TAIHAPE NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1948, Page 3

TAIHAPE NEWS

UTIKU RESIDENTS FAREWELLED Members of the Utiku Boxing Club and Utiku Football Club on Sunday evening gathered to farewell Mr. and Mrs. W. McMahon, who are leaving to reside in the Hunterville district. A short toast list was interspersed with items, and the guests were the subject of eulogistic references and presentations from both clubs in recognition of their services to boxing and football sport. HOME-SERVICEMEN’S REUNION. The fourth annual reunion dinner of the N.Z. Home-servicemen’s Association (Taihape branch) attracted a good attendance of members and guests. Mr. M. Nicol (president), who was in the chair, mentioned in .the course of a short address that the branch’s membership was 130, and the financial position was very favourable. He moved a vote of thanks to donors and those who had worked to organise the function, which was carried by acclamation. The toast list which followed the dinner was as follows: “Dominion Council and the Association" (Mr. M. Nicol—Mr. L. W. Ayers, Dominion councillor); “Borough Council’’ (Mr. F. Bartrum—Mr. E. Loader, Mayor); “The R.S.A.” (Mr.. A. H. Taylor—Mr C. E. Scott); “A.F.A. and Navy’’ (Mr. A. Harrop—Mr. L. D. Bell); “Red Cross, Auditors and Press" (Mr A. M. Gordon); “Rehabilitation Committee’’ (Mr. W. Mark). Mr. H. J. Simpson entertained at interval joined by many of the members, and Mr. Simpson and Mr. Harrop, in turn, at the piano, led community singing. CROSS-COUNTRY RACE. Despite adverse weather, a large field of boys took part in the annual cross-country race of the secondary department of the Taihape District High School, which was run over a new course, giving a variety of country to fully test the endurance of the contestants. A steady pace was maintained throughout, and the winner was R. Blockley. L. Barker was the most outstanding runner, as he started from scratch and gained the fastest time of 22min. 32sec. P. Winchcombe (23min.) was third and R. Appleton (23min. 35sec.) was fourth. About 50 boys completed the course. After the race, the boys were given afternoon tea, prepared by the girls Mr. F. Reece, chairman of the School Committee, presented the cup to Blockley, and Sergeant Doel presented Barker with the Doel Medal for fastest time. PERSONAL. Miss Margaret Costello, of the teaching staff of the Mamaku School, Rotorua line, was a recent visitor to Utiku as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Potaka. Miss Costello was formerly a member of the staff of the Utiku School.