MARTON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 106, 8 May 1933, Page 3

MARTON

THE CIVIC THEATRE “THE GHOST TRAIN” Gurgles and shrieks were in strong evidence at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, and with solid reason for both. For oa Saturday was presented to patrons something unique in the way, of “mystery” pictures—“ The Ghost Train”—a thriller and laugh-producer of exceptional calibre, released as a special production by British Dominions Films. .“The Ghost Train” as a stage production, earned a reputation that put it among the first of its class, but owing in part to the greater scope'permitted the all-seeing and all-hearing camera, the talkie production far surpasses anything previously attempted. “The Ghost Train” will be finally screened this evening. M.U, 1.0.0. F, LOYAL MABTON LODGE The fortnightly meeting of the above Lodge was held on Friday evening, and was well attended, considering the inclement weather. Two candidates for membership were proposed. Reports showed that two members were on the sick list. Correspondence included a letter from Wanganui Lodge, enclosing a sub stantial donation to the Indoor Bowls Fund. A very hearty vote of thanks and appreciation of Wanganui’s generous action was passed. Letters of recommendation were granted to Bros. J. H. Jensen and W. J. Kenzic. A practice installation was held, after which the officers elect took the chairs for a short period. Nominations closed for the various chairs, and the elections will be held on the 19th inst. After Lodge closed supper was followed by dancing until closing time. RANGITIKEI RUGBY SENIOR SHIELD RESULTS Old Boys 16, v. Hunterville 3. Halcomb© 11, v. Bulls 0. Rata 23, v. Athletic 9. (See Page 5). MODERN AND OLD-TIME DANCE A modern and old-time dance will be held iu the Tutaenui Hall on Wednesday next. The Tutaenui dances are very popular and with prices moderate, a large attendance is expected. MABTON HARRIER CLUB OFFICIAL OPENING (By “Stayer”) The Marton Harrier Club was favoured with fine weather for the oflicial opening run of the season, on Saturday afternoon. Owing to the recent heavy rains, the going was very heavy and slippery over the greater part of the course. The run was held from St. Stephen’s Sunday Schoolroom, where a largo number of officials and supporters congregated to see the start and finish. Owing to the captain being unable to take part in the run, the whistle was held by the vice-captain, A. Gorric.

Following the road up Bond Street to Queen Street, the runners turned sharply to the right and headed across country to the old reservoir, where some very wet ground was encountered. Continuing in the same direction for another mile or so, the field circled to the left through a patch of native bush. After a bit of mountaineering, up and down some remarkably steep hills it was decided to head for home. A mile further on another steep hill tested the skating abilities of the members. After crossing two or three mor paddocks the runners found themselves once more back on Bond Street. A few minutes’ run brought them back to the starting point, though somewhat changed in appearance owing to most runners having had at least one spill. Over the earlier stages of the run Penn and Ledingham set the pace for the field and ran well for so early in the season. Ryburn and Gardiner finished strongly to come home ahead of the rest of the field, who were more or less bunched. Afternoon tea was prepared and dispensed by lady supporters of the club and was much appreciated by members and others present. In a brief speech at the conclusion of the afternoon, the captain (G. A. Robertson), expressed the appreciation felt by the members towards those who work so hard to ensure the success of the social side of harrier running in Marton. MR. JAMES McKELVIE HONOURED BY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION A party of members of the Marton District A. and P. Association motored to Mr. Jas. F. McKelvie’s homestead at Carnarvon on Friday evening on the occasion of his retirement as an exhibitor at agricultural and pastoral shows. The company comprised Messrs. A. Stuart, M.P. (patron), Keith Stevens (president), R. J. Moore, E. Thoms (vice-presidents), A. Way (secretary), P. Miller, W. Jenkins, J. W. Guffns, A. T. Gatrcll, W. E. Gibbons, H. Coleman, A. H. Wing, K. R. Scoon, E. B. Gordon, J. H. McLean, 1. W. Morrison, E. R. Galpin (committeemen), and Messrs. J. Gibson, A. E. Caldow, 11. Low, C. J. Little and Miss Sher riff. On arrival they were cordially welcomed by Mr. Jas. F. McKelvic, Miss Scott, Mr. and Mrs. J. Gibbons, 'Mr. and Mrs. Rex Marshall and Mr. and Mrs. H. Russell. “The King” was musically honoured and community singing was led by r. J. Gibson and iMr. Little (piano). Mr. Keith Stevens apologised for the absence of 'Messrs. A. S. Coleman, E. O. Pryce, P. W. Briant. H. S. C. Morrison, C. E. Vile, F. McLean, F. Brice. F. IT. Dexter. T. Rickman, M. W. Col Her and H. W. Smith and slated that the committee, could not possibly allow Mr. McKelvie to retire as an exhibi-

tor without showing their appreciation of tho loyal services that he had rendered associations in the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts. They were sorry Io lose him, but would be pleased to welcome his son (Rex), as his successor. Mr. McKelvie’s health was enthusiastically honoured.

