GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18501, 24 February 1930, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

Members of the Christchurch Municipal Band, under Bandmaster J. Noble, and the Woolston Band under Bandmaster R. Estall, passed through Timaru on Saturday on their way to the contest in Dunedin.

While playing in a lower grade cricket match on Saturday afternoon, a youth named Ryan, who occupied the position of wicketkeeper, had the misfortune to receive a blow in the face from a rising ball. Ryan was incapacitated for a considerable period, but fortunately no bones were broken.

The Appointments Committee of the Canterbury Education Board has reported that a prgposal to convey Pleasant Valley and Gapes Valley children to Geraldine was referred to Mr Hughes for consultation with the committees concerned, to see whether they were agreeable to the closing of the respective schools.

The Commission appointed to inquire into cases of hardship arising from the imposition of the special land tax under the taxation proposals of last session was originally given until 21st February to submit its report to the Government. An extension of time has now been given until not later than 21st May.

Complaint was made by a large number of visitors yesterday regarding the arrangements obtaining on Caroline Bay in connection with the dispensing of hot water. At one period, it is alleged, no fewer than seventy people armed with tea-pots, billies and such like were waiting to be served, but the facilities were inadequate to cope with the demand.

A peculiar instance of the loss of memory comes to light in Dunedin |. When some persons visited an old, friendless sick man living in a hut, they stumbled over an old rotten bag, which burst, disclosing coin to the value of over £l5O. The old man was the most surprised of the party, thinking he had banked this money 15 years ago.

There was a large attendance at the Scottish Society’s weekly v dance on Saturday night. Nearly 260 couples took part in the wheel dance, and the spin of the wheel favoured Miss Rennie and Mr Denniston, who received handsome prizes. The dance music, a rainbow serenade, and other novelties, and extras by Misses M. Davidson and Blanche Boys added to the pleasure of the evening.

A warm, sunny day greeted the 1600 visitors who came down from Christchurch yesterday by the special Sunday excursion trains to spend the day in Timaru. The Bay was the principal attraction, as usual, the green lawns and shady trees making it a pleasant spot in which to picnic. Bathing claimed its quota of devotees who spent an enjoyable time in the water. The train from Timaru to Christchurch carried 301 excursionists north for the day.

The Projectionists’ Society of Christchurch availed themselves of the excursion trains on Sunday to spend an enjoyable day in Timaru for their annual picnic. Dinner and tea were partaken of at Seaview House| Most of the time wai spent on the beach with the exception of a trip around Timaru in a ’bus. All members expressed their absolute satisfaction with the arrangements, and sorrow that the day was so short.

Detailed regulations under the Land Laws Amendment Act of last session are published in this week’s “Gazette.” They prescribe conditions subject to which advances will be made by the Government to Crown tenants of undeveloped lands for the erection of buildings and other improvements, and to occupiers of undeveloped settlement lands for the same purpose. The regulations operate immediately.

The lowest prices for peaches for 20 years are ruling in Auckland. A city merchant said yesterday that the particularly low prices were due partly to the unseasonable weather and partly one of the heaviest on record. All local to the abundance of the crop, which is fruits are expected to remain cheap, while imported fruits, chiefly oranges and bananas, will be fairly dear, owing to the smallness of the shipments being received.

A meeting of tht Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held in Timaru on February 21st. Present.—Mesdames P. Talbot (president), J. Clelland (vicepresident), Mrs J. Oliver (acting-secre-tary), and Mesdames G. Gillies, S. Gillies, F. Hayhurst, A. K. Andrews and Reid, an apology was received from the secretary, Mrs B. Evans, who was unable to attend through illness. Mrs J. Oliver was elected to take her place. Six new members were elected, it was decided that meetings should be held on the third Friday of each month.

Anglers will be Interested to know that a good run of salmon took place on Saturday morning at the Rangitata river. The fish are in excellent condition, and a large proportion of large salmon are running. The following baskets were caught at the mouth on Saturday morning:—Mr George McCullough landed four, the weights being 261 b, 251 b, 201 b, 161 b. Mr L. Trumper landed three, 261 b, 231 b, 201 b. Mr D. Cosgrove three, 271 b, 26*lb, 231 b, Mr G. Rush three, 261 b, 241 b, 161 b, Mr J. Donald two, 161 b and 181 b. Messrs Rice and Wilkins also landed salmon, but the weights are not available. Two very fine specimens weighing, 271 b and 26i b will be tin view at the C.F.C.A. this morning.

