Town Talk

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 98, 28 April 1930, Page 6

Town Talk

British Rugby Visitors It is 42 years since the first British Rugby team toured New Zealand. That side drew with Wanganui in an exciting match played on St. John’s Hill, the scores being three all.

Lorry Causes “Quake.” “And Wanganui is not to have a new courthouse," was a remark passed at the Children’s Court on Saturday. A lorry passed. The building rumbled and shook as it a heavy earthquake were in progress. Clothes Line Bobbed

Last week the “Chronicle” reported that residents of Purnell Street had had a meat safe robbed. It is learned now that a clothes line at a place immediately opposite was stripped about the same time, every article of clothing being removed overnight.

A Change of Front “They come to me with vehemence in theit hearts but when their property is recovered they make every endeavour to have the proceedings cancelled”— thus Senior Sergeant McLean, "concerning the owners of missing property, during the hearing of a series of theft charges against children at the Children’s Court on Saturday.

Thefts'by Children In conversation with a “Chronicle” reporter prior to the hearing of a series of charges in the Children’s Court relating to the theft of a variety of articles including bicycles, boats, and fruit, Senior. Sergeant McLean stated that thefts by children were far too numerous. Every endeavour was being made to starip out the nuisance. Good Wishes From Afar.

While members of the Wanganui , Harrier Club were being entertained at afternoon tea at the residence of the president, Mr C. R. White, he read a letter from an old Wanganui harrierwalker “Sammy” Gudsell written in far away Toronto. The club’s old boy extended best wishes for the season and trusted that they would win back the Benson Tophy from Masterton. The Launch Huia

The fishing launch Huia, which was beached off Waitotara at the beginning of last week was refloated and towed back to Wanganui by the Gallileo. The Huia developed engine trouble and the seas carried her on to the beach. The crew had a trying time and express thanks for assistance rendered them, by residents of Waitotara and they ’are grateful also for the help the Gallileo gave to bring the craft back to port. Aramoho Camp Appreciated.

Over a hundred parties made use of the Aramoho motor camp over Easter. Takings were very satisfactory and the civic authorities have expressed considerable satisfaction at the .patronage accorded the camp. Each year the number of campers shows an increase which speaks for the popularity in which the camp is held. Speaking with a party at the camp yesterday a •‘Chronicle’’ reporter was told that although they had travelled from the South Island up to Napier,. Auckland and over a great part of the North Island they had not met the better of the Aramoho camp.

A Sturdy Derelict. “Look at that—and all for 27s 6d,’ : said the proud owner of a car which long ago should have known the scrap heap. The car had j<st arrived in at Wanganui with its complement of four. Like good fishermen, the owner proceeded to relate the merits—demerits were not mentioned—of the car. It had brought them all the way from the Taranaki centre to Wanganui on top gear in less than 3 hours. Involved in the purchase price was the cost of two new gaskets, 4 gallons of benzine, and the transfer fee. The owner gave evidence of being surprised at the general laugh that followed his statement that he would re-registcr the machine. His inference was that he was hopeful of finding a new owner. Old Colours

The colours of the old Wanganui Rugby Football Club, red and black, made their appearance on Spriggens Park on Saturday for the first time for a lapse of years. The Wanganui and Old Boys fifteen, which in its amalgamated form, camo into being after the war has worn blue in each succeeding year up to the present, thus retaining a prominent association with Old Boys. This season a change has been made which brings the club more under the mantle of the body which first played Rugby in this district—the Wanganui Club. If score® are any criterion, however, it would seem that change, for this season at any rate, is not destined to place the side at the top of the ladder. Red and black went under on Saturday to the tune of 29 points to six.

Rugby Ushered In The 1930 Rugby season was ushered in in Wanganui on Saturday in fine weather, a fairly large representation of the public being present to follow the play in the two senior matches on Spriggens Park. More than ordinary interest attaches to this year’s football, in that a British team will tour New Zealand and roughly three weeks from now, the first match will be played at Wanganui. The Rugby Union is engaged in framing a suitable programme for the occasion. The New Zealand Union, very wisely, has decided to send the British team on here as soon after they arrive in New Zealand as possible. They are expected in Wanganui about May 16 and will be here over a week-end until the following Thursday morning. A comprehensive programme of entertainment is now in course of preparation. Enemies of Birds

The toll taken each year from the feathered kingdom by vermin is increasing. The Wanganui Acclimatisation {Society has expressed grave alarm in this connection. The president, Mr H. J. Duigan, says that stoats and weasels are the most dangerous enemies of birds, and the havoc wrought on New Zealand game has been tremendous. The toll of the hawk comes far behind that of the other two. Speaking at the Society’s annual meeting, Mr Duigan said that despite the ravages made upon them native birds seemed to be increasing. The fantail, the bell-bird and the tui, all appeared to be on the increase. Shining cuckoo were seen in greater numbers cuckoo were sen in greater numbers nowadays. The last-named species had been seen in fairly large numbers about Rotorua.