South Taranaki News

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1928, Page 5

South Taranaki News

DAILY NEWS OFFICE: Morrhsay’s Buildings, Union Street. P.O. Box No. 133. Telephone No. 2758.

“DRAGGED INTO COURT" DISPUTE OVER FIVE SHILLINGS. THE AMOUNT PAYABLE DOUBLED. An amusing case was heard before Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M., in the Hawera Court yesterday afternoon. It concerned the payment of ss, the cost of issue of a summons by Alfred Leonard Palmer, saddler, against A. Linkhorn, a baker, and resulted in objection to payment being overridden by the magistrate’s decision and the cost being doubled, jugdment being given for 5s on the claim and 5s hearing fee. Two counsel .were engaged, Messrs. H. L. Spratt for plaintiff, and J. Houston for defendant. “With six of us engaged the claim amounts to 10d apiece,” remarked Mr. Barton at the commencement of the hearing, which occupied the court for fifteen minutes. The case had a history, and related back to December of last year, when the parties had “cross accounts.” The defendant in the present case sued the plaintiff, who paid at once and retorted that if his account were not paid in fourteen days he in turn would sue for the-amount due him. The summons was duly issued, with the result that Linkhorn paid the amount of the claim into court before the hearing, less costs ss. “FELT POSITION ACUTELY.” The protest of defendant voiced by counsel was that no account for the amount had been rendered to Linkhorn, despite a request, until after the summons had been issued. Why should defendant, who had not missed a single discount for 18 years, be obliged to pay 5s extra when he had been ready and willing to pay? It was a hardship and defendant felt the position rather acutely, for ordinary business practice had not been complied with, but the case had been “dragged into court.” Counsel asked for action under section 162 of the Court Act, in which full discretion was given magistrates. The only relevant fact, said Mr. Barton, was, “was an account rendered?” Armed with a bulky volume, plaintiff swore he had posted an account on February 1, 1928, and had checked it off in his books with the date with a tick. A legal point existed as well as a moral one, said Mr. Barton. The fact that the work had been dono in January and the matter had gone till September left defendant with no cause to quarrel, for a debtor was obliged by law to seek out hia creditor and pay fits debt. Either of the parties might have been under a misapprehension as to the sending and receipt of particulars. “MAORI POINT OF VIEW." “I ask for costs,” said Mr. Spratt with a smile. “We offered defendant to

split the difference, but they refused it, and I contend they should have the privilege of paying my costs.” “You take the Maori point of view,” advised the magistrate smiling, “which is: “We have had a jollv good run and we’ve won.’” (Laughter.) Two half-crowns jingled upon the table and Mr. J. Houston smilingly said, “Take the 5s now." “Oh no,” said Mr. Barton. “I want 5s hearing fee, please,” said the clerk of the court. Judgment was entered for ss, plus ss. OKAIAWA’S RECORD YEAR. THIRD SUCCESSIVE RUGBY WIN. SUCCESS OF SMOKE CONCERT. Once again the Okaiawa senior Rugby team has achieved the honour of winning the South Taranaki Rugby championship, and, although failing to win the McMaster Shield, of extending Stratford, the winners in the north, in the final for the championship of Taranaki. The Okaiawa Club's fine record was fittingly celebrated at the club's annual smoke concert in the Okaiawa Hall on Wednesday, when one of the stalwarts of the club, Mr. J. O’Sullivan, presided over a good attendance. In proposing the toast of the Okaiawa Football Club, Mr. J. J. Goodwin, a member of the Taranaki Rugby Union, congratulated the elub on again winning the southern division championship and the Stevens Cup. Although the team had not won the Taranaki championship it had done remarkably weil. The fourth grade team, too, had put up a very good showing. The Okaiawa Club had always been out to foster the sport and was fortunate in having so many good supporters behind it. Mr. Davy Johnston, captain of the senior team, said the club felt proud of its record, the result being the thirl successive win in the southern championship. There was no doubt, lie admitted, that on the day the Stratford team had been the better and fully deserved to win. Had Okaiawa been able to put out their strongest team, however, the result might have been different. Mr. Johnston expressed pleasure at the action of the Taranaki Rugby Union in playing the championship final shortly after the end of the competitions this season, without the undue delay of the previous season. He considered the union should always set aside a day, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the competitions, for the championship final. Speaking in reply to the toast of the Taranaki Rugby Union, Mr. W. A. Guy, a member of the union and sole selector, stated that there were now over 3000 players under t! e union. He would like to see some control over the juniors this year, particularly in the south division. In this connection he congratulated the City (Hawera) Club on defeating Toko and winning the junior championship of Taranaki. Mr. Guy agreed with Mr. O'Sullivan’s opinion that there were too many representative matches during last season. Seven representative matches should be sufficient. Brief reference was made to the insurance scheme recently taken up by the union, providing for a percentage to be taken out of eiub "gates” for injured players. Other toasts honouied were as follow; —“The Dairy Industry,” Mr. Mack—Messrs G. Hurlev and C. Martin:

