MARTON NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 40, 18 February 1943, Page 2

MARTON NOTES

SERVICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST A MARTON V.A.’s VIEWS A letter telling of experiences in the Middle East has been received by the secretary of the Marton W.W.S.n. from Miss E. E. Watts, a voluntary aid who is serving in the Second General Hospital, Middle East. “There has been many interesting things to see ind do/’ she writes, “and I have been lucky, for I was in Helwan for four months and saw Cairo and all the surrounding district —then I went to Nazareth and spent ten weeks in lovely Palestine. “This was, I consider, the highlight of my army life. Never since I left New Zealand have I seen a country so like our own, and you can well imagine what it meant to me after all the sand, heat, flies and filthy screaming, begging natives in Cairo. The trees, flowers, crops and green grass made me rather homesick. The warm season lasts for eight months in Palestine, the natives growing in quick succession three lots of crops a season.

“We spent five days of leave in Jerusalem, thence to Beirut (Syria), and to Haifa, the port of Palestine. In Nazareth I did a lot of hiking and climbed all of Nazareth’s 19 hills. “Our hospital was in three buildings, which previously were Franciscan monasteries, and the main block was built on to the famous Carpenter’s Shop, where our Lord worked.

“To me the most beautiful church I’ve seen since I left home was the church of the Adolescent Child in Nazareth. It was built in 1923 by a French noblewoman in memory of her husband, and all the inside is lined with pure white marble.

“While still in Nazareth I visited Tibrias and the Sea of Galilee and the Mounts of Tabor and Precipitation via the Plains of Armageddon. Later I spent three glorious weeks beside the Mediterranean and found that it is the one thing in this socalled ‘glamorous’ east which really lives up to its reputation.”

Miss Watts gave details of her duties in the wards, and said that the New Zealand “boys” were marvellous patients. She acknowledged the receipt of a parcel from the Marton W.W.S.A. UNITED SERVICES CLUB. A GENEROUS OFFER.

A very generous offer to provide a new radio tor the United Services Club has been made by the Nursing Division of St. John Ambulance, whicn has already made a donation to the general funds. A dance has been held and a large part of the money required is already in hand, but it is now loUnd that owing to technical difficulties in the building no radio reception is likely to prove at all satisfactory. Under these circumstances the committee feels it would be unwise to proceed with the purchase, and, at the request of the donors, has suggested that the money be applied to improvements in the heating of the club. The committee is most grateful to the Nursing Division for the help it is giving in making me rooms homelike and attractive to servicemen. RATA-PUTORINO W.D.F.U. The January meeting of the RataPutorino branch of W.D.F.U. held at Mrs. A. Rhodes’ residence was most enjoyable. Althogh there was not a very good attendance of members a very pleasant afternoon was spent. The trading table did god business, showing a profit of £5 lor the afternoon. Afternon tea was served unejer the shade of the trees, which were looking most attractive. The February meeting will be held at the same place on Tnursday, 18th. All members are asked to attend if possible. Competitions (senior) three pikelets, tumbler of flowers; juniors, three pikelets, prettiest coat hanger. The competition for half a side of bacon, donated by Mr. A. Rhodes, will also be drawn. ATTENDANCES WELL MAINTAINED. In the four weeks since the last meeting the attendance at the United Services Club has been well maintained. The names in the visitors' book number 208 and it is known that by no means all visitors are included in the record. With the presence of troops in the neighbourhood it is expected that the next week or two will be very busy ones, and friends are asked to help keep the cake and biscuit tins tilled. When there are large numbers of men being served with meals a shortage of table silver and cutlery makes itself felt, and loans ot even a single knife or fork will help to relieve the situation. It is again emphasised that anyone wishing to share in the entertaining of servicemen should ring the secretary, Mrs. Wallace (’phone 2288). NATIONAL SAVINGS. “Investments in 3 per cent. War Bands are easily negotiated securities, with a short currency of five years and constitute the best war-time investment available and they should appeal particularly to farmers, business firms and others with funds available for investment.’* This is the opinion of Mr. J. Gillick, district organiser for Wanganui district. CIVIC THEATRE, MARTON.

A drama of the turbulent twenties of the prohibition and post-Armistice era, "Unholy Partners,” at the Civic Theatre to-night, tells the story of a fight between a tabloid editor, played by Robinson and a New York racketeer, the role filled by Arnold. “Red River Valley” is an exciting tale of the modern West presenting for the first time to Marton a new outdoor star. Roy Rogers who has as a partner “Windy” Hayes well remembered for his comedy workin the Hopalong Cassidy pictures. GRAND PATRIOTIC CONCERT AIR FORCE ARTISTS

A patriotic concert has been organised by artists from an Air Force station to raise funds for the Marton appeal and will take place in the Civic Theatre, Marton, on Thursday, February 24. An excellent programme has been arranged which will include vocal, instrumental, orchestral, and band selections. The concert party consists of 25 first-class artists and patrons can rely on an entertainment that should appeal to all lovers of music. The price of admission, Is 6d, admits to all parts of the hall. Scats may be reserved at Mogridge and Sons, from to-day, on payment of threepence extra on tickets purchased or Is 9cl at the booking office. The object is a very deserving one, and it is hoped that the Marton public, with their usual generosity, will patronise the concert and also give the artists a bumper house on their appearance on February 24.

SALVATION ARMY JUMBLE SALE A jumble sale will be held in the Salvation Army Hall next Thursday, February 25. Parcels of clothing will be gratefully received by the officers and can be left at the hall or dwelling house.