WAIMATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19372, 22 December 1932, Page 10

WAIMATE

ACCIDENT. Whilst cycling along Harris Street at 4.30 on Monday afternoon, Mr T. Can’ met with rather a painful accident. The forks of his bicycle snapped, and Mr Carr was thrown heavily on to the road and sustained two broken ribs and severe facial injuries. SEND-OFF. On Monday night the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs G. Dash) tendered a send-off to Sergeant and Mrs Turner. There was a large attendance, every section of the public being represented. The first part of the evening was taken up with a card tournament, ladies v. men. in which the ladies were successful by 30 to 27.

At the conclusion of the cards, Mr S. I. Fitch, on behalf of the Waimate legal profession, voiced pleasure at the amicable relations which had existed between the bar and the force in Waimate under Sergeant Turner's regime. Mr Fitch stated that every case which had come before his persona] notice, had been conducted under Sergeant Turner’s direction with scrupulous fairness. The promotion which Sergeant Turner had gained was well earned, and the speaker, on behalf of the members of his profession, had great pleasure in expressing the hope that further promotions would result. Constable R. E. McGettigan, on behalf of the Waimate police, said that the previous speaker’s opinions had been borne out by the experience of himself and fellow members of the staff. He had known Sergeant Turner for many years, and had worked under him and experienced the results of his supervision in police matters. The speaker paid a high tribute to Sergeant Turner’s ability. Constable McGettigan extended best washes of the members of the Waimate force for the welfare of Sergeant Turner and his family.

The Mayor, Mr G. Dash, after expressing pleasure at the presence of so large a number of guests, said that Sergeant Turner had been helpful to him in many ways in his capacity as a Justice of the Peace. Mr Dash humorously illustrated incidents, and stated that their retiring police officer would meet plenty of Waimateites in New Plymouth, and would consequently be kept busy. (Laughter.) The town, under Sergeant Turner, had never been so efficiently handled from a point of view of law and order, and their guests would carry with them the best wishes of the town and district. Messrs J. C. Winning, T. Twomey, C. T. Hodges, A. J. Hoskins and M. J. Corrigan spoke along the lines of the previous speakers’ remarks. Mr J. Bitchener, M.P., on behalf of the citizens, handed to Mrs Turner a leather handbag. The speaker honestly believed that the opinions expressed were well merited, as on all hands he had heard nothing but praise for Sergeant Turner. The people of Waimate would watch with interest the future career of the departing officer, and would derive pleasure from promotion which all felt convinced would follow.

Sergeant Turner said that he had enjoyed his sojourn in Waimate. where in the short period of four years, he had made so many friends. Mrs Turner also responded, and endorsed the thanks which her husband had expressed.

The function closed with the singing of musical honours for the guests. ODDFELLOWSHIP. The fortnightly meeting of Loyal Heart of Friendship Lodge, was held recently, N.G., Bro. G. Geddes presiding over a good attendance.' Correspondence was received from the Friendly Societies’ Council re amendment to Rule 4 of the Hospital Scheme, and also enclosing financial statement and president’s report for the year ended 31st October. One member of Loyal Timaru Lodge was declared on the funds, and accounts amounting to £46/0/2 were passed for payment. P.G., Bro. D. Mahan reported on visiting sick brethren. The N.G. extended a welcome to the District Officers and members of Loyal Timaru Lodge, who paid an official visit, and asked the Prov. G.M., Bro. Roach to install the officers for the next term.

The following officers were then installed: N.G., Bro. D. Mahan; V.G., Sister E. Dunstan; G.M., Bro. G. Geddes: E.S., Bro. R. Brien; Warden, Bro. E. Hicks; Guardian, Bro. E. Wilce; Conductor, P.G., Bro. E. Dash; Lecture Master, P.P.G.M., Bro. W. Hinch; R.S.N.G., P.G., Bro. W. Jack; L.S.N.G., Sister Thomas; R.S.V.G., P.G., Bro. J. Reid. The officers thanked the Lodge for the honour conferred on them. Prov. G.M., Bro. J. V. Riach, Dep. Prov. G.M., Bro. C. S. Fryer and Pro. C.S., Bro. D. D. Petrie, thanked the Lodge for the welcome to the District officers, and congratulated the officers who had been installed, and wished them a pleasant term. P.1.G.M., Bro. J. Martin and G.G., Bro. Hayward, responded to the visitors’ toast on behalf of Loyal Timaru Lodge. It was decided that the name of the retiring G.M., Bro. W. Jack, be placed on the merit board, and that he receive an emblematical certificate and be recommended to receive the Purple Degree. The secretary was instructed to apply for a warrant to hold a Lodge of P.G.’s and Purple Degree on December 20th. The Lodge closed with the usual customs, and a pleasant hour was spent at a game of cards.