IMPRESSIONS OF NAPIER

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1931, Page 8

IMPRESSIONS OF NAPIER

DIFFICULTY IN RE-BUILDING. The Mayor of Eltham, Mr. I. J. Bridger, has returned from a visit to Napier. There was considerable trouble to be surmounted before permanent buildings could be erected, he said. As an instance of this he stated that it would be some time before a complete survey of the district had been made, the surveyors having to commence operations as far south as Waipawa, a distance of about 60 miles. Commenting on the disaster, Mr. 'Bridger said that photographs did not adequately convey the extent of the damage, even at such a late date after the actual occurrence. He expressed doubt in regard to the rebuilding of the areas in the period of ‘‘a few years.” It would, in his opinion, take many years and millions of pounds. When it was considered that huge pillars of concrete two feet square had been pushed from under the wharf like so many sticks, some idea was gained of the tremendous damage done. Mr. Bridger also referred to the attractive shop-b'uildings which had been erected in Clive Square. The business houses were bright and normal in most respects. The rent for these places was very small, and ranged 'from a few shillings up to £3 12s 6d. From the whole area the total rent amounted to about £BO. Speaking in regard to Hastings, Mr. Bridger said that the town had gone well on the way to restoration., more so than Napier, as it had not be ravaged by fire. TO ORGANISE THE SHOW. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES.

A general committee of the Stratford A. and P. Association met on Saturday for the first time since the annual meeting. Additional members on the general committee elected were Messrs. J. C. Robins, G. Pugh, N. B. Fletcher and W. J. Polson, M.P. Sixteen more will be elected during the year as the necessity arises. The following nine members were appointed to the executive, leaving 11 still to be elected. —Messrs. E. Bayly. C. Jackson, A. Betts, J. W. Boon, J. C. Robins, R. Tarrant, J. W. Crowe, 'S. Gadsby and A. D. Walker. The show dates were fixed for November 25 and 26. The Governor-Gen-eral, Lord Bledisloe, will be asked to open the show. PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. L. Renai, Eltham, who recently underwent a serious operation, has recovered. The health of Mr. Janies Phillips, Eltham, is causing concern. He has been seriously ill for several days. GENERAL ITEMS. Registrations of cars and cycles at the Stratford post office totalled 1263 on Saturday. Of that number 234 were registered after May 30, the closing date. A euchre party was held in the - e Wera hall on May 29 in aid of school and tennis funds. A very enjoyable time was spent, the prizes being won by Mrs. McGrath 1, Mrs. W. Elder 2; Mr. W. Elder 1, Mr. H. Hansen 2. The Monte • Carlo waltz was won by Mr. Jarvis and Miss E. Marshall. Up till noon on Saturday the Stratford County Council had issued 1050 motor drivers’ licenses as compared with 1100 at the same time last year. The Stratford Borough Council issued 500, or 36 fewer than at the corresponding date in 1930, during which year the total was 730. .The fortnightly euchre and dance party was held in the Bird Road schoolroom on Friday night, when twelve tables were engaged. Prizes were won by Miss Mason 1, Miss Stallard 2; Mr. R. Pattinson 1, Mr. E. Stallard 2. Music for the dance was played by Mr. H. Waite, Mr. D. Bilski being master of ceremonies.

The interest that the innovation of goat racing at the Stratford show has aroused was demonstrated on Saturday when the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association asked the Stratford Association to forward 5 : full particulars regarding the event.

The monthly meeting of the Stratford Girl Guide committee was held on Thursday. . Present: Mesdames Moon (chair), Steven, Masters, Curtis, Dick, Chadwick (secretary) and Miss Ritchie. Arrangements were finalised for the sixth Birthday Party. During the month a church parade was held at the Methodist Church. Three recruits have joined and one knitter’s badge has been won. Leaders and seconds gained much benefit from the course recently held at Hawera. The attendance has been well maintained, and the girls are very keen. ELTHAM' THEATRE. “LITTLE ACCIDENT.” 'Striking a new high note for film entertainment, “Little Accident,’’ a brilliant comedy drama will be shown at Elthara to-night. It is a triumph of amusement and hilarity. It grips the interest of an audience from the opening shot and holds it unfailingly until the final fade-out. It is literally truthful to describe it as a continuous gale of laughter. The picture is flawless, both as to acting and technique. Douglas Fairbanks, junr., Anita Page, Slim Summerville, Sally Blanc and Zasu Pitts are among the featured players, featured. The plot of “Little Accident” is unique and original, splendidly lending itself to screen comedy. A young man on the eve of his scheduled marriage suddenly learns that he has become a father. In a flash his existence becomes a nightmare of complications. Torn between conflicting demands of affections, he finds himself with a baby on his hands and three girls in the situation of prospective wives. The inimitable Slim Summerville figures in some of the most hilarious scenes in the picture. “Little Accident” is rich in amusing situations and brilliantly entertaining dialogue. The film is based on the famous stage success of the same name by Thomas .Mitchell and Floyd Dell.