MARTON NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 272, 17 November 1943, Page 2

MARTON NOTES

ROTARY CLUB TALK ON NEW ZE Al. AND RAILWAYS Rotarian J. Jobberns was the speaker at Monday’s meeting of the Rotary Club and he took tor his subject “The History and Development of the New Zealand Railways.” The speaker traced the growth of the railway svstem in New Zealand from the first short stretch of a few miles at Heathcote in Canterbury to the present time when New Zealand has over 3000 miles of railways and a system that has cost over £73,000,000, employing over 25,000 men and women, with a yearly wages bill of more than £7,000,000. In 80 years this is no small achievement in a young country such as New Zealand. Some very interesting points made by the speaker were: That the Otira tunnel is the longest in the British Empire; that a viaduct on the East Coast railway is the largest south of the Equator; that the first railway from Dunedin southwards was made of wooden rails, compared with the very heavy steel rails of the present day; and that the New Zealand Railways transported 2,250,000 sheep a year.

On behalf of the club, Rotarian Arthur Way briefly thanked the speaker and paid a tribute to his ability and good nature.

The president, Rotarian Beechey, stated that he had received an intimation for the club to attend a forum at Palmerston North on Saturday and would be glad to have as many members as possible to bear him company. MARTON BATTALION, HOME GUARD COMPANY ON THE RANGE

Seventy members of B Company oi I the Marton Battalion, Home Guard, paraded at Santoft last Sunday, when a very successiul shooting practice was held. Inclement weather prevented a further practice being shot off and a parade will be held on December 5 to complete the proposed programme. Some good scores were recorded. Corporal V. Field, a constant rifleman, topped the scores with a possible 50 and was closely followed by Sergeant R. C. Ball 49, and Corporal A. Kelly 49. Other prominent scores were: D. Oldfield 48, C.S.M. W. Czepanski 48, F. C. Deighton 84, L. Voss 48, Corporal V. Barnes 47, R. W. Williams 47, A. T. Whale 47, C. W. Aitken 46, D. Gorrie 46, C. Preece 46, H. J. Matthews 46, W. Twigg 46, Sergt. P. M. Friedrick 46. L. Death 45, Captain G. H. Denbow 45, Lieut. S. L. E. Torrens 45.

MARTON MUSICAL SOCIETY Practices of the choral section of the Marton Musical Society have proved most successful and the response for voices has been very gratifying. New voices are still most welcome to practices in St. Andrew’s Hall on Mondays at 8 p.m. People unable to become active members are invited to become subscribers to the society. It is hoped to hold the first concert of the society late in February of next year. Music under preparation at the moment includes “It Comes From the Misty Ages” (from “Banner 0* St. George”), by Elgar, and a choral fantasia on Gounod’s opera “Faust.” GREATFORD SCHOOL CONCERT One of the most successful concerts held in the Greatford School took place on Friday evening, when a large and appreciative audience enjoyed a pleasing variety of items. Mr. A. G. Thomas, commissioner, opened the concert and thanked the parents for their attendance, and the teacher, Miss J. Fittall, for organising the concert. A very fine display of handiwork was viewed by the audience after the concert. Supper was dispensed by the ladies, after which dancing was indulged' in. DANCE AT TURAKINA A dance will be held in the Turakina Hall on Friday, November 19, in aid of school funds. Trussell’s orchestra (Wanganui) will supply the music. ROYAL N.Z. NAVY O.S. David B. Stanford, who has joined the Royal New Zealand Navy, was entertained at the Marton Borough Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon. In the absence of the Mayor (Mr. F. Purnell) Mr. F. J. Christensen presided, and in referring to their guest stated that he was the last of three .".cns of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. L. Stanford who had joined the services One was in the Air Force, the second in Army and the third in the Navy. “This is a record to be proud o’,” stated Mr. Christensen. He extended goon wishes on behalf of the Marton patriotic Society and his friends, good luck and a safe return to Marton, and presented their guest with a money-belt, wallet and cigarettes. Mrs. M. C. Fenwicke, on behalf of the Rangitikei Navy League, presented their guest with a parcel of woollen garments knitted by its members, with their kind wishes. O.S. Stanford suitably replied, thanking the societies for their useful and handsome gifts, and hoped that the next function that he attended would be a “welcome home.” The singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” followed by afternoon tea, dispensed by the ladies, terminated a very cordial afternoon.

IARTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL “The grounds and appointments are in a very satisfactory state, particularly the planting ana protection of a number ot kowhai trees, which have made good progress ana should make a splendid showing in the near future. We congratulated the caretaker (Mr. F. a. Illing) on the efficient manner and careful attention that he has bestowed upon the grounds and appointments,” reported the Works Committee at a meeting of the School Committee on Monday evening.

The Matanui Tennis Club has been granted the use of the tennis courts on the same terms as last year. The headmaster (Mr. A. W. Tucker) reported that the attendance had somewhat improved on the subsidence of the chicken pox outbreak, although meas.es caused a considerable number of absences during the period. The attendances were: Secondary 102. attendance 92, 91 per cent; primary 414, attendance 376, 91 per cent.

Mr. H. Y. Cameron presided over Messrs. W. G. Winchcombe, A. Todd, C. G. Thomas, G. Grey, A. Gracie, A. L. Williams, and K. Vance (secretary).

MARTON JUNCTION WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

The Marton Junction Women’s Institute held its monthly meeting on Wedm sday, November 3. The single members took the meeting, Miss Truman presiding over a good attendance.

Sympathetic reference was made to the death of Mrs. Thrupp, a foundation member of the institute, and also to the passing of Mrs. R. Glasgow, president of the Turakina Institute. The customary mark of respect was observed. One new member. Miss Quittenden, was enrolled and welcomed.

Mrs. C. Humphreys presented her report of the council meeting recently held at Feilding.

Egypt, and described vividly many historic places nhe was accorded a hearty vote of thanks tor the very graphic account of her trip. Miss Neilson contributed two pianoforte solos. A competition was won by Miss Quittenden. Mrs. J. Gibson reported that £8 had been handed in for the soldiers’ parcels fund. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses.

The winners of the monthly competitions were: Gingernuts, Mrs. Johnson 1, Mrs. Ward 2, Mrs. Tarry 3; prettiest coat hanger, Mrs. Ward 1, Mrs. Slight 2, Mrs. Montgomery and Mrs. Johnson (equal) 3. Patriotic work, 43 hussifs, 8 balaclavas, and 5 scarves.

The meeting closed with the sing ing of the National Anthem. CIVIC THEATRE, MARTON “LADY IN A JAM”

One of the most delightfully entertaining movies of this or any other season is Universal's new Irene Dunne comedy, “Lady in a Jam,” which proves to be" an hour-and-a-half’s laugh relaxation. Pioduced and directed by Gregory La Cava, who is to»be remembered for his memorable comedy, “My Man Godfrey,” the film had the audience chuckling in the opening scenes, laughing in the middle and howling at the end. It's solid and perfect entertainment. To complete the programme there is a swingy musical, an interesting sports item, a cartoon, and finally the Cinesound Review with N.Z. items. SALVATION ARMY JUMBLE SALE Under the auspices of the Salvation Army, a jumble sale will be held in two weeks’ lime, in the Salvation Army Hall. Donations of gift parcels will be gratclully received by the officer in charge. W.W.S.A. A meeting of Ihe committee of the W.W.S.A., Marton branch, was held on Monday, November 15. Present: Mesdames Fisher (chair;, christen sen, Caithness, Barton, Green, Torrens, Watts, D. Simpson, Miss Thomas. The committee will be acting with the Marton branch of National Savings in the new scheme for street groups, etc. Details were completed for a dance at the Empire Hall on November 27. Mrs. Dreaver may be visiting Marton in connection with Women’s Land Service scheme and the W.W.S.A, will make the necessary arrangements.

A letter of greatest appreciation of work of the W.W.S.A. Signal Section was received from the Home Guard, stressing the high standard of their work.

The last last parade of the year was held on Saturday, November 13, and no more parades will be held until further notice. Meetings will in future be held every third week and the next will be on Monday, December 6.