Mr. A. Stuart, in presenting the cups won by Mr. McKclvio at the recent show, stated that their host had made a very auspicious retirement, having won the cup presented by Mr. F. H. Dexter for most points in fat sheep on three consecutive occasions and also the cup presented by Mr. H. S. C. Mor rison for best pen of three wethers, the cups being now retained by him. As an exhibitor, Mr. McKelvie was a worthy opponent and fils sheep were always greatly admired. He had competed at Marton since the inception of Iho society twenty-one years ago, and during the latter part had been one of the most successful exhibitors. They were sorry to hear of his retirement, but considered they would be very lucky in having such a worthy successor as his son. (Applause). Mr. A. Way stated his first recollection of Mr. McKelvie was as an owner of racehorses on the Feilding racecourse on November 30, 1900, when his horse, Bcfii Ideal, won. the Hack Scurry and paid a dividend of £5O 18s, and ridden by tho late George Reed, father of Roy and Ashley Reed, two of the most prominent riders in Australasia, the latter being now in New Zealand on a visit to his birthplace. Thirty-three years had rolled by and it was only last month that Mr. McKelvic led in a winner when Copper King won the Crofton Handicap at Marton. Always a lover of a good horse*'and racing, Mr. McKelvie is one of the leading officials of the Rangi tikei Racing Club and has the unique experience of having held the office of committeeman, steward, clerk of scales, timekeeper, judge, vice-president and now president. Not onfy in racing has Mr. McKelvie played his part, but in polo, hockey, football, rifle shooting and athletics he has been lavish in his support and to-day there are several trophies being competed for which he had donated. Since tho speaker ’s elec tion to the. office of secretary to the Marton Show, he had received very generous support from Mr. McKelvie as an exhibitor and also gained experience from the valuable information that ho had received. The late Mrs. McKelvie was also an ardent supporter of tho association and for a number of years had acted with Mrs. J. H. Perrott as judges for the home industries section. On behalf of the association. Mr. Way presented Mr. McKelvie with a w'allc't with his initials, “J. F. McK., ” engraved on a gold circle stating that it was not for its intrinsic value that he hoped Mr. McKelvie would value it, but for the many pleasant associations and as a mark of the highest respect in which ho was held by the members of the Marton A. and P. Association. (Applause). Mr. R. J. Moore was reminiscent, remarking that Mr. McKenzie was tho first “boss” that he had worked for and that he had helped to lay the foundation for the home in which they were being entertained that evening. As an exhibitor he had earned the respect of sheep-breeders on the coast, and his exhibits were always worth inspection. Ho welcomed Mr. Rex McKelvie to the ranks of exhibitors as his father’s successor and wished him every success. (Applause). Mr. McKelvie feelingly responded and thanked the party for the honour they had done him in paying the visit. He was pleased to welcome them. He had a lot of time for tho Marton Show, and had many pleasant recollections of the early days of the association. If they continued in the manner in which they were heading they would hold their own with tho best one-day shows in the Dominion. There were several alterations that could be made in the sheep schedule and that was to make the lamb classes live weights. An exhibitor could then weigh his sheep before placing them in tho pens for judging and bo within a pound or two of the allotted weights. It was encouraging to see the good lambs that were thrown out at the last show through being overweights, and although the judges were right, it was not very encouraging to the exhibitors, whj undoubtedly had good show sheep, to have them disqualified. The public was very hard to please nowadays compared with tho early shows and most of the shows to-day were becoming glorified side-shows. Oiled pigs and trimmed sheep did not appeal to him, and that was one reason why the natural condition classes were becoming very popular. In concluding, Mr. McKelvie thanked them for their handsome parting gift, which ho would carry with the pleasant recollection of his association with the Marton Show. (Applause). “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was lustily sung and at the invitation of the host an inspection was made of the trophies won by Mr. McKelvie, which arc attractively displayed in an air-proof glass cabinet and comprise fifty-four cups and numerous medals. It is doubtful if there is a better selection in New Zealand. One of tho silver cups was presented to Mr. McKelvie by his grandfather sijty-throe years on his birth. On the wall hangs the artistic illuminated address recently presented to Mr. McKelvie by the National Dairy Show for his phenomenal collection of vegetables, which is the main attraction in this section at each year’s show at Palmerston North, which was greatly admired. Messrs. J. Gibson, R. J. Moore, and A. E. Caldow and Mrs. She niff entertained tho conipanv with vocal items. Mr. Little and Miss Sherriff presided at tho piano, interspersed with community singing.

An appetising supper was dispensed by tho ladies, which was heartily partaken of and then Mr. Stevens re turnpd thanks to Mrs. McKelvie and tho ladies for their splendid hospitality and a most enjoyable evening, which the host responded and extended them a hearty invitation to come again.

Tn concluding, Mr. McKelvie proposed the toasr. of the. “Marton District A. and P. Association,” wishing them every success in tho future and expressing a desire to rronate a trophy to the society for competition, but in what, section he had not yet decided. Tho toast was drunk with musical honours and the president thanked him for his promised trophy. Mr. J. Gibson sang “Just, a Woo IVoch-an-Doris” in his usual inimi! able style, the company joining in the chorus. “Auld Lang Syne” brought tn a. conclusion an enjoyable evening that will long be rornembored by all who had the pleasure of being present.