GERALDINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18499, 21 February 1930, Page 11

GERALDINE

DWELLING DESTROYED. Fire completely destroyed a fiveroomed dwelling, owned and occupied by Mr F. Johnson, of Raukapuka, at about two o’clock yesterday afternoon. The origin of the fire is a mystery. A large crowd soon gathered at the scene of the outbreak, but it was obvious at the start that little could be done to stay the flames, which rapidly lapped up the wooden structure. The Geraldine Fire Brigade, under Superintendent C. O. Knight, were soon on the spot, although the district is out of the fire area. Water was sprayed on the outbuildings, which were saved from destruction, but those present were powerless to do much but watch the blaze. Smoke issuing from the windows was first noticed by Mr J. Slattery, a neighbour, a few minutes before two o’clock, and he immediately communicated with the Fire Brigade and the Electric Power Board employees. At the time of the outbreak, the house was empty, Mr F. Johnson being on the Orari-Geraldine ’bus and the family in town. It is thought that the fire started at the read of the house. The house was Insured for £260, and the furniture for £IOO, but Mr Johnson will be a heavy loser.

HALF-HOLIDAY SPORTS. Fine, but chilly overcast weather was experienced in Geraldine for the halfholiday yesterday afternoon, nevertheless the various summer sports were enjoyed. A cricket team journeyed to Fairlie, where it met a team from the Mackenzie capital, the match resulting in a draw, Fairlie making 105 for nine wickets, and Geraldine 159 for three. A team of bowlers visited Ashburton where the home team were victorious by 109 games to 67.

£ll9 RAISED. "Considering the season, the result was very successful,” stated Mrs J. M. H. Tripp, president of the Geraldine Plunket Society, to a “Herald” representative yesterday, when informing him that the "Our Day” appeal had been successful in raising the sum of £ll9. She mentioned the liberal support accorded by the public, and said that they were indebted to Mr G. H. Bryant for the loan of a large marquee. The following were winners of the competitions: Trousseau set, Miss Pinckney (Southland); fruit cup set, Mr Teddy Barker; sheep, Miss Tripp.

GENERAL NEWS. A harvest home dance will be held in Orari Bridge Hall on March 7. Following a glorious day on Wednesday, a bitterly cold south-west wind sprang up shortly after four o’clock in the afternoon, and the temperature fell considerably. Rain followed in the evening, and for the twenty-four hours ending 9 a.m. yesterday fourteen points were recorded by Mr B, R. Macdonald, at “Waitui,” Geraldine. Yesterday was cold and overcast. Clearing sales always prove an attraction—and a sale of bankrupt stock, held in Geraldine, yesterday, proved no exception to the rule. Many of the goods were sacrificed at low prices, but it was evident that many of the keenest “bargain” hunters were carrying off goods at values above shop price. The ringing of the firebell when the sale was in progress proved a greater draw, at one time in the afternoon—especially to the inquisitive section of the crowd.

NO FIRE PROVISION. In the case of fire, a house in Raukapuka must simply burn to the ground,” a Raukapuka resident told a "Herald” representative yesterday afternoon. "Although the district has a greater water pressure in the mains than the Borough, there is no provision for fire-fighting.” “The residents of Raukapuka must be bitten before they will act,” stated another resident of the Raukapuka locality. Although they had a wonderful water supply in the district, there were no fire-fighting provisions, and it was practically useless to attempt to stay a fire once it had obtained a hold. He was of opinion that yesterday’s fire would act as a warning, and the residents would band togethenjo see what could be done for the future. “It is not a big problem,” he added, "and it will probably mean the lowering of insurance rates.”

GIRL GUIDES VISITED. During their parade yesterday afternoon, the Geraldine Girl Guides were visited by Major Sandford, Commissioner for Scout training in the Dominion, and enjoyed a short chat with the officer of a brother movement.

TENNIS TOURNEY. The Geraldine Tennis Club is at present holding a handicap ladies’ doubles, and a men’s handicap singles, which are being contested by a large number of members. Some of the competition games were played yesterday afternoon. For top place on the ladder, D. J. Lack defeated Q. Christophers by nine games to eight.

PERSONAL. Miss Howell, of Raukapuka, has returned from a holiday spent in Tlmaru. Miss L. Toms, of Timaru, is spending a holiday with friends in Geraldine. Major F. W. Sandford, Commissioner for Scout training in the Dominion, arrived in Geraldine last evening from Timaru. Miss Rosamond Rolleston, of Timaru, is the guest of Mrs John Barker, Four Peaks. Miss Nona Pinckney, who has been the guest of Miss Tripp, Orari Gorge, has left for Timaru. Yesterday Geraldine was visited by the Rev. Father Kimbell, a missionary; the Rev. Father Campbell, of Ternuka, and Father Gordon O’Meeghan, of Mosgiel Seminary. They spent the day with the Rev. Father J. s. Herbert, of Geraldine.