MARTON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 119, 23 May 1932, Page 3

MARTON

A “WELCOME HOME’’ In order to extend to Air. A. Stuart, ALP. for Rangitikei, their congratulations on his selection as member for Parliament, the Coalition Committee and a number of friends paid a surprise visit to Air. and Mrs. A. Stuart at their residence at “ Runnymcdc” on Friday evening, with the result that over one hundred well-wishers assembled to do honour to the occasion. After the loyal toast of “The King” had been honoured, Afr-. E. B. Gordon, chairman of the Central Committee, proposed the toast of ‘ ‘ The Guest ol the Evening,” stating how pleased they all were to seo Air. A. Stuart finally elected as their member. He was sure that Air. Stuart would make a worthy representative and would do his best for the electors in all parts of the electorate, independent of their shade of politics. AJr. Stuart had risen from the ranks of a worker and by his straightforward and honest convictions had occupied almost every position in civic government, besides being a member of the Wellington Land Board and head of several local institutions. His fighting ability had been recognised at its true worth, ano ho had always given a helping hand to any worthy object. His generous contributions during the recent earth quake and unemployment were given without any idea of any reward and worthily appreciated by his numerous friends. It had been a trying time for the committee right from the outset ol the election contes and it speaks vol umes for the electors of Rangitikei that with such a big leeway of about 2000 votes that Air. Stuart was returned at the top of he poll by even such a small majority of seven votes. (Applause).

The remarks of the chairman were endorsed by Alessrs. F. J. Christensen, W. R. Anderson (Taihape), F. Alarlow (Taihape), A. AfcDonald (Taihape), J. Fyfe, K. Fowler, H. T. Whale, F. K. H. Brice, A. Kimpton, A. Straw bridge, H. S. C. Aforrison, S. R. Hercock, J. R. L. Stanford, F. Sisson, F. Johnston. F. Rickman, W. C. Fowler, A. Way, Dr. Dick and Mrs. F. R. Brice, who also added their congratulations to Air. A. Stuart on being elected as their representative. Mr. A. Stuart, in responding, gave an interesting account of his initial experiences in Parliament, although he was placed in rather an invidious position, as he really did not know whether he was m the House on sufferance or otherwise, but he was pleased that the trouble was now all over and that he could feel secure in his scat. His ambition was to be of some service to the electors, who had returned him to Parliament, and he would attend to his duties to the Dominion and the elee tors to the best of his ability. As chairman had stated, it had been a very trying time for all who had taken an interest in the election, and He sincerely thanked the chairman and members of the different committees who had devoted their time in the interests of his candidature. It was very refreshing to welcome such a splendid representative gathering oi the stalwart supporters of the Coalition Party at his home, and to be able to thank them personally for all they had done for him. To the ladies he also expressed his gratitude for their loyal support and the manner in which they had combined in their efforts to place him at the head of the poll. He assured them that their services would never be forgotten by himself and Airs. Stuart. As regards the gentlemen who acted for him as counsel he could not say enough for the whole-hearted manner in which they had conducted his case and the straightforward and conscientious manner in which the witnesses had given their evidence. it was a great pleasure to be connected with such a fine body of men, who, without regard to any reward for their services, had given of their best. (Applause). The guest toast was drunk with musical honours, and the singing ol “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Air. F. R. H. Brice proposed the toast of “Counsel for Mr. A. Stuart,” and referred to the thorough manner in which counsel had prepared their case.

Counsel, in his reply, stated that it had been a great pleasure in defending such a reputable client as Mr. Stuart. For weeks their office staff had devoted themselves solely to the election petition and splendid assistance had been rendered by the witnesses and his client. At opposing counsel’s suggestion it was decided to make no recriminating charges against their opponent, but to fight the case in the same clean manner in which the election had been fought. The result had been most satisfactory to all parties concerned in the defence.

During the evening songs, stories and recitations were rendered by Air. and Airs. J. Gibson (duets); AlissJohnston (recitations); Alessrs. A. J. Gould, K. Fowler, F. Sisson, F. Johnston and F. J. Christensen Air. F. Wood pre sided at the piano

A dainty supper was dispensed by the ladies and a very pleasant evening terminated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

RANGITIKEI REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION A DISCUSSION ON RULES A meeting of the Rangitikei Referees’ Association was held on Friday evening, Rev. F. H. Leonard presiding over a large attendance. It was decided to play the annual Rugby match against the Wanganui referees at Wanganui on June 3 as a curtain-raiser to the Wanganui-Tara-naki Alaori match. Referees’ reports wore read in regard to players ordered off, it being stated by the chairman that the union had dealt with the cases. Air. R. Rivers said he desired to protest against the union’s lenient treatment of J. Taiuru. He has been suspended for one Saturday and his attack on the player was a “very vicious one.” It was Taiuru’s second ordering off in a month. The chairman said he could not allow a discussion. The union had dealt with the matter and no good purpose could be served by saying more about After further brief comment the matter dropped.

Objection was raised to the Rugby Union going into committee to discuss the offences of players ordered off and Afr. A. Henwood moved that it be a recommendation to the Afanagement Committee that such cases be taken in open meeting. An amendment was moved suggesting that the referee and player concerned be allowed to remain in the meeting.

Both were defeated, it being considered wrong to dictate to the union on such matters. Afr. W. E Gibbons resigned from the Wanganui Referees’ Appointment Board being of the opinion that a non-active referee should hold tho position. Afr. A. T. Gatrell was appointed to the vacancy. Points which referees are to enforce as ns follows: Cl) Matches to commence on time. (2) Players nnt to leave the playing area nt half-time without, permis sion. (4) Public not to encroach on the nlnving area, nt half-time. (5) Injured players to bo immediately carried to the side-line and the game proceeded without delay. Tt was decided on thp suggestion or Afr. J,. Hammond that the referee he traded into A and B grades and Afossrs. Leonard, TTonwood and AfeKonzio worn appointed to do this work. This concluded the business ana there, followed an interesting discussion on rules with blackboard demonstrations. To discuss scrum rules a scrum was put down in tho room, thus showing the thorough manner in which tho whistlers endeavour to keep to tho standard. A splendid meeting concluded at IT p.im M.U. 1.0.0. F. LOYAL MARTON LODGE Tho quarterly summoned meeting oi tho above lodge was held last evening, there being a good attendance Reports showed two memebrs on the sick list, both making good progress. Bro. G. A. Jonson, of Eoxton Lodge, is now making good headway. Correspondence included an invitation from Alanawatu Lodge to an installation of Officers on Juno 9, which was accepted. Among general matters dealt with was the question of obtaining a set of indoor bowls for the lodge, and a committee was set up to arrange ways and meaua The chief business of tho evening was the election of officers for the ensuing term. Tho only nominations for the chairs of N-G. and V.G., were Bro. G. H. Denbow and Sis. Al. fl Old field respectively, and they were declared duly elected A number of nominations were received for the position of E.S., and after several ballots, Bro. J. O’Shaughnessy was declared duly elected Other Appointments were. Guardian, Bro. B. W. De Laurier, and Warden, Sis. J. K. Whale. The installation will take place on Thursday, June 2, and it is expected that a large number of visitors will bo present. A programme of enter tain me nt has been drawn up by the social committee, and a bountiful supper will be provided. After lodge closed supper was partaken and member# played ping-pong.

THE CIVIC THEATRE “PARDON US” Crowded audiences witnessed the screening of “Pardon Us” nt the Civic Theatre on Saturday afternoon and evening, in which Stan. Laurel and Oliver Hardy are featured as the star comedians. Their acting kept the audience in a scream of laughter. Tho final screening will bo shown this evening.