almerstoN Doings.

Free Lance, Volume XVII, Issue 929, 2 May 1918, Page 21

almerstoN Doings.

Deab Chbisxabeeij— Anzac Day there was a mild attempt at celebrations. Our three bands turned out to the" procession: some junior cadets, boy scoute, or soldiers, in embryo of that kind, and a handful of veterans of other wars. The •returned soldiers were also represented, but it was a very tame affair. •e «• « # It is said by the man in the street that the staffs issued orders of parade for the other "ordinary soldiers," but they themselves would not parade, but awaited the procession at the church door. So a lot of the ordinary soldiers would not parade either. • • • • ♦ * A local team of entertainers, with a few borrowed artists, gave two performances last week. It was a costume concert party with smart frocks, bright music, and "sweet singing. The singing was the best part of it; the attempt at stage "business" was ragged, and it lacked ginger. Apart from that it was a very enjoyable entertainment. Misses N. and L. Davis, of Blenheim, and Miss Watson, also o£ the ancient town of Beaver, supplied much of the singing, assisted by Mrs. Will Rutherfurd, Miss Olive NeiLsen, and Mr. M. Bennett. Little Miss Sinclair Breen, of Wellington, gave several character dances, and proved herself a versatile little maid, with much promise as a dancer. ' The drawing of our Final Battle Art Union marks the last lap in tliis patriotic effort. It is questionable whether the extension of time with its resultant cash warranted the breach of faith in not drawing the art union at the closing ceremony. It is, however, too late to discuss that now, but runniiap; events off to schedule time and keeping faith with the public has a most helpful effect on. future organisations. Approximately 180,000 tickets were sold,

which,'less commissions, etc., netted about £8250. ■ ♦ * ♦ * An effort is being made to establish a dental clinic for the benefit of children. This is to be run in conjunction with the hospital and by the Board. The question of whether it should be established at the hospital, or set up in town, is exercising the minds of the Board. The dentists seem willing to do the right thing,, but don't feel like sacrificing large well-paying practices for the modest sum the Board offers. - * * * * The establishment of a maternity home at a considerable distance from the hospital is also meeting with a mixed reception. Our Hospital Board.

is a well-ineaning hard-working but unwieldy body. It consists of a fewtown and many country members; two ladies of an enquiring turn of mind, whose point of view mainly differs from that of the men, and who do not hesitate to say so, and two male members who do not hear as well as they see, and who are apt to make lengthy speeches about things which have been already settled under their noses, but without their cognisance. And so their meetings become like a lump of dough iinder a rolling-pin—long and lean. * * * # Captain Riddell is at present in town. He is out after the scalps of the rich —particularly the Hawke's Bay rich, with a view to raising £100.000 to establish a Trentham Scholarship. This is being promoted in order to provide a University course for the children of soldiers who have gone west, so that their father's sacrifice may not deprive them of a professional chance in life. * * * • Miss Martlett Watson, of Blenheim, is staying in Palmerston. * # * * Chaplain Dore, M.C., of Foxton, has been in Palmerston for medical treatment. Although he has entered civil life again, and taken up work in his old parish, his health is not greatly improved. Your Ineria, Awaptjni.