MARTON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 190, 12 August 1936, Page 12

MARTON

OBITUARY. MR. R. H. TROTTER. The death occurred on Wednesday evening last of Mr. R. H. Trotter, who was well known and highly esteemed in the Marton district, where he lived for many years. The deceased gentleman arrived in New Zealand in 1874 in the Star of the East, and landed in Napier. He was then only 14 years of age and he took up farming, becoming a cadet on the Risington Station where he remained for a number of years. Later he farmed in Gisborne. He left with the second contingent for the South African War, sustaining wounds which necessitated his return to New Zealand. He returned to the war. however, and received his commission as a captain. When the West Australian gold rush was at ns height he went to the Commonwealth and remained there four years, returned to Gisborne, where he married Miss Avenell, fourth daughter of Mr. W. Avenell, of Auckland. He managed farming properties on the Wanganui River and at Pahiatua before coming to "Santoft,” Marton, which property he took over in 1913. He remained there until 1931, when he went t/ live in retirement at Paraparaumu. In the early ’eighties the late Mr. Trotter was a- first-class footballer and represented Hawke’s Bay on several occasions. He was chosen as one of the pakehas to go to England with the native team in 1885, but declined. During his stay in the Marton district his genial personality won him a wide host of friends; in fact wherever he lived in the North Island "Tom” Trotter was held in the highest esteem. He was for many years a steward of the Poverty Bay Turf Club and of the Marton Jockey Club. His wife predeceased him eight years ago and he leaves a family of two sons and one daughter. At the funeral, which took place on Friday at Marton, many friends from all quarters took the opportunity to pay their last, respects to one who could fairly be described as "one of Nature’s gentlemen.” PERSONAL. Many Rangitikei people will regret to learn of the death, at a private hospital at Palmerston North, early on Monday morning, of Mr. William Charles Caccia Birch, "Woodhey,” Palmerston North, after an operation. The late Mr. Birch farmed for many years in this district the old homestead called "Thoresby,” now being occupied by his elder son, Mr. A. C. Birch, and his younger son, Mr. G. G. C Birch, resides at. "Savernake.” Pukepapa Road. Much sympathy will be felt for the widow and family in their sudden bereavement. The Right Reverend the Lend Bishop of Jerusalem is spending a few hours in Marton to-day, during which time he will visit Nga Tawa School, and also address a meeting in St. Stephen’s Parish Hall at 10.30 a.m. ft is not often that such an important person visits Marton, and his visit gives the opportunity of hearing something of Christian work in that interesting and ancient. country, which was the birthplace of Christian- ( IVIC THEATRE. "THE LAST DAYS OF POMPEII.” From the ashes of the past a mighty spectacle of history has been recreated for the screen. Important events of the first century of the Christian era combine to provide the vivid highlights of R-K-0 Radio’s ‘•The Last Days of Pompeii.” The eruption of Vesuvius and the destruction of the classic city by earthquake provides a stirring climax, and a brilliant drama rolls'through the savage splendour of the Roman Empire. Preston Foster, rapidly rising to heights of stardom, appears as Mar- | cus, a man who makes riches and power his goal, only to learn that they avail him nothing when he seeks to buy happiness with them. Basil Rathbone plays the part of Pontius Pilate. Roman magistrate, and John Wood, brilliant young English star, appears as Marcus’ son. Alan Hale, Louis Calhern, Dorothy Wilson, Gloria Shea and David Holt,’ the talented child star, appear in other important roles. “The Last Days of Pompeii” is an R-K-0 Radio picture, and shows finally at. the Civic Theatre to-night. WELCOME TO MARTON FIJIAN LADIES’ HOCKEY TEAM In the course of their New Zealand tour the Fijian ladies’ hockey team paid an official visit to Marton yesterday. The visitors arrived by private cars from Feilding at about 2 p.m. and then proceeded to the Post Ollice steps, where they were given a civic welcome. There was a large and interested gathering present. At the Maori Girls’ College the visitors were entertained for an enjoyable half-hour by the pupils. The entertainment opened with a “Wei-

come Haka,” followed by the “Long Poi” by Kura Whaanga, “Action Song,” the soloist being E. Pari Ra, “Canoe Song,” “Waiata Poi” (solo, Josephine Smith), “Action Song” by the Arawa Tribe, “Combined Poi.” hymn, and school song. The tourists, in return, gave their team song and a farewell song. The Mayor thanked Miss Kinross for the pleasant half-hour spent and briefly spoke of the educational value of the college. Cheers were then called for the Maori girls and Miss Kinross, after which the visitors were shown over the building. The tourists were then taken back to town and entertained at afternoon tea. Mrs Harvie, manager of the tourists, thanked all for the pleasant time spent in Marton, particularly the Maori girls, the tourists having enjoyed every minute of the entertainment. Accompanying the team was Mrs Poulter (secretary New Zealand Hockey Association), and Mr Allan, president of the Feilding Hockey Association. 1936 So far this has been a very eventful year in the world’s history The League of Nations has been tested, treaties have been broken and made, we have heard rumours of war and read of troop movements in all parts of the globe. Our country, even this town, has not stood apart for there is an intense military activity going on around us—preparations to make war on Melancholia, u country inhabited by the Blues and the Humps. Civilians are invited to join in this refreshing campaign by attending the military ball to be held on Tuesday. August 18, at the Civic Theatre, Marton, when cheer gas will be fired in large quantities by Fred Godson’s Ace battery. MINIATURE RIFLE CLUB The Miniature Rifle Club conducted another of their successful shoots on Monday evening. There was a large attendance, but the standard of shooting was only fair. As yet no possibles have been recorded. Results are as follows: —W. Twigg 64, 68 —132; E. Lewis 68, 62 —130; B. Hutchins 68, 62—130; F. Taaffe 63, 66 129; W. Rankin 61, 67—128; A. Clark 62, 66—128; K. Lourie 64, 64 128; G. Sanders 64, 63—127; R. Lewis 59, 65—124; N. Dixon 68, 65—123; A. Warren 55, 66—121; J. Warren 60, 58—118; E. Livingston 61, 56—117; A. Bridges 61, 54--115; E. Smart 58. 57 115; N. Bridges 50, 64—114; L. Gordon 56, 57—113; R. Wasson 58, 51— 109; A. Brown 55, 54—109; S. Goebel 48, 60—108; A. Gordon 57, 50—107; J Andrew 54, 52—106; L. Sanders 52,