GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18537, 7 April 1930, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

A Dunedin message states that at the University sports on Saturday, G. S. Cabot, in an exhibition walk over a quarter of a mile, established a New Zealand record of lmin 23 l-ssec.

As a result of a disturbance in George Street on Saturday night, a young man will make his appearance in Court this morning te answer a charge of being drunk and disorderly.

It must be many years since the South Canterbury rivers carried such a small volume of water as they are doing at present. One or two of the streams have dried up completely, and the Opihi has shrunk to one stream of comparatively small size. On the other hand, one or two of the rivulets in parts of the district are surprisingly full.

The large attendance at the weekly dance in the Broadway Cabaret on Saturday evening, and the increasing number who attend after the theatre, indicates that this cabaret is increasing in favour. Specially selected records, played on a powerful electric gramophone, provided well-timed and balanced music, which was supplemented by extras played on the piano by Mr F. Edney.

More than 600 people came to Timaru by the excursion trains from Christchurch yesterday. The weather in Timaru was not on its best behaviour, but most of the visitors occupied their few hours’ stay in Timaru visiting friends and seeing the favoured sights of the town. So far, there has not been any decrease in the numbers travelling from Timaru, and on Sunday more than 300 people made the trip to Christchurch.

On Saturday morning there was an unusually large influx of visitors to Tipiaru. Not only residents of outlying districts were in town, but visitors from several towns a good distance from Timaru, and the races at Washdyke would probably account for this. Up till mid-day especially, traffic in Stafford Street was exceedingly brisk, but no mishap, through accident, caused anyone to lose the good spirit that prevailed.

It appears that North Otago has, of late, been subjected to even drier weather conditions than South Canterbury. At least, this can be taken for granted, judging from the remarks of a visitor from Oamaru, to a football match at Fraser Park, in Timaru, on Saturday. “You are lucky here,” he said, “as you have a turf on your playing areas. In Oamaru it’s like this,” he added, referring to one portion of the park where the grass had failed.

The problem of confining the Opihi river to its banks near the Main North Road in flood time is not exactly a new one. In the Great Flood of ’6B the river cut a channel through the bank, and what became known «s the New River flowed over the road. The plans for the first Opihi bridge at Arowhenua included a smaller bridge over the New River, but by the time the structure had been decided on (in 1870) the stream had dried up and this part of the project was abandoned.

The first Rugby football match of the season, in Timaru, was played on Fraser Park on Saturday afternoon, between Star (Timaru), and Exselsior (Oamaru), and in the presence of about one hundred people. The weather was dull, with a fairly cold easterly wind, and the ground was very hard. For the most part; Star dominated play, and ran out winners by 18 points to three, scores being registered by J. Roddick, Murray, C. Stewart and A. Meikle. The latter converted three of the tries, two from fairly handy positions, and one from near the touchline. For the visitors, R. Faris scored an unconverted try. A curtain-raiser was provided by the Star A. and B. junior teams, the former winning by 9 points to 3.

Saturday’s sessions of the Y.M.C.A. carnival were quite as successful as those on the previous evenings, both from an entertainment and financial point of view. On Saturday afternoon a special treat was provided for children, lolly scrambles and similar enjoyable items being greatly appreciated by the many young folk present. In disposing of many articles at one penny each, quite a good sum was taken during the afternoon. A large gathering enjoyed the carnival in the evening, when the stalls and games were well supported. As a result of the Carnival, about £6O was taken, and it is expected that the Association’s funds will benefit to the extent of £SO. The competition for the rifle was won by Mr J. c. Kay, while a box of chocolates was secured by Miss N. Shivas.

Before a crowded congregation fast evening, St. Paul’s choir at Highfield, under the leadership of Mr A. C. McInnes (who also presided at the organ), presented Stainer’s “Crucifixion.” The choir sang with musicianly blend and balance, and assiduous preparation was revealed in the polished interpretation of the choral numbers. The solos were capably taken by Mrs A. C. Melnnes (contralto), and Mr R. S. Nicol (tenor). Mrs Melnnes, to whom was entrusted the solo work usually given to a bass voice, sang with nice appreciation, her rich voice being heard to advantage, especially in the appealing solo, “He Made Himself of No Reputation,” and in “The Agony,” but perhaps Mrs Mclnness’s best number was the fine solo, “Is It Nothing To You?” which was given that reverential treatment which made it one of the gems of the production. Mr Nicol was also in good voice, and his numbers were interpreted with rare taste and feeling. The solo, “ King Ever Glorious,” was particularly well sung. In the delightful duet, “Lo, Thou Liftest Thy Divine Petition," Mrs McInnes and Mr Nicol gave an artistic interpretation of a notable number. The work of the choir was uniformally high class, but if one or two numbers made a special appeal special mention might be made of the fine composition “ Fling Wide the Gates,” and the stirring hymn “ The Appeal of the Crucified.” Both were outstanding gems of well-prepared and artistically rendered choral work. But the choir really excelled itself in that almost perfect piece of choral composition, the unaccompanied chorus “ God So Loved the World,” which was given with harmonious blend and nice balance. The accompaniments on the organ were played with musicianly skill and artistic appreciation, and the whole work of the choir reflected great credit on the conductor and organist, Mr Mc--1 Innes.

What is fortunately a rare occurrence was witnessed in Stafford Street yesterday afternoon, when a middleaged woman was arfested by a constable for alleged drunkenness. It is believed that the woman, who will appear before the Court this mOfning, is a resident of Christchurch.

The alarm box at the Empire Hotel corner was broken by a passer-by shortly after 8.30 on Saturday night, but when the Timaru Fire Brigade arrived a few minutes later their services were not required. The alarm was given as a result of a dense column of smoke issuing from a chimney In the Empire Hotel.

At the Scottish Society’s week-end dance, there Was another large crowd of over 300 people, floor space being at a premium in the Scottish Hall. The beautiful dresses worn by the ladies presented a spectacular effect under the rays of the projector, the “rainbow” and "serenade” glides being an attractive innovation. The wheel dance was as usual the big event, 151 couples taking part. The stopping of the wheel decided only the lady winner (her partner being an official). The dance was continued, and at the next stop of the wheel the men’s prize was won by Mr F. Milne, Pleasant Point. The playing of the National Anthem punctually to time terminated a very pleasant evening.

The special bargains which England, Mcßae’s have been offering during the last two days have certainly been appreciated by keen buyers of hardware. The special offers will be held open for a few days longer and still further values are being added to the bargain list. England, Mcßae’s, cordially invite you to call in and judge for yourself of the quality of the goods offered. You will And that every line represents the finest value and that the quality is much higher than is usually offered at bargain prices. Read their advertisement in this issue and call at England, Mcßae’s this morning