TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18819, 6 March 1931, Page 4

TEMUKA.

“SOLE SELECTOR.” The decision of the Temuka Progress League to invite suggestions from ratepayers as to the men best qualified to hold positions on the Temuka Borough Council, was followed by a humorous incident at the League's meeting on Wednesday night. Mr H. B. Strange referred to an election held recently in Christchurch, when a letter had appeared in the Press suggesting that the selector of the Canterbury Cricket team, which had gone through the Plunket match series without a loss, might adjudicate at the election as sole selector. Mr Strange suggested that Mr D. B. Muir, who had placed the present scheme before the League, might be given the position of sole selector in Temuka. Mr Muir joined in the laughter that followed, and the chairman (Mr F. C. May) inquired of Mr Strange if he desired his remarks to become public. Mr Strange said he had no objections to this. He did not think his remarks would be put into practice. PLUNKET SOCIETY. The monthly meeting of the Temuka sub-branch of the Plunket Society was held in the Plunket Rooms. Present:— Mesdames R. Brodie (in the chair), G. W. Armitage, S. B. Wightman, A. Hayhurst, J. C. South, T. E. Gunnion and A. S. Mclnnes. Letters from headquarters were read and discuscsed. Nurse McClug’s report for the month stated that visits to the office totalled 182, comprising 96 adults, 81 babies, and five older children for advice. Visits to homes numbered 267, made up as follows: Town, old cases 176, new

cases 15. New babies for the month numbered 13; and the total number of cases on the books was 269.

THE MANSE BRIDGE. The Temuka Progress League intends to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to have a suitable bridge erected at the Manse Crossing. At its meeting on Wednesday night members of the League remarked on what appeared to be the “cool” attitude, in regard to the question, of the Geraldine County Council. Mr A. J. Davey said it seemed that, from the Press reports the County Council were not, altogether in favour of the scheme. The chairman of the Council was reported as having said that “this is not a time for bridge building and imposing a burden on the ratepayers.” Mr Davey considered this an unfortunate statement, and said that, in his opinion the building of a bridge, rather than imposing a burden, would relieve one. (Hear, hear.) He had submitted a scheme by which, if the ratepayers of the district effected would bear the burden over the first five years, the Council might take it over then. At the last meeting of the Council, however, the chairman of the finance committee made the statement that ail anticipated bridges would have to be lost sight of in the meantime. Mr Davey said he had spoken to several carriers and had been told that the bridge would mean a saving of Id per saqfc: of grain, and in an area of about 17,000 acres this would amount to a considerable sum in grain alone. The speaker added that, unfortunately, there was a certain element of opposition in the district itself, and he was sure this would disappear if the League took steps to place the full facts before the farmers. They should ask the Council to keep its word to the League and take steps towards the erection of the bridge. In conclusion, Mr Davey said he was sure that if a meeting of ratepayers was called in Waitohi, with members of the League to explain the position, there would be no fear of an opposition petition being put in circulation. (Hear, hear.) To Mr F. C. May (chairman), Mr Davey said he would favour the members of the Bridge Committee being present. What was wanted was the personal appearance of someone conversant with all the facts. Mr W. M/ Hulston suggested drawing up a circular with all the arguments in favour of the bridge, and having this distributed, prior to a meeting being called. Mr Davey said there were over 80 ratepayers in the proposed area. Mr W. F. Evans said that the cooler the Geraldine County Council became the warmer the League should become. Mr Hulston’s suggestion was a good one. Mr Evans said he had read the

remarks of the chairman of the finance committee as not being very impressive. As far as he knew the Council had not yet received a reply from the Highways Board. It was decided that the Bridge Committee of the League make arrangements for a meeting of ratepayers in Waitohi, and that the local member of the Highways Board (Mr C. J. Talbot) be approached and asked to press the League’s THE BEST AVAILABLE. With a view to securing the best possible talent to control the affairs of Temuka, and in order to create a greater interest in the election of Mayor and councillors, a scheme has been proposed by the Temuka Progress League. The scheme emanated from Mr D. B. Muir, who, at a meeting of the League on Wednesday night explained the suggestions he had in mind. Mr Muir said he had brought the question before the executive of the League, who had regarded it in a favourable light. His idea, and he was sure it would be the means of creating interest, was to ask ratepayers to supply the names of men considered suitable to fill the Mayoral chair, and also the names of men from which, nine councillors could be selected. At this stage Mr C. L. Fraser rose to a point of order. He asked if it was not on the minutes that the League take no part in municipal affairs.

The chairman (Mr F. C. May) said this was not the case. The carrying out of the scheme would not involve the League in municipal affairs. Bather he considered, it would show a live interest in the town's welfare. The scheme was in no way derogatory to the present Council, but as Mr Muir had said, it was hoped to prove a means of creating a greater interest in the elections. Mr Muir said that all sections of the community would be able to forward, the names of these they considered most suitable. There had been ho suggestion of the League ruining a “ticket." He would suggest that names be forwarded to the "Herald” office the local paper, and to Mr W. H. McMillan's. He thought everyone should be interested in who was their Mayor and who constituted their Council. Senders' names could he attached to the lists, if desired, but this was not imperative. Mr May: “The League would not be mixing in politics by having that done.” He thought the scheme would be for the benefit of the town generally. The secretary (Mr W. H. McMillan) said that anything likely to create interest in the elections was of advan-

