Province and Suburb

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 218, 3 December 1927, Page 12

Province and Suburb

— (From THE SUN’S Correspondents.)

THAMES PIONEER

DEATH OF MR. W. JAMES

A very old resident of the Thames, Mr. William James, died on Thursday at the age of 94 years. He was born' in Penzance, Cornwall, in 1834 and arrived in New Zealand by the sailing ship Warwick in 1875 accompanied by his wife. He joined the gold rush to Ohinemuri, and has resided in Thames ever since. He followed the occupation of a miner for about 10 years, and then qngaged in the Hauraki Gulf fishing industry for 25 years. He sailed his boat in the Gulf until an illness at the age of 80 compelled his retirement. Four years ago he and Mrs. James celebrated the diamond jubilee of their marriage in 1863, and Mrs. James is still hale at 84.

PUTARURU LOAN PROPOSAL CARRIED The loan proposals formulated by the Putaruru Town Board amounting to £7,500, were endorsed by an overwhelming majority of the ratepayers. Of a total of 281 ratepayers on the roll, 113 are absentees, and the: figures announced by the returning officer, Mr. A. H. Dukeson, were as follow; For the loan 83 Against 0 Informal 2 Both the informal votes were votes by declaration. The poll was a good one, 55 per cent, of resident electors recording their votes on a day which was not propitious so far as the weather was concerned. The proposals cover about two miles of formation and metalling of roads, and three and a-half miles of footpaths, with a small amount for tree planting and other beautifying work. It is expected that work will be commenced toward the end of January.

THE COUNTRY PARTY SUPPORT AT PUTARURU There were about twenty farmers present in the Putaruru Town Hall to hear an address by Captain Colbeck, of Morrinsville, on the aims and aspirations of the Farmers’ Country Party. At the conclusion of the address, which lasted for one hour, it was unanimously decided, on the motion of Messrs. L. M. 'Nicklin and E. D. White, “That a branch of the Country Political League be formed in Putaruru.” Those present remained at the conclusion of the Farmers’ Union meeting, and all but one joined up with the new branch. Messrs. E. D. White, Tapapa and L. M. Nicklin, Putaruru, w r ere elected president and secretary respectively of the new branch. It was decided to hold a monster picnic of farmers toward the end of February. The Putaruru branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, which had been defunct for four or live years, has now been re-established on a bigger and better footing than ever, and great support is being received from the settlements surrounding the town. The meeting addressed by Captain Colbeck was the smallest attendance since the branch was resuscitated several months ago, and was largely accounted for by the fact that the previous day was sale day, when a record yarding of stock, for Putaruru had taken place.

HUNTLY SHOW SOME FINE EXHIBITS The Huntly Horticultural Society held its summer show in the Town ITall, Huntly, yesterday. Flowers -were backward, gladioli especially, and as a result a special exhibition may be arranged for display purposes. The stocks, however, represented quality, a heliotrope single specimen from Mrs. C. Bailey commanding considerable admiration. Mr. George Shaw scored the championship honour in roses with a perfect bloom, “Molly Bligh.” Mrs. 11. W. Bell, assistant secretary, and Mr. Will Edgerley, secretary, discharged their onerous duties in a capable manner, and are to be warmly commended for the excellent arrangements. The benching was good and not cramped, patrons being loud in their praise under this head, while the seating accommodation was duly appreciated. The president, Mr. R. W. Fairhurst, assisted by Messrs. G. A. Shaw and F. Meek, vice-presidents, and a strong committee looked after the requirements of the many visitors who attended, and the society should show a handsome profit over the function. The prize-list is as follows: Roses.—Non-climber and climber: G. A. Shaw, 1 and 2; best single, Mrs. C. Bailey, 2; best bunch of three varieties, Mrs. H. Payne, 1; G. A. Shaw, 2; best spray, ramblers, etc., Mrs. E. Foster. 1. Carnations.—Best three of one kind: Mrs. Chas. Starr, 1; Miss V. Stewart. 2; three self, three colours, Miss V. Stewart, 1; Mrs. C. Starr, 2; three fancy, three colours, Miss V. Stewart, 1. Cut Flowers.—Six kinds in six vases: Mrs. E. Foster, 1; Mrs. C. Bailey, 2; three kinds in three vases, G. A. Shaw, 1; Mrs. C. Bailey, 2. Stocks.—Six different spikes: Mrs. C. Bailey, 1; G. Shaw and Mrs. C. Bailey, 2; three different spikes, Mrs. C. Bailey, 1 and 2; best spike, Mrs. C. Bailey, 1; G. A. Shaw, 2. Pansies.—l2 blooms, C. J. Murphy, 1; Mrs. C. Bailey, 2: six blooms, Mrs. C. Bailey, 1; C. J. Murphy, 2; three blooms, Mrs. C. Bailey, 1; C. J. Murphy, 2. Sweet Peas.—Six varieties, Mrs. J. W. Burgess, 1; three varieties, G. A. Shaw, 1; Mrs. E. Foster, 2: 24 stems, G. A. Shaw, 1; Mrs. E. Foster. 2; best vase, colour blending, Mrs. E. Foster, 1; G. A. Shaw. 2; vase crimson or scarlet, Mrs. E. Foster,, 1; Mrs. H. Payne, 2: vase cream or white, G. A. Shaw, 1; Mrs. J. Burgess, 2; vase blue or lavender, Mrs. E. Foster, 1; Mrs. J. W. Burgess, 2. OTHER CLASSES Three varieties verbena, Mrs. Caleb Hill; three varieties aquilegia, Miss K. Welch; gaillardias, Mrs. E. Foster; phlox Drummondii, G. A. Shaw, two firsts; gladioli, G. A. Shaw, three firsts; delphiniums, Mrs. E. Foster, 1; geraniums, assorted, Mrs. E. Foster, 1; geraniums, one bloom, Miss Welch, 1; Mrs. Foster, 2; lilies, Mrs. E. George; poppies, double, Mrs. C. Hill, 1; Mrs. J. W. Burgess. 2; poppies, single, Mrs. J. W. Burgess; Iceland poppies, Mrs. J. W. Burgess, 1; Mrs. Barclay, 2; antirrhiniums, six varieties, Mrs. E. Foster; do., three varieties, Rev. J. W. Robinson; geum, Mrs. E. Foster, 1: Canterbury bells, Miss Jean Gavin, 1; Miss K. Welch, 2: any other variety. Miss K. Welch, 1: G. A Shaw, 2: Mrs. E. Foster, 3: bridal bouquet, Miss R. Hill, 1; decorated table. Miss R. Hill. 1: Mrs. Payne. 2; very highly commended. Miss R. Hill, h.c.. Mrs. Balcke; basket of cut flowers. Miss V. Burdin. 1; Mrs. Foster, 2: Miss Hill. 3; bouquet of wild flowers, Mrs. E. Foster, 1; native flowers and ferns. Mrs. E. Foster, 1: bowl of flowers, Mrs. E. George, 1; Mrs. Shaw, 2; Mrs. Payne, 3: h.c.. Mrs. B. M. Balcke; energne, Mrs. E. George. 1; Mrs. G. Shaw, 2; foliage plant, Mrs. W. Barclay, VEGETABLES Green peas, P. Crimmins, 1; cabbage. . Mrs. E. Smith. 1; cauliflower, Mrs. E. | Smith, 1: M. Shepherd, 2: carrots, G. ; Green, 1; beans, John Bailey. 1: M. i Shepherd, 2; collection, Mrs.'E. M. Laing FRUIT Mrs. E. Smith, four points. POINTS PRIZES Points winners were follow:—Cut flowers, Mr. G. A. Shaw; decorative, Mrs. E. Foster; vegetables, Mrs. E. Smith; fruit, Mrs. E. Smith; cookery, Mrs. E. George; confections, Mrs. E. M. Laing, Mercer; sweet peas, Mrs. E. Foster.

