MARTON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 109, 11 May 1931, Page 12

MARTON

AN INTERESTING DEBATE. There was a large and appreciative audience at the Druids’ Hall on Fridayevening when members of the Junior Reform League and Oddfellows’ Lodge :ook part in a public debate, the subject being “That State control of in dustry is preferable to private enterprise.” Messrs A. R. Gibson (leader). 11. M. Ward, and B. Simpson and Miss Kitrat took the affirmative and Messrs H. J. Fowler (leader), G. H. Denbou. R. Andrew, and K. Fowler, the negative. Mr K. A. Williams officiated as judge :;nd Mr A. Stuart as chairman and 1 i mekeeper. Mr A. Gibson championed State con-+-rol in a very able manner, citing the Public TAst. State Advances, auc? •State Fire Insurance offices as examples, also the post offices control, and h : -- supporters were also strong in their arguments for State control. The opposition’s attack was chiefly on the failure of the State railways and that State control was the cause of the public losing their individuality ana acting as a cog only in the wheel of industry. Previous to Mr Williams giving his verdict, a popular vote of those present was taken which was distinctly in favour of tire supporters of State control. Mr Williams congratulated the different speakers and gave the honours of the debate to Miss Kitcat, whose constructive policy of State control was a masterly piece of work. He stated that he was pleased that the audience*.* verdict had coincided with his judgment. as there was no doubt that the affirmative speakers had devoted a goon deal of attention to preparing a good case. The opposition’s contentions were directed to breaking down the policy of State control, but they had not brought, forward a constructive policy to prove that private enterprise was preferable to State control. Mr Stuart, in thanking the speakers and the public for the interest that ihey had taken in the debate, stated ■that, it would be much more interesting if in future the speakers discarded the reading of their speeches and entereo into the proper spirit of debating from a few notes —an opinion that met with favour from the audience. Light refreshments and dancing terminated a pleasant and instructiveevening and all the speakers are to be complimented on making suvh an auspicious appearance before the public. It shows that there are a number or padding public speakers who should make worthy citizens in the future ana be able to take their place in the civic and political life of the Dominion. MOTHERS’ UNION Over fifty women attended the monthly meeting of the above at St. Stephen’s Parish Hall on Friday afternoon. After the transaction of the usual business, Rev. A. M. Niblock addressed the meeting on the subject of “The Church and the Child.” Mr Niblock has been lecturing in other parts of the Dominion and the lecture halls have been crowded. The reason was disclosed on Friday when the lecturei held his audience with an address that was all too short, but full of inspiration and instruction. At the conclu-

sion of the meeting, tea was served by the members of the Mothers’ Union. MARTON JUNCTION SCHOOL At the Marton Junction School on Friday afternoon, preparatory to break-ing-up. a pleasing ceremony was performed by Mr A. S. Coleman (a mem bar of the Wanganui Education Board! when he presented the awards obtained by the Junction scholars at the Raagttikei Schools’ Sports Association sport.*, and also at the Marton Chrysanthemum Show. The chairman of the schoo* committee (Mr H. C. Groan) was also present, and welcomed the Board's member. An impromptu concert. wa» staged by the school children and a pleasant, afternoon was spent. ST. STEPHEN’S GUILD PREPARING FOR THE BULB SHOW St. Stephen’s Guild has begun its winter preparations for next bulb and spring flower show. A fully attended business committee meeting was held on Thursday, at which preparations were set in motion. Purchases of material have been made for the first sewing meeting: these will take place every Thursday afternoon at 2.30 o’clock in the Parish Hall, tea being provided by members in turn. Motl* helpers are needed and will be welcomed. It was decided to hold a gift afternoon for material in the Parish Hall on Thursday. May 28. at 2.30 p.m.. when it was hoped there would be a good supply received. New subscribers would be welcome. THE CIVIC THEATRE “MONTE CARLO” Two musical comedy stars appear together in the Paramount production of “Monto Carlo,” the fine picture ai. the Civic Theatre, to-night. .Tactt Buchanan, England’s favourite, and recently popular on the stage in NevYork. makes his debut in films, and his personality is sure to please. Unvoice. too, is heard to distinct advantage in several of the delightful numbers of the picture. Jeanette MacDonald. remembered for the beauty oi. her voice and pulchritude in “The Love Parade’’ and “The Vagabond King.” is the lady of the play. MARTON GOLF CLUB Keen interest was taken in the match between teams representing the president and captain of the Marton dub on Saturday afternoon. Most of the games were very closely contested. The match resulted in a draw, each I side winning seven games and halving j one. . Following are the results, the | captain’s players being mentioned first; A. Fullerton-Smith lost to C. M. Fenwieke; F. J. Christensen beat R. Fu;-lerton-Snrith; A. D. Fnllerton-Smitn beat S. A. Gover; C. M. Holdaway los* to F. Colman; J. Opensliaw lost to 3. R. L. Stanford; H. Collier beat P. Gover; R. McKenzie lost to F. Fuller-ton-Smith; D. Sladden lost to R. (?. Ball; G. AL Moffitt beat A. H. Marshall; H. Coleman lost to D. G. Barton; ; F. Wood lost to W. A. Grummitt; G. G. Olli ver beat L. W. Frank; G. A. Simpson halved with L. Coleman; Dr. Harpur beat H. M. Ward; H. C. Date beat R. G. Kingdom MARTON CROQUET CLUB On Saturday the above club conducted a “shop” in Broadwav and as a result their funds will benefit by £6 14s. Mr D. Thomson won the stockings competition and Mrs O. Neumann, the goose A. & P. ASSOCIATION NOMINATION OF OFFICERS The general committee met on Saturday evening there being present Messrs C. E. Vile (chairman), F. Brice, K. Scoon. A. S. Coleman. P. Miller, W. O. Gordon, F. McLean, F. IT. Dexter, S. W. Morrison. E. R. Galpin, J. H. McLean, IL Marshall, IL Coleman, K. Stevens. H. Morrison. E. Thoms, P. B. Gordon. ,T. W. Griffin. F. Rickman, D. McLean. G. Morris, and secretary. Mr Jas Wilson’s application for loan of sheep hurdles was acceded to under the direction of the secretary. The Itangitikei Schools’ Sports Association wrote thanking the committee for loan of hurdles for their annual sports. Mr Keith Stevens was appointed delegate to the N.Z. Council of Agriculture, and Messrs Keith Stevens and C. E. Vile, as delegates to the N.Z. A. and P. Associations of the North Island Conference at Palmerston North in June. Arising out of correspondence, a resolution was unanimously carried (Chairman —A. S. Coleman) that this Association enters an emphatic protest against the embargo being lifted on the importation of stock from any country where foot and mouth disease is prevalent and that an additional embargo be placed upon Countries where foot and mouth disease is known to bo prevalent. It was decided to hold the next annual show on Wednesday, February 24. 1932. The annual ball will be held on Fri-