The object of the award of damages to a plaintiff in a civil action, was expressed by Mr Justice Ostler in addressing the jury in a case in the Supreme Court in Wellington. “As far as money can do it you are to “put the plaintiff back in the same position he would have been had there been no accident at all,” His Honour said. “He is not to make a profit out of the accident, and on the other hand he is not to make a loss. It is always a difficult thing to assess bodily injury in terms of money, but that is what juries are constantly called upon to do. You must not make the damages unreasonable, but make them correspond with the loss the plaintiff has suffered and so put him back where he was before the accident.”

Prior to their departure for the New Zealand contest at Dunedin, members of the Timaru Municipal Band were given a rousing send o: by a large gathering at the Club Hotel corner on Saturday afternoon. The Band marched down Stafford Street, escorted by the visiting Port Nicholson Band, who played en route, and great public interest was manifested. On arrival at the corner, the Port Nicholson players gave three cheers for the local men, these being replied to in a hearty manner. The Rev.‘Clyde Carr, M.P., wished the Band the best of luck, stating that he was sure they would be a credit to the town. After rendering the march, “Victoria,” the players were given a great ovation. They left by 'bus shortly after 2’ o’clock for Dunedin.

Keen interest was taken in the arrival at Timaru yesterday morning of the motor ship Coptic, of 8281 tons, which is under the command of Captain J. Williams. This is the second visit of the vessel to New Zealand waters, sh\ having made her maiden voyage in 1928. But for having to call at Suva to land cargo for Fiji the Coptic would have made a very fast voyage to New Zealand, as the average speed from London to Auckland was 15 knots. The steaming time from Suva to Auckland was only 3 days 3 hours 36 minutes, which included a stop of over an hour near Moko Hinau Island, owing to foggy weather. The vessel left London on December 9 and cleared Falmouth on the following day. Very stormy weather was experienced during the first week from port, it being necessary on one occasion to heave to for over 2'4 hours. After the third day the gale began to moderate and the conditions continued to improve during the passage to Colon. There was a continuation of fine weather in the Pacific and Suva was reached on January 12. Heavy rain at Suva delayed discharging operations and the voyage to Auckland was resumed on the Saturday morning. Dr K. H. Holdgate, of Timaru was ship’s surgeon for the voyage.

Two fine instrumental' concerts were given iri Timaru yesterday by the Port Nicholson Band (Wellington). The visitors were favoured by fine weather for both performances, and the public turned out in exceptionally large numbers. The Band created a most favourable impression, their general appearance and musical ability being commented on in the highest terms by large numbers of people. The Port Nicholson Band is ranked among the finest combinations in the Dominion, and in their performances yesterday, they fully lived up to their reputation. Some exceedingly difficult numbers were presented both in the afternoon and in the evening, but every item was treated in a masterly manner. The solo and novelty numbers on both programmes were greatly appreciated. The programme at the afternoon performance, which was listened to by a large number of visitors from Christchurch, included:—M -ch, “Half an Hour”; overture, “Morning, Noon and night”; novelty, “Whistling Farmer Boy”; selection, Operas”; cornet duet, “The Pearls,” (Bandsmen Goodall and Kay); hymn, “Bradford”; foxtrot, “Bab, Bab, Babbling”; intermezzo, “Cinderella’s Procession”; march, “Punchinello.” Last night the Band played:—March, “The Imp”; overture, “Lustspiel”; cornet solo, “Ethelinda” (Bandsman T. Goodall); novelty, “Slidin’ Thro’ the Rye”; Grand Selection, Rossini’s Works; hymn, “Nearer My God”; trombone solo, “Joy Wheel” (Bandsman W. Matson); valse, “Carolina Moon”; march, “The Scindian.”

The Quinnat Salmon are commencing to run in earnest and reports are to hand of good catches. Fortunately the Rangitata River has been in good fishing order and prospects for the season are bright. England, Mcßae’s are prepared to fulfil all requirements in the correct tackle for this class of fishing; their stock of rods (priced at from 25 -), reels, lines, spoon baits and all requisites, is complete and Up-to-date. You can depend upon the quality of England, Mcßae's tackle, and further you can be sure that the tackle supplied will be suitable. Call at England, Mcßae’s and inspect their salmon tackle