Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 88, 14 April 1938, Page 2

Rongotea

From Our Own Correspondent. Obituary. The news of the sudden passing of Mr Harold Kirkham came as a great shock to his many friends throughout the Rongotea district. For several years past Mi*. Kirkham was the proprietor of the bus service between Tangimoana, Kongotea and Palmerston, and during that period transported many pupils to the secondary schools. In December of last year ho had to enter hospital to undergo an operation, and after being discharged in January, his health did not permit his retaining the bus service, which he relinquished at the beginning of March. He still, however, continued as driver of the school bus, and appeared to bo regaining his former robust health, but on Tuesday morning he collapsed after reaching Palmerston North. Mr. Kirkham saw considerable service during the Great War and was a member* of the newly formed Rongotea R.S.A. Auxiliary. Of late years he took up his residence in Tangimoana and was always ready to place his services at the disposal of the community, taking a great interest in improvements at Tangimoana. His breezy and cheery personality will be sadly missed by young and old alike. Basketball Club Presentation. Following upon their first practice of the season, members of the local Basketball club adjourned to the home of Mrs F. Tegg. Tho guest of honour was Miss Joyce George, for many years a keen and prominent. player, whose marriage to Mr L. Sparrow takes place this week. After a dainty afternoon Lea, dispensed by the hostess, Miss E. Knight, on behalf of the club, presented Miss George with a crystal bowl, as a mark of appreciation of her valuable services to the club, at the same time wishing her every happiness in her new sphere of life. Miss George thanked members for their gift which, she said, would be a constant reminder of many happy afternoons on the basketball court Tennis Club. The final games for the cup competitions were played off at the week-end, and resulted as follows: Scott Cups (B grade players), ladies, Miss M. Fraser beat Miss E. Will 50—39; men, K. Amies beat It. Ail’d 50—35. Open handicap (Morcom Rose Bowl), ladies: Miss G. Eades beat Miss M. Fraser 50—42; men (Morcom Cup), 11. Churchill beat K. Amies GO—ss. These competitions created much interest and some very good games wene witnessed. Farewell Smoke Concert. A large contingent of returned men made the journey to Bulls on Monday evening, where a farewell evening had been arranged to bid bon voyage to the nine members who are making the trip to Sydney to participate in the Anzac Day celebrations. Two members of the Rongotea auxiliary, Messrs Lon Vallander and E. Gennills, were included among the “lucky nine,” and a very pleasant evening, reminiscent of old army -days, was spent, toasting the departing “tourists,” who were inundated with good advice and kind wishes. On their return the Rongotea auxiliary proposes to tender them a welcome home. Horticultural Society. A meeting of the management committee of the Rongotea Horticultural Society was held on Tuesday evening. Mrs A. J. Will presiding. The balance sheet for the autumn show showed a small debit balance of a few shillings, but on -the year's working the Society showed a considerable credit. It was resolved that a sub-commit-tee, comprising the president, secretary, and Mr J. Glover, be set up to revise the schedules and report to the annual meeting, the date of which was fixed for Thursday, May 5.. It was decided to fix the date for the spring show as September 13, provided that the hall could be secured. The president referred to the loss which the Society had suffered in the death of Mr F. Nathan, who had always been a staunch supporter. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr A. Burgess and offer the Society’s congratulations on his election as president of the A. & PSociety. Methodist Circuit. The Rev. R. E. Fordyce presided over the quarterly meeting of the Sanson-Ron-gotea Circuit'of the Methodist Church, held on Monday evening. Mr Moess, from Rangiwahia, and Mr and Mi’s H. Taylor and family, from Dannevirke. were received on transfer, while two further members were accepted. The revised roll showed a membership, of 9S active senior members, 12 junior, and 44 on the cradle roll. A resolution of sympathy with the relatives of Mr B. Gray was carried, members standing while the minister offered prayer. Congratulations were extended to the trustees on the sound position of the trust funds. The Sunday School superintendent’s report showed that numbers had increased, while attendance had been more regular. Felicitations were offered to Miss E. Smith and Mr W. Pinkerton on their approaching marriage, and they were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for their work in both church and Sunday school. Mr Raymond Johnston was also thanked for his services as local preacher. The report from Mrs M. E. Smith, who was delegate at the recent conference, proved 'most interesting, as wefe also the further remarks of Mr Fordyce. At the conclusion of the meeting, supper was served by the ladies. Personal. Mr and Mrs W. Read and 'heir small son, Hylton, have returned home after a fortnight’s motoring holiday.