day, June 26. and the prices of admission have been reduced to double tickets 10/-; extra lady 5/-. This step I was thought advisable on account of tho present depression. A motion of condolence was carried in silence to the relatives of tho late .Mr T. Wing, Mr Jas. Smith and M. D. Stent. Mr A. S. Coleman, who was absent when the cups were presented, congratulated Mr C. E. Vile on winning the cup for fat. lambs at tho rwent show. He considered that they wort* tho best lambs shown for a numbe-. of years and were a credit to the district. The nomination of officers was as foL i lows: President. Mr Keith Stevens-, vice-presidents. Messrs IT. W. Smith, If. Thoms 8. W. Morrison, and It. J. Moore; bon. treasurer. Mr F. R. IL Brice; committee. Messrs F. Rickman, .T. H. McLean. E. R. Galpin. J. W. Griffin. 11. W. Collier. A. S. Coleman, * •. F. Vile, W. E. Gibbons, and Walter Jenkins (in place of A. R. Gibson''. The annual meeting will be hold at tho Coronation Hall on Tuesday. Max 19. at 7.30 p.m.. at which the now officers will be elected. FIRE BRIGADE THE ANNUAL RE-UNION There was a large attendance of visiting firemen, honorary members and councillors at tho annual re-union of the Fire Brigade held in the Fire Brigade Hall on Friday evening. Ex-Captain Gronn occupied the chair. Apologies were received from His Worship the Mayor Councillors Cam cron, Langston, McKenzie. Barton, Honeyman, and Moore. Mr J. A. Bush, Mr Gatrell, Mr Stanbury and Foil ding, Palmerston North and ’ Taihape Fire Brigades. The following toast, list was honoured: “Tho King.” (chairman): “The United Fire Brigade Association of New Zealand,” proposed by H. C. Gronn and responded to by Capt. Gordon (Hunterville); “The United District Fire Brigade Association,” proposed by Lieut. R. Gordon, and responded to by President Supt. R. A. Anderson (Marton); “Tho Marton Borough Council,” proposed by Secretary L. Mclndoe, and responded to by Councillors Gorrie, Sicely and A. A. Mclndoe; “The Marton Volunteer Fire Brigade.” proposed by Councillor Sicely, and responded to by Supt. Anderson and Secretary Mclndoe; “The President of the United District Fire Brigade Association,” proposed by Secretary L. Mclndoe, and replied to by President R. A. Anderson); “Secretary L. Mclndoe,” proposed by the chairman, and responded by Secretary L. Mclndoe); “Gold Star Members,” proposed by Councillor A. A. Mclndoe, and responded to by ex-Captain Gronn and Secretary L. Mclndoe; “Visiting Firemen,” proposed by Foreman (Dudley, and responded, to by Hunterville members; “Honorary Members.” proposed by Hydrantman j. Arclybald, and responded to by Messrs G. Morris and J. Rice; “Visitors,” pro-, posed by Lieutenant R. Gordan and responded to by Mr Doyle; “Newly Elected Councillors,” proposed by the chairman and responded to by Councillor K. A. Williams; “Press,” proposed by Supt. R. Anderson and responded to by Mr A. Way; “The Chairman,” proposed by Supt. Anderson and responded to by Captain Gronn. During the evening items were given by Mr J. Doyle, R. Cross (songs), Groves (guitar), Williams (cornet solo). .T. Garvie (violin), H. Dudley, Abbott, Hodges and Bilderbeck (songs). The chairman presented the following honours gained by the members <luring the year: A two-year Service Bar to Supt. R. Anderson, Lieutenant R. Gordon, Secretary L. Mclndoe and Branchman A. Campbell, and a three year’s certificate to ex-Fireman R. An derson, and to Fireman A. Anderson. In proposing the toast of the president of tho United District Fire Brigade Association, the secretary said a great honour had been shown the brigade, and asked President Ajiderson to accept a small momento in the shape of a leather pocket wallet from the members of the brigade. President R. Anderson thanked the brigade members for their congratulations and stated that he was knocked off his pins in receiving the lovely momento, The chairman sprung a surprise on the secretary by presenting him with a gold mounted walking stick, from well wishers of tho brigade, and in the fact of his being 28 years secretary. The secretary suitably responded. Superintendent R. Anderson took the opportunity of making a presentation of a set of cutlery to Fireman L. Mora on the occasion of his recent marriage. Fireman L. Mora thanked members for the totaaly unlooked-for gift. During the evening cheques for £1 were received from Councillors Gorrie and Sicely and from Messrs Sutcliffe Bros, and A. Way. An Interesting Review After responding to the toast of the Marton Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Secretary gave a brief report of the year’s work as follows: This is the 52nd. annual report of the brigade. We were very fortunate in the matter of fires during the year. We were called out only on five occasions, two of which were chimneys. The most serious fire was to a residence in Harris Street. The Brigade effected a very fine save. The other two fires were only minor ones. ’The 30 practices and meetings held during the year were all well attended. The practices mostly having a much better attendance than the meetings, thus showing that members desire to be efficient in their work. A team took part in the demonstration held in Taihape last year, and were successful in winning the two men coupling championship. The same team competed at Waipukurau this year, but although doing good work, were not successful in retaining the cup. Tho membership of the brigade totals .17 and is a fine body of men, and wo are proud of same. The town is fortunate in having so many willing to give their services. Marton enjoys a good name amongst insurance companies, and this is due in the most part in always having a very efficient brigade, and capable officers in command. The annual election of officers took place in February, and was one of the most keenly contested eleclions ever held. We ended our year with a, small credit balance. During the last two years we have helped members in hospital and it drained our funds. We rely on public subscriptions and hope the citizens will send along donations during the coming year. Members ot the brigade pay Is 6d per month each to the common fund. During the year firemen have been placed on duty at the picture theatre, and was a much desired thing, and has been advocated for by the brigade members for many years. Our worthy superintendent was elect ed unopposed as president of the United District Fire Brigade Association and we all join in congratulating him on t he honour conferred. Wc Jjaow he will

