TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18849, 11 April 1931, Page 19

TEMUKA.

RAILWAY FREIGHTS AND PASSENGER SERVICES. The question of railway freights and passenger services occupied the major part of the discussion at last evening’s meeting of the Temuka Progress League, when Mr H. C. Langford, business agent of the railways for the South Island, addressed the meeting. Further publicity for Temuka in New Zealand and London was also debated. Mr E. Blackmore, vice-president, occupied the chair. There was only a small attendance of members. Mr Blackmore said that the application that had been sent to Wellington 'in regard to lighting on the railway station on a Sunday evening had been 1 granted, and was much appreciated. The application to the Borough Council for lighting from sunset also had been granted. At the last meeting the executive had arranged to hold a Paddy's Market, but after making a start the executive had been called together to discuss the question further, and because of the depression it had been decided to postpone the market but to carry on with the art union in connection with it. The result this had already been announced. RAILWAY OFFICER’S ADDRESS. In outlining the object of his visit, Mr Langford said that he was a member of the commercial branch of the railways, and with the stationmaster it was his duty to discuss the question of freights, service, duties, etc., with local bodies and progress leagues. It was found that in the way of round-table talks, although not always able to give all that was wanted, the Department could make things much better. As in other places, Temuka at present was suffering from competition from motor transport. The railways belonged to the people, and if they did not pay the public had to foot the bill. The railways were out to do all they could for the people, and he was at the meeting to answer any questions, and he assured the members that the Railway Department would do all it could to meet their suggestions. Askgd if the Temuka-Christchurch freigms would be made lower than those from Timaru to Christchurch, Mr Langford said that if assured of support of the Temuka business people the Department would bring the rates down to the same ruling from Christchurch to Timaru at least. After fully discussing the problem from various angles, the departmental officer assured the meeting that consideration would be given to the questions of the railway arranging delivery at the consignee’s door; that where a minimum ton rate is charged at present, the smaller lots be charged pro rata; that the times of beginning and departing of excursion and such trains be reviewed, and made more suitable to the travelling public. Before the meeting closed, on the suggestion of Mr Langford. it was decided the League talk over railway problems with various business people, and the speaker would again meet them, when a scheme could be formulated and submitted to the head office in Wellington. Publicity for Temuka. To further advertise Temuka, it was decided, on the suggestion of Mr D. B. Muir, that if space is available in the High Commissioner’s office in London, panels containing eight pictures of fishing and other attractions of Temuka be sent for display. Mr Muir produced a draft letter to the General Manager of the Tourist Department, asking whether arrangements could be made for the panels. Mr A. N. Hancock said that he had been fortunate enough to gather a fine collection of photographs which would be suitable. He suggested that in order to save expense the League endeavour to get some firm in England to inset the photos into panels. Mr S. Goddard suggested that similar panels could be sent to other motor camps in the Island, such as as Oamaru and Nelson. It was decided, on the motion of Mr W. F. Evans, that a letter be forwarded to the Government Tourist Department along the lines proposed by Mr Muir. CLEARING OF RIVER-BED. The clearing of broom, gorse, and blackberry between the Temuka traffic bridge and the railway bridge was finished yesterday, when all the spoil was burned. This completes this work between the Manse crossing and the railway bridge, the top portion of which was done under contract some time ago. The bottom section has been carried out under the No. 5 unemployment relief scheme.

RAINFALL FIGURES. Twenty-three points of rain were registered by Mr G. L. Twentyman. at Seadown during the three days ended 7.30 o’clock yesterday morning. During the 24 hours ended 7.30 on Wednesday morning. 4 points were recorded. Thursday morning’s figures were 15 points; yesterday morning’s reading was 4 points. At 4.30 o'clock yesterday afternoon 4 points were showing in the gauge, and the light rain which had begun at 8.30 o’clock yesterday morning was still falling.

