POOR ATTENDANCE AT INITIAL TOWN QUEEN MEETING

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 February 1947, Page 2

POOR ATTENDANCE AT INITIAL TOWN QUEEN MEETING

So poorly attended was the meeting convened on Monday night to fur- | ther the interests of the Town Queen that it was suggested at one stage that the idea of presenting a Town Queen be dropped. “It is very disappointing and also disconcerting to see so few here to-night,” said Mr. K. H. Fowler, convener of the meeting. When Mr. Fowler spoke there were only eight present, but five more drifted in before the close of the meeting. However, there was a certain amount of enthusiasm among those present and officials were appointed. Nominations are now being received for the position of Town Queen candidate, and will close with the secretary on Monday, March 3- A further meeting of those interested in supporting the Town Queen will be held on Wednesday, March 5, when the Queen will be selected. It is hoped that there will be. better representation at this meeting. Surveying the small audience, Mr. Fowler in his opening remarks wondered whether it might not be better to concentrate on only two Queens, considering the poor response received from the public. He would be pleased if others present would ventilate their opinions. A similar view was shared by Mr. W. J. Mogridge, who said the attendance showed the apathy of th® public, and it might be better to join forces with the Sports Queen and have a two-Queen carnival, Town v. Country.

A reason for the small attendance was advanced by Mr. H. J. Higham, who said that most of the town and business people were connected with some sports organisation and naturally were followers of the Sports Queen-

“I disagree with the remarks made,” said Mr. E. V. Calkin, who is chairman of the Marton Sports Society. “To-night’s meeting is reminiscent of the meeting sponsored by the Sports Queen last week, when the attendance was not as large as expected. Those present had a very hazy idea of what the carnival was for,, but after they had been given a picture of what was happening they were satisfied and I feel that their meeting next Monday night will be a bumper one," opined Mr. Calkin. There was definitely room for three Queens in the carnival-

“What is required is an organiser who has time to boost the carnival,” said Mr. Mogridge. Support for Mr. Calkin came from Mr. Reg. Williams who considered it would be unfair to combine with sports against country, He recommended other means of getting the public interested. Mr. R. A. Poppelwell said it was well worth taking the meeting a further stage and electing a chairman and secretary. “If our next meeting is a flop we should then consider merging with the Sports Queen” added Mr. Poppelwell. “In the meantime we should get some of the industrial concerns behind us " He suggested that a more appropriate name for the Town Queen would be “Industries and Commerce Queen.” Similar views were expressed by Messrs. A. S. Blackledge and L. Anderson who felt sure that once the Queen was elected and the carnival got under way the public would show interest and give their support.

“A two-horse race is never a success," said Mr. Higham, who spoke, in favour of at least three Queens taking part in the carnival. Mr. E. V. Calkin then gave a short history leading up to the decision to ■stage the carnival and the reasons for wanting the £2OOO, the objective aimed at. Mr. K. Fowler said apparently it was the wish of the meeting to proceed, and he was prepared to accept nomination for the position of chairman.

Officers elected were:—President, Mr. W. J. Mogridge; secretary and treasurer, Mr- L. E. Anderson; general committee, Messrs. J. Wales, A. S. Blackledge, R- A. Popoelwell. H. J. Higham, J. A. Petrie, G. H. Denoow, Mesdames G Hogan, A. S. Blackledge, J. Wales. On a show of hands the suggestion to alter the title of the Queen from “Town” to “Industries and Commerce” was defeated

YOUNGER PEOPLE URGED TO COME FORWARD.

A Marton solicitor, Mr. K. A. Williams, was this month's speaker at the recent meeting of the Marton Junction Women’s institute, when he urged the younger members of the community to take a more active part in social affairs oin committees. Too much, he said, was left to the older members in the running of civic and other affairs. On the motion of Mrs. Watts, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Williams.

