LOCAL AND GENERAL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23321, 3 October 1945, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Blind Social Club.— Many members were present at the monthly meeting of the Blind Social Club, held last Saturday. The speaker for the afternoon was Mr G. Ashdowne, field officer of the institute, who surveyed the work of other social clubs and the progress made in respect of the recently formed home occupation section. Musical items were provided by Miss L. McDonald, Mesdames King, Mcßae and Lennon.

Large Coal Excavators.— Two large drag-line excavators which, it is said, will revolutionise open shaft mining in New Zealand, have arrived at Auckland from the United States on board the Port Halifax. One is for use in the Huntly area and the other will be. used at Stockton where a high-grade coal is being mined. The large scoops will, lift 16 tons of material at a time. According to an Auckland report some of this plant had previously been going to Russia.

Ashburton Record.— While the birth of twins at the maternity ward of the Ashburton Public Hospital is an event of sufficient moment to cause some excitement, the advent of two lots of twins in a single week-end constitutes something of a record. This occurred last week-end. when seven babies were born altogether. One set of twins were boys and the others a boy and a girl. All the babies are in excellent health, though one which weighed 31b 9oz at birth will be sent to the Karitane Hospital for a while.

Visit to Milk Depot.— At the invitation of the Town Clerk of the Wellington City Council, the Mayor (Mr A. E. 8. Hanan), the Town Clerk (Mr J. M. Jenkins), and Dr. J. C. McKenzie, medical superintendent of the Timaru Public Hospital, visited the City Milk Department while in the capital on park land business. The Town Clerk said that' he was most impressed by the methods of pasteurisation, cleaning of bottles and the complete processes through which the milk went before being distributed to the public.

Remarkable Record.—A remarkable record of longevity and of family life is that of Mr and Mrs Francis Stringer, of Herbert. Mr Stringer's present age is 95 and his wife is 84. They have 95 descendants all living; in fact there has not been one break in their family right down from their own family of eight boys and two girls, to their latest great-grandchild, which brings up their total family to 95. Further, every member of their family has always enjoyed good health. Their oldest son, Mr Harry Stringer, is also a greatgrandfather. Mr and Mrs Stringer have lived at Herbert all their lives, and there is no more highly respected family throughout the whole district. More Like Eton Every Day.— “ Anyone would think it was Eton College. It is getting more like that every day,” commented Mrs Knox Kilmour at a meeting of the Wellington Colleges Board of Governors when a report was received from the headmaster of Wellington Boys’ College stating that the booking for Firth House next year was practically complete, and that a number of boarders had been booked for 1947, 1948 and 1949. "The rule for selection has been laid down, and I do not think there is any necessity to alter it,” remarked the chairman. Mr H. M. Patrick. It was stated that preference as boarders had been given to students whose homes were distant from the city.

Highfleld Red Cross.— Members of the Highfleld sub-centre of the Red Cross met recently at the home of Mrs Anderson, Sealy Street, to do honour to Mrs Jenkins, who has resigned the presidency after holding it for six years. Mrs Jenkins and her mother, Mrs Warrington, were presented with floral sprays. A pleasant hour was spent with music and competitions. After tea had been served, a presentation was made to Mrs Jenkins of an appropriately worded hand printed appreciation of her services and a delightful basket of spring flowers culled from the gardens of committee members. Deep appreciation of Mrs Jenkins’ devoted and happy leadership of the sub-centre was expressed by Mrs M. Vucetich and Mrs S. Arthur. Mrs Jenkins was the only official of the Highfleld group to hold continuous office for the six years of war.