WOODVILLE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 252, 21 September 1933, Page 8

WOODVILLE

WOODVILLE, Sept. 20. Mr Robert Heaton Rhodes, who passed away at Woodvillo on Tuesday, was 78 years of age. He was of a retiring disposition and took little active part in the affairs of the town. His kindliness and generosity, however, had made him a popular figure throughout Hawke’s Bay. Mr Rhodes was born at “The Grange,” Clive, and was the second son of the late Mr Joseph Rhodes, a well-known run-holder of Hawke’s Bay. He was educated at Wanganui Collogiato School, and was the oldest old boy living. He was the last,surviving member of -a party of school boys (another of whom was the late Mr Rams den, of Kumeroa), who rode from Napier to Wanganui with the first headmaster, Mr Godwin. The party passed through Woodville in 1868, crossing the range above the Manawatu Gorge by a track now lost, before a single treo was felled between Dannevirko and Palmerston North. The late Mr Rhodes was associated with sheep farming in Hawke’s Bay for many years and eventually settled in Woodville, where ho had resided for over fifty years. Whilst not a public man, nevertheless he was a member of the first Woodville Borough Council and ever sinco had been much interested in the welfare of the district. He leaves a widow, two sons, Mr M. H. Rhodes, engineer (Wellington), Mr B. H. Rhodes, solicitor (Otaki), two daughters, Miss Kasi Rhodes (Auckland) and Mrs F. P. Wright, Raglan. Other surviving relatives arc Mr C. H. E. Rhodes. Wanganui (brother), Mrs W. E. Bidwill, Featherstone, Mrs W. Kicly, Wellington (sisters), and Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Christchurch (cousin). The funeral took place at the Woodvillo cemetery this afternoon, when there was a particularly large following. Those attending a meeting of the general committee of the Woodville A. and P. Association on Monday evening were Messrs W. 11. Gaisford (chairman), M. Murray, N. J. Gilbert, R. Peebles, Rory Smith, J. Mitchell, W. Isherwood, H. Lovell, G. Morgan and J. C. Bolton. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. Murray, E. J. Harding and R. H. Morgan. Mr 11. B. Stuckey, of Dannevirke, wrote with reference to the resolution passed by the association supporting the Marton Association in its protest against the wool levy. “Opposition to the proposal is almost always caused by misunderstanding,” stated the writer, who added that the proposal was one that should have the whole-hearted endorsement of- every sheep farmer as a measure for improving the quality of wool in the Dominion generally. Mr Stuckey said that ho would be pleased to address a meeting in Woodville on the levy proposals. The matter was briefly discussed, the arguments used against the" proposal at last meeting being reiterated. It was decided to advise Mr Stuckey that the association was not disposed to call a meeting, but suggested that he convene one himself. Correspondence was received with reference to the W. H. Gaisford Cup, a handsome trophy offered for most points in classes in the dairy cattle section. To be won outngnt, the cup requires to be won three times at intervals or twice in successionThe trophy was won in 19oZ by Mr J. xVlurray and last year Mr Murray tied tor first place. The secretary explained, the position, stating that he had secured a ruling from the North Island Association. The revelant by-law was clear, and it was held that Mr Murray was entitled to the cup. The Gaisford Cup; which is valued at twelve guineas, was presented for the milking competition, but was later transferred to the dairy cattle classes. A vote of thanks was conveyed to Messrs Collin* son and Bon (Palmerston North) for a donation of 10s. Tile schedule committee’s recommendations for alterations and : additions for tne coming show were considered in detail. The proposal that in the event of only one entry m each criuss, half prize money only to be awarded, this applying to all classes in the schedule, was tlie subject of a. discussion. Mr M. Murray said that from a breeder’s point of view the innovation would be an unwelcome one. A breeder went to a lot of expense to bring his cattle to the show, and if ho .hail the ill-fortune to be tne only competitor, under the new proposal he would get only half the prize money and would be out of pocket. The secretary pointed out that last show the association had lost £9 on the Milking Shorthorns through there being only one competitor and lull prize money being paid out. Mr Murray : "The scheme is alright if it does not result in keeping these men away.” The president agreed with Mr Murray’s contention, but stated that the association could not stand heavy losses. The recommendation was carried on the motion oi Messrs R. Peebles and N. J. Gilbert. The Woodville Eire Board held Its quarterly meeting yesterday. Mr J. Elder was the chairman and otiiers present were Messrs U. Eorbcs, W. G.. Hay, J. W. Norrie, and A. H. Hustwick. the superintendent (Mr H. McNeil) submitted the following report: Six practices have been held, and the attendance has been verygood. Fire plugs have been inspected, and are. in fair order. A call was received on June 29, to a chimney fire at the Club Hotel. A second call was to a house ill McLean Street, occupied by Fireman Evernden. It lias been brought to iny notice that the water supply has on two different occasions been cut off all night in various streets in the borough. I. would like you to advise mo in -what position the brigade stands in the event of fire occurring on such occasions. .The chairman stated that the water had Ijeen turned off on two occasions to endeavour to trace a leak in the reticulation system. Every precaution had been, and would be, taken to turn the water on in case of fire. It was decided to procure a reducing nozzle. It was explained that tliis equipment was to enable a smaller jot of water to bo used in small fires. The chairman opposed the proposal on the grounds of economy, stating that expenditure in this direction would exceed the estimates. The insurance company representatives, Messrs Norrie and Hay, spoke strongly in favour of the proposal, which was carried on a vote. A resolution placing on record the services of the former chairman, Mr H. P. Horne, was passed. In moving the resolution, Mr W. G. Hay said that Mr Horne had done useful work during the three years he had been chairman. Mr J. W. Norrie, in seconding, said that Mr Horne had given excellent service to the board, particularly during the inaugural stages. Of the 58 pairs of boots received at Wocdville for the use of the unemployed, 50 pairs have already been issued by the certifying officer (-Mr J. !’■ Mahon).. Mr" F. T.. Pickett has been appointed an additional assistant at the Woodville District High Sohool for the third term. At the written examinations held last June at Pahiatua by the R.A.M. and R C.M., Joan Arrow, a pupil of Miss A. Arrow, L.L.C.M., was successful in passing grammar part one of music (80 marks).