tage to the community. They wanted to get the people to the poll. A motion moved by Mr Muir, that the League invite all suggestions for the most suitable men for the positions spoken of was carried. PROGRESS LEAGUE. A meeting of the Temuka Progress League was held on Wednesday evening. Present —Messrs P. C. May (chairman), W. F.( Evans, H. B. Strange,, A. J Davey, C. J. Wattson, D. B. Muir, A. N, Hancock, E. Blackmore, W. M. Hulston, C. L. Fraser, S. Goddard, and the secretary (Mr W. M McMillan). The chairman said that, since last meeting he had attended meetings of the Temuka Unemployed Committee, and as directed, had spoken in favour of having the Press admitted. The B.S.A. and the farmers’ representative had voted in favour of the presence of the Press, but the case had been a hopeless one. The consensus of opinion had been that more ideas would be put forward without the presence of the Press. Mr May asked for a report in regard to a suggested concert in aid of the League’s funds, and for any other reports. ' Mr Muir said he had seen Mr A. Leslie, who had expressed his willingness, but was doubtful if he could do anything in the meantime. The secretary said he had written to the Railway Department, hr regard vo having electric warning bells installed at the North Town Belt and High Street crossings. No reply had been received. . . . Mr Hancock said a start had been made that day with fencing at the motor camp in the Domain. Ten men had started work. Mr May said that during the month the League's executive had been fairly busy and the chief matter had been in respect of methods for raising funds.. A special meeting had been held, anci it had been decided to hold a "Paddy’s Market.” A committee had been formed, but nothing definite was known as to where the market was to be held. MiMay said that a similar market had been held at Rakaia and had netted about £l5O.

Mr May then referred to the question whether the League could do anything in regard to fixing a holiday the following day, when the Temuka District High School picnic was being held in Waimate. He had been asked to bring the matter before the League, but did not know whether it was in their jurisdiction He had made a suggestion that the Business Men’s Association, which had previously set holidays, be wound up, and that a body having this power be set up. Mr May said it had been said that the League had superseded the Business Men's Association in setting the Christmas holidays, but this was not the case. It was a pity that, in such a small town, they could not pull together. Mr Evans said it was a pity a move had not been made a week earlier. It was decided that, on account of the short notice, nothing could be done by the League. Full discussion then took place m regard to the Paddy’s Market, which it is intended to carry out on a large scale. The president, and Messrs Blackmore, Evans, and the secretary, were appointed a committee to set out districts for collection of goods, and to appoint collectors. The chairman and secretary were appointed an advertising committee, and Messrs Strange and Evans were asked to make arrangements re side shows.

Lighting Questions. The secretary referred to the absence of lights on the Temuka Railway station when the excursion train was returning to Timaru on Sunday nights. He had interviewed the local stationmaster who said that, in order that a supply of light be provided, a cost of 7/- would be by the Railway Department. 'There had been complaints as to the behaviour of the younger element when waiting the arrival of the train.

Mr Strange: “What is the custom on other stations?” The secretary: “Time switches are provided.” A voice: “There you are. Regulations, red tape.” It was decided that the Department be approached in the matter. The secretary inquired whether it would be possible to arrange for an allnight supply in the main street. At present, he understood, the cost of each light was £4/10/-, and to have lighting from sunset to sunrise would entail a cost of an additional £1 per light. There were only about sixteen lights. Mr Strange: “We could have the ’phone all night for about that much extra.” It was decided that, provided the extra cost was not more than £1 per light, the Borough Council be asked to arrange an all-night service. General. It was decided to write congratulating the directors of the Dominion Theatre on having had the “talkies” installed. It was decided to approach the Borough Council with a view to having all streets properly named, this to be done when the new Council came into office, a member remarking: “They’re a dying Council. We might as well wait till the new one comes in.” Mr Hancock reported at some length on works done, and in view, at the motor camp in the Domain. Amongst suggestions made were those for a beautifying scheme, including tree planting, a rock garden, provision of seats and filling in various depressions. Mr Hancock considering they should have a good chance of doing this by unemployed labour. Mr Evans submitted a balance sheet of the League’s finance. The motor camp, he said was in credit to the extent of £3/6/11, and the general account to the extent of £4/3/-. He suggested that a “drive” be made to collect subscriptions not yet paid. Mr Hancock referred to the work recently done in High Street. The road had been graded, swept and tarred, and anyone cycling there now was almost “shaken to pieces.” He considered the work was merely a waste of money, as in his opinion no amount of tar or sand would fill up the hollows.

GENERAL NEWS. The Temuka Progress League was twenty minutes late in commencing its business at its meeting on Wednesday night. The Right Rev. Bishop of Melanesia, Bishop Molyneux, addressed a large congregation in St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Wednesday night, on the lives of the people, and the splendid work of the Church’s mission fields, on the isles under his charge. The Rev. G. N. Watson presided. The annual picnic of the Temuka District High School was held in Waimate yesterday. A holiday was not observed in Temuka, although a few shops were closed. PERSONAL. Miss Brown, Timaru, has commenced duties at the Watt-Lowry school, Temuka. Dr Austin, Cromwell, is a guest at the Crown Hotel. John R. Procter, the Premier Opticians, of Christcnurch, will be visiting Temuka and may be consulted at the , Crown Hotel on March 28tli.