Province and Suburb

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 202, 15 November 1927, Page 12

Province and Suburb

(From THE SUN’S Correspondents.) _>

HUSTLING FOR BUSINESS COLLISION ON WHARF On Sunday evening, about five o’clock, a taxicab owned and driven by Mr. T. Halliday, collided with a marine suburb bus at Birkenhead, badly denting the benzine tank and breaking oft the rear mudguard. It is understood that the bus and taxi C which runs at bus fares) were trying to get the first position at the wharf and both turned on their wrong side, the taxi hitting the bus in the centre. The taxi had its buffer broken. TE KUITT NEWS BACK TO OLD TIME Owing to a rearrangement of the White Star motor services, the firm of Gibson’s Motors (New Plymouth) has opened a branch office in Te Kuiti. One week’s trial sufficed to convince the management of the local picture theatre that starting the % rogramme half an hour later on account of daylight saving was not a success, and the usual opening hour was reverted to on Monday. During the past few weeks weasels have been causing concern among poultry-keepers in Te Kuiti, several householders having lost a number of chickens and young fowls through their depredations. TAUMARUNUI BOYS’ BAND NEW CONDUCTOR The vacancy in the «onductorship of the Taumarunui Boys’ Silver Band, caused by the death of Mr. J. P. Curreen, has been filled by the appointment of Mr. F. Woodmass, of Taumarunui. it was resolved at a meeting that a letter of condolence be forwarded to the relatives of the late conductor, and expressing the deep regret felt by the band at its loss. Mr. H. B. Robb, who was one of the prime movers in the formation of the band, announced that owing to his removal to Palmerston North, he regretted having to tender his resignation as a member of the committee. The Mayor, in moving the acceptance of the resignation, said he did so with deep regret, as they owed Mr. Robb a big debt of gratitude. His legal advice freely given had saved the band much money, and Taumarunui -would suffer a loss by his and Mrs. Robb’s removal. He wished them good luck and success in Palmerston North. TAUMARUNUI COUNTY UNSUITABLE ROAD Mr. G. A. Stanton, county chairman, presided over the monthly meeting of tha Taumarunui County Council. The clerk reported that he had written to the Surveyor-General, informing him that the council would object to the dedication of the roadline through the Hohotaha block, on the ground that five unnecessary bridges would be required. The roadline had been laid off in an unsuitable location. The Surveyor-GeneraVs attention was also drawn to the fact that, certain roads in the county were beinglaid off under the direction of the Native Land Court, whereas the roading should be entirely in the hands of experts. The council endorsed the clerk's action in the matfcer. The clerk was instructed to write to the chief surveyor, Auckland, requesting that the Mangakahu Road and the Taringamotu Road surveys be undertaken immediately. SPORTS FOR ROTORUA NEW YEAR PROGRAMME A well-attended meeting of men interested in promoting an athletic sports gathering to be held at New Year, attended at Rotorua Borough Council chambers on Friday evening in response to an appeal by the Rotorua Borough Council’s amusement Committee. Mr. J. N. McLean, chairman of the borough amusement committee, occu-‘ pied the chair and in his opening remarks outlined the scheme which his committee had in view, emphasising the fact that the town required seme entertainment during the holiday season to cater for the visitors. It was felt that an athletic meeting should be held combining both professional and amateur events, together with dancing competitions, which the local Caledonian Society was willing to handle. After considerable discussion a strong committee was formed to draw up a tentative programme to submit to the general committee which meets again next Friday. Mr. J. N. McLean was appointed chairman of the general committee, with Mr. C. Griffiths as vicechairman and Mr. W. Sumner secretary. SUMMER TIME HOURS WAIPA WILL NOT CHANGE A month ago the Waipa County Council decided in connection with its monthly meeting not to observe sum-mer-time, and Monday’s meeting commenced at 11 a.m., instead of the customary 10 a.m. Yesterday four members were favourable to the council commencing future meetings at 10 a.m. (summer-time). However, there were eight votes against this, and therefore future meetings will continue to be held at 11 a.m. Councillor S. C. B. Macky presided over the ordinary monthly meeting of the Waipa County Council held on Monday. There were also present Councillors G. S. Clarke, J. T. Johnson, A. H. Storey, W. M. Gee. R. A. Speake, J. S. Fisher, E. F. Peacocke. N. Reid, T. Church, A. Livingstone and S. Saulbrey. The chairman of the Local Government Loan Board wrote re the Owairaka special rating area supplementary loan of £ 250, stating that the board had reconsidered its decision of July 15 and, in view of the special circumstances, had decided to accede to the council’s request. The term of 33£ years was decided upon in order that the maturity date of the supplementary loan would coincide with the principal loan. The Public Trustee advised that interest on this loan and on the Pirongia district drainage loan of .£4O would be charged as from the date of settlement. The Pirongia loan was for 36£ years and each loan paid 6 per cent, interest with 1 per cent, sinking fund for Pirongia and L per cent, for Owairaka.

