NEWS OF THE DAY

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 108, 8 May 1941, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Back to Normal. For the first time for over 50 years Palmerston North’s gas service was disrupted by the floods over tho weekend, and the newspapers were among those who suffered, tho heating apparatus of their typesetting machines having been put out of action. Although auxiliary plants were installed they were not capable in tho short time available of coping completely with the situation. “Tho Times” is now back on its lull service, and offers this explanation as an apology for any delay in publishing reports of city and district happenings during the emergency. Farmers’ Sympathy. The annual conference of delegates from branches of tho Farmers’ Union in tho Manawatu, yesterday recorded their sympathy with those farmers who had suffered in the flood of last weekend. Length of Service The Mayor (Mr. A. E. Mansford) raised a laugh last evening at a congratulatory social, offering congratulations to Mr. J. Holmes Runnicles ou the completion of 25 years of faithful service. He had been told personally that ten years was long enough! Conference Shortened. The conference of branches of the Farmers’ Union in the provinces of tho lower end of the North Island which is scheduled for May 29 at Palmerston North, is to be curtailed this year to one day and one evening discussion. The war situation will narrow the scops of the conference and formalities are to be dispensed with in order to save time. Flood Belief Offer. As an inspiration to other institutions two well-known associations in Palmorston North held emergency meetings yesterday to consider the question of flood relief, with the following results: “If the City Council decides that it is wanted, the following contributions will be made: The Citizens’ Lunch Club £5 os, a club member £5 ss, the Justices’ Association (Manawatuj £lO 10a. Good Neighbours Following in the wake of Mr. J. T. Heatley (chairman of the works committee of the Emergency Precautions Scheme) and his gang of men who Avere hosing out houses that had been invaded by flood waters in Pahiatua Street yesterday, about 50 women, headed by Mrs. W. A. Jacques, rendered yeoman service with polishing rags and oil. Scrubbing and washing all came in the day’s work and it was some little satisfaction to see rooms looking homelike once more and to sense the gratitude for this timely help. River Board Elections.

As the exact number of members required have been nominated, there will be no elction for either the ManawatuOroua River Board or Sluggish River Drainage Board. Those returned are: Sluggish. River Board, Messrs. W. H. Gimblett, F. J. Foster, A. N. Morcom, E. C. Print and N. J. Ryan; ManawatuOroua River Board, Messrs. S. Parsons, J. Callesen (Kairanga sub-division), W. Jackson, H. Seifert, W. H. Barrow (Makerua), B. G. Gower, W. S. Carter (Moutoa), R. J. Law (Koputaroa) and H. J. Lancaster (Oroua sub-division), Mr. J. Holmes Runnicles Honoured

Parishioners of All Saints’ Church attended at the Parish Hall last evening in large numbers to do honour to Mr. J. Holmes Runnicles, who has completed 25 years of faithful service as organist and choirmaster. Opportunity was taken to mark the occasion with congratulatory speeches by the mayor, the vicar, the church wardens und Mr. Jos. Batchelar, church warden at Linton, who, incidentally, had been a choir boy at Ali Saints’ in IBS7. On behalf of the parish Canon Woodward handed Mr. Runnicles a substantial cheque and Mrs. Runnicles and Miss Margaret Runnicles were the recipients of lovely bouquets. A Good Citizen

Offering his congratulations to Mr. J. Holmes Runnicles on reaching his silver jubilee of service as organist and choirmaster of All Saints’ Church last evening, the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, said not only had he been a good churchman and fine organist but he had been an excellent citizen as well. Mr. Runnicles had been to the forefront in every movement for the welfare of the city and had lent his talents to assist in every charitable cause. It was largely through Mr. Runnicles’ own efforts that £IOO had been realised from the last presentation of “The Messiah,” the excellence of which had brought commendation from Mr. Heddle Nash, noted English tenor. As citizens we owed a tribute for that work by the best choir the city had heard. Holiday PetroL

Farmers have always been vexed because extra holiday petrol has been made available during the summer months when businessmen can get away from their work and yet is denied them when tb*ey are in a position to get away during tho off season. Representations to get holiday benzine during the winter months have so far failed but the Manawatu provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union is hopeful that the authorities will accept a new idea as a solution of the problem. The sponsor is Mr. I_. F. Ballinger, of Linton. His suggestion is that instead of making increases during the summer months, tho authorities should issue “holiday” coupons which can be used just whenever the motorist desired to do so. The proposal is to be passed on to the Government.