The meeting opened with the “Ode to Friendships,’’ followed by the prayer read by Miss Emens, and the motto given by Mrs. Watts. As a mark of respect to two members who had suffered bereavements in their families, a motion of sympathy was carried in silence. It was reported that Mrs. Watts had again been elected the institute’s delegate on the executive council. Mrs. Sicely thanked Mrs. Eagle for again delighting members with two vocal solosj and stressed the point that Mrs. Eagle had always been willing to assist the institute in its social gatherings. Hostesses for March are Mesdames Gibson (chief). Griffin, Fraser, Fogelbei’g, Fitzgerald, and Miss Gorrie. Mrs Watts kindly took the travelling 2s. Members were reminded that the group meeting is being held at. Stanway to-day (Wednesday). The bus leaves town at 12.30 p.m. sharp. SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S STREET SALE. “We have been very pleased with the day’s efforts." said Mr. J. W. Gibson, secretary of the Marton Scottish Society, when commenting last evening on th very successful street sale i in Broadway yesterday. ! proceeds amounted to just on £55, and throughout the day members of the society had a busy time attending to the inquiries of the many patrons. The sale was held by permission of the Marton Borough Council, enable the society to build up its funds for the purchase of equipment for the Marton Pipe Band. This will be Ihe last big appeal made by the society until June or July, when probably a Tartan carnival will be held to-find the balance of the £5OO required.

BRIDE-TO-BE ENTERTAINED The Tutaenui branch of theW.D.F.U. met last week for a social gathering as a compliment to one of their most constant workers, Miss Alice Gibbs, whose marriage to Mr. Ron Stafford takes place shortly. The afternoon took the form of a gift “pantry" tea and the guest received some novel tin.. useful parcels which will aid her housekeeping problems in the future. Mrs. C. Gray, who kindly asked members to her home for the occasion, presented %he guest with the bouquet and wished her every success and happiness. The branch said Mrs. Gray, could scarcely express regret at losing Miss' Gibbs, as they would be welcoming Mrs. Ron Stafford In her place as a near neighbour. A competition as to who could give the best recipe, and judged by Miss Gibbs, was won by Mrs. Clegg. Miss Gibbs thanked all for their gifts and said she would be pleased to do what she could as a member in the future. Afternoon tea was served in the gardens under the s hade of a lovely old maple tree and members expressed their gratefulness to Mrs. Gray for making possible such a pleasant gathering in s uch beautiful surroundings. ALTERATION IN CHAMPION CALF CLUB AWARD AT MARTON The award of the champion call certificate in the calf-rearing competition at the recent Marton show to Mr. Lawrence Gloyn’s Melody, was the subject of a protest received by the Marton A. and P. Association at its meeting last week. An objection had been made by Mr. Don Wilson, stated the secretary, Mr. A. Way. Mr. Wilson’s calf had been awarded first price in Class I, while Mr. Gloyn’s Melody was placed first in Class 11. According to the regulations, in the event of a tie in points the championship award was to go to the calf awarded first in Class I (care and attention). The judge, Mr. Thos. Ranford, however, awarded the champion certillcate to Mr. Lawrence, winner of Class 11. The conditions of the championship award were explained to the judge by letter, said Mr. Way, who had replied that he was quite prepared to agree to the alteration and trusted that all parlies concerned would understand and appreciate the position. On the motion of Mr. W..G. Aitken, seconded by Mr. J. Griffin, the judge’s decision to make the alteration was agreed to and the championship award was made to Mr. Don Wilson’s calf. MARTON RAILWAY DEFEAT WANGANUI AT CRICKET. By a margin of 40 runs, Marton Railway defeated Wanganui in a Russell Shield cricket match played in Wanganui during the week-end. The visitors had first strike and compiled the tidy score of 155, thanks mainly to the efforts of M. Gully, who reached 67 before being bowled, and J. Barnes, who scored 42. The only other double-figure scorer was A. Sparks, who made 18. Four batsmen failed to open their account. For Wanganui, Miller took 4 for 32, Tuffin, 3 for 35, Nicole, 3 for 41, and Lawrence 1 for 24. Batting throughout the inpings, L. Miller, opening batsman, completed a good “double" by registering the useful score of 61 not out. He received assistance from C. Ellery (16) and M. Lawrence (13). Unlike Marton Junction, every batsman made at least one run. The last wicket fell for 115. Bowling for Junction, Allen took 4 for 37, A. Futchr, 4 for 31, M. Gully, 1 for 17. R. Girling, who the previous day in a Rangitikei competition match bowled splendidly in taking 7 for 30, on this occasion failed to get a wicket and had 25 runs hit off his deliveries. SWIMMING SPORTS TO-NIGHT The first inter-club swimming sports meeting since 1936 will be held in the Marton baths to-night, when 30 visitors from Wanganui East will try conclusions with members of the Marton Club for the “Runnymede” Cup. An attractive programme has been arranged by the committee and the first event is timed for 7.30 p.m. If the evening is warm, the local club is expecting a large crowd, as swimming sports are a novelty in this town. Admission to-night is adults Is and children 6d. NO ELECTION NECESSARY FOR LICENSING COMMITTEE. Only the required number of nominations for the five seats on the Rangitikei Licensing Committee were received by the returning officer, Mr. E. D. Churcher, when nominations closed at noon yesterday. They were:— A. W. Amon (Bulls), W. G. Booth, E. G. Goodbehere (Feilding), K. H. Fowler, F. Purnell (Marton). No election will now be necessary and the above five have been duly elected members of the Licensing Committee.

