LAST RESPECTS PAID

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 November 1946, Page 2

LAST RESPECTS PAID

DEATH OF HIGHLY-ESTEEMED CITIZEN OF MARTON MR. H. C. GRONN. Respect for a worthy citizen and esteem for a loyal colleague were evidenced in the large gathering of friends and fellow citizens to pay a tribute yesterday afternoon at St. Stephen's Church and later at the graveside to the late Mr. Hans. Christian Gronn, whose death occurred on Saturday at his residence, Hawkestone Road, Marton. Mr. Gronn had been in failing health for many months, and was aged 87 years. Scores of wreaths paid eloquent tribute to the high place Mr. Gronn held In the respect of the community. The service at the church and graveside v.r.s conducted by Rev. Nigel Williams. The pall-bearers from the church to the hearse were grandsons —Messrs J. McDonald, P. Ford, J. Neville, H. McLean, L. Gronn and C. Reid. At the cemetery, those who carried the casket to the graveside were members of the Marton Volunteer Fire Brigade—Supeiintendent G. Grey, Secretary A. Campbell, Foremen JSutton, Firemen W. H. Holland, J. Jefferson and W. Keeble. They were followed by members of the Forester and Masonic Lodges. The Masonic service at tiie grave, side was conducted by Messrs E. C. Fogeiberg, J. T. Morgan, J. W. Gibson, A .A Mclndoe, J. D. Gorrie and F. J. Christensen. The iate Mr Gronn was born in Christiania, Norway, and as a youth of 17 landed in Wellington by the sailing ship Tapsicora on March 2, 1876. He later boarded the Stormbird, which sailed with him to Wanganui Arriving there he was brought by coach to Marton, where he remained for the rest of his life. Mr. Gronn started work as a carpenter’s labourer at 5s per week for the late Mr. S. Russell. He later was employed by the late Mr. Emanuel Snellgrove. As a building contractor, lie erected several stockyards and sheds for the Maoris and afterwards took over the White Hart stables. In 1885 he started a carrying business and eventually converted it Into a wood and coal yard at Marton Junction, which he disposed of about 22 years ago and retired to "Hawkestone,” Marton Junction, which he had purchased when the Hawkestone Estate was cut up 43 years ago. Mr. Gronn had always taken a live interest in almost every society in Marton and formed the Rangltikei Rilles Garrison Band, In which he played on the bass drum for 21 years, after which the band was disbanded. In 1882 he joined Court Little John, A.0.F., and held every office except secretary, and trustee in this lodge. He was treasurer for 28 years from 1916 to 1944. For 26 years he represented the court at district meetings, and at the time of his death was the oldest member of the court. When the Druids’ Lodge was formed in Marton he was one oi the earliest members, and occupied every position, also that of district president and senior trustee. He was also a member of Lodge Ruapehu, which he joined in 1890. He was Master in 1899. He had been for 30 years the first member on the roll and was the oldest living trustee. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge. He was chairman of the Crofton School Committee, which was later merged into the Marton Junction School, and acted as their leader of the school committee meetings for 23 years. He was commonly known as "the father of the Junction School.” He was well known as a fire brigadesman, and in 1911 he was presented with a gold star for 25 years' service. He held the position of captain from 1898 to 1903, and was an honorary life member. Although not a golfer when the Hawkestone Golt Club was formed, he was elected a vice-president. He was also a member of the Marton Jockey Club and Marlon District A. and P. Association. On the occasion of his 80th birthday Mr. Gronn was given a surprise party by the three lodges in Marton, when speakers referred to the wonderful services Mr. Gronn had rendered to the community in the many positions that he filled. Upright and courteous in all his dealings, he had endeared himself to al! whom he had come in contact with. He was presented with a Loewe pipe and box of cigars. The late Mr. Gronn Is survived by five daughters—Mesdames A. McLean (New Plymouth), T. Ford (Palmerston North), E. Neville (Takapau), N. P. McDonald (Turakina Valley) and Miss Gladys Gronn (Marton) and three sons—Messrs Loe (Waipukurau), Lawrence (Masterton) and Percy (Marton). His wife predeceased him 12 years ago. Two other daughters, Mrs. G. Reid and Miss Winnie Gronn, also predeceased him. dance recital at buuls. To-night is the big night for Bulls and surrounding district residents. I. is the dance recital to be given by the pupils of the Joyce Hayward School of Dancing, in the Bulls Town Hall. Thte recital opens at 8 p.m. with a gay number "Hungarian Festival” and toe solos and ballets to follow are most entertaining. The tiny tots from Bulls will present a Pixie and Fairy dance and the older pupils a very attractive number "Clouds,” and also the victory Polka, together with other items. The pupils from Marton will bo seen in a snappy skipping dance and a very pretty pastoral ballet. The tap ballets are exceptionally good. Pupils from Feilding present an attractive number “Wintertime.” National and character dancing anj the Farmyard Ballets are sure to give enjoyment to all. These are only a few of the highlights of the programme. The frocking is outstanding, and the entertainment should please all patrons. tennis club opens season in BRILLIANT WEATHER. There was a good attendance of members and visitors from other clubs at the official opening of the Marton Lawn Tennis Club on Saturday afternoon. The season was declared open by the president, Mr. C. A. Greig. The courts were particularly attractive, the freshlypainted club house and well kept surroundings indicating the work cjub members had carried out over the last few weeks. Five courts were in use on Saturday, but recent unseasonable weather made them sofw and they were slower than usual.