BIRKENHEAD BAND SUNDAY EVENING CONCERTS At the committee meeting of the Birkenhead Band last evening it was decided to give outside concerts on Sunday evenings after church, and the committee was recommended to hold a bazaar in February to raise funds to liquidate the debt on the band instruments. PETTY THIEVING BIRKDALE BACHES ENTERED Petty thieving has been causing the residents of Island Bay, Birkdale, concern lately. The sea-side baches have been broken into and the keys taken, apparently for a return visit. The residents are warned to keep their baches locked, especially during the week-end. The Birkenhead police are making investigations. DEATH AT KIWITAHI MR. J. BELL The death of Mr. J. Bell, aged 61 years, a very highly respected resident of Kiwitahi, Morrinsville, occurred at his residence on Tuesday. Mr. Bell had not experienced very good health for the past five years. He was engaged in farming on an extensive scale at Kiwitahi for the past 40 years, on land originally taken up by his father from the Maoris. He is survived by his wife and brother, Mr. A. D. Bell, of Cleveland, and two sisters, Mrs. R. J. Atchison, of Morrinsville, and Mrs. C. Atchison, of Cleveland. SALVATION HOME SOLD AT RUSSELL The well-known rest home belonging to the Salvation Army in Russell has been disposed of to Mr. A. R. Clew, the proprietor of “The Gables,” Russell. The property originally belonged to Mr. E. M. E. Whatman, and when he died in 1915 the place was bequeathed to the Salvation Army as an orphanage for soldiers’ children. When the Salvation Army opened up the big home at Putaruru the children from the Russell home were transferred to that place, and for five years the present establishment was used as a nursing home. For the last two years it has been used as a rest home. The new owner will make extensive alterations to this building and it will be used as an annexe to “The Gables.” Adjutant Mcßoberts, who has been in charge of the Salvation Army Home in Russell for the past eighteen months, has been assisted by Adjutant Hart, and these two lassie officers have done excellent work among the people of the district, and their departure will be regretted by a large number of friends. As soon as the transfer of the property is complete they will take their departure from ‘Russell. ROTORUA SOLDIERS ANNUAL REUNION The Rotorua Returned Soldiers’ Association annual reunion was held in Dixieland on Thursday, November 10, about 50 diggers being present. The president of the R.S.A., Mr. F. Munro, was in command. The proceedings opened with the toast, “The King,” and a few words of welcome from the president. An excellent musical programme was given as follows:—Song, Mr. Thomas; saxophone solo, Mr. Sharpe; song, Mr. Jock McKay; song, Mr. Wilkinson. Dr. Hay, in a humorous speech, proposed the Army, Navy and Air Force, Mr. F. De Hyde, ex-air officer, responded. Mr. Martin proposed “Absent Overseas Comrades,” which was replied to by Mr. Bennett, ex-Australian Forces. Mr. F. White proposed the R.S.A., and drew attention to the good work the R.S.A. was still doing, especially with the unemployed and appealed to those present to stick together and try to assist those poor unfortunates who are not able to do anything for themselves. The Rev. Burley, secretary, in replying. stated that they had assisted unemployed ex-soldiers by getting a subsidy for £25, which they obtained from the canteen fund. Mr. J. W. Roberts proposed the toast of the Maori Contingent, to which Mr. Reke Rogers hap - pily responded. The evening was a most enjoyable one, popular choruses, story and anecdotes filled in the time which passed all-too quickly. Mr. Bert Heley officiated at the piano in his usual able manner. At the close the president thanked all who had helped to make the evening such a conspicuous success. The proceedings closed at midnight with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne/* and the National Anthem. THE SPEED LIMIT AN INDIGNANT COUNCIL The recent prosecution of a motor ser-vice-car proprietor by the Waipa County Council in which the magistrate gave judgment against the council, came up for discussion on Monday at the meeting of the council. Commenting on the question Councillor E. F. Peacocke stated that if the magistrate’s decision in turning down the council’s by-law limiting the speed of motor vehicles and his reason for such decision should be confirmed by the Supreme Court, it would put the council in the ridiculous position that though they would be elected by, and numerically represent, the interests of the ratepayers, they would in reality be acting solely in the capacity of engineer and collector for the motorists using the roads. “We are here to direct out roading policy—the magistrate’s decision practically dictates our policy. In effect,” said Councillor Peacocke, “we are to maintain roads suitable for the requirements of the motoritsts and we are not to take into consideration when limiting their speeds the cost to the ratepayers who foot the bill, and by the way, elect us to office, We are not here, apparently, to represent the men who have built the roads, and are maintaining them at an overwhelming cost, but that our mission is to cater for the ‘road hog’ who is to be let destroy our roads at his own sweet will.” The magistrate held that the limitation of speed on the main road to 25 miles an in fairly freely it might be done at a hour was unreasonable.