Messrs. T. E. Barton and F. R. H. Brice (Marton) who served on the old committee, did not seek re-election, and the two new members are. Messrs Booth and Goodbehere.

MARTON TENNIS CLUB DEFEATED AT TAIHAPE.

Players from the Marton Tennis Club journeyed to Taihape at the week-end and although they suffered defeat at the hands of the Taihape Club, the margin wa s very narrow—two sets and one game. While the visiting women players were superior to the home club, the Taihai.- men proved too strong for Marton and this was the deciding (actor in the home club’s victory. Murton won 15 sets, 240 games to Taihape's 17 sets and 241 games. The following are the results, Marton players being mentioned first:— Ladies’ singles; Mrs . L. Campbell beat Miss Thurston, 9-3; Mrs. D. McLennan beat Miss U, McCullough, 9-4; Miss M. Broad lost to Miss GranvilleSmith, 4-9; Mrs. M. Fisher lost to Miss J. Welch, 3-9; Miss L. Hopkins beat Miss J. Dix, 9-6; Miss J. Childs beat Mrs. R. Hep.per, 12-10: Mrs. A. Hayward beat Miss N. Siddle. 10-8; Miss J. McDonald lost to Miss E. Bosher, 1-9.

..irton, 5 sets, 67 games; Taihape, 3 lets, 58 gai:.L-s.

Men’s singles: H. Aldrich lost to J. Madden, 1-9; It. Stantiall lost to H. Wham, 6-9; T. Dommett beat. P. Crawford, 9-4; 1. Rhodes beat H. Bosher, 9-2; K. Stephens beat C. Crimp, 9-4; B. Lawson lost to B. Robertson, 6-9; E. Dix lost to B. Coilerton, 6-9; D. Christensen lost to J. Smith 0-9. Marton, 3 sets, 46,-games; Taihape, 5 sets, 55 games. Ladies’ doubles: Mesdames Campbell and McLennan beat Misses Thurston and Granville-Smith, 9-1; Miss Broad and Mrs. .Fisher lost to Misses Bosher and McCullough, 7-9; Misses

