GERALDINE,

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18520, 18 March 1930, Page 11

GERALDINE,

ST. PATRICK'S DAY. In contrast to the old days when athletes competed against each other and crowds gathered in the Domain, St. Patrick’s Day passed quietly in Geraldine. The park, which had at one time attracted hundreds from all parts of the country, only had the patronage of a few school children who were intent on bathing, and the cycle track, where cyclists had strained to lower times, remained deserted —except for the tufts of grass and clumps of weed —which are insidiously working destruction in the asphalt. The closed doors of the banking institutions, and the few who remembered “the wearing of the green,” were the only indications of what had once been the main carnival day in the district. “It is a disgrace to see the old asphalt cycle track cracking up as it is,” remarked one old St. Patrick’s enthusiast to a “Herald” representative yesterday, and he voiced the opinion that a working bee to chip the weeds from the surface would do much to preserve it. “The old St. Patrick’s Association may be defunct,” he added, “but the time will come when a cycling club is formed in the district, and it grieves one to see such a valuable track falling into disuse.”

SPORTS SHOULD CO-OPERATE. “There is urgent need for sports in the Geraldine district to co-operate if Rugby is to continue to flourish in the Geraldine district,” a prominent football supporter informed a “Herald,” representative yesterday. He was of opinion that the Geraldine and Waihi Football Clubs should combine this season, to play under the name of “Geraldine-Waihi” or “Waihi-Geral-dine.” If the two clubs amalgamated, the Club would in all probability be able to run teams in all grades in the South Canterbury competitions, and the good old game would win back its popularity. He pointed out that the Waihi senior football team included a large proportion of players who had been trained in the Geraldine Club’s lower grades. It was a matter for earnest discussion at the annual meetings of both clubs, and he felt that if the players adopted an unselfish attitude some agreement could be come to.

“The Geraldine players are given a very fair spin,” said Mr Jesse South, president of the Waihi Club, when interviewed later in the day. Supporters of the Waihi Club called for them in their cars, and conveyed them free both to practices and to matches. “The Waihi Club is always willing to do the best it can for Geraldine,” remarked Mr South, “but I do not think for a moment that it would consider amalgamation.”

The president of the Geraldine Football Club (Mr J. Kennedy) expressed the opinion that it was a matter that could be discussed at the annual meeting of the Club. Another enthusiast said he understood that at least twelve Geraldine players had been asked to play for the Waihi team this year. “If the supporters of the Waihi and Geraldine Clubs would concentrate on a combined Club it would not take long before a strong senior team was established.”

GENERAL NEWS. The annual meeting of residents interested in the Orari Bridge Hall will be held on Friday at 8 p.m. A meeting to consider the formation of a senior Rugby team in Geraldine will be held in Mr J. Kennedy’s rooms on Wednesday, at 7.30. Through the courtesy of Mr C. C. Knight, manager of the Geraldine Municipal Theatre, a broadcast of Rear-Admiral Byrd’s speech will be given in the Town Hall this afternoon. There will be no charge for admission. .HOTTEST DAYS. Probably the last three days have been the hottest days experienced in Geraldine this “summer.” The minimum and maximum temperatures for the twenty-four hours ended yesterday and Sunday were 88 and 44 degrees respectively. PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs Neil McGregor have returned from a visit to Dunedin. Mr McGregor represented the Geraldine Church at the Presbyterian General Assembly. Miss Cara Robieson, who has been spending a holiday in Geraldine, has returned north. Mrs James Maling, Christchurch, who has been staying with Mrs Orford “The Downs,” Geraldine, returned to Christchurch on Saturday. Miss Phillipa Hamilton has returned to Christchurch after paying a visit to her aunt, Mrs Temple, at Geraldine. Mrs H. Arthur, of Wellington, is spending a holiday in Geraldine. Mr E. J. Riches, M.A., returned to

Geraldine from Wellington yesterday. He will proceed to Dunedin by the first express on Wednesday. GOLF CLUB. At the annual meeting of the Geraldine Golf Club, which was held last evening, the election of officers resulted as follows::—President, Mr A. A. Readdie; vice-presidents, Mrs C. J. Kerr. Messrs E. R. Beckett and G. N. Feilden; club-captain, Mr E. R. Beckett; ladies’ captain, Miss Sharpe; handicapper, Mr D. McDonald; secretary, Mr A. McDonald; treasurer, Mr H. W. Williamson; ladies’ secretary, Miss Paterson; committee, Messrs D. McDonald. P. G. Withers, Captain C. J. Kerr, Q. Christophers and H. Bennett; ladies’ committee, Mrs J. Scott, Misses Rattray and Roberts. After a long discussion it was decided that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to bring down a report to a general meeting to be held at the end of the season, relative to acquiring new property for a golf course, the opinion being expressed that the present course would not meet the needs of the club after the next year or so.

“THE BETRAYAL” TO-NIGHT. Emil Jannings will appear at the Municipal Theatre this evening in the “Betrayal,” and picturegoers who witnessed “The Last Command” will have another opportunity to see this master actor of characterisation in a further great silent screen version. As the selfsatisfied, self-centred good-natured Swiss burgher, Jannings gives a performance worthy of comparison with his immortal picturisation of the mad Czar in “The Patriot.” The cast, headed by Miss Ralston and Cooper, was carefully selected from Hollywood’s best dramatic talent. Supports include a two reel comedy, a cartoon and a gazette.