Sumner Ripples

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19108, 28 June 1930, Page 28 (Supplement)

Sumner Ripples

— By Special Correspondent of the ** Star.” —-..

SUMNER D.H.S. The following successes were scored by the middle-weight team representing the Sumner District High School in the inter-school Rugby competition: Against Waimairi. 9-0; West Spreydon, 26-0; Somerfield, 0-0; Riccarton, 20-0; Normal, 5-0; Bromley, 8-5. Total: For. 68: against, 5. Points secured, 11. The team at the end of the round was leading equal with Wharenui and Fendalton On Thursday basketball and football teams met the secondary department at Oxford in their annual matches. Both of the visiting teams were defeated. MAORI CONCERT. The Town Hall was packed on Wednesday evening, when a return visit was made by a very clever party of Maoris representing New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Associated with them was the Rev A. J. Seamer, the general superintendent of the Methodist Home Mission Department. The programme included karanga, poi dances, hakas, ancient games, waiatas and Maori songs, and was intensely interesting from beginning to end. SUPERINTENDENT J. CARTER. No figure in fire brigade and gala matter's has been so prominent in the past as that of Superintendent J. Carter, who is retiring from active volunteer service after forty-five years work in fire stations. Born at sea in the sailing ship Echunga four weeks before calling a'. Tirnaru, he was carried over the Bridle Path in 1862. In this connection it is remarkable to note that on the same ship, half an hour earlier, was born Mr William Jewell, at present living in Barbadoes Street, City. Mr Carter’s first work with fire brigades was done as a tiny lad, at the emigration barracks, in Market Square Nathan Jowett, the caretaker, was in charge of the plant, and drove the fire engine which as a boy Superintendent Carter often helped to polish. When he was old enough he joined the Chester Street brigade, under Superintendent Turton. He was for seven years in the city brigade as branchman. The old Chester Street fire bell, he says, is now in Sumner, and the Lichfield Street bell at Rotorua. Speaking of the first Sumner Brigade, under Superintendent Carpinter, tfien a councillor, he related the story of his resignation due to his enthusiasm for cricket. He had lent the late Mr J. S. Monck the hose to water the pitch, and on being asked for a “please explain’*, had resigned. Superintendent

C Phillips, in office for fifteen years, reorganised the brigade, with Mr A. Cuddy as lieutenant, Mr J. Glennie as foreman, and Mr J. Carter as one of the firemen. “I am retiring,” said the superintendent, “feeling very grateful to my brigade for their wonderful support, and very grateful, also, to the residents of Sumner for many, many kindnesses and generous expressions of confidence in my work in the past.’’ PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs E. A. Johnson leave for Auckland this evening. The Rev W. M’Ara, who is still confined to his room, is making satisfactory progress. The death of Miss J. O’Sullivan, a member of the teaching staff of the School for the Deaf, came as a great shock to her friends. Although she was only appointed to her late position at the end of last year, she had, in a very short time, made many friends, and had established herself as a very popular teacher. The funeral took place at her home town, Westport. The Hon J. Barr, M.L.C., who during last week was rather seriously indisposed, was able to leave on Monday evening for Wellington, in order to be present at the opening of Parliament. Superintendent J. Carter has received the following letter from the Sumner Borough Council through the town clerk:—“l have been directed by the Sumner Borough Council to acknowledge your letter with regret. Whilst accepting your resignation, the council has placed on record its sin cere appreciation of your long, faithful and valuable services as a member and superintendent. It was readily agreed that you should be allowed to retain the undress uniform mentioned by you and at the end of the month to grant you three months’ leave May I join the council in wishing you every happiness and prosperity in the future ?” SUMNER GOOD TEMPLARS. The Sumner Pride Juveniles met very bad weather again on Wednesday evening and, there being but a small attendance, a series of games was held. The superintendent announced that the crowning of the Band of Hope Queen would take place in the Choral Hall at 7.30 p.m. on July 5. The folk dance squad held a practice and arrangementc -"ere male to take up the work seriously. Members were reminded of the eesa> competition in “The Guide." It was open to all juveniles in New Zealand. It was announced that titles of the humorous recitations, vocal solos and

own selections must be handed in to the S.J.W. not later than Wednesday, July 2. VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE. Superintendent J. Carter presided foi the last time over a meeting of the Volunteer Fire Brigade on Tuesday evening. Wishing the men good-bye. Superin tendent Carter commented upon the soundness of the brigade. He said that their loyalty had made his work with them a pleasure. They had been pood to him and by their attention to com petition matters had become a very efficient brigade. He was giving up a lifelong hobby, but was doing sc with much comfort of mind from the knowledge that he left the brigade prosperous and respected by the whole borough. Following this the members individually paid the retiring superinten dent many high compliments, and finally elected him a life member of the brigade. REDCLIFFS GOOD TEMPLARS. The Ever Onward Temple met in the usual way this week. Brother J. Graham presiding. One candidate was initiated. Sister Cooper, of Christchurch, the judge of the ritual competition, was given a hearty welcome. A word-building competition then took plact, the winner* of which will be announced next week. Parlour games were provided for the very voung members.