FOR FISHERMEN. Good fly Ashing is obtainable in the Opihi, Temuka, and Orari Rivers at present, and a few salmon are being caught at the mouth of the Opihi. The Rangitata will not be in Ashing form until about Sunday. Anglers will be well advised to confine their activities to the mouth of the Opihi. OBITUARY. The death occurred at her home, Riverslea, on Thursday, of Mrs Elizabeth Trumper, wife of Benjamin Trumper senior, at the age of 73 years. Mrs Trumper, who was born in Shropshire, England, came to New Zealand with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs W. Benbow, of Waitui, in the sailing ship Huntress in 1863, the voyage taking over five months. The family settled at Kakahu, but later moved to Waitui. Mrs Trumper was married in 1879, and lived in Pleasant Valley for a time before making a short stay at The Downs, Geraldine, and then moving to Riverslea, where she has stayed for the past 38 years. Her husband and four sons and four daughters survive her. PERSONAL. Mr Morrell McAllister, and Mr P. B. Witt, of Invercargill, are visiting Temuka. Mr and Mrs Jas. Mathews, also Mr and Mrs S. Mathews, Temuka, have returned from an extended trip to the North Island. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. The monthly meeting of the Temuka Women’s Institute was held recently. The president (Miss Ferguson) presided over an attendance of 48 members. Three new members were elected. A motion of sympathy was passed with the relatione of Mrs A. C. Palmer, who had died since the last meeting. The president reported that an “earthquake baby” had been born at the Maternity Hospital, Temuka, and a beautiful shawl had been presented to the mother for the use of the baby, from the members of the Institute. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs J. Rooney for typing the programme for the coming year; also to Mrs D. Taylor for work done on behalf of the Institute. A play entitled “Acid Drops,” by Gertrude Jennings. was read by members, and greatly enjoyed. An interesting address by Mrs Acutt, organiser for Dr. Bamardo's Homes, was listened to by the members. A letter of thanks was received from the manager of the Salvation Home on behalf of the boys for a parcel of cakes which is sent each day after the meeting for the boys’ tea. After afternoon tea. the meeting was brought to a close with the singing of “God Save the King.” The hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs Bateman, Mrs Prattley, Mrs J. McCallum, and Mrs Galbraith. BASKETBALL CLUB. The Temuka Young Women’s Basketball Club held its annual meeting last evening Mrs V. O’Connor (president), presiding. The annual report thanked all those who had assisted to further the interests of the Club. During the season the Club had two teams in play, and both had had a very successful season. The “A” team had been the runners-up in the school tournament, and had been invited to oppose the South Canterbury representatives before the latter went to play in the New Zealand basketball tournament. The report congratulated the teams on their excellent record, and on the sportsmanlike spirit which permeated their ranks. Thanks were offered to Mrs V. O’Connor, the club coach, and referee and Miss J. Douglas, club captain. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of 12/9. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The following office bearers were elected: —Patron. Mr G. J. Marshall; president, Mrs T. E. Gunnion; vicepresidents, Mrs Templeton, M. Washington, Mrs Dwan, Miss Brown, Mrs Harrison, Miss McClurg, R. Meek, L. Radford; secretary and treasurer, Miss Rona Davis; captain, Miss J. Douglas; vice-captains, Miss I. Ives and C. Kay; coach and referee, Mrs V. O’Connor; committee, Misses R. Davis, J. Douglas, I. Ives, C. Kay, Z. Poultney and W. Ives. Four new members were elected. April 30 was fixed as opening day. The subscription fee was fixed at 2/6 per member. GENERAL NEWS. The wool-classing class at the Temuka Technical School is to begin on Monday evening. RUTH CHATTERTON. IN “THE LAUGHING LADY.” The fame which Ruth Chatterton established for herself in “Charming Sinners,” and “Madame X,” gains added glamour in her newest Paramount picture, “The Laughing Lady,” which comes to Temuka to-night. She is seen as the star of this powerful human drama, with Clive Brook as leading man. It is the story of a woman who laughs at death, laughs at the irony of fate, laughs at her own breaking heart, but who cannot laugh when the chance comes to ruin the man had tried to wreck her life, because she finds that she loves him more than she hates him. Many prominent players of screen and stage appear in the picture, including Clive Brook, Nedda Harrigan, Raymond Walbum, Lillian B. Tonge, Hubert Bruce, Nat Pendleton, former Olympic heavyweight wrestling champion; Dorothy Hall, Joe King. Dan Healy, and Helen Hawley. A matinee wdll be held at 2.15, when a splendid selection of short features will be screened. The next visit of John R. Proctor’s representative to Temuka will be April 25th