GENERAL NEWS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19669, 11 December 1933, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS

More than 500 visitors came to Timaru yesterday from Christchurch and Dunedin. The train from the north brought 252 people, and that from Dunedin 287. The train from Timaru to Christchurch carried 180 excursionists.

In the course of his address at the inaugural meeting of the South Canterbury Kennel Club on Saturday evening, Mr M. F. Woodward, an official of the Oamaru Club, stated that dog lovers, when purchasing a pedigree dog. invariably went outside their own district. An Auckland purchaser, for instance would feel more contented if he purchased from a kennel in, say. Invercargill. Mr Wooding pointed out that this was a fallacy, and assured his listeners that -there were, from his own observations and experience, as good dogs in South Canterbury as anywhere in New Zealand.

There is every indication that this Christmas will be one of the brightest and busiest experienced in Timaru for some years. On Friday and Saturday, there appeared to be a great deal of activity in the town, and in conversation with a number of shop keepers, a representative of “The Timaru Herald” was informed that they were optimistic concerning prospects for the coming festive season. In most cases, the returns for Friday and Saturday morning were well in advance of the corresponding days last vear, and in one instance, a business man said that his returns were the best since 1929.

Am amusing interlude arose at the Kennel Club's meeting on Saturday evening, when one of the members of the North Otago Club was explaining to the meeting the advantages of Ribbon parades. These were most popular, he said, and were not necessarily confined to pedigree dogs. Unlike championship shows, any classes whatsoever could be instituted, but he hoped the local club would not have a class for the “thinnest” dog as one North Island club did. The outcome there almost resulted in a police prosecution as it was obvious some of the exhibited dogs of doubtful pedigree had been put on a suitable diet for the class for obviously several weeks before the parade. (Laughter).

The Salvation Army Band commenced activities yesterday at 8.30 a.m. when two parties commenced Christmas carolling in the outskirts of the town. Owing to the ever increasing size of the district, the Band has found it necessary the last few years to start their work a fortnight before Christmas Day in order to visit the majority of the streets. The Highfield and Waimataitai districts were visited and the playing of the old favourite carols was enjoyed by all. At 3 p.m. the Band visited the Public Hospital, and here again the Christmas carols were played also the following selections: March, “Friendship” ; Meditation, “Sardis”; march. “Broken Hill’’; Selection. "Rock of Ages.”

In pursuance of their policy to educate youth in the worth of the League of Nations, the local Union recently arranged for an essay to be written by the second year pupils of the secondary schools in Timaru. The subject was “The Efforts of Mankind Since the Great War to Promote International Goodwill.” The standard of work w T as higher than that of previous years, showing that knowledge of this subject is increasing, though all too slowly. Two prizes are to be awarded in each school as follows:—Technical College: (1) Ngaire Butland, (2) Thomas Hargadon. Craighead Diocesan School: (1) Jean Inglis, (2) Margaret Macdonald. Girls’ High School: (1) Winifred Tuck, (2) Kathleen Taylor. Boys’ High School: (1) John Stockwell, (2) Peter Sara.

The inmates of the Old People’s Home were privileged to be entertained on Friday night by a concert party from the Timaru Girls’ High School, under the principal (Miss J. R. Barr>, and Miss Marriott. The concert, which served to commence the Christmas festivities at the Home, was thoroughly enjoyed, particularly the old tunes and songs which were presented. The inmates were also the recipients of sweets and tobacco. The Master (Mr E. Laverty) in thanking the girls for their fine entertainment, congratulated (them on their general deportment in the town, and remarked that the residents of Timaru were justly proud of them. Miss Barr said that the girls had been looking forward to the event, and had enjoyed it as much as had the old people. Aiter Christmas greetings had been exchanged, everyone felt that the festive season had commenced in earnest.

The public of Timarus yesterday afternoon had the privilege of being entertained by the Otago Regimental Band, under Lieutenant L. O. Asten. The visitors, who presented a striking appearance in their red tunics, gave a long and well-varied programme, which was thoroughly enjoyed. Considering ttX the weather conditions were threatening, and that light rain fell shortly after the concert commenced. the attendance was good. The Band opened with the march “New Colonial” (Hall), which was played in spirited manner. Then followed the overture. “Le Lac De Fees” (Auber) and a medley of valses by Gung’i, Strauss and other famous composers. One of the best numbers on the programme was the descriptive pastoral fantasia, “The Smithy” (Alford). Tins number was followed by a rag novelty “Cubanla Glide” (Tilzer), a fantasia, "Festival of Empire.” (MackenzieRogaiO which introduced airs from different parts of the Empire, and intermezzo. "Fairy’s Rendezvous” (Lautenschlager). The Band were also heard in advantage m another descriptive number, “A Motor Ride” (Bidgoor), and they concluded with the selection, "Pick of the Basket” (Williams), a collection of the old time songs, and the march, "Dunedin Navals” ißulch). If Father Christinas won’t give you a Meccano Set, try Dad. Tell him what fun it is building bridges, building cranes, cars, etc. Parents too, should realise that Meccano develops a boy's creative abilities and makes him work out problems and construct things for himself. England, Mcßae, stock Meccano Sets in all sizes from 2/3, and the famous Hornby Engines, Trucks and Carriages. Speed Boats and Aeroplane and Car construction sets. Bring the boys to England. Mcßae's