GERALDINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20105, 11 May 1935, Page 3

GERALDINE

FOUR ONE-ACT PLAYS PRESENTED FINE ENTERTAINMENT In spite of the inclement weather a large audience attended the presentation of four one-act plays by the Geraldine Players and the Oran Readers in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, when part of the proceeds were in aid of the Geraldine District Nurse Committee’s funds. Before the curtain rose Mr W. H. Kirk thanked the audience for their attendance on such a wet night. He int mated that owing to a bereavement suffered by one of the players, “The Bracelet” would not be presented, and he expressed the Geraldine Players’ appreciation of the action of the Oran Readers in generously coming forward to fill the breach by presenting “Mr Henshaw's Double.” Mr Kirk also expressed appreciation of the kindness of Miss Nancy Targuse (pianoforte), Miss Joan Targuse (violin) and Mrs P. W. Young (’cello) in coming out from Timaru to provide incidental music during the evening. They were also indebted to Mr Young for conveying the party from Timaru. The first play presented by the Geraldine Players was “Glorious Failure,” by W. J. Parsons, of Timaru. who won third place in the South Canterbury Drama League's play-writing competition. The cast comprised, Captain Scott, Mr E. P. White; Lieutenant Oates, Mr F. W. Morgan; Dr. Wilson, Mr J. J. Mulvey; Bowers, Mr G. R. Knibb.

The Orari Readers then presentd “Mr Henshaw’s Double,” an amusing comedy of a much married man’s predicament in endeavouring to construct an alibi to account for a bus drive with a “lady friend.” The parts were taken by Mr W. E. Cook and Mr and Mrs W. J. Johnson.

"Wayside War,” by Margaret Napier was the dramatic story of a spy’s success in outwitting a colonel of King Jarr.-• 11. during the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion before the battle of Sedgemoor in 1685. Mr F. M. Morgan, Mrs W. H. Kirk, Mr E. P. White and M • G. R. Knibb capably filled the parts.

The final play presented by the Geraldine Players, “Money Makes a Difference,” provided plenty of comedy. The parts were taken by Mr G. R. Knibb, Mrs W. H. Kirk, Mr L. King, Mr J. J. Mulvey and Mr G. White. SCHOOL JUBILEE FUNCTION The Royal Silver Jubilee was fittingly commemorated at the primary department of the Geraldine District High School yesterday afternoon, when the pupils were assembled in the school grounds. The pupils of Whare Kia Ora Private School also attended. A large number of parents and members of the commitee were in attendance. The chairman of the School Committee (Mr A. J. Burmester) presided, and, associated with him, were the headmaster (Mr A. W. Tucker), | the Mayor (Mr B. R. Macdonald) and the chairman of the Geraldine County Council (Mr K. Mackenzie). The proceedings commenced with “God Defend New Zealand,” the Geraldine District Band, under the baton of Mr E. Undrill, leading the singing. The chairman briefly intimated that, in accordance with the recommenda- 1 tions of the Canterbury Education Board, the School Committee, with the co-operation of Mr Tucker, had decided to arrange the function on the lines suggested in order to commemorate suitably the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of King George and Queen Mary. He then invited the Rev. W. J. Couling to address the children. Mr Couling said that he counted ti a great privilege to be able to address the children. It was a great occasion for the reason fhat a Royal Jubilee did not happen very often. It was 98 years since Queen Victoria ascended the Throne, and in that long period there had been only three rulers, the Queen Mother, her son King Edward, and her grandson, King George, each of whom had ruled wisely and well. They were celebrating King George’s Silver Jubilee. In every part of the British Empire messages of loyalty had been sent to the King, and, moreover, practically every nation had sent messages of goodwill. The celebrations were not surprising in view of the fact that King George had ruled wisely and well. They were proud of George the Fifth because of the good work he had achieved, and in spite of the fact that there were many in the world who did not love England, yet they respected her King. He had ruled in perhaps the most troublous 35 years for many centuries, through war, crises, and days of distress. The whole Empire showed a spirit of thanksgiving that he had ruled for so long. He was great, not so much because of his position as because of his great heart. The secret of his hold lay in the quotation, “He that would link others to himself, must fcleep or work with one end of the bond tied to his own heart.” King George was the father of a great family, and he had a wide sympathy for others. He was the servant of the people and ruled, not to be served, but to serve others. After quoting the Royal message to the children of the Empire. Mr Couling concluded “LongLive the King and his gracious and noble Queen.” (Applause.) The headmaster (Mr A. W. Tucker) intimated that the Government had set aside a certain sum of money so that the pupils would have something by which to remember the jubilee, and. books, commemorating the jubilee’ would be distributed to all the scholars. During the distribution of the books the Geraldine District Band played a selection. The Mayor (Mr B. R. Macdonald) then expressed pleasure at the opportunity of addressing the children. Referring to the title “ladies and gentlemen,” Mr Macdonald remarked that the children would realise in later years that there could be no finer compliment paid them than to be described as a “lady” or “gentleman.” Even the King would be quite satisfied with the title “gentleman” as would the Queen with that of “lady." He continued that New Zealand was a small country, and urged his hearers, the nation of the future, to make it a great one. He exhorted them to play the game, and to play it for all it was worth. Before the saluting of the flag, Mr Tucker gave an address on the origin and significance of the Union Jack. The senior pupils of the School, Lyla McKenzie and Ralph Hayes, then planted a totara tree to commemorate the occasion. The proceedings concluded with the National Anthem.

MINIATURE RIFLES The following were the scores at the weekly shoot of the Pleasant Valley Ladies’ Miniature Rifle Club:—Miss E. Fawdray 78, Miss D. Fawdray 75, Mrs F. Hughes 74, Mrs G. Tiplady 72, Mrs T. Hughes 70, Miss E. Hughes 69, Miss G. Gregan 56, Mrs T. Tiplady 50. PERSONAL Mr R. G. Baker (Christchurch) who has been the guest of Mrs Maurice

Baker, has left for Mataura, Southland. Mrs Norman Bell, Papanui Road, and Mrs Burrows, Linwood, have returned to Christchurch after spending a holiday with Mrs J. R. Sharpe, Pleasant Valley. “SCANDALS” Setting a new standard for musical production. Fox Films latest release, George White’s “Scandals” featuring Rudy Vallee and Jimmy Durante will be screened at the Municipal Theatre this evening at 8 o’clock. Presented for the first time on the talking screen, th2 show is embellished with the spectacle, grandeur and beauty that only the camera can encompass. Variety supports will be screened. NOTES , The St. Patrick’s dance committee has booked Thursday, June 20, for a -dance. The combined Basketball and Football Clubs’ dance will be held jn the Town Hall next Thursday. The Woodbury Men’s Miniature Rifle Club have booked Friday, June 14, for its opening ball. The Pleasant Valley Ladies’ Miniature Rifle Club will hold a hard-up ball on May 29, when a novelty supper will be a feature of the evening. A children’s and adults’ fancy dress ball will be held in the Orari Bridge Hall on Friday, June 7. Details of the Royal Jubilee commemorative services to be held throughout the Parish of Geraldine to-morrow will be found under Church notices.

Mr E. Cholerton, Optical Specialist, proprietor of Procter’s, the Premier Opticians, Christchurch, will be visiting Geraldine, personally, and may be consulted on all defects of eyesight at the Crown Hotel, on Wednesday, 15th May. Appointments can now be made by ringing Mr Morris Williams, chemist.