KING COUNTRY SPORT

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES Tennis enthusiasts had a gala day at Taumarunui, when the cream of local players met and defeated Raetihi Club players by 15 matches to 9. The visitors came through by car, and had a very pleasant trip, the road being in good order for the time of the year. The games were well contested, the Kaetihi team giving their opponents some hard work at times. The Taumarunui Club entertained the visitors at the conclusion of play. CRICKET The King Country Cricket Association has decided that in the event of any player from outside what is known as the Taumarunui Cricket Association district expressing a wish to play for any of the Taumarunui Association Clubs, the name shall be submitted to the King Country Association, which shall allocate him to a team at its discretion. It has also been decided that, provided the opposing skippers agree to the course before the match, a tea adjournment will be allowed from 3.45 to 4 p.m., or thereabouts, during the remainder of the season, provided the game has started punctually, and the tea period must not exceed 15 minutes. PIGEON RACING The Manunui Pigeon Club continued its old bird races with a fly from Kawa Kawa, but owing to the inability of making arrangements for liberation the club will be unable to go further north. The results of the race were: J. Whittaker’s “Commendation,” 979.1 yards a minute, 1; R. Patterson’s “Limited,” 978.4 yards, 2; D. Andrews’s “Matai,” 972.6 yards, 3; D. Wilson’s “Star Artist,” 875.6 yards, 4. SHOOTING The Taumarunui Rod and Gun Club held its usual fortnightly shoot at the municipal saleyards, the meeting being very interesting, as the

weather was beautifully fine, and this tended toward good shooting. Results:—No. 1 Sweepstake: R. F. Harris 1, F. E. Cox 2. No. 2 Sweepstake (Gimcrack): J. Richards 1, R. F. Harris 2. No. 3, Richards Cup: R. F. Harris, 11 birds, 1; E. Lightfoot, 10 birds, 2. No. 4, Quail Drive: J. Richards 1, F. E. Cox 2. No. 5, Sweepstake: R. F. Harris 1, K. Kelland 2.

The King Country Gun Club held a very successful shoot on the farm of Mr. H. Shires, at Kaitieke. The host and hostess extended generous hospitality. thanks being returned by the club's travelling chairman, Mr. J. Waldegrave. Mr. H. Gage, the club controller, moved a vote of thanks to Mrs. Stephenson and Miss M. S. Stephenson, for donating the trophies for the day’s sport, the compliment being rendered in hearty cheers. The two matches resulted:—First Shoot: D. Todd. 5 kills, 1; H. Shires, J. McKay and G. Persen, tied for second with four kills and divided the prize. Second shoot: J. Rutherford, 5 kills, 1; G. Geary, 4 kills, 2; H. Shires, 3 kills, 3. The club’s next meeting will take place on the property of Mr. H. Gage, on New Year’s Day, when the Gage Medal. N. AValdegrave Memorial Medal, and a sweepstake will be competed for. The host and hostess will provide luncheon and afternoon tea.

STRANDED CHURCH TROLLEY BREAKS DOWN During the transfer of the Holy Trinity Church from Otahuhu to Manger© yesterday, a delay of a couple of hours was occasioned about halfway between the Mangere Crossing and the new site of the church on account of one of the rear trolleys being misplaced, causing the back portion of the load to drag on the ground. The workmen got busy on the job, raising the load with hydraulic jacks, and after a couple of hours’ delay the cumbersome load again moved away, but the slipping of the trolley prevented the building being placed on the section last evening, and ,it had to spend the night within fifty feet of the goal. It is hoped to get it into position on the new site to-day.