BENEFIT FETE MONEY FOR PARSONAGE I A very successful fete was held by the Pukekohe Methodists last weekend, and resulted in the sum of £135 being netted. This amount is to be expended upon renovations to the parsonage. FARMERS’ UNION BRANCH AT PUKEKOHE At a well-attended meeting of farmers held at Pukekohe on Friday it was decided to form a branch of the Farmers’ Union. Officers elected were: President, Mr. E. Piggott, Buckland; vice-presidents, Messrs. A. Ingram, Bombay, H. Carey, Puni, G. Golding, Pukekohe; executive, Messrs. G. Gathercole, Pukekohe, A. Lowrie, Bombay, and H. Murphy, Pukekohe East; secretary, Mr. A. R. Milne, Ramarama; auditor, Mr. J. B. McKinney, Bombay. The Dominion organiser, Mr. P. Keegan, gave an address upon the advantages that farmers could derive by means of co-operation. Mr. C. C. Munro, of Clevedon, spoke upon the newly-formed Country Party, which he stated was a weapon for fighting the farmers’ battles. POSTAL PROBLEM “HOUSEHOLDER” CIRCULARS At the meeting of the Waitemata Chamber of Commerce last evening at Devonport, the chairman, Mr. T. Walsh, stated that a postal problem had cropped up as a result of some inquiries made by the chamber. The business men of the North Shore had found the scheme of sending out “Householder” circulars rather valuable, but the cost of postage was high. Several of the firms had considered joining in issuing a combined circular, but the Post Office ruled that such could not be sent through the post under the regulations governing “Householder” circulars. Neither was the department willing to permit two firms to place separate circulars in the same envelope for delivery as “Householder” circulars. It was pointed out that by permitting the co-operation of commercial firms in issuing circulars, the Post Office at Devonport alone would have reaped another £IOO revenue in the last few months. The matter is to be further taken up with the department, and the Auckland Chamber is to be advised of the ruling as its members w’ll be affected. PAPAKURA TOWN BOARD

DISTRICT WORKS . The Papakura Town Board met on Monday evening, Mr. Jas. McCall presiding. The Otahuhu Borough Council wrote favouring the establishment of a pound, at a more convenient site south of Otahuhu. The board promised its support to the proposal. On the motion of Ttev. W. C. Wood, the action of the clerk in writing to the Minister of Education and the member for the district urging them to favourably support Papakura’s request for a district high school, was endorsed. The Automobile Association wrote saying that they had definitely decided to celebrate the completion of the concreting of the Great South Road by holding a motor gymkhana on December 3. A committee consisting of the chairman, Dr. Page, Rev. W. C. Wood and Mr. McEntee was left to suggest the board’s share in the celebration. After full discussion the board decided to instal a second-hand electric syren (fire alarm) at a total cost of £ls. A donation of £2 2s was made to the St. John Ambulance Association. The foreman was instructed to complete the camber of the road at the entrance to Cole’s Crescent and generally tidy the spot in question, and provide more waste paper baskets in the centre of the township. Mr. McEntee expressed his regret that The Triangle had not been laid down in permanent material. The chairman pointed out that the finances would not allow of the work proceeding at present, but if the rates came later date.

TRAFFIC LAW BREACHES FIELD DAY AT OTAHUHU Breaches of the traffic regulations chiefly occupied the attention of Mr. J. G. Hewitt, S.M., at Otahuhu yesterday. Alexander Spooner paid 10s and costs for riding a bicycle after sunset with no lights. Sang Lee, for driving a two-horse lorry, without lights after sunset, parted with £1 and 10s costs. Gordon Roberts and Frank Stanley were jointly charged with riding motor-cycles on the Cockles Bay beach in a manner liable to be dangerous to the public. Both defendants put up a futile defence, and had to pay up £2 each and costs. J. A. Churches paid £5 and had his licence cancelled for 12 months lor being in charge of a motor-vehicle while intoxicated. For touching 33 miles an hour, H. Puckey was fined £ 2 and costs. For not giving way to a car on his right at an intersection, and thereby colliding with a car driven by Mr. Jl. G. Rae, the driver of a service car, R. J. Hasted, paid out a £3 line, £1 Is costs, and witness’ expenses 30s. Through exceeding the speed limit at Otahuhu, James Kenneth Johnstone parted with £2 10s and costs. Pillion-riding on a motor-cycle not properly equipped, resulted in H. E. Woods being fined £1 and costs. H. P. R. Foster paid £2 and costs for making a speedway of the Great South Road, Otahuhu, in his motorcar. “A bit of swank, and swank costs money,” remarked the magistrate as he entered £5 and costs against J. T. Owen for riding a motor-cycle with his hands off the handle bars. For driving their cars at a speed estimated to be dangerous to the public safety, on the Great South Road, Otahuhu, the following paid £2 5s and costs: C. Beddow, C. E. Hickey, C. P. R. Caughey, E. M. Armstrong, N. G. Winter, Percy Holmes. For allowing pillion-riding on a motor-cycle, not properly equipped, Wermer Hempleman, C. Whiting and J. W. Stubbs were each fined £1 and costs. Bavid Richard Neive paid a penalty of £2 and 10s costs for speeding. Thomas S. Jones, £ 2 5s and 10s costs, and Reginald Parton a similar sum. L. Wynyard, Joseph Antonia and Norah I. Perman paid £3 10s and costs; W. P. Reid £2 and costs; L. G. Watson £2 and costs; Alfred Philip Barker and S. Bonici £ 2 5s and costs for exceeding the speed limit. Pillion-riding cost E. Dobbs and Vivian A. Watkins £1 and costs each.