worthily fulfil his responsibilities. It would not be out of place here to mention the years of service given by some members of the. brigade. Superintendent Anderson has served 20 years, 1 Lieutenant R. Gordon 17. Foreman 11. J. (Dudley 18, and Secretary L. Mclndoe 29 years, and he has been secretary for 28 years. Other firemen, have many years service to. their credit, especially Fireman L. Miles with 24 years. To-night two year Service Bars will be presented to Superintendent Anderson. fi Lieutenant R. Gordon, Branchman Campbell, and Secretary L. Mclndoe, and a three-years’ certificate to Firemen A. and K. Anderson, both of whom arc sons of the superintendant. This is the first occasion in the history of the brigade that a member has had a certificate presented to his son. We are indebted to the following for donations during tho year. Messrs W. Gatrell, P. Cosgrave, J. Gordon, 1). A. Thomson, TT. C. Gronn, W. McCully. Sutcliffe Bros,, ami the Marton Borough Council. We hope that the h ippy relations that have existed between the brigade and the Borough. Council will confiniu'. with the newly-elected one. AVe hope for an increased grant this year so as to procure a, few more much needed uniforms. The townspeople hardly realize how little the Fire Brigade really costs them considering the size of the borough. We have nearly 40 miles of mains with plugs ami there is hardly a z town or at the Junction that,> x

three-inch main. AVe even extend into the country and have been of much service to them in the past. The fire plugs have been, regularly attended to by (he Borough Council. The plant and station has been well Joked after by the custodian. Air S. Henderson. AVe desire again to thank all who have helped us during the past year, especially the Fire Brigade committee of the Borough Council for their interest on the brigade’s behalf.