PATEA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 120, 23 May 1934, Page 3

PATEA

PERSONAL. Mr. T. Burgess leaves this week for Auckland, where he will spend his annual holidays. Mr. O’Halloran, of Woodville, will take his place*on the staff of the Bank of New Zealand. The Rev. Aker, former Methodist minister in Patea, now of Norsewood, Hawke’s Bay, visited many friends in Patea during a brief visit early in the week Miss Heather Todd, who has been visiting her aunt, Mrs. W. T. Simmons, for the school holidays, has returned to Wanganui. Miss Jean Robertson, who lias been visiting her sister, Mrs. L. Holmes, has returned to Auckland. Mrs. Maxwell is visiting Wellington. Miss Jean Sheild was Che recipient of the good wishes of the parishioners of St. George’s Church for her wedding, which takes place to-morrow-The wishes were expressed by Mr. C. R. Honey field at a gathering of parishioners after Evensong last Sunday, when a presentation of an electric jug was also made to Miss Sheild. Mr. Honeyfield made reference to Miss Sheild’s splendid service for her church in Sunday-school teaching, in the position or organiste, and in her position a s leader of the active service cadets. He stated that Miss Jean had been christened and confirmed, and was now to be married in the same church that her grandmother had come as the first bride. Rev. Walton added a few words, expressing the regret of the parishioners that Miss Sheild was leaving the parish. Miss Sheild replied, thanking them for their wishes and gift, and Mr. L Skinner added his appreciation also. Mr. and Mrs. I- Jones entertained a number of young folk at their home. Bank of Australasia House, last Saturday evening, in honour of Miss Joan Spur/.e’s birthday. Beautiful red carnations and autumn leaves formed the, decorations in the drawing room, where four bridge tables were arranged. Here a happy time was spent in the game until supper lime, when the guests adjourned to th-e dining ruom. The table was also decorated with red carnations and red-tinted leaves, while a birthday cake in the shape of an old-fashioned basket of fiewers graced the head of the table- A list nf toasts were honoured, including The King; Miss Joan, proposed by Mr. A. McDowall, replied to by Mr. I. Jones; Mr. and Mrs. Jones; and Absent Friends. Mrs. Jones presented Miss I’hyllis .Simmons and Mr. R. .Adams with the prizes for bridge, and then dancing was indulged in until midnight. Mrs. Jones reecived her young guests wearing a charming frock of new navy figured crepe with coatee, while Aliss Spurdle wore a floral georgette in leaf green- Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs Haddow, Misses R. H.oneyfield, P. and H. feinimons, M. Gibbings, D. Roberts, R. Harris, J. Spurdie, and E- Hemingway; Messrs. A. McDowall, D. Millikin, -I. Richardson, T. Burgess, J- Haarer, R. Adams, C. Dobson, and K. Honeyfield. PATEA BAND’S YEAR A very commendable anxiety to give Patea a better service was evidenced by members of the Patea Municipal Band at their annual meeting on .Monday. The necessity for stricter discipline was admitted and the training of young players had not been along progressive lines. Discussion revealed the band’s inability to produce from its own personnel a conductor with the qualifications required to direct and entourage its efforts in order that its standard of service would merit the support of the public. It was hoped that the offering of a small salary would induce someone to take up the conduetorship to inculcate a higher standard of discipline and musical atttuinnient. With the help of the Borough Council’s subsidy and the credit balance it was resolved to advertise the position vacated by the retirement of Mr I. S. Finlayson. The report stated that attendances at practices had not been as consistent as was desired although the playing strength had been fairly well maintained despite the loss of several useful players. Parades outside had been held on thirteen occasions, playing at the hospital, beach and assisting at several public, functions including the Turi Memorial celebrations, Anzac parade and service. The band was indebted to Mr R. W. Haddow for the free use of the band room and other assistance. Additions had been made to the stock of music during the period under review. The greatest handicap to good results is the old and worn state of many of the instruments. Until these are replaced the best results could not be obtained, the report concluded. A credit balance of £33 was reported. Speaking to the report, the chairman (Mr F. Ramsbottom) congratulated the band on their creditable performance on Anzac Day and at the Turi Memorial ceremonies. They had rendered the town excellent service of which it should be proud. Their failure to receive help from the Hunter Shaw estate was regretted but possibly a share of art union proceeas would assist them in the purchase ot now instruments. Councillor S'cott, in complimenting tho bandsmen, said that greater cooperation among members would merit greater support. He thought that more frequent and better advertised Sunday afternoon performances in the Domain would prove attractive to the public and provide revenue. Band-Sergeant Carey staled that shortness of notice of engagements militated against good performances, organisations advertised the band’s attendance sometimes a month before the secretary was notified of the fixture. Other speakers complimented the band’s performance and satisfactory financial position, the report and bal-ance-sheet being adopted. - An election resulted: President, the Mayor; vice-presidents, re-elected without change; bandmaster, Sergeant A. A. Carey; secretary. Bandsman IL Coad; corporal, Bandsman R. Willis; lance-corporal, Bandsman F. Stanford; librarians, Bandsmen D. Adams and J. Reid; committee, officers and Mr C. A. Carev; hon. auditor, Mr L. W. Austin. Mr J. Reid was enrolled a bandsman. Without refloating diseourtesv on the band’s officers it was decided ro

dayin g in Mangaweka. invite applications for the position of conductor. Appreciation of the Borough Council’s continued interest and the work of Mr P. S. Finlayson, who experts to leave Patea shortly, was expressed by members. A’isitors were entertained to supper at the close of the meeting, during which Mr L. P. Clark, on behalf of the Palea R.S.A., congratulated the • band on their Anzac Day performance. PERSONAL Mr J. Bates, of Rangititaua, has been appointed to take Mr AV. T. Armstrong’s position as headmaster at the Patea Public School on Mr Armstrong’s transfer to Opunake High School. Air Bates will commence his duties early in June. The Rt. Hon. G. AV. Forbes, Prime AFinistor, visited Patea yesterday forenoon, and viewed several of the interesting places in the town, before proceeding on to Wanganui.