CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 21 March 1927, Page 11

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

CHRISTCHURCH, March 19,

MUNICIPAL POLITICS,

Now that the Royal visit is over, interest is being worked up in the coming municipal elections. Opinion generally iavours the retuin of Ihe present Labour Mayor (Rev J. K Ai'cher), who carried out his duties during the Duke’s -vis.it with satisfaction to everyone. Undoubtedly he is very popular with citizens of all classes, and Mr C. P. Agar, the Citizens’ Association candidate, will find him a hard man to shift. For ihe City Council, Hospital Board, and Harbour Board, the contests will be keenly .'ought, largely along party lines, and tlio proportion of seats held will probably be little changed. At present both party oiganisations are busy enrolling electors. Candidates’ meetings will not be commenced for some weeks yet.

VTVIAN WHITTA AGAIN. At noon to-day, Detective-Sergeant J. B. Young and Detective J. "Wayne arrested Allied Vivian Wliitta on two charges under tlie Gaming Act. Wliitta was subsequently charged before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., with using room No. 11 in the Royal Exchange Buildings as a common gaming house. Ho was also charged with carrying on the business of a bookmaker. Whitta was remanded to appear at the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Ball was allowed in the sum of £4OO, with a surety of the same amount. Last Thursday detectives rakled Room No. 11, and arrested two men found on tlie premises. SUNSHINE WARD FOR WOMEN. Without any fuss or ceremony, Ward No. 11 at Christchurch Hospital was opened for tho reception of patients to-day. Distinctive in many ways, tho new ward is tho most up-to-date and complete at the institution. It is located in the third story of the wing overlooking the well-kept vegetable garden, river and lawns, with plants of tree foliage interspersed. Provision is made for 50 beds, 15 of which are occupied to-day by patients transferred from other wards. It is the largest single adult ward i!u the and will cater for women only. The ward is divided into two insido sections with a long glassed balcony on one side, and the end is open to tho reception of all the sunshine and fresh air possible. THE “CRUSADERS.” Passengers by tlie Crusader, and some of their descendants and friends, this afternoon celebrated the fifty-second anniversary of the arrival of the vessel at Lyttelton. Mr J. H. Timms presided, over a good attendance, and a pleasant afternoon was passed. Tho toasts were “Crusader Pibneers,” and “Descendants of the Pioneers.”,, In addition there were songs and instrumental items. Mr M. W. Woodfield read some reminiscences.

PERSONAL. Mr Frank Thompson, general manager of the Christchurch Tramways, has gone a private hospital for a minor operation, but hopes to return to his work in a week or two. VISITORS TO CITY, Distinguished visitors to 'Christchurch to-day include the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Minister or Public Works (Williams), the Minister of Labour (Anderson), and Earl Cavan. They will leave for the south on Monday morning, the majority going to the Bluff to farewell the Duke. NEW THEATRE. Mr Norman Hayward, representing Fuller-Hayward Theatres, will arrive in Timaru from the north on Monday. Rumour has it that the well-known picture syndicate is making final arrangements to supplement their already extensive chain of theatres throughout the Dominion bv erecting a modern house in Timaru. *