DANGEROUS CROSSING

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1927, Page 2

DANGEROUS CROSSING

SAFETY ON" SOUTH ROAD. Final arrangements are being entered into by the Railway Department, Public Works Department and the Main Highways Board as to the Hawera South Road railway crossing elimination work. A News representative yesterday interviewed a responsible officer and learned that although the details are not perfected, the main form of the scheme will be a bridge to carry the railway under which the present road will run. There will be a 16 feet clearance between the bottom of the bridge and the roadway, while the width of roadway for traffic will be 20 feet, the full width of the opening of the bridge. Eighteen feet of the roadway will be paved. The present roadway will be lowered to allow traffic to pass beneath the bridge. The grade of the road on the Hawera side will be a fall of one foot in 15, or practically the same as at present, while on the Wanganui side it will be less steep—one in 20.

The bridge itself will be in reinforced concrete, and drainage of the subway will be effected by means of a tunnel with a fall.

The road approaching the crossing on each side will need to be re-graded and re-surfaced and the total length of road affected will be 15 chains. The railway lines will be lifted about 18 inches above the present level. In order to carry out the work a temporary deviation will have to be made to accommodate traffic while alterations are being made. There will, however, be no alteration to the existing line of road. The cost of the work is estimated at £4.506. HAWERA COMPETITIONS. ANOTHER BRIGHT DAY. INTEREST WELL MAINTAINED. The success of the sixth annual competitions festival shows every sign of being maintained throughout, as up to the present a great opening day has been followed with increased interest and attendances. The remarks of the judges, those who have attended, and the competitors and committee all go to show that in the pleasure of the entertainment as well as in the educational gain accruing, the competitions are serving a most useful purpose. The judges on Tuesday night made some very illuminating remarks which were fearlessly given when necessary and fittingly received. Messrs. T. Harris and C. Towsey have proved to be very popular with the audiences, competitors and committee. On Tuesday night Mr- Towsey, referring to the work of the unison choirs, said that one should fee] very proud and grateful to school choirs coming from long distances at night. It said much for the enthusiasm of teacher and child. ■JUDGE'S COMMENTS. In the '‘children under 10” class the Manaia school was praised. Mr. Towsey said it was a pity the children were not taught in the home to use pure vowel sounds effectively. Referring to Fraser Road, the judge humorously remarked: “I would very much like to have given first prize to this choir because of the little boy who opened his mouth so very wide, even when not singing, and who thoroughly put his heart and soul into his effort.”

In commenting upon the performance of Miss L. Bullock, who won the Shakespearean recital with 85 marks, Mr. Harris said: “This reciter was very able and possesses considerable personality and a very good voice. Her falling tone near the end of inflection often destroyed the sense. The voice must be sustained to the end. Her voice was very flexible, the gestures good, and she produced quite a dramatic effect.” “This was quite a striking rendition of Ave Imperatrix, given freely and with expression, earnestness and intensity. An admirable effort,” said Hr. Harris, referring to Mr. J. H. Forrester’s recitation on Tuesday night. POWERS THAT GRIP AUDIENCE. “The winner is a very remarkable reciter. It is quite extraordinary to find a child possessing powers which gripped the audience and held it throughout as did this reciter. She was absolutely possessed by the spirit of the piece, and I venture to predict a great future for her, although so young.” These were the remarks of the judge as to June Fairweather’s rendering on recall in the recitation under ten. JUDGE’S REVIEW. Questioned as to his opinion of the elocutionary talent in Hawera as disclosed by the competitions, Mr. T. H. Harris, the elocutionary judge, said he had been particularly struck with the natural talent in the children’s classes. “In view of the fact that very few of them have received any expert training, I think there is some remarkable talent in Hawera. The children speak their lines very clearly and with natural, free styles, disclosing pure vowel sounds, but they generally lack force, animation and seem afraid in some cases to pause or vary their cadence. The quality of the voices is really good. "The sounding of pure vowels is a most important point,” said Mr. Harris. “I had a big class this morning (29 entries). The marks were nearly all between 70 and 80 and quite a number were around 74, so that the talent is very even.

“Last night we have very good renderings of ‘Ave. Imperatrix.’ Mr. Forrester exhibits wonderful concentration and his was a great performance. One competitor’s pose and entrance were not correct. Competitors should face the front and make gestures as at scenery on either wing and not as in dialogues, when the voice is directed to each of the speakers. Generally the class was a good one.”

