TEMUKA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20679, 18 March 1937, Page 3

TEMUKA

LEVEL CROSSINGS A SAFETY DEVICE Having received the commendation of the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple), a safety device for installation at railway level crossings, the invention of Mr A. C. Anderson, of Milford, was yesterday unofficially inspected by members of the Main Highways Board when they passed through Temuka on their return to Wellington. In principle the device is a combination of swing gates operating in conjunction with a large grid. A set is required on either side of the line at a level crossing, and an approaching train coming in contact with an electrified portion of the line, extending for about half a mile on either side of the crossing, automatically operates the complete device. The gates, which open and close on the same principle as ordinary hinged gates, swing to across the road and the grid, ordinarily resting in grooves across the roadway, rises to a height of some inches above ground level. In the event of a car approaching the crossing at a high speed just as the gates close and the grid rises, both portions of the device yield to the vehicle, allowing it to pass over the crossing, and then they move back into place. The gates are planned to stand at the height of the lamps on a car, and the new feature of the device is its ability to yield to impact, thus saving a possible accident at the gates. After the inspection, Mr A. J. Baker, deputy-chairman of the Board, told “The Timaru Herald” that it had been arranged with Mr Anderson for a model to be forwarded to the chief engineer of the Public Works Department (Mr J. Wood), who is chairman of the Highways Board, for tests and practical experiments to be made. Mr Anderson stated that an inspection of the device had recently been made by the assistant chief engineer of the Railways Department.

W.D.F.U

MONTHLY MEETING It was reported at the monthly meeting of the Temuka branch of the W.D.F.U. that the next meeting, which was to be held late in April would be the annual one. The president, Mrs W. Buchan, presided. The resignation of Miss May Brown who is leaving the district, was received with regret. Arrangements were complered to - the visit of the Otago farmers. They will be provided with morning tea in the Clandeboye Hall. The Clandeboye residents are co-operating with both divisions of the Farmers’ Union to make the visit a success. The president reported on the provincial meeting of the executive, which was held in Timaru on February 19. Many members offered suggestions for the coming year and these are to be considered at the annu. . meeting. The winners of the monthly competitions were: Senior, best bloom, Mrs G. H. Watson 1, Mrs Barnett 2, Miss Mcßride 3. Junior, Miss Rogers 1, Miss B, Wheeler 2.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

AROWHENUA The annual report and balance-sheet of the Arowhenua Maori Women’s Institute, which were presented at the annual meeting held in the Maori Hall on March IS showed that a very successful year had beer, experienced. The winners of the most points prizes for monthly competitions held throughout the year were Mrs D. Waters and Miss A. Hopkinson. They were also winners of special prizes given by Miss Bremner. The election of officers resulted: President, Mrs K. Rehu; vice-president, Mrs R. Manning; secretary, Mrs S. Hansen; treasurer, Mrs B. Solomon; committee, Mesdames T. Beaton, E. Gillum, J. Spencer, D. Waters, Misses E. Greaves and J. Hopkinson. A presentation was made to Mrs Rehu for her re-election to the office of president. Presentations of bouquets were made to Mesdrfmes E. Gillum, B. Solomon and O'Connor. The winners of the monthly competitions were: Basket of fruit, Mrs Paynter 1, Mrs Rehu and Miss Hopkinson 2; home-made handkerchief, Miss Hopkinson 1, Mrs Paynter 2 and 3. Afternoon tea was served by the retiring members of the committee.

SEASON REVIEWED

Y.W. BASKETBALL CLUB A very successful season from playing, social and financial points of view is revealed in the annual report of the Temuka Young Women’s Basketball

Club which is to be presented at the annual meeting on Monday evening. Three teams wei'e entered in the Temuka and District Backetball Association’s competition and the senior side won the Hay hurst Cup for the A grade competition. This was the club’s fifth success in this grade. In the Temuka District High School’s annual tournament three teams were entered while two teams t.avelled to Timaru to take part in the King’s Birthday tournament. Several players gained representative honours while two, J Douglas and K. Dore, had represented South Canterbury at the Dominion tournament at Christchurch. Congratulations were extended to the South Canterbury team on winning the second grade competition. During the season the club suffered a loss in the death of one of its staunchest supporters, Mr H. Greenfield. Sympathy had been extended to his wife and relatives. Several social functions had been held in the winter months and the proceeds from these had helped to swell the club’s funds. The thanks of the club were due to the many persons who assisted in making the season a success. BOXING An effort is being made to revive interest in boxing in Temuka. Following the formation of clubs in other parts of South Canterbury a public meeting is being held to-night and, provided enough pupils are forthcoming, a start will be made. PERSONAL Mrs F. Barrett, Mr M. Barrett, Mrs J. Beaton and son left on Sunday for Invercargill, Colac ano Bluff, en route for the South Sea Islands. The annual general meeting of the Temuka Young Women’s Basketball Club will be held in Mr Furn. Smith’s rooms on Monday, March 22, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Procter’s, the Opticians, Christchurch, will be making their next professional visit to Temuka on Tuesday, 13th April, when they may be consulted on all defects of eyesight at the Temuka Hotel Appointments can now be made by ringing the U.F.S. Dispensary 'Phone 240 M