TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18822, 10 March 1931, Page 6

TEMUKA.

AFTER THE FIRES. The main topic of conversation in Temuka yesterday was the three fires which caused such a great deal of damage to property in Temuka in the early hours of Sunday morning, and in connection with the arrest made of a local resident alleged to have been responsible for the outbreak at the Parish Hall. Yesterday also, quite a large number of people visited the scenes of the outbreaks. In High Street, what remains of the stables, once a large wooden building, are a number of blackened uprights, a portion of a brick and stone wall at the rear, and a chimney and fireplace near the front. The scene is one of absolute ruin, sheets of blackened roofing iron, and warped and twisted pieces of beams lying about in profusion. The area covered by the building was considerable, and now appears an area of desolation. Strange to relate, the building, or what remains oi it, standing next to the site of the stables, presents a bleak appearance, it having been completely gutted by a visitation of fire a week previously, and also in the early hours of Sunday morning.

At the rear of the premises of Mr L. G. Scrimshaw, King Street, the scene of the second fire, what is left of two substantially built corrugated sheds, is a portion of one only, the other having been razed to the ground. Of the other there are few uprights, with sheets of tin hanging at all angles. The roof has practically caved in. In this shed a quantity of kapoc was stored, with other goods, and part of this was still smouldering yesterday. Mr Scrimshaw will be a fairly heavy loser, as the property was not covered by insurance. At the Parish Hall, the loss is easily greater than that at the other two fires. From the rear portion, where the fire evidently started, the havoc is strikingly evident, and arouses much sympathy with St. Peter’s parish. Intermediate walls are, for the most part, a thing of the past, the stage is a mass of charred and soaking debris, and water lies in pools. In the roof numerous gaping hoies bear testimony to the fury of the flames. The walls are scorched, and the main hall contains a number of seats which stand untouched, except for water, amid a scene of chaos. The remains of a once beautiful piano stand on the riage. Obviously, the whole of the rear portion and the ceiling will require rebuilding. The entry of the person or persons responsible for the outbreak was made through the back door, from which the lock may have been removed by force, or, in the alternative, burnt out. Mr H. B. Strange, vicar’s churchwarden, stated yesterday that the building itself w-as insured by the Church of England Trustees for £llsO, and the contents for £230. However, the parish will have suffered a loss far in excess oi that amount, as the value of the building was estimated at over £2OOO. Mr Strange said that, over a year ago additions and alterations had been made at a cost of £750, while, to assist against a possible outbreak a live fence at the southern side had been replaced by one of wire. Lights had been placed outside the hall, so that care could be maintained during social functions. Mr Hughes added that, besides the damage done to church pro*, erty, a piano left in the hall, by Mr W. E. Boys, before departure for Wellington, had been ruined beyond repair. A dulcitone, for use in teaching the boys’ choir, had been reduced to a few scraps of material. All copies of music had been burnt. Yesterday, Mr James Hutchins Christchurch), adjuster, paid a visit, and was shown over the ruins by the Vicar (Rev. G. Watson), Mr H. B. Strange, and Mr B. Hughes. From the conversation it would appear that fears are entertained as to the damage the v ater may do to the flooring boards, in the matter of shrinkage. It was thought that the walls were not damaged to any great extent, but it was realised that, should the worst fears be realised, a completely new hall would be necessary. The building was perhaps the most popular in Temuka for social functions, and even as late as yesterday morning the Temuka Municipal Band notified that they had “got in first” for a dance there on Easter Monday evening.. Numbers of people yesterday referred to the businesslike manner in which the Temuka Fire Brigade dealt with the outbreaks, especially that at the l Parish Hall.

1.0.0. F. The fortnightly meeting of Waitea Rebekah Lodge was held on Tuesday last, Sister Pulford, N.G., presiding over a good attendance of officers and members. A large number of Waihi Lodge members were present, including Bros. Evans, McCabe, Dennis, Waller and Patrick. The N.G., on behalf of the Lodge, extended to these visitors a a hearty welcome. Accounts amounting to £6/14/8£ were passed for payment, and correspondence was received from Grand Lodge. The social committee’s secretary reported arrangements well in hand for the next social. Two candidates were ballotted for, and will be initiated next Lodge night. The first nomination of officers was taken. / A recess was then called, and the final of the initiation competition held. This was carried out very impressively by both Lodges. Later in the evening, the judges gave their decision in favour of Waitea Lodge, who will thus hold the cup donated by Bros. Evans and McCabe, for the term of six months. Sister Pulford, in accepting the cup, referred to the whole-hearted interest both Lodges had taken in the competition and said she hoped Geraldine would be the successful holders next term. Sister Rule, N.G., of Waihi Lodge, congratulated Waitea members on winning the competition, and thanked them for the welcome extended to them earlier in the evening. The judges, Bros. Patrick, Waller, Harris, Young and Davis, added their congratulations, as did Bros. Evans and McCabe. The chaplain invoked the Divine blessing, and the Lodge closed in due form, after which supper was served and a pleasant social hour spent. BOWLING. The Temuka team to play Geraldine on Thursday, is:— Strange, Meek, Gourley, Pierce (s); McMillan, Fraser, Scrimshaw, Dr. Mclnnes (s); | Clark, Connolly, Davis, Hunt (s); G. Levens, Longson, Abbott, Collins (s); Ferguson, Palmer, Marshall, Edwards (s). May, Harbrow, Joynt, McCallum (s); Cameron, Hancox, Chapman, Taylor <»). .