Every seat was occupied last night before eight o’clock and many were turned away. The evening was very enjoyable' aiid the audience were held iu rapt attention, swayed with i'ealism

and won to unrestrained mirth and enchanted with dainty music and good elocution. Some especially fine singing was given by the Hawera Main and Fraser' Road School choirs, who respectively won the B grade and junior banners, A very popular class was the impromptu speech. The subject, “Should Men Wear Wedding Rings” was a stumbling block to a number and the source of much innocent humour which was highly appreciated. During the evening the winners of the quartette were presented with the shield. The classes dealt with during yesterday morning were recitation for girls under 12 years, contralto solo, and recitation (girls under 15). The results of these, with comments, are as follow: Recitation (girls under 12). Test: “Like Calls to Like.”—Entrants: Yvonne Stevenson, May Cadman, Joan Moore, June Goodwin, Vivienne Jones, Molly McKinnon, June Fairweather. Barbara Mortlock, Beta Warren, Barbara Foy, Doris Gilmore, Vivienne Westwood, Eileen Kelsen, Noaline Drunnan, Joan Thomae, Marie Gibson, Millie Goldstone, Margaret Brown, Patricia Fountaine, Eileen Riley, Esme Mitchell, Ola J. McAnerin, Eila Gunderson, Joyce Goodwin, Nancy Seaver, Rita Moore, Frances Hemsley, Doris Warren, Joyce Keys. Recalls. —Joan Thomas and June Goodwin. Results —Joan Thomas (82), 1 June Goodwin (81) 2. “Joan Thomas has a pleasant, voice and a natural style, while she places her emphasis nicely. Her express'on is good and her words are clear, her vowels being well sounded,” said the judge. “June Goodwin possesses a very nice style and pronounces her words clearly. She gave a good interpretation and is a very promising reciter,” was the judge’s comment.” Contralto Solo (own selection).—Entrants: Miss Beatrice H. Jones Miss M. E. Leech, Miss O. Grindrod, Mrs. S. J. Martin.

Results—Miss O. Giindrod (84) 1; Miss M. E. Leech (77) 2. “The contralto solo was not a very strong class. The winner pliM-cd her song most artistically,” said Mr. Towsey.

Recitation (girls under 15 years).— Entrants: Mercia Curtis, Marie Gibson, Sheila Seaver, Doris Dakers, Joan Thomas, Mary Morrison, Patricia Fountaine, Eila Gunderson, Irene Thursten, Gladys Dowdle, Sheila Carson, Myra Wilson, Rita Moore, Molly McKinnon, June Fairweather, Joyce Goodwin, Joan Downey, Noaline Drunnan. Recalls.—Joyce Goodwin and Eila Gunderson. Results—Eila Gunderson (85) 1, Joyce Goodwin 2. Miss Joyce Goodwin's words were very good and her vowel sounds were clear, full and pure—a great asset. Her voice was of good quality, though she lacked rythm at times, but her interpretation was really quite a good one,” was the judge’s comment. “Miss Eila Gunderson’s rendering showed that her voice was good, and the rythm was good, while fair expression coupled with a natural free style, an animated and pleasant manner, combined to make a good study.” IMPROVED STANDARD SHOWN. The classes disposed of during the afternoon in the presence of a large attendance, were children’s chorus (under 14), recitation in character (humorous), children’s chorus (under IS), recitation in costume (under 14), and action song (girls under. 12). For the numbers attending, the way the young performers arrested and held the interest and attention, and for .the quality of the renderings, the afternoon session was undoubtedly the best to date. The feature of the session was the wonderful reception which was accorded little Miss June Fairweather in the recitation in character. This eloquent reciter so delivered her lines and made her gestures that she created most realistic and vivid mental images of her subject. The concentrated intensity and the emotional nature of her expression was most appealing. The exhibitio’ns generally were a revelation, affording convincing proof of the cultural attainments of the modern child.