“The All Blacks,” Mr. J. J. Goodwin - Mr, W. A, Guy; “The Okaiawa Maori Players,” Mr. Alf Birchal—-Mr. Rangi Phillips; “Kindred Sports,” Mr. Davy Johnston—Messrs E, A. Drake nad J. Barclay; “The Referees Association,” Mr. E. McCallum—Mr. H. G. Whittington; “The Management Committee of the Okaiawa Football Club,” Mr. J. Barclay —Mr. G. Hurley; “Neighbouring Clubs,” Mr. E. Cann—Mr. J. J. Goodwin; “<nd Players,” “Our Selector, Mr. Birchal,” “The Ladies,” “The Junior Manager, Mr. Bill Johnston,” “The Performers,” and the Press. The chairman said Mr. Guy's medal for the best junior forward had been presented to Mr, Greenough at the club’s recent ball, and he handed Mr, M. H. Kendall's medal for the keenest forward in the seniors to Ike, who suitably acknowledged the presentation. For items the gathering was indebted to Messrs B. Badland, Toss, Rangi Phillips, -uorgan, Phillips, E. Cann, J. J. Goodwin and the Maori Quintette. SCAFFOLDING PROSECUTION. WORK AT A CHURCH BUILDING. LADDERS USED NOT LONG ENOUGH A prosecution against F. Julian for a breach of the Scaffolding and Excavation Regulations was heard before Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M., at Hawera yesterday upon the information of W. J. Berryman, inspector of scaffolding. It resulted in a conviction, a fine of 5s and costs being imposed. The offences were committed during tho building of the new’ St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Victoria Street. Defendant, as the man in charge of the work, did not secure the use of ladders leading to the scaffolding stages reaching above the flooring to a height of five feet or more. There had been four ladders in use, one reaching four feet above the floor of the scaffolding, two 2ft Gin, and the highest ladder projecting only Ift bin. above the level. When interviewed, defendant had stated that he considered the ladders in use to be long enough. “What is the object of the regulation?” asked Mr. Barton. “So that workmen ascending ladders may have some perpendicular hold te assist them to gain the planking staging instead of having to crawl over the edge,” said the inspector. In the present case, he said, the top scaffolding only was available for assistance and there were no rails on the side approached by the ladders. That it was impossible, in some cases to have five feet projecting owing to the situation and proximity of obstruction, was the statement of defendant. Again, workmen often shifted ladders from one part of the scaffolding to another of greater height. There was danger in the present ease to a reasonably capable and careful workman, said the inspector in reply to the magistrate. Tho inspector admitted that the firm of builders was a well-known one and possessed a fine reputation for adherence to scaffolding requirements, but in the circumstances under discussion four distinct breaches had taken place. It was merely a ease which called for justification of the law and the. imposition of a nominal penalty, said the magistrate.

MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES. HAWERA MAGISTRATE’S COURT. A laugh and the retort “You prove it,” was the response of Te Raikoa Fire when, accosted by Constable Pidgeon at Normanby, he was riding a motor-cycle in Stafford Street with two passengers besides himself as controller’ of the machine. Constable Pidgeon “proved it” yesterday, and Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M., punished it by inflicting a fine of 10s and costs 15s. An unswept chimney in the house occupied by R. A. G. Fowke at Nolautown, caught fire on Saturday evening and necessitated a visit by the fire brigade. Fowke was fined £l, costs 10s, on a plea of guilty when charged with failing to clean the chimney as required by the borough by-laws. The explanation of defendant was that he bad been living in the house for only five months aud had not known tho chimney had been in such a state. TARRED ROADS TOO SLIPPERY. GRAVEL SIDE ROADS ON MILLS. A complaint that horses were unable to keep their feet on the tarred roads on hills was brought before the Waimate West County Council yesterday. 'The chairman said horses were falling down every day aud the condition of the roads in some places was dangerous. The only remedy he could see was to put down gravel side roads on the hills for the use of horse-drawn traffic. Mr. Gamlin: A stockman, has no trouble, in stopping a beast now. He has only to turn it on to the tarred surface and it comes to a standstill. The chairman considered the council would have to remedy the bad places by degrees, doing the. worst portions first. The engineer proposed to obtain shingle with the council's own teams at suitable opportunities and form sidetracks on the hills. ERECTION OF ROAD SIGNS. “Why should we have to put up railway signs? We were here before the railways,” said Mr. E. Long, chairman of the Waiinate West County Council, yesterday when the subject of road signs came before the council. The mound of earth around the signposts suggested by the Highways Board did not find favour with the chairman, who considered that this was