Hopkins and Childs beat Misses Dix and Hepper, 9-3; Misses McDonald and Mrs. Hayward lost to Misses Siddle and Welch, 2-9. Marton, 2 sets, 27 games; Taihape, 2 sets, 22 games. Men's doubles: Aldrich and Rhodes lost to Wham and Madden, 10-12; Stantiall and Dommett lost to Bosher and Crawford, 6-9; Stephens and Lawson beat Robertson and Crimp, 11-9; Dix and Christensen lost to Collerton and Smith, 8-0. Marton 1 set, 35 games; Taihape, 3 sets, 40 games. Combined doubles: Aldrich and Mrs. Campbell lost to Wham and Miss Thurston, 7-9; Stantiall and Mrs McLennan beat Madden and Miss McCullough, 9-7; Dommett and Miss Broad beat Crawford and Miss GranvilleSmith, 9-6; Rhodes and Mrs. Fisher lost to Bosher and J. Welch, 9-6; Lawson and Mrs. Hayward beat Rob..tson and Miss Siddle, 10-8; Dix and Miss Hopkins beat Collerton and Miss Dix, 9-6; Stephens and Miss McDonald lost to Crimp and Miss Welch, 6-9; Christensen and Miss Childs lost to Smith and Mrs. Hepper. 10-12. Marton, 4 sets, 65 games; Taihape, 4 sets, 66 games. MARTON A. & P- ASSOCIATION A report of an interview with the Showmen’s Guild regarding the high charges made at the recent Marton Show for rides on the meryy-go-rounds, etc., was given bv Mr. A. S. Coleman at a meeting of the Marton A. and P. Association general committee last week. It was explained to him, said Mr. Coleman, that owing to excessive transport charges it was impossibne to agree to a reduction at the present timeIt was reported by Mr. W. G. Aitken that the Marton Sash and Door Timber Company had made a start with the cutting down of the trees on the new showgrounds, but owing to the damage caused by the recent storm they had had to abandon the job for a time. A recommendation was made that the charge for side-show space for future shows be increased to 2s 6d per foot frontage space. On the suggestion of the secretary it was agreed that a notice be forwarded all members notifying them that their subscriptions were due and that tickets would be forwarded on receipt of cheque.

At the conclusion ot the meeting, the president, Mr. E. H. Simpson, entertained the members of the committee, when the “toasts" of Mr. P. W. Briant (who has recently entered the benedict ranks), Mr. G. L- Marshall (who ivas president in 1914 and has been a consistent exhibitor in cattle and sheep classes ever since), Mr. W. S. Morrison (who has proved himself a first-class supervisor for a number of years', the president (Mr. E. H. Simpson), and the secretary (Mr. A. Way) were honoured.

Mr. E. H- Simpson presided over Messrs. G. L. Marshall. A. S. Coleman, W. G. Aitken, R, T. N. Fergusson, G. Griffin. W- Jenkins. S. W. Morrison, R. H. Haise, F. MrLean. J. Griffin. R. W. Marshall. A. C. Vile, N. Shelton. A. B. Marshall. P. W Briant, K. McK. Duncan. J. Henderson, M. Morrison. J. D. Simpson, F. Death and A. Way (secretary). COMING EVENTS

To-night (Wednesday): Showing finally at Civic Theatre. "The Adventures of Mark Twain,” starring Frederick March and a cast of hundreds Inter-club swimming contest in Marton baths between Wanganui East and Marton for ’Runnymede" Cup. Annual meeting of Marton Nursing Division of St. John Ambulance in Victory Hall. General meeting of Marton Amateur Athletic Club in Jockey Club room to make arrangements for grand open sports meeting. Thursday, February 27: General meeting of Matanui Tennis Club in Marton Jockey Club room, to make nomination for Sports Queen. Saturday, March 1: Rata sports meeting anytorse show, to be held on Mr. A. 11. Anodes’ property. Bulls. Dance in Rata Hall in evening. Tuesday, March 4: Marlon Phinkct Society’s street day sale in Broadway. Athletic sports meeting or. Marton Park. Grand carnival dance in Bulls Hown Hall: bus from Marton.