The results of, and comments on, the afternoon classes, arc as follow: Children's Chorus (under 14 years; 12 to 15 voices), unaccompanied.—Entrants: Tawhiti School, Fraser Road School, Manaia School B, Stratford Public School, Hawera Main .School, Manaia School A. The recalls were: Fraser Road School and Hawera Main School. Results: Fraser Road (81) 1, Hawera Main School 2. “The performance of the Fraser Road School was very good. The voices blended well and the parts were well balanced. The tone was rather weak and the pitch was not sustained, but the performance was creditable,” commented Mr. Towsey. Referring to the Hawera Main School rendering, Mr. Towsey said the parts were very well sustained, although the first voices had a tendency to sing under the note. The treatment was artistic and the voices were bright in quality. Recitation in Costume (Loy or girl under 14 years), own selection.—Entrants: Eila Gundersen, Irene Thursten, Joan Thomas, Rita Moore, Barclay Harrington, Kenneth Smith, William R. Geddes, Sheila Carson, Myra Wilson, Gordon Oates. June Fairweather, Patricia Fountaine, 'oyce Goodwin, Hugh Piper. The recalls were: June Fairweather and Joyce Goodwin. Result: June Fairweather (97 out of possible 115) 1, Joyce Goodwin (95) 2. “This was a good selection daintily given, with excellent expression, graceful and effective gesture and a good exit,” said the judge of June Fairweather. Speaking of Joyce Goodwin, the judge said: “The beginning was rather mild. The costume was satisfactory and it was a good selection artistically given.” MANY HUMOUROUS CHARACTERS. Recitation in Character (humorous), open class.—Entrants: Miss M. Leggett, Miss N. Reid, Mrs. T. McGowan, Miss N. Kent. Miss T. Thompson. William H. Ih-ddcs. M -- 11. Tonks, Ml - L. Bullock.

The recalls were: Miss M. Leggett, Miss N. Kent and Miss L. Bullock. Results: Miss N. Kent (98) 1, Mies L. Bullock (96) 2. “Miss Bullock’s performance was a good one. The make-up was excellent, and a good impersonation was well sustained. There was a slip of memory,” said the judge. Miss Leggett’s performance was very good, her gossip was very fair and improved as she went on, but had falling inflections. It was a good sketch and well done, with humourous points well made,” said Mr. Harris.

“Miss Kent gave a good sketch with humourous points fairly well worked. It was a well sustained characterisation with a good exit,” commented the judge. Children’s Chorus (under 18 years: 12 to 15 voices), unaccompanied.—Entrants: IManaia School, Hawera Main School, Tawhiti School, Fraser Road School. The recalls were: Hawera Main School and Fraser Road School. Results: Hawera Main School (88) 1, Fraser Road' School (85) 2. “Hawera School took “Bells at Eve.” The voices were all of fresh quality with good intonation and parts, and the sketch was well sustained. It was a very interesting work.” “Fraser Road took the same number. The intonation was not so good, but the balance was splendid and the rythm excellent. The whole performance was artistic and the effect of dying away on the last note was good.” Action Song (girl under 12 years), own selection.—Entrants: Olga Fox, Audrey Marsh, Frances M. Fox, Doris Gilmore, June Fairweather. The recalls were: Doris Gilmore and June Fairweather. Results: June Fairweather (75) 1, Dorie Gilmore (73) 2. “This competitor’s voice was quite pretty, but the words were not clear and scarcely sufficient action was used,” said Mr. Towsey of Doris Gilmore. Referring to June Fairweather, the judge said the voice was “tiny but tuneful,” and the entrance and exit were good. THE EVENING .SESSION, Scotch Song (own selection).—Entrants: Mrs. A. M. Trotter, Sydney Horsburgh, A. E. Morris, Miss J. Coeker, Mrs. E. J. Yeaibury, Miss M. E. Leech, Mrs. S. J. Martin. Result: A. E. Morris (88) 1, Miss M. E. Leech (81) 2. Shakespearean Recitation (gentlemen), own selection.—Entrants: R. Day, J. H. 'Forrester, H. L. Spratt, H. W. Jackson. Result: H. W. Jackson (83) 1, J. H. Forrester 2. Quartette (male voices), unaccompanied,—'Entrants: J. C. Smith, A. E. Morris, G. H. Buekeridge, T. G. Liddington; Fraser Road Maori Quartette. Result: J. C. Smith, A. E. Morris, G. H. Buekeridge, T. G. Lidding (86) 1, Fraser Road Maori Quartette (78) 2. Impromptu Speech (lady or gentleman).—lMiss D. Corrigan (9*2) 1, H. W. Jackson (89) 2. Violin Solo (open class). Test: “Legende.” —Albert Riley 1. HAWERA MAGISTRATE’S COURT. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE PRESIDE. Owing to the absence of the Magistrate (Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M.) and the pressure of business experienced by Mr. R. W. Tate, of the North Taranaki circuit, the fortnightly session of the Hawera Magistrate’s Court was presided over by Messrs. R. W. J. McNeill and G. A. Burgess, J.Ps. A number of civil defended and all judgment summons cases were adjourned for a fortnight. Judgment by default in favour of the plaintiff was entered in the following undefended civil cases: Hurrell Bros, v. W. E. Minhinnick £36 13s 5d (costs, £4 13s Od); Hawera County Council v. T. 11. Nixon, £8 2s Id {£l 10s 6d); Kaupokonui Dairy Company v. E. Valentine, £3 0s Id (£1 5s Gd); James Dykes V. C. S. Gardiner, £l9 5s (£2 14s); F. J. Sage v. L. Bryant, £2 (£1 3s Od); A. E. McEwan v. J. Dombr.obki, £1 17s 6d, (13s); John McGhie v. John Ngeru, £26 6s (£4 8s Gd); Cudby and Tyrrell v. Pera, £1 12s (16s); J. Kerrisk v. Davy Rangiora, £5 os (£1 19s fid); Farmers’ Co-op. v. Joseph Looder, 16s (8s); B. H. Westwood v. Charles Purdy, £39 16s 9d (£4 2s Cd); L. J. Hall v. R. Cooke, £3 Os 5d (8s); Taranaki Trade Association v. R. Seager, £8 10s 7d (£1 10s 6d).

