TIMARU NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18985, 3 February 1930, Page 5

TIMARU NEWS.

TIMARU-TEMUKA HIGHWAY Messrs T. Scott and J. Brady, members of the executive of the Automobile Association, replying to the statement of Mr T. B. Garrick that he took exception to remarks made by them to members of the Main Highways Board, regarding the Timaru-Te-muka main road, state that all their statements were based on proved facts, and that there was no unwarranted criticism. All the facts were placed before the board, at its invitation, in a moderate and proper manner. Messrs Scott and Brady state that the Timaru-Temuka highway, the main north arterial road adjacent to Timaru, and its condition, provided a very bad approach to the town. This section of highway had been in an unusually bad state, and had been rendered dangerous, particularly at corners, by reason of a standard of maintenance which was far below that required for modern motor traffic. It could quite properly be stated to be one of the worst stretches of shingle road for pot-holes and loose gravel in Canterbury, and there were many byroads which were in better condition. The incident relating to the capsizing of a car could be definitely proved, but it was merely referred to incidentally, and not intended to be emphasised any further than the other evidence available as to the bad condition of the road. The highway had been the subject matter of complaints from motorists from all parts of the Dominion. DRUNK ON SOUTH EXPRESS. Albert Joseph Bell, describing himself as a Dunedin resident, was ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within three months on a charge of being drunk while in a carriage of the Christchurch-Invercargill express on Friday. A special condition imposed by the presiding Justice, Commander Steward, was that accused leave town immediately. A plea of guilty was entered. Senior-Sergeant T. Gibson said that accused had become intoxicated as the result of drinking methylated spirits, a partly-consumed bottle of which was produced in Court. Bell was in a filty state, and offensive. He had to be removed from the carriage and arrested. He had a previous list. Bell stated that he had just come out of Ashburton Hospital, where in three weeks he had undergone two operations for a septic foot. The spirits was not for drinking, but for application to his foot. He would leave town immediately if given a chance. Senior-Sergeant Gibson: It is a serious offence, but if Bell is ordered to come up for sentence within three months, he can be sentenced on the same charge if he misbehaves during that period. The suggestion was acted on by the Bench. CUSTOMS REVENUE DECREASES. The sum of £4305 11s Id against £8622 8s lOd last year, was collected as customs revenue for the past month. The tyre tax amounted to £9l 12s, compared with £lßl 18s and the petrol tax £1252 9s 4d.

BEAUTIFUL WEATHER. Saturday and Sunday saw some of the warmest and most pleasant weather so far experienced to date this year. Prospects are good for a continuation of the dry weather needed for the gathering of the harvest. The grain crops require no further rain for ripening. RAINFALL IN JANUARY. January was the wettest month experienced for many yea*rs, 6.38 inches of rain having been registered at the gauge at the gardens by the curator, Mr D. N. Harper. BAND RECITAL. The Timdru Municipal Band gave an enjoyable concert on Caroline Bay yesterday afternoon to a large number of townspeople and visitors. The conductor was Lieut. W. H. Osborne. BOWLER’S SUCCESS. Mr W. M’lllray, a former Timaru resident, won the Gisborne Bowling Club’s singles championship this season. During his younger days Mr MTllray was a prominent player for the Zingari Football Club, and later he took up the sport of bowling with the Kia Toa Club. FREEZING WORKERS’ PICNIC. The Pareora Freezing Works employees and their families held their annual picnic at the Ashburton Domain on Saturday. Over 400 took part under glorious weather conditions. SCHOOLS RE-OPENING. The primary schools of Timaru and the Technical College re-open to-day. The first term for 1930 of the Boj's’ and Girls’ High Schools commences tomorrow. SPEECHLEY MEMORIAL CUP. To commemorate the late Mr Edward Speechley, who during his lifetime showed such practical interest in swimming in South Canterbury, the Speechly family has donated a Memorial Cup to the centre for competition in the Speechly Mile. This event is competed for at Timaru annually by a large number of prominent swimmers. CANADIAN BOWLERS LEAVE. After an enjoyable stay the Canadian bowling team left Timaru on Saturday morning for Waimate via Hunter Hills. They were accorded a civic reception at Waimate by the Mayor, Mr George Dash, and were the guests of the Waimate Bowling Club at morning tea. They . later motored to Studholme Junction, where they connected with the south express. YESTERDAY'S EXCURSIONS. Nearly 1400 excursionists arrived at Timaru from Christchurch yesterday. The first train brought 500 odd, with 120 bookings and the second, with those picked up en route, brought the balance. The train to Christchurch from Timaru took 402 from Timaru, nine were picked' up at Washdyke, 57 at Temuka, 40 at Orari and a considerable number at Ashburton. SUPREME COURT SITTING. The Supreme Court session, the first for 1930, opens at Timaru to-morrow, before his Honor, Mr Justice Adams. POPULAR BANK OFFICER. Mr W. Sotham, accountant at Timaru for twenty-two of his thirty-seven years’ service with the Union Bank of Australia, was met on the eve of his retirement by a representative gathering of Timaru business men and presented with a substantial cheque. The presentation was made by Mr C. E. Torlesse, a past manager of the bank’s Timaru branch. Mr Torlesse’s remarks as to the ability, courtesy and personality of Mr Sotham were endorsed by Mr W. Morrison, manager of the bank and other of the bank’s customers. Mr Sotham and his familv will take up their residence at Auckland. REQUEST FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. Ihe 1931 swimming championships, which are decided by postal ballot, have been applied for by the South Canterbury Swimming Centre. PERSONAL. Mr R. J. F. Lewis, of the head office of the Public Trust, has been transferred

to Timaru. Mr C. B. Orr Wallier, S.M., has returned to Timaru from Hanmer Springs. Dr G. Edgar Ford, for the practical section and Mr Alexander Watson, for the elocutonnary, have been appointed the examiners for the September prae tical examinations of the Trinity College of Music.