St. Stephen’s School Closed Yesterday, But Reopening Today

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 May 1948, Page 2

St. Stephen’s School Closed Yesterday, But Reopening Today

The latest development in the Marton water- supply problems was the closing of St. Stephen’s private school yesterday. Anticipating a repetition of last week’s difficulties with the return on Monday of a low pressure in the water supply, the school authorities made their decision at the weekend. However, yesterday the pressure was normal and as indications point to a continuance of the supply, the school will re-open this morning as usual. St. Stephen’s School is situated on the higher levels of Marton and was one of those areas which was poorly served with water last week. In fact residents in the vicinity were without water for some days, bringing hardship in many cases. This poor pressure was the result of the upper reservoir being drained to permit repairs and the borough being served by only the lower reservoir. To bring relief to residents sectional cut-offs were operated toward the end of last week.

The town yesterday was continuing to draw its water from both the upper and lower reservoirs and pressure was good. The two reservoirs were connected with the mains on Friday night to give residents, particularly those on the higher levels, an adequate supply of water for the weekend. It was thought, however, that the supply in the larger dam would not last more than two days but such fears have not been realised and the borough foreman, Mr. W. R. Brant, indicated yesterday that the present source of supply, depending upon the consumption in the meantime, might last until the end of the week. Marton's water problems, he said, would be greatly lessened if rain fell in the catchment area within the next few days. The Railways Department has been one of the borough’s heaviest consumers of water, averaging about 2i million gallons a month. Since the department has arranged its own supply from the Rangitikei River at Kakariki this has greatly alleviated the position in the borough. Residents in Wing’s Line and Princess Street draw their water from community tanks temporarily Installed on the road sides. The Junction area and the Railway Station will be connected to the borough supply when there is sufficient water in the Tutaenui catchment area.

RUGBY FIXTURES AND REFEREES FOR SATURDAY. The following are the Rangitikei Rugby fixtures, grounds, and referee appointments for Saturday:— Senior: Marton Old Boys v. Athletic, at Marton, « referee, Mr. R. Penn; Bulls v. Ohingaiti,’ at Bulls, Mr. R. Gordon; Rangatahi v. Ratana, at Rangatahi, Mr. N. Cairncross; Hunterville v. Rata, at Hunterville, Mr. J. Dickson. Junior: Rata v. Athletic at Rata, Mr. E. Wall; Marton Old Boys v. Hunterville, at Hunterville at 1.30 p.m., Mr. R. J. Batchelor; Ratana v. Bulls, at Ratana, Mr. C. Culpan; Turakina a bye. Thirds: Marton D.H. School v. Marton Old Boys, at Marton at 1.30 p.m., Mr. R. Bartlett; Flock House v. Ohingaiti, at Ohingaiti, Mr. E. Westwood; Hunterville v. Athletic, at M.D.H S. ground, at 2.30 p.m., Mr. O. Johnson; Ratana a bye. Points Table. The following points have been secured in the three grades up to and including last Saturday:— Senior: Hunterville 4, Marton Old Boys 3, Ratana 3, Bulls 2, Rata 2, Athletic 1, Rangatahi 1, Ohingaiti 0. Juniors: Rata 4, Hunterville 2, Athletic 2, Ratana 2, Turakina 1, Marton Old Boys 1, Bulls 0. Thirds: Ratana 4, Ohingaiti 4, Marton Old Boys 2, M.D.H.S. 2, Athletic 0, Hunterville 0, Flock House 0.

SCHOOL FIFTEEN PROVES TOO GOOD FOR FLOCK HOUSE.

After leading by nine points to nil at the interval, Marton District High School ran away for an easy victory over Flock House in the Rugby third grade curtain-raiser played on Marton Park on Saturday. While not comparing with the fifteen of last season—the back line has lost several of its star players—on its showing on Saturday, the team will win more matches than it will los.e Flock House dominated the scrums but their backs failed to make the most of the opportunities, their handling being uncertain. On the other hand, the few times school did hook the ball, the backs could always be relied upon to gain valuable territory. Tire school forwards, after the Interval, played a more vigorous game, particularly in the loose, and this paved the way for a well-earned victory. In L. Kane (half), and R. Kan (first five-eighths), school possessed two players who caused the opposition any amount of trouble. Kan, a Chinese boy. made some delightful openings and it was not his fault that more points did not come from his splendid play—faulty handling outside if him lost two good tries. Kane revealed he is a dangerous lad near the scoring line and thoroughly deserved his two tries. The school flyer, R. McChesney, at centre, was never given much latitude and in his opposite number, McLaren, he had a player who could match him for speed. L. Kane (2), R. Goebel, B. Bertram. R. McChesney scored tries for School. R. McChesney and D. Timmins kicked penalties, and Timmins converted a try.

CROQUET CLUB’S CLOSING DAY AT MARTON. Under ideal weather conditions the closing day of the Marton Croquet Club was held on Saturday. The president, Mrs. F. A. Hempieman, in reviewing the past year's activity, referred to the exceptionally good season experienced. She then presented the trophies won for the various competitions as follows: Milne Rose Bowl, Mrs. G. Mitchell; Thomson Cup, Mrs. G. Mitchell; Barton Bowl, Mrs. Moore; Mrs. W. F. Stevens’ trophy, C. players, Mrs. Franke; Buttons competitions, Miss Ferens and Mrs. Franke. JUNCTION TENNIS CLUB. The Marton junction Tennis Club held its closing day at the week-end when the club championships were finalised. The ladies’ singles title was won by Mrs. R Penn, and the men s singles by R. Penn. The combined doubles were won by R. Murray and Miss Norma Hutton.