“just tho thing an old cow would use to put her foot on,” and so knock the post over. The signs at road crossings were objected to on the ground that

they would bo knocked over by mobs of cattle. The engineer considered the signs would be damaged by boys. “They even knock our bridges about,” he added. The chairman said they would hear more about the erection of road signs. He believed the proposals would have to be altered. Mr. Mourie: There are too many obstructions in tlie road already. BITUMEN FOR COUNTY ROADS. Referring to the contract for obtaining supplies of bitumen for the needs of the Taranaki counties, Mr. E. Long (chairman of the Waimatc County Council) yesterday defended the council’s engineer in not agreeing to accept the brands of bitumen desired by tlie Main Highways Board. The board contended that it paid for a big proportion of the bitumen used by the local bodies, but, Mr. Long said, as far as Waimate was concerned the Government had, till recently, subsidised only 17 1-3 miles of road, the balance of the 60 miles of tarred roads in the county being paid for by the county itself. Mr. Hansen (engineer) said that by agreeing to pool their orders, the counties saved fis a ton, and all the thanks they received was “a rap over the knuckles” from the Highways Board. MANAIA TOWN BOARD ELECTION. THREE VACANCIES YET TO FILL. Nomination for seven seats on the Manaia Town Board in connection with the biennial elections closed at noon yesterday. Only four nominations were received for the seven seats and the nominees were declared duly elected. It will be necessary to call further nominations for the existing three vacancies and if the number received exceeds the required number an election will be necessary. Th nominations received and members elected are:— Arthur James Christie, nominated by L. Simmons and J. Hickey. Carl Emil Hansen, nominated by J. A. G. Cosgrove and J. Christie. Henry Mead, nominated by G. H. Edwards and A. 11. Yarrow. William Herbert Robinson, nominated by I- G. Nielson and J. A. A. Bain. Only one nomination, that of Norman Campbell Innes, nominated by J. Hickey and E. J. Massey, was received for the Manaia town district representative on the South Taranaki Power Board. Mr. Innes was therefore declared elected. WORK OF PLUNKET SOCIETY, The monthly meeting of lire Hawera Flunket Society was . held on Tuesday, revue, “Nothin,’ ” produced by the local son, Goodwin, P. 0. Veate, C. M. Haggett, R. R. Henderson, Rae, J. Carter, G. J. Bayly, E. P. Cox and Crompton. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames I, A. Bone and A. K. Fysan. xv was decided to kola a shop day on September 29. Nurse Dix reported: New Gases at Hawera and outstations, 38; hygiene, and methereraft, 25; attendances at Plunket rooms, Hawera, 824; outstations, 355; total, 1170: visits to homes. Hawera, 230; outstations, 77; total, .31)7. The following subscriptions were received. —Mesdames R. R. Henderson 10s, Little 10s, W. Grant ss, Ab l ’tt ss, Hurlev 5s aud Denys ss.