In the defended case of Jeremiah Kerrisk versus John Sheehan, a claim for £4 4e due in respect of a contract of service of defendant’s mare, judgment was given for plaintiff for £4 4s (costs, | £1 10s). HAWERA GUN CLUB. FINAL SHOOT FOR CUPS. In conjunction with the Hawera Acclimatisation Society, the Hawera Gun Club held a most successful shoot under ideal conditions, before a large crowd of spectators. The finals were shot for the Patron's Cup, the Douglas Cup and the Phillips Cup, and proved very close. The clays flew well and three shoots were required to finalise the Phillips Cup, Mr. Scott winning by one bird. The results are:— No. 1 Sweep, 0 birds. —D. Coleman (10yds) 4 birds; W. O'Brien (14yds), 2; R. Wilkie (10yds), 2; S. Coleman (18yds), 5; J. D." Scott (Uyds), 5. J. D. Scott and S. Coleman divided the money. Cup Finals.— J. D. Scott (10yds), 4 birds; W. O'Brien (14yds), 7; S. Coleman (18yds), 6; D. Coleman (10yds) ( 6; W. O’Brien won with a lead of one bird. Douglas Cup.—S. Coleman (18yds), 1. Phillips Cup.—W. O’Brien (14yds), 11 birds; E. Ingran (12yds), 6; S. Coleman (18yds), 8; J. D. Scott (10yds), 11. In the shoot-off O'Brien scored 3 and Scott 3, while the final ended, O’Brien 4birds, and Scott, 5. The Athletic Club challenged the Hawera Gun Club. The results are:— Athletic: G. H. Weir (10yds), two birds; W. A. Spragg (10yds), 2; L. Palmer (10yds), 3; R. Jones (10yds), 2. Gun Club. —S. Coleman (19yds), nil; O’Brien (16yds), nil; Scott (15yds), nil; Wilkie (14yds), one bird. Six Bird Match. —W. O'Brien (15yds), retired; S. Coleman (18yds), 3 birds; J. D. Scott (12yds), fl; R. Wilkie (10yds), 4; J. McKenzie (10yds), 1; D. Coleman (10yds), 5. Won by J. D. Scott. Mr. W. A. Spragg in presenting the cups, congratulated the winners and thanked the donors for the trophies. Messrs. O’Brien and Scott suitably re. plied. NEW TURUTURU SCHOOL. TWO TEACHERS APPOINTED. “The teachers for the new school at l Tin utiiru have lieeii appointed, and.the »d:ooT will ■ pm I or teaching oh Monday

morning after the school vacation,” said Mr A. K. Fyson, chairman of the school committee, to a News representative yesterday morning. The teachers appointed are relieving until such time as it can be ascertained how many children are likely to attend. The headmistress will be Mrs. Carter, late of the Frankley Road School, New Plymouth, and the assistant Mrs. Rowlands. The permanent staff will be appointed later when the school is lishedPERSONAL. Mr. and Mr®. A. Segar and family have left on an extended motor trip of the North Island.