MARTON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 229, 28 September 1931, Page 3

MARTON

OBITUARY. THE LATE GEORGE CUMMINS. On Thursday, 24th inst., there passed away at Wanganui Hospital, after a brief illness, Mr. George Cummins, for many years a resident of Wanganui, Hunterville and Marton. With, his parents (the late John Cummins and the late Agnes Cummins) ho arrived at Wanganui in 1859 from Port Macquarrie in New South Wales, where he was born. At that time, Wanganui was a mere village. As a young man, the late Mr. George Cummins was engaged in the coachbuilding business at Wanganui, later extending his activities to racing boat construction in the early eighties—a time when the Wanganui Rowing Club and the Union Boat Club were at the height of their activities. Th. 3 racbuilt by him were in high ic* pute xii Wellington, as well as locally, and th it; encourage! Mr. Cummins tc seek a larger field for his operations. He transferred them, therefore, to Wellington, where there were two very active rowing clubs. He biter found a larger scope for his activities at, the Parramatta River, near Sydney. Returning to New Zealand after coachbuilding, first at Hunterville some years, Mr. Cummins again took up coachbuilding, first at Hunterville (where the Ladies’ Club now stands), and then at Marton. At the latter place, following out "a line of thought inspired by his acquaintance with sheep farming in Australia, he invented and patented the well-known “Sandow’’ woolpress, which has a high reputation throughout New Zealand, commanding extensive sales. For the last few years Mr. Cummins has had a retired life, though active for a man of his years (78). Some years ago he had a considerable reputation as a rifle shot, winning numerous trophies in Queensland, and at Wanganui and Marton. He was an enthusiast at bowling, and was for many years up till his decease a highly-es-teemed member of the Marton Bowling Club, which body at its recent annual meeting voted him to honorary life membership. It is said that he has not lived to enjoy this privilege. At one time, he was also a good local chess player. The late gentleman has passed away to his rest a popular and highly esteemed citizen—one who has seen this coast develop from its primitive state and scattered population to flourishing fields and large towns. He is survived by his sisters: Mrs. Bevan (the first Mayoress of Marton), and Misses Sarah Cummins (Auckland), and Elsie Cummins (Wanganui). Also his widow and family. A long cortege of friends followed the funeral on Saturday afternoon to pay their last respects. For many years a # member of Lodge Ruapehu (Marton) ho was accorded a full Masonic funeral. M.U. 1.0.0. F. LOYAL MARTON LODGE. The fortnightly meeting of the above lodge was held last evening, a good attendance of members being presided over by Bd. W. D. Jackson, P.G., in the unavoidable absence of Bro. H. G. Allison. Ono new member was admitted. Reports showed several members on the sick list, mainly due to the prevailing influenza. All are making good progress. Correspondence included an invitation from Bro. and Sis. Jonson to attend the marriage of their daughter at Rata on October 7. It was accepted and a bus load is being arranged. An invitation to meet the district and society officers at Lovin on October 24 was received from the Levin Lodge, and if possible the lodge will bo represented. Leave of absence was granted to Bro. H. G. Allison, owing to business having taken him out of the district. A motion of condolence with Bro. F. Hill was passed in connection with the recent bereavement in his family. Owing to pressure of other engagements Bro. K. H. Fowler found it necessary to tender his resigntion as Guardian, and it was accepted with regret. Another Guardian will be appointed at the next meeting, when a degree lecture will also be held. Reports were received concerning the installation of officers of Bulls, the Ritual Competition at Wanganui, and a presentation of an enlarge photograph of the late Bro. T. Copeland, P.P.M.G.. of the Wanganui Lodge, to Mrs. Copeland. Regarding the Ritual Competition it was decided to keep up practice, and endeavour to get the challenge decided in the near future. The absence on leave of Bro. Allison has rendered an alteration of plans necessary. Competitors are to assemble at the Coronation Hall at 7 o’clock tonight (Monday) for further practice. A committee was set up to try to arrange a challenge to a football match with Wanganui Lodge for the Salek Sports Cup. After lodge closed supper was served, and the majority of members left for another attraction. ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE. At about eight o’clock on Friday night an earthquake of a sharp nature was felt in Marton. A distinct rumble preceded the earthquake, which was in the nature of a heavy jolt. THE CIVIC THEATRE. “SCANDAL SHEET.” George Bancroft has played a greater variety of screen roles than any other star of the motion picture world today, according to information received from Hollywood. At the start of his career, he was a screen cowboy. From minor parts, Bancroft quickly became one of the screen’s best-known western villains. It was his work as the “laughing killer” in “Code of the West,” thta brought him to featured prominence. From screen villainry, Bancroft stepped into a comedian’s shoes in “Old Ironsides,” “The Rough Riders,” and “Tell It to Sweeney.” Bancroft’s work in “Underworld” introduced him in this type of characterisation and won him his greatest fame up to that time. Since then, he has been Wall Street operator, military officer, snip’s stoker, dock worker, immigrant labour, society man, and an editor in Paramount’s “Scandal Sheet,” which shows at the Civic Theatre this evening for its final screening. GENERAL. Applications are invited by Mr. A. C. Birch, “Thoresby,” Marton, for tl.e right to cut firewood from pinus ihsignus on his property. Applications close on Saturday, October 3.