GENERAL ITEMS. Congratulations were extended to the Hawera High School Rugby fifteen on (heir fine showing in the Rugby com petitions this year, by Mr. J. J. Goodwin, a member of the Taranaki Rugby Union, at the smoke concert of the Okaiawa Football Club on Wednesday. Mr. Goodwin mentioned that a number of boys went from the Okaiawa district to the high school, and the team's record reflected to this extent to the credit of the Okaiawa district. If the headmaster should take it into his head to attempt bigger things next year, as he probably would, the team would do very well. Mr. uood.vin eaid he would like to sei: them do as the City (Hawera) team had done that day—win tise Taranaki junior championship. “’Fishing is the finest sport ever brought into civilisation,” was the real ark of a follower of Isaac Walton at a Rugby football smoke concert the other night. Something like a record can be claimed by the Okaiawa Fire Brigade. At tho football club's smoke concert on Wednesday the statement was given that the brigade had been in existence for about two years, but had never been called out. Refusal of an application for an adjournment was made against the Defence Department by Mr, J. S. Barton,* S.M., at Hawera yesterday concerning a case against a youth for the return of defence equipment or payment of £3 7: lOd. Last court day defendant had appeared but the Defence Department had failed to appear and prosecute. Mr. Boston informed the defendant that if he paid the amount at stake he need not appear yesterday. In the interval tire youth paid the amount and did not appeal’, so that the letter of the department with a request for an adjournment was not acceded to. Discussing- Taranaki's representation in All Black teams, Mr. W. A. Guy, at the smoke concert of the Okaiawa Foo) ball Club on Wednesday, remarked that the province sent away six players in the 1905 team, including that night ’ chairman, Mr. J. O’Sullivan, aud Messrs Mynott, Hunter, Glasgow, Abbott and Glen. Taranaki had also been well represented in the Army team, Mr. H. G. (Torp.) Whittington being one of the members. In the 1924 team there had been 11. W. Brown, Gus Hart and Alf. West. Davy Johnston had been a member of the 1925 All Black team in Australia, and Pat Ward had been the sole representative of Taranaki in the South African tour just closed. AU had upheld the reputation of the province. Any football club which had the support of the Native race as Okaiawa had, should be very p.oud, said Mr. Alf. Birchal in proposing the toast of th: Native supporters of the club at the smoke concert on Wednesday. The Maoris had turned out Tamou, who, he considered, was one of the best forwards he had ever seen. In addition, there had been several other local Natives who had represented Taranaki, aud their present outstanding player was Ike, who t-.ko had worn representative colours. “I think they could have done better

if they had had a Maori amongst them,*' remarked Mr. Rang! Phillips, speaking of the All Blacks, at the Okaiawa Football Club’s smoke concert on Wednesday. “Nevertheless we still have ths ashes, but heaven help the Springbo'-s when they come to New Zealand. I would like to see a Maori team against them, and I would like Mr. Guy to refer this to the New Zealand Rugby Union.” Theft from Joe Ilokio and others of a cowhide valued at 30s was the charge against Tangi Whatu, otherwise known as Joe Broughton, of Taiporohenui, at the Hawera Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Accused appeared and pleaded not guilty, but the police were unable to adduce all their evidence and an adjournment was granted. Residents of Normanby and surrounding districts are reminded of a special revue, “Nothin,*" produced by the local tennis club, to be staged in the Normanby town hall on September 26. “Before we celebrate the anniversary of Manaia you will have to apply to the Government,” said the chairman at the Waiinate West County Council yesterday when discussing a circular from the Government requesting particulars of jubilee celebrations proposed to be held by local bodies. “Some places have celebrated first and asked the Government afterwards.” Mr. Gamlin hoped that the jubilee of the district would lie celebrated in fitting manner. It was believed the jubilee would take place in about two or three years’time.

PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. P. J. Townsend, of Hawera, left by the express yesterday for Wellington, where he joins the Mahenq for Sydney for a short visit. Ensign Summerfield and Captain Elliott, of the Hawera corps of the Salivation Army, owing to ill-health, are leaving Hawera shortly to take up their residence in Wellington. Adjutant and Mra. Pratt, lately arrived from England, have been appointed to Hawera, ani •will take up their, duties shortly. A pleasant evening was spent at the residence of Mrs. G. R. Horsburgh, Te Ngahere, Hawera, on Monday, when a number of friends gathered to farewell Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Thompson, who are leaving to take up residence in Napier. There were about forty guests present. Mr, J. A. Hansen informed the Waimate West County Council yesterday that at a recent meeting of traffic inspectors at Stratford it was decided to obtain a ruling as to a definition of the term “at or near the right-hand side” in regard to rear lights, number plates and reflectors. The ruling was to the effect that the light had to illuminate the number plate, but as long as it was to the right-hand side of the centre of the vehicle they could not prosecute.

' OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT. •’THE LAW OF THE RANGE.” Charged with thrilling romance, vibrant with colour and bristling with endless action, “The Law of the Range,” Tim McCoy’s latest starring vehicle for MetrAGoldwyn-Mayer, gives this distinguished outdoor star an opportunity to outshine even the most brilliant of his previous triumphs. In. “The Law of tho Range,” McCoy plays the part of a Texas Ranger of the 80’s, commissioned to maintain law aud order over many miles of territory, with adventure, drama and romance lurking around every turn of the pioneer trail. The story is remarkable for its gripping dama and rapid action. It is the tale of two brothers lost to each other’ in life, and to their murdered parents, through the swift and vengeful onslaught of a posse of Red men suddenly swooping down on a waggon train. One lad escapes, the other is taken prisoner and brought up by the Red men until he too escapes—years afterwards. Jean Crawford is a most pleasing newcomer to outdoor pictures—ln her role in “The Law of tire Range” she contributes a memorable performance. The other players have been splendidly chosen. This programme will be screened at the matinee to-morrow (Saturday). WHAREHOA NEWS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A meeting of ladies has been held to arrange for a kitchen tea for Miss Annie, Reynolds, who is being married shortly. The family are well-known and very popular. The recent stormy weather has played havoc with many gardens. We had a phenomenally severe hailstorm. The hail was as big as cherries in many places and did considerable damage. It broke windows and in one place cut a number of holes in a galvanised iron tank. Although ths weather is boisterous, the grass is coming away very well and tho paddocks are looking green and healthy. The cows are milking particularly well for this time of the year, and the factory is looking forward to record production. ELTHAM NEWS. LAWN TENNIS CLUB MEETS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual meeting of the Eltham Lawn Tennis Cliff: was held last night there being a fair attendance of members presided over by Mr. Gover. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The annual report of the Eltham Lawn Tennis Club, in reviewing the past season, which proved a successful one, states that considerable improvements were effected. Chief among these was the erection of a new fence, and the removal of tree stumps at the rear of several of the courts. The club membership was 92, which was a- improvement on the previous seasonOn account of extraordinary expenditure the season was concluded with a debit balance of £lB 15s lOd. The annual ball proved a pronounced success, and the thanks of the club are due to the lady members who so willingly assisted. In interclub matches the club was well represented, and succeeded in winning most of those played. Results of the club championships were as follows: —Men's singles, Mr. H. Wills; ladies’ singles, Miss Cave; men's doubles, Messrs. Wills and Picard; ladies’ doubles, Mrs. Marx and Miss Cooper. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follow: President, Mr. A. Chrystal; vice-presidents, Mr. W. O. Hill and Mrs. A. A. Stewart; secretary and treasurer, Mr. S. E. Carson; match committee, Messrs. Chrystal, Carson and Picard; management committee, Mesdames Wylds and Crawford and Messrs.

Percy, Reeve, Thompson and Picards ground committee, Mr. Percy; ladies’ committee, Mesdames Wylds, Stewart and Crawford, with power to add. Six new members were elected and the opening day was fixed for Labour Day. GENERAL ITEMS. A team from the Opunake Ladies’ Golf Club will visit the Eltham Club to-day, and the following are chosen to represent Eltham: Mesdames A.- A. Stewart, de Launay, Wylds, Weir, Carter, Casey, McKay, Quin, McGarry, Stanners, and the Misses Whiting and Wanklyn. Bulb growers in and about Eltham are looking forward to the spring show which is being held on September 25. It is anticipated that the show will prove one of the best held so far, as the late season will favour the growth of blooms. For some time past steps have been taken towards the formation of a beautifying society, and at a meeting held on Tuesday evening a representative committee was set up to further th. movement. The idea is a good one from a civic point of view, particularly when town planning schemes are so much to the fore, and is deserving of all support from those interested in making their surroundings more congenial. In connection with the idea it is pleasing to the townsfolk that highly complimentary remarks have been made many times as to. the neatness and beauty of the gardens at the railway station, which are cared for by the borough council. There has lately been a slight outbreak of measles in the district, young and old being affected- Several prominent, business men have been confined to their homes, though no serious cases are reported. A recent visitor to Eltham, after an absence of some years, remarked on the very evident trend of the business area towards the main road, instead of, as in the past, towards the railway. This is a very noticeable fact, and is only one more indication of the importance now attached to transport by motor. Front all accounts Eltham is not alone m -this respect, the same experience being felt in practically every town throughout the Dominoin. Mr. William Gower's motor lorry was damaged by fire yesterday while moving into his garage in Bridge Street. The outbreak was caused through the upsetting of a tin of benzine carried in the eab. Although the lire brigade was called, the fire was extinguished by chemical extinguishers and comparatively little damage was done. DUDLEY ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Despite the inclement weather, a large crowd gathered at the dance which was held on Friday night, in order to make a presentation to Messrs. Hans and Larz Jacobsen, who have so unselfishly supplied the music for the dances of the season. The settlers presented Mr. A. Jacobsen with an accordion, and Mr. L. Jacobsen with a travelling rug. Laurence’s orchestra supplied the music for the evening. There will be a leap-year danee at the school in three weeks' time. Mrs. and Mr. Fletcher, of the South Island, have been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Old.