TEMUKA CHRISTMAS MAIL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23082, 22 December 1944, Page 3

TEMUKA CHRISTMAS MAIL

Heavy Pc<ngs Begin Early Large Sum Paid Out In Social Security Indications at the Temuka Post Office yesterday were lor a record Christmas mail, and the mail room has been a scene of activity for the last week. Heavy postings commenced early this year and have been spread over a longer period before Christmas than is usually the case. Owing to Christmas coming on a different day in the week each year, it is difficult to make any comparison with previous years until the full figures are available. During the last four days, 82 ordinary mail bags and 35 parcel receptacles have been dispatched, and 75 mail bags and 45 parcel receptacles received.

To deal with the rush period, additional staff has been provided for the mailroom, and both inward and outward mail has been disposed of with a minimum of delay. Full use has been made of the extra expresses both north and south to keep parcels and letters moving freely, and the efficiency of the staff combined with a commendable tendency on the part of the public to post their Christmas mail in good time nas enabled the floor of the mailroom to be kept clear. Social security payments are increasing steadily, and the payments made this week will be a record. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the first two days for the payment of social security benefits and general pensions, the sum of £2230 was paid out over the counter and an additional £450 for war pensions. It is anticipated that approximately £4500 will be paid out this week. Memorial Gala Arrangements for the gala to be held to-morrow at the Temuka Domain in aid of the Soldiers’ Memorial Fund are well in hand. Good entries have been received for the athletic events and these will take place as arranged for last Saturday. In spite of the wet weather, 81 competitors arrived on the ground last week to take part in the national dancing events, and it is anticipated that the full programme will attract good competition again tomorrow. Health Stamps Complimentary reference to the work of the different women’s organisations assist with the sale of health stamps was n. .J by Mr S. G. Heffernan, at a meeting of the Temuka Health Stamp Committee. The sale of health stamps to date amounted to £l5O, said Mr Heffernan. This was already £5O more than the total sales made last year. The average sale from the table in the Post Office lobby amounted to between £7 and £8 a week. He thanked all the women who had assisted and particularly Mr J. A. P. Worthington and Mr G. Bowie for organising the canvass of the town by Girl Guides and the Boys Brigade, which resulted in the sale of £2O worth of stamps. It was decided to suspend gales tables until the third week in January. Conductor Honoured Recognition of the work done by Mr V. L. Thomas as conductor of the Temuka Musical Society was made by members at the annual banquet. The chairman (Mr W. Davey) spoke of the respect in which Mr Thomas was held by every member of the society, not only for his talent but for the grace and dignity with which he carried out his duties. , Other speakers paid a tribute to the work of Mr Thomas as conductor as a mark of appreciation. A shoulder spray was presented to Mrs Thomas by Miss Esther Prewer. Arowhenua School Winsome Gillum, a pupil of the Arowhenua Native School, has been awarded a Government scholarship tenable at Hukarere Maori Girls’ College, Napier, primary school certificates were gained by Hui Manning, Winsome Gillum and Margaret Russell. V.A.D. Examination All the members of the nutrition class formed recently from the Temuka V.A. Detachment who entered for the junior nutrition examination were successful, four out of seven entrants passing ‘with honours. The successful candidates were:—Miss M. Hancox, Mrs J. L. Stone-Wlgg, Miss McShane, Miss J. Joynt (honours), Miss S. Hill, Miss B. Joynt, Miss M. Harrison. The examiner was Miss A. H. McLean. Hilton Institute The December meeting of the Hilton Women’s Institute took the form of a garden party held at the residence of Mrs E. Green. An enjoyable afternoon was spent in games, competitions and races for the children. Mrs G. Fletcher welcomed members and visitors from neighbouring institutes and thanked Mrs Green for the privilege of holding the party amid such beautiful surroundings. Competitions were won by the following :—Titles of Books, Mrs Horan; clock golf, Mrs Horan; fishing, Mrs Hartnett; potato race, Mrs Priddleaeroplanes, Miss Z. Beattie; chain stepping, Mrs Priddle. The monthly competitions resulted : Large bloom, Mrs Fletcher 1, Mrs T Leary 2; small bloom, Miss Z. Beattie 1, Mrs T. Beaven 2. Euchre Social The patriotic euchre party held in the Labour Hall attracted a good attendance. Prizes were won by Mrs H. McTague and Mr J. Goodman. Mrs A. I. Weaver was the winner of a competition.