TEMUKA MUSICAL SOCIETY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23083, 23 December 1944, Page 3

TEMUKA MUSICAL SOCIETY

Annual Banquet Held Enjoyable Evening’s Entertainment Approximately 70 members and guests attended the second annual banquet given by the Temuka Musical society. Toasts were honoured and musical and instrumental items contributed to a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment. In welcoming those present, the chairman (Mr w. H. Davey) said that the musical society had come to play a large part in the civic life of the Temuka District. Their services had been in demand for many functions, especially those given in connection with Christmas and Easter music. The Cantata “Nativity of Christ” given last Sunday at St. Peter’s Church had been highly spoken of. Considering the short time the society had been in existence, they could congratulate themselves both on the progress made and upon the enthusiasm shown by members. “Music is a God-given gift,” said the Mayor (Mr G. A. Harris) “and it is a good thing when those ■who have that gift are prepared to use it for the common good. It is for this reason that a society such as this should be given every encouragement.”

During the evening items w'ere given by Mr M. Blakemore and Mrs D. Bennetts (vocal solos), Mrs V. Thomas (mandolin solo), Mrs H. Brosnahan (pianoforte solo), Miss Eileen Fitzgerald (recitation), Mr G. Holmes (piano-accordian and guitar), Mesdames I. Bell and J. Ancall (pianoforte duet). The toast list was as follows: “The Armed Forces,” Mr E. Blackmore <thc Mayor, Mr G. A. Harris); “The Ladies,” Mr V. L. Thomas (Mrs W. Wisdom); “The Gentlemen,” Mrs Bell (Mr C. C. Stanley); “Our Housekeepers,” Mr W. Prewer (Mr G. P. Smart); “The Visitors,” Mrs H. Brosnahan (Rev. W. Wisdom); “Kindred Societies," Mr W L. Dulieu (Mr J. Gourley). Long Cortege The funeral of the late Mr James Black Davis, who died last Wednesday at his residence, Dyson Street, Temuka, after a short illness, took place at the Temuka cemetery yesterday, the cortege being one of the longest seen at Temuka for some time. The service at the house and at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. L. M. Rogers, after which the impressive Masonic service was given by Worshipful Brother R. A. Lyall, assisted by Worshipful Master F. M. Martin of the Lodge of St. George. A guard of honour was formed by members of the Lodge St. George and the Alexandrovna

Lodge at the cemetery gates and, at the conclusion of the service, the Masonic brethren filed past the grave and dropped the usual sprig of acacia.

Pall bearers were Messrs G. A. Harris and M. Swap (Alexandrovna Lodge), R. I. McGregor and L. A. Nicholas (Masonic Lodge) and Dr. A. S. Mclnnes and J. L. Menzies (Temuka Bowling Club). Well-liked and respected by all with whom he came in contact, the late Mr Davis took an active part in many of the social and sporting activities of Temuka. Of quiet and self-effacing personality, he avoided the limelight of public office, but his willing and energetic assistance will be greatly missed by the many organisations of which he was a member and by those who cherish memories of his personal kindliness and sympathy. Bom at Kurow in 1890, Mr Davis was a son of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Davis. Educated at the Kurow School, he was first apprenticed to the tailoring trade in Kurow at the age of 14. Two years later he went to live at Dunedin and became apprentice to Mr F. Nichol, tailor, of King Street. While living in Dunedin, he became a playing member of the Roslyn-Wai-kari Association Football team, and throughout his life took a keen Interest in both the Rugby and Association codes of football. In 1912 he married Miss Margaret Muirhead, of Dunedin, and shortly afterward went to live at Ashburton, where he remained for six years before coming to Temuka as cutter for the late Mr W. Trigance. Nineteen years ago, Mr Davis established his own business as tailor and mercer in King Street, Temuka, and was carrying on this business when he took ill two months ago.

Mr Davis was a Past Master of the Lodge of St. George No. 29, and a past District Deputy Grand Master of Alexandrovna Lodge No. 15. 1.0.0. F. He was one of the foundation members of the United Friendly Societies’ Dispensary Board and a trustee from the time it was first established at Temuka. As chairman of the Temuka Soldiers’ Entertainment Committee and a member of the Patriotic Committee. Mr Davis took a very live interest in all that appertained to the welfare of Temuka servicemen. As a member of the welcoming committee, he took a pride in being at the railway station at any time of the day or night to welcome home men returning from overseas service and represented the committee at every send-off to servicemen and women whether the function was a formal presentation or merely an informal gathering. A keen sportsman, Mr Davis served for many years on the committee of the Temuka Football Club and was a past vice-president. He acted as line umpire for most of the senior matches and was a familiar figure on the side-line with his black find white flag. He took a great interest in the game of bowls and was a past president of the Temuka Bowling Club, winning the club champion singles three times. He was a member of the winning Temuka team in the South Canterbury champion of champion fours on three occasions, the last being in 1944, when, in company with Dr. A. S. Mclnnes, he was also successful in the champion of champion pairs. He represented the Temuka Club on a number of occasions both in Dominion and South Canterbury tournaments as well as participating in L:u": Canterbury representative games and vias a member of the winning team in the Timaru Christmas tournament pairs in 1918 and 1942, and the Oamaru Easter rinks in 1928. Mr Davis was a foundation member and a past president of the Friendly Fridays Association and a platoon commander in the Temuka Home Guard. He was a member of the Temuka Presbyterian Church. ‘He is survived by his wife, four daughters, Mrs C. Parrant (Temuka), Mrs J. Connell (Ashburton), Mrs L. Wilson (Auckland) and Miss J. Davis (Temuka) and one son, Mr Les. Davis of Temuka. Another son, Private B. W. Davis, was killed in action at El Alamein.

Personal Mrs A. G. J. Smith. Main North Road, and her two sons are spending the Christmas holidays at Christchurch. Mrs D. Reid, Wellington, is spending her annual holidays with her parents. Mr and Mrs H. Clinch, Studholme Street. Teachers Farewelled After the break-up ceremony of the Temuka District High School, members of the staff were entertained by Mr and Mrs J. L. Menzies at supper. The Mayor and Mayoress (Mr I>T --

A. Harris), Mr J. T. Smart (chairman of the Temuka Technical Association) and Mrs Smart, the Rev. W. Wisdom (representing the Temuka Ministers' Association) and a number of other guests were present. The staff of the Primary Department were entertained to morning tea at the school by Mrs J. L. Menzies, when the headmaster wished them the compliments of the season. Mr L. F. N. Ward replied for the staff.