manawatu Association, but it might be possible to arrange matches with those clubs near at haud. This would load to improvement in our play. The season ended with two very interesting days devoted to competitions, when several visitors from other clubs were present. At present the greatest weakness in play is lack of sufficient plan in making a break, attention is concentrated on a single hoop. In order to 1 encourage the leaking /of [breaks a trophy is offered this year for the best break made in any competition or match played on the club lawns. The club owes a big debt of gratitude to Mrs. Kilmister for her untiring work as secretary.. Nor must we forget those who spend many arduous hours in weeding after the close of the season. New Zealand has long shown that it has to be reckoned with in all branches of sport. In football, rowing, cricket, tennis representatives of N.Z. have won much credit. It is felt that the time has come when w r e should try conclusions at croquet. A challenge has been issued for the “Mr. Robertson Bhield,” the international croquet trophy, and a team will leave N.Z. for Australia after Christmas. All clubs and members are asked to contribute to the expense. The club is indebted to all who kindly gave trophies and to Mr. Kilmister who assisted the elub in many ways.-—B. R. KILMISTER, Hon. Secretary.’> Officers. Officers were elected as follows: Patroness, Mrs. Brandon (re-olcct-od); president, Dr. Atmorc (re-elect-ed);, vice-presidents, Messrs Byron* Brown. W. H. Field, Matron Pown'cll, Mrs. (Dr.) Milne; secretary, Mrs. L. J. Kilmister (re-elected); assistant secretary,; Rev. Isaacson; committee, Mes-

dames Hagan, Gillespie, Morgan, Synnott, Shaw, Watt, Warnock. A credit balance of £22 was reported. The opening day was fixed for October 2;ird. DISTURBANCE IN MAIN STREET. At the Otaki Police Court yesterday Tamati Harvey appeared before Messrs W. B. Smith and H. Nicolson, J. ’sP., charged with being in charge of a motor-car while in an intoxicated condition. Constable Satherloy stated that on Saturday night at 6.25 he and Constable Carran saw defendant in the town having trouble with a motor-car -which would first go forward and then back. They interviewed Harvey and found that he had been drinking. They warned him and advised him to go away but he became abusive and was finally locked up. Harvey, -who pleaded guilty, stated that he was not used to the gftars, but the Bench pointed out that this was no excuse for him being intoxicated, or for abusing the police who were only doing their duty. They would, however, take a lenient view of the matter as the car was Harvey’s means of livelihood, while it was his first appearance in Court. In view of these circumstances he would be let off with a light fine, viz., £3, but cautioned that if he again came before them on a similar offence he would lose his license and perhaps his liberty for a time. The default was fixed at 14 days, ■while a fortnight was given in which to pay the fine. GOODS TO THE VALUE OF £l4 STOLEN. Some time between 11 p.m. on Sunday night and 5.30 a.m. yesterday the office of Air. W. J. Barlow’s garage at Otaki Railway was forced open, evidently with a jemmy, and £l2 to £l4 worth of goods stolen. Air. Barlow had previously missed tools, cte., but this is the first time such a large quantity of goods have been stolen. WATTS—NELSON WEDDING. A very pretty wedding took place at the Alethodist Church, Otaki, on September 18th, the contracting parties being Ethel Constance, eldest daughter of Air. and Airs. H. Nelson, of Ongarue, and William Francis, third son of Air. and Airs. A. J. AVatts, of Lower Hutt, and late of Otaki. The church had been prettily decorated by friends of the bride. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a gown of ivory georgette and silk lace with a spray of orange blossom at the waist. She wore an embroidered veil and a wreath of orange blossom and carried a bouquet of freezias, carnations and maidenhair fern. She was attended by Aliss Hilda Nelson (sister), who wore a sleeveless frock of pale blue crepe-de-chenc with an overskirt of silk net which fell in handkerchief style and edged with silver ribbon. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations. The other bridesmaid (Aliss Clara Yates, cousin) ■'.von; a sleeveless frock of pink crepe-do-chenc with an overskirt of silk net falling in handkerchief style and edged with gold ribbon. She carried a bouquet of gold Iceland poppies and freezias. Both bridesmaids wore tulle veils to tone with their frocks. Air. Les. AVatts, brother of the bridegroom, was best man, and Air. Steve AAbitts was groomsman. The officiating AEinister was the Rev. H. Spencer and Airs. T. Devine, aunt of the bride, presided at the organ. A reception was afterwards held at the Lyric supper-rooms where Airs. Nelson received her guests -wearing a frock of silver-grey morocain and hat to match, and carrying a blue bouquet. Later, when the bride and bridegroom left for the north, the bride travelled in a brown costume and hat to match, and also a lovely fur, the gift of the bridegroom. GENERAL NEWS. OTAKI, Monday. An aeroplane, going south, passed over Otaki at 7.15 this morning. AVhitebait fishermen wore ■ out in many directions yesterday, but a catcher were small. j

The Natives held a shop day in aid of the Raukawa on Saturday and raised £5.

It is expected that a large number of Wellington Boy Scouts will camp in Otaki at Christmas time. During their stay here an ascent is to bo made ot the Tararuas.

Molly Kendrick, who has been in Mouterc hospital for several days duo to severe bites from a dog, which necessitated several stitches, returned to her home yesterday. Mr. W. Higgins leaves for Sydney 10-morrow to attend various race-meet-ings. Mr. M. H. Nicol, who recently re-: ceived injuries through a fall, returned to Otaki yesterday, having made splendid progress. Mr. Fred Garment, of Poxton, underwent an operation at Bowen Street hospital (Wellington) at the week-end. His condition is serious.

Among the visitors at the Boy Scouts’ birthday on Friday were Mr. E. Roderique, D.S.M., and Mr. L. Turksma, A.S.M. Mr. and Mrs. Penlington, who have been residents of this district for some months, leave next week to take up residence in the Taihape district. Both will carry with them the best wishes of many friends. Mr. Penlington, who was a prominent bowler, will be a great loss to the local Club.

Mr. George Gordon, who has been in the Palmerston North hospital for some weeks, returned home yesterday, much benefited by the treatment received. Mr. Joe Ayre will probably return home at the week-end. Unfortunately, the condition, of Mr. J. Sim is not satisfactory.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Smith, and Mrs. Thompson, left for the north this morning. They will stay the night at Napier as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Erkell, and to-morrow proceed to Roto rua and thence to Tauranga, where they will probably stay for a fortnight.

£ s d Levies to date 196 3 3 Refund by Southern Union Co. of proportion of projnium on comprehensive policy.(3rd party) 4 0 Excess Levies 2 0 Credit balance as at 1/4/29 1 ii 7 £198 0 10 . PAYMENTS. £ S d T3xpQnded as above ........ 118 12 6 Cash in hand 3 19 2 "Balance as per Pass Book . . 75 9 2 ■ V £198 0 10