WANGANUI MAN’S GESTURE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 100, 30 April 1938, Page 8

WANGANUI MAN’S GESTURE

OXFORD HOSPITAL HELPED ALSO WANGANUI AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION SALE OF SHEEP IN ENGLAND A unique way of assisting a noted hospital and, at. the same time, the Wanganui Agricultural Association, has been conceived and put into effect by Mr S. S. Timbs, of Wanganui. He despatched for sale by the Oxford Master Butchers’ Association ten New Zealand hoggets, the proceeds to be allocated to the Wing-field-Morris Hospital (Oxford) and the Wanganui Agricultural Association. The sale resulted in a return ot £42 (New Zealand currency). The Oxford Master Butchers’ Association disposed of the carcases in the combined market at Oxford after erecting a very attractive display, the purpose of the sale being set out in a notice worded as follows: —

“These hoggets were sent to the Oxford and District Master Butchers’ Association of New Zealand with instructions that they be sold by auction and the proceeds used as follows: (a)

One-third to be given to the Wingfield-Morris Hospital; twothirds to provide a trophy for the best chiller beast at the Wanganui (New Zealand) Agricultural and Pastoral Show.”

Writing to Mr Timbs, the secretary of the Oxford Master Butchers stated that the ten carcases brought a total of £34 (English currency). The prices ranged from £2 10s a carcase to £3 12s 6d. Two of the carcases were put up a second time at the wish of the

purchasers, and one brought £2 15s and the other £3. A letter from th® secretary of lhe Wingfield-Morris Hospital warmly thanked Mr Timbi for the unique way he had helped its finances.

Approached by the “Chronicle,” Mr 'Timbs made light of the gift, stating that he felt he owed a duty to his own home town of Oxfora and to thb wonderful work done by Lord Nuffield in raising the Wingfield-Morris Hospital from a home for 10 old men to an institution caring for 800 to 1000 patients. “I knew Lord Nuffield when he was a boy,” said Mr Timbs. “We both come from the same town, where h® was known under the name of Morris. His support has made the Wing-field-Morris Hospital a leading institution in the world in orthopedic* work. 1 helped to form the Oxford Master Butchers and Cattle Dealers’ Association and like to retain my interest. in it. At the same time I have felt, it an honour that, the Wanganui Agricultural Association should appoint me judge of the New Zealand chilled beef championship four year* in succession, and this little gesture shows something of my appreciation.”

“The Wanganui Agricultural Association, naturally, has been very pleased at Mr Timbs’ gesture,” said Mr A. R. Donaldson (secretary) yesterday. “Mr Timbs has already rendered great service as judge of the chilled beef and this further assistance is something we can be very proud of. The fact that the sheep sold were grown in the Wanganui district, too, is something worthy of note. Correspondence to hand from Oxford shows that the exhibit and sale of the hoggets awakened interest in New Zealand, and not only did the sales of meat spurt up, but. of New Zealand butter and cheese ai well. Mr Timbs has made a very fine gesture, indeed.”