Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 103, 2 May 1941, Page 3

Foxton

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Mrs. L. Smith, of Avenue Koad, Miss In a Smith, and Mr. Alan Smith were visitors 10 Christchurch last week foe the marriage of Mrs. Smith’s elder son, Mr. Frank Smith. Mr. C. R. Tutty is on leave and during his absence Mr. F. Barry is acting in a relieving capacity. Sergeants’ Dance As a gesture of their appreciation of tho hospitality accorded them during their term in the Military Camp at Fox ton, tho Sergeants of the 2nd. Mountcu Rifle Brigade entertained a large number of their friends at a dance. Brigadier-Colonel \Y. Foley, Officer Commanding, and visitors from Palmerston North, Levin and Shannon were present. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Sergeant-Major J. Blumsky. Prizes for a Lucky Spot waltz were, won by Miss Peggy Bowden and partner. Sergeant Sturm and partner were the winners of the prizes for the Lucky Partner dance. Obituary Fifty-eight years of continuous residence in Foxton was terminated on Friday last by the death at her home in Avenue Road, of Mrs. Elizabeth Aldridge, at the age of 77 years. Deceased had enjoyed compartively good health and her sudden passing came as a shock ■to her family. The late Mrs. Aldridge was born at Port Underwood and came to Foxton after her marriage to Mr. William Aldridge, in 18S3. Besides her husband, deceased leaves a family of four sons: Messrs. William, Charles, James and George Aldridge (all of FoxIon) and six daughters, Mesdames 1. Cooksloy (Rangiotu), H. Ashcroft (oL : Stratford), C. Robinson (Foxton), P. McGill (Palmerston North), and S. Robinson (Auckland). There are 63 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Anzac Celebration The Anzac Day celebration in Foxton was the biggest and most impressive in the history of t.he town. This was due to the camp on the racecourse cooperating with the local R.S.A. The whole camp paraded and over 1000 mounted men participated. • Then came the motor cyclists and mechanised corps, the R.S.A., Home Guard, E.P.S., and Sea Scouts, all headed by the military band. A service-was held in the Town Hall where the Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau) presided and Rev. Foston delivered the address. Accompaniments and selections were played by the band. The hall was filled for the occasion. At tho conclusion all adjourned to the Triangle where wreaths were laid on the memorial and the Last Post sounded by camp buglers. Amateur Athletics A committee meeting of the Foxton Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club was presided over by Mr. H. D. Dawson (president). A motion of sympathy with the secretary in his illness was passed. It was decided to hold the road races to Himitangi and back this year, to start on May 5; and the race for the Hinds Cup to Bolls bridge and back, to take place on Juno 14. M. Coley was awarded the beginners’ cup for 1941. Mr. D. R. Barron was appointed starter for road races and Mr. H. Wright handicapper. It was decided to give trophies for all races where there were four or more starters. Moutoa Drainage Board The monthly meeting of the Moutoa Drainage Board presided over by Trustee F. S. Easton (chairman). Also present were Trustees W. H. Smith, R. E. Downes, H. Robinson and tho clerk (Mr. G. Y. Fraser). The clerk reported that the bank balance was in credit £272 ISs lid and the balances of the main ledger accounts were as follows: General, credit, £249 12s 3d; interest, credit, £23 6s Sd. The report "was received and accounts amounting to £57 7s were passed for payment. The foreman reported that he had been engaged in cleaning the Main Drain during the month and attending to the floodgates. In all 60 chains of this drain were now completed. The chairman commented favourably on the work done in the drains'and said the heaviest work was now over. Estimates for the ensuing year were considered. A letter was received from tho Public Works Minister enclosing a circular dealing with the activities of the committee set up to investigate flood protection as a national scheme, and asking for comments. The chairman said that ho had recently visited tho high country at the back of Otaki and was amazed at the hill erosion taking place (here. Old trees which formerly dammed the water in the gullies when the rains came, were now rotten and the water was obtaining

access to the plains accentuating the trouble of flooding in the low lands. The hills were slipping into the gorges. In his opinion the cheapest and best safeguard against flooding was to replant the denuded ranges. As tho matter was too big to deal with without mature consideration, the letter was held over. As the meeting was the final one before the election, the chairman extended his thanks to members for their co-operation and said that he had thoroughly enjoyed his term of | office. There had not been one amend* | mont passed or moved during tho term land this showed how well members had got on. Trustees commended -the work | of the chairman and said he had saved them and tho ratepayers a great deal by his capable chairmanship.