TEMUKA MEMORIAL GALA

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23078, 18 December 1944, Page 3

TEMUKA MEMORIAL GALA

Heavy Rain Causes Postponement Impromptu Dancing Contest Heavy rain, accompanied by continued thunder and vivid lightning, which began just after the time scheduled for the opening of the function and continued for three hours, more than an inch falling in this time, caused the postponement of the gala in aid of the Soldiers’ Memorial Building Fund at the Temuka Domain on Saturday afternoon. An impromptu national dancing contest was held in the large room under the grandstand, and it was decided to hold the gala, with a full programme, including the -'■’onal dancing events, next Saturday.

•re rain came on just at the conclusion of the street march by the Temuka Municipal and Temuka Pipe Bands and before any of the events were started.

Eighty-one entries had been received for the national dancing events, competitors being present from Christchurch, Waimate and intermediate districts, and, after consultation between the secretary of the Piping and Dancing Association (Mr J. Glass) and the Gala Committee, it was decided to stage an abbreviated programme in the grandstand. The dancing was judged by Miss Hazel L. R. Neil, of Christchurch. Piper E. Parker, of Timaru, provided the music. Results: Seann Triubhas, under 14 (19 entries): Aeneas Chisholm (Christchurch) 87 points 1, Evelyn Luscombe (Timaru) 83 points 2, Mary Frame (Salisbury) 82 points 3. Sailor’s hornpipe, under 18 (8 entries): Betty Wilson (Christchurch) 89 points 1, Aeneas Chisholm 88 points 2, Evelyn Luscombe (Timaru) 87 points 3. Irish Jig, under 14 (21 entries): Aeneas Chisholm 88 points 1, Mary Frame 85 points 2, Beverley Davidson (Timaru) 84 points 3. Sword Dance, under 12 (11 entries): Gwenda Whitehouse (Timaru) 84 points 1, Joyce Loper (Timaru) 79 points 22, Thelma Harvey (Timaru) 72 points 3. Highland Fling, under 10 (10 entries): Delphine Kavanagh (ChristChurch) 81 points 1, Clare Parker (Timaru) 81 points 2, Jeanette Ellis (Christchurch) 80 points 3. At the conclusion of the dancing events, Mr J. L. Menzies, steward for the National Dancing, thanked Mr Glass for the assistance given by the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand in organising such contests at Temuka for Patriotic purposes. Mr Glass spoke in appreciation of the way in which both the present contest and similar events had been run by the Tempka Patriotic and Gala Committees, and referred particularly to the work of the organiser (Mr R. I. McGregor) and Mr Menzies. It was most disappointing, he said, that the weather had spoiled the main function, but the impromptu entertainment that afternoon had provided a good standard of performance and would be some recompense to those competitors and their families who had come such long distances to compete. Mr McGregor then announced that the gala would be held next Saturday, and said he hoped that as many of the dancing competitors as possible would return to participate in the full programme.

“Wild West” Ball Covered waggons. Indian tepees, a lavishly equipped “bar” and a small town gaol gave a Wild West atmosphere to the Drill Hall for the ball conducted by the Social Club of the Public Works Department. Cowboys and cowgirls jostled Mexican bandits and Red Indians on a crowded floor, and the carefree and exuberant atmosphere of the early days of Texas was reflected in the gaiety of the dancers. The function was held in aid of the Soldiers’ Memorial Building Fund, which will benefit by approximately £9O. Congratulations on the success of the evening were conveyed by the Mayor (Mr G. A. Harris), who thanked the committee for assisting a worthy cause, and also the Temuka Ladies’ Bowling Club for taking charge of the supper arrangements. He commended particularly Mr H. T. Hirst upon the effectiveness of the decorations. The costumes were judged by Mesdames D. C. Clark and F. M. Martin The prize for the best lady's costume was won by Mrs R. Gates ; for the best man’s costume by Mr I. Schaab and for the best pair by Mr and Mrs E. Brehaut. A special prize was won bv Miss Mallett. A Lucky Spot waltz was won by Miss Olga Watt and Mr Pemberton and a Monte Carlo by Miss O. Baxter and partner. Messrs W. Galbraith. H. Bond and J. Prentice were M.C.’s Hospital Advocated Complimentary reference to the work done by the Temuka District Nurse Committee was made by the Mayor (Mr G. A. Harris) at the monthly meeting of the Temuka Borough Council in conveying the thanks of the District Nurse Committee to the Council for the co-operation between the two bodies and the assistance given by the Council. “This committee has now been wound up, although the district nurse is still functioning,” said the Mayor. “In 1938 a meeting was held at Temuka to go into ways and means of securing a district nurse. The Initial expenditure of £3OO was raised, and we all know the wonderful job of work done both bv the committee and the nurse I think that this Council should formally move appreciation of the work of the District Nurse Committee.” Cr. R. L. Stokes said that there had been much controversy over the Public Hospital in Timaru. One way which j.Hospital Board could get over its difficulties would be to consider building a hospital at Temuka. It was time Temuka was placed in the same category as Waimate, which had its own hospital, and he would move that a letter be forwarded to the South Canterbury Hospital Board suggesting that consideration be given to the oroposal. The Mayor: It has always been my own policy that a hospital is necessary at Temuka. The only thing is that the time is not suitable. Both resolutions were seconded and carried unanimously. Bowling

In the Champion Pairs (third round) played by the Temuka Bowling Club W. McCallum and W. McGillen beat A Beck and L. F. A. Ward, J. L. Menzies and J. Gourley beat H. Turner and A Cameron, A. S. Mclnnes and L A Nicholas beat G. Price and H. Wilson F. Smith and G. Johnston beat E h’ Turner and H. Hitchcock, W F Nichol and E. Johanson beat Geo. Pierce and W. Granger. Personal Motions of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mrs M. E. Coombs and Miss M. McCabe were passed at the monthly meeting of the Temuka Borough Council.