MARTON Y.I’.C. CONGRATULATED ON DEBATING SUCCESS.

Congratulations lo the Marton Young Farmers' Club debating team, which recently won the North Island championship, were conveyed by the advisory member, Mr. H. G. Stewart, at a recent meeting of the club. He said he felt that members in general could show rather more interest in this part of the club's work and hoped that there would b, a good attendance for the finai of the N.Z. championship to be held in Palmerston North on Saturday, December 14. The subject for the final debate is "Tnat the organising of community centres in rural areas is necessary for the development of a vigorous rural life and culture.” The Marton team has drawn the affirmative.

The Westmere Club also wrote congratulating the Marton Club on its kucccrs.

Members were again urged by the senior advisory member to support their movement on the Land Settlement Scheme question. It was again pointed out that those who did not require assistance would, in all probability be helping someone who did. by filling in the necessary form.

Advice was received that a remit, forwarded by the club suggesting that the Federation organise a broadcast to be recorded and sent to the 8.8. C. lor the benefit of the National Y.F.C. Federation in England, had been accepted by the Wellington Council. The secretary, Mr. M. Gray, stated that he had received a request from a member ol' the 8.8. C. staff for just such a broadcast and that he had been in touch with the supervisor of talks, N.B S., who offered every assistance.

The Marton A. and P. Association wrote agreeing to the club’s suggesting to hold a combined ball next year. The new supervisor of the Taranaki Pig Council, Mr. Outran), was present and stated that the Y.F.C. was one of the most valuable contacts with the farmers. He hoped to ses the club from time to time and would advise whenever he was holding a field day or demonstration. The speaker for the evening was Mr. F. Hayward, Rata, who gave a shell address on wool marketing, scouring and curing and the care of skins ano hides. The attendance at the meeting was disappointing, and efforts are being made to have all the members present at the next meeting on Friday, December 13, which will be a discussion evening. The main topic on the agenda will te the horse sports. Mr. A. L. V'le was in the chair SCHOOL CRICKET. The following will represent the Marton D.H. School to play Wanganui Collegiate School In a cricket match at Wanganui to-morrow, play commencing at 10.45 a.m.:—W. J. McChesney (captain), R. McChesney’ R. J. R. Dallas, P. H. Polland, D ' F Robertson, B. Green, R. E. Morton R.’ D. Ingle, R. Lea, G. T. Kane. L. E Roach, R. j, Andrews, K. Whitford. TRANSPORT LICENSING. ANOTHER TAXI FOR BULLS. A short sitting of the No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority was held ill Mat ton yesterday afternoon, ther»oeing only two cases which came before Mr. J. P. o. Skoglund, who presided. An amendment to ItU goods service licence, permitting him to run into the Wanganui county as far as the Wanganui city area from Turakina, was granted to H. E. Golle. Applicant explained that he desired to carry mostly wool and firewood into the wool stores at Wanganui and return with fertilisers and othe:’ goods if required. At present ills licence permitted him to proceed no further than the Wangaehu bridge. D. M. Chapman, Bulls, applied for and was granted an additional taxi cab authority. The application was supported by Mr. S. McDowell, Road Transport Alliance, Feilding, who explained that the applicant was operating one vehicle on double shift. It had been found on Saturdays that one vehicle was inadequate to cope with the requirements of the town. If applicant’s vehicle was required for a wedding, funeral, or to take a patient to a hospital, it left the township without a taxi for an hour or two. There was no doctor in Bulls, and patients had to be conveyed to Marton or Palmerston North. Applicant had the staff and another vehicle which was used as a stand-by. No objections Were lodged, and Mr. Skoglund granted the licence. SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S ACTIVITIES. To further the fund for purchasing pipes, drums and equipment for the Marton Scottish Society's pipe band, a big night has been planned for Friday, December 6. Th? Wanganui Pipe Band has consented to assist by giving the town a lively tone and start the Christmas feeling by giving several selections and marches in Broadway during the shopping hours. The band will then march to the Victory Hall, where a real Scotch dance will be held, Mr. J. Simpson's Scottish dance band having been engaged for the occasion. In addition pipers will play for several of the dances and the lady members of the band will give dance items. The skirl o’ the pipes, the Highland costumes, and the good old Scotch music will make you dance whether you want to or not. The society is also attending a St. Andrew's Day service on the evening of Sunday, December 1. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The service will be conducted by Rev. J. Robertson, B.A. The lessons will be read by officials of the society, while there is to be an anthem and solos. All members are requested lo be present. COMING EVENTS. To-night (Tuesday): No pictures. Miss Joyce Hayward's dance recital in Bulls Town Hall. Mr. E. B. Gordon, National Parly candidate to speak in' Civic Theatre, Marton. Wednesday, November 27: Grand gala dance in Marton Victory Hall by Broadway Marching team with special provisions for announcing the election results. Saturday, November 30: Turakina Tennis Dance in Turakina Hall. Bus from Crofton and Marton Friday, December 6: Marton Scottish Society’s dance in Victory Hall and parade of Wanganui Pipe Band in Broadway. Saturday, December 7: Grand fete day at Marton Junction School. Proceeds in aid of Improvements to school grounds.