SALMON RUNNING. Fishermen state that there are now good numbers of salmon in the Rangitata, although, as one man said, “You’ve got to know where to find them.” One Sunday one angler landed twelve on this side of the Rangitata mouth, and six were secured on the far side. The Opihi also, is providing fair sport, a catch of four being reported on Sunday, and two yesterday morning. All the fish were of quite good size. FIRE SEQUEL—REMAND GRANTED. William Watson, a young man, a resident of Temuka, appeared before the Court in Temuka yesterday morning charged that, on March 8. 1931, at Temuka, he did wilfully set fire to a certain building, namely, the Parish Hall. Messrs Geo. Hancox, E. Blackmore, and A. E. Smith, J.P's, were on the Bench. The proceedings were watched by about fifty people. After the reading of the charge, Detective Studholme (Timaru), asked that accused be remanded to appear at Temuka on Monday, March 16th, at 10.30, and this was granted. Bail was not applied for. W.C.T.U. The monthly meeting of the Temuka W.C.T.U. was held on Friday afternoon, twenty members being present. Mrs Hewson (president), presided. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mrs Sanders in her sad bereavement. It was arranged to send letters of thanks to Mr E. Blackmore for the use of grounds, and his w r ork at the garden party; to Mr Buck for his services; to Shepherd Bros., for the use of crockery; to the “Y” branch for their assistance; and to all who helped to make the party a success. Final arrangements were made for delegate to Convention. It was decided to postpone the next meeting till April 10th. Thanks were accorded to Rev. A. Blakemore and Mrs Blakemore for all their services during their stay in Temuka Afternoon tea was served and the meeting closed with the Benediction. GENERAL NEWS. Before Messrs Geo. Hancox, E. Blackmore and A. E. Smith, J.P.’s, yesterday morning, a statutory first offender on a charge of drunkenness in Vine Street, was convicted and discharged. INTEREST IN ELECTIONS. Considerable interest is being evinced in the Progress League proposal that, to create interest in the coming borough elections, residents be asked to forward for publication, names of men they consider suitable. Some of the lists forwarded yesterday were doubtless the work of practical jokers, and were not considered worthy of publication. Others were:— Mayor—Mr C. Davidson. Councillors —Messrs J. Telford, D. B. Muir, C. L. Fraser, H. P. Dunn, E. Parker, S. B. Norton, D. Mclnnes, W. H. McMillan, J. Spillane. Mayor—Mr Fum Smith. Councillors —Messrs E. Blackmore, H. B. Strange, B. Hughes, W. J. Keys, W. Searle, L. Hunt, C. Cornwell, F. King, W. S. Harbrow. Mayor—Mr W. F. Evans. Councillors —Messrs Geo. Hancox, E. Blackmore, A. N. Hancock, J. J. Ellis, E. J. Cook, T. Edwards, D. B. Muir, A. H. Abbott, L. F. Robins—“ For Progress.” Mayor—Mr A. E. Smith. Councillors —Messrs W. F. Evans, A. W. Buzan, A. R. Beck, F. C. May, E. B. Cooper junr., E Blackmore, G. B. Cartwright, C. J. Wattson, W. H. McMillan —“Worker.” Mayor—Mr Geo. Hancox. Councillors—Messrs F. C. May, L. F. Robins, A. N. Hancock, T. Gunnion, J. Cook, H. B. Strange, R. H. Taylor, G. B. Cartwright, A. E. Smith. MAURICE CHEVALIER IN “THE LOVE PARADE.” “The Love Parade,” an exceptional picture starring Maurice Chevalier, is the story of a young man attached to the embassy of a mythical kingdom, whose exploits in Paris bring down upon him the anger of the Queen. He is sent back to his kingdom to report to the Queen, and takes his personal servant with him. Just as the master finds favour in the grace of the Queen, so the servant becomes friendly with the Queen’s maid. It is these two who provide the comedy for the picture. They are Lupino Lane and Lillian Roth. Both of these players are well known on the stage and vaudeville, and their comedy is sparkling and original. The eccentricity of Lane will bring the house down. The lavish production in a'mythical kingdom in a modem setting is the first operetta to reach the screen, and stars Maurice Chevalier. His leading lady is Jeanette MacDonald, a newcomer whose beauty will appeal and charm every- ’ one. “The Love Parade” will be seen at Temuka ' to-night and to-morrow-night.