kAIKOURA.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 248, 19 October 1908, Page 2

kAIKOURA.

(From the Sun.) Thursday. Seaman "Jack" Reardon, of H.M.S. Pioneer™ is spending part oi: his furlough here, visiting his mothter. The presence in Kaikorua ot this young "Lad in Navy Blue" has nred the ambition of two other Kaikoura boys—R. Reardon and P. Homer—| to become units in the ranks of those | comprising the human element in i Britain's first line of defence. Ihey leave here next week to submit them- , selves for admission to the ranks ot j the "King's Navee." _ . > \ Travellers passing along the road "between Kaikoura and Seddon are greatly impressed with the tasttully laid out grounds of Mr C. F. Murray, Wharanui. While the surroundings foave a naturally pleasing aspect, the effectiveness of the scene has been m- " creased in a remarkable manner in accordance with a design by Mr JBuxton, of the firm of Buxton- Ltd., landscape architects, Opawa Nursery, €hristchurch. Rock walls at the entrance to the grounds at once arrest attention and prepare one for the imSrovements made within. Asphalt rive and paths lead up to and round - the handsome and commodious residence. Water led in from the sparkling Woodside stream enables ponds to be formed, wherein there is an abundant growth of beautiful lilies. Rustic bridges and summer houses (built of manuka) are, unquestionably, works of art. Ornamental trees add to the scheme of decoration, which is of anaesthetic nature throughout, lo this is added a fine orchard and garden. Healthy relaxation is obtained on the adjoining tennis courts and croquet ground. ' The whole -of- the work has been carried out.under.the supervision of Mr Paintin, whovis a - : "born artist in his profession as a landscape gardener, with the aid of a competent staff of men. Mr Murray lias not, however, been content with the improvements contained m the foregoing. The whole of the appointments are constructed. on up-to-date lines. One of the surprises for visitors % is the installation of a very complete system of electrical energy, by .meansof which lighting for his residence, etc., and power for driving shearing 1 and other machinery for the station is supplied. The telephone, too, has Been liberally installed. For surroundings and every modern convenience found on a pastoral property, Wharanui stands second to none in Marlborough (if it is not actually, nrstt, and there are few to equal it in this respect-in New Zealand. v. The monthly meeting of the District High School Committee was held -on Monday evening. The Headmaster's report showed that there were 145 on the roll in, the primary department, with an average attendance of 119.3, and 20-17 in the secondary department. The becrfrtary reported that the Bank credit was £9 8s 9d, and as the outstanding accounts would more than absorb that amount it was resolved that the Chairman and Headmaster arrange for an entertainment to be held at the earliest opportunity. The Chairman reported the Exhibition pictures allocated to the school by the County Council had been received and the -clerk had suggested that the Committee should try and arrange to retain them for the benefit of the school instead of giving them as prizes. Mr Davidson agreed with the suggestion, and moved that the Council be written to suggesting that the Committee be allowed to retain the pictures for ■•the benefit of the school and the "unborn millions." Seconded by Dr Ramage.—An amendment, by Mr Ingram, that the pictures be given in the terms of which they were donated, failed to find a seconder, and the motion was carried. The Chairman explained the position regarding the Headmaster refusing to admit certain children to the school, stating that the incident occurred through the children arriving at the school, although on the roll of the Suburban school, without any authority from their parents. The master stated that it was customary to have either the parents' consent or authority from their late master before children

were admitted

under such circum-

stances. The Suburban master had. -since been consulted and the children were admitted. Weather conditions were fairly good for the Bushmen's Association Sports, yesterday, which proved a successful gathering—the Kaikoura bushmen are very popular sports and athletes. The attendance, however, was not equal to that of some, previous years, though quite representative. The "various events—in all three classes—

were very well contested, particularly ;the wood and wheel struggles for supremacy. Very close finishes were witnessed between G. Raven and F. Pable cheque (whose effort was a magnificent one) in the Standing

Block Chop. Pavelka and C. Mowat (the smart young axeman from "Cheviot), with G. Raven, were nearly out by themselves- in the Underhand •Chop. At one time in this event young Templeman (who had previously won the Boys' Handicap Chop rather easily) went off like a "steam ■engine" and looked all over a winner, "but he either tired or struck a tough patch and fell away. In the sawing items there were exciting finishes, Harry Smith's win in the Single be-r ■ing a fine one. C. Brunei and F. Smith (who were coupled at the last moment) i>erformed splendidly, putting up the best time. The wheelmen, generally, gave the spectators "pleasure for their money." Harold Stove, who rode very well, proved the "hero" of the day, winning both -events, in addition to a 'challenge ■chop" easily. Good efforts were made by the visiting athletes, the Dalzeil -cousins. Bob Young's mishap (a bit of hard luck) was most unfortunato for F. Harnett. Ciarry Gibson proved himself a plucky runner, his points (2 wins and a third) making him a tie for the Kaiapoi Company's special prize (a rug) with G. Raven, who wins Messrs Duthie and Co's silver

teapot for 'most points in wood ■events." The annual ball, held in -fclie Drillhall in the evening, attracted a considerable attendance, and was voted a most enjoyable affair.