CARTERTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 September 1938, Page 7

CARTERTON

MEDICAL MEN STAY LONG. (“Times-Age” Special.) The departure of Dr W. J. C. Wells on a trip to England calls attention to the fact that Carterton as a centre does not change its medical men very frequently. Dr Wells purchased 'the practice of Dr D. G. Johnston in 1930 and has thus been in practice in the town for almost 8 years. Dr Johnston arrived in the township in the early ’eighties and with the exception of the years when he visited England, was the district’s medical advisor for about 50 years. Dr Johnston, who is now residing'in Sumner, can tell some good stories of the early days, when he rode out to his patients and later drove a gig, his horses being known in the district for their ability to trot fast and travel long distances. When the bridge at the Gladstone Hotel over the Ruamahanga River was down the doctor had often to be ferried across in a boat, a friendly horse awaiting him on the eastern side. In 1907 Dr Johnston purchased a motor car and his work was made easier. The establishment of a private hospital in the town also saved considerable travelling. When Dr Johnston arrived from Scotland he practised in Masterton for a short period. In those days Carterton and Masterton were practically the same size, but things have changed very much since then. An Election Comparison. One of the most exciting elections ever held in the Wairarapa was in 1914, the year in which the Great War commenced. The New Zealand Government immediately called for volunteers for an expeditionary force and men were sent to Awapuni and afterwards to Trentham for the necessary instruction. When the troops were due to sail the election had not yet been held, and it was decided by the Government that an election should take place at the Trentham Camp, each soldier voting for the candidates standing his particular electorate as long as they were bona fide residents and irrespective of whether they were on the roll or not. Before the election these votes were forwarded by the Electoral Department to the respective returning officers in sealed packets, with definite instructions that the same were not to be opened or counted until after election day, and then only when the official scrutiny of the rolls arid the official recount of the votes had been completed. On the night of the election in Wairarapa, the late Mr J. T. M. Hornsby had a very small majority over the late Sir Walter Buchanan, and the ultimate result of the election. hinged on .the result of the soldiers’ votes. The official scrutiny of the rolls commenced next morning, and the scrutineers appointed by the respective candidates made insistent requests that the soldiers’ votes be immediately counted, and thus relieve the The returning officer announced it could not be done; that official instructions had to be obeyed. The scrutineers were not satisfied and eventually the returning officer “tabled” his official correspondence, and after perusal, the work in hand was proceeded with amid nervous excitement. After the scrutiny of the rolls had been completed the official recount disclosed that Mr Hornsby had kept the lead obtained on election day. Then the soldiers votes were opened, with “hopes for the best” being expressed by both sides. It was soon apparent that the sitting member, Sir Walter Buchanan, was not getting a majority of these votes, and finally Mr Hornsby increased his initial lead, and was elected. This year the election is being held earlier, and no troops are in camp, but everyone is aware of the serious state of affairs which may again involve the Great Powers of Europe. It may well be said that the prospects of a conflagration are even more ominous than they were 24 years ago. May wise counsels prevail and the disaster be averted. Personal. Mr W. Spooner is on a visit to Pahaoa. Golf Club Draw. The draw for the semi-finals of the club championships to be played at the Taratahi links on Saturday is as follows:— Senior.—R. Goodwin v. R. Lawrence; B. Booth v. J. Steel. Junior. —T. T. Hughes v. C. Clarke; H, Colson v. F. B. Knutson. AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB. ANNUAL REPORT. In presenting the annual report of the Carterton Amateur Dramatic Club, for the year 1937-38, the committee states inter alia: —The year was a successful one. Two general meetings and 10 committee meetings have been held. Seven resignations have been received, and there are now 26 active members and 17 honorary members. “Are You a Mason?” was presented in Carterton on November 9 and 10, 1937, and at Martinborough on November 16, to excellent houses and very appreciative audiences. This play was an undoubted success and great credit is due to the producer, Mr Forbes, for an excellent production. At the conclusion of the final performance, Mr D. L. Taverner, the patron of the club, addressed the audience and thanked the club for its efforts to assist in the procuring of a chair for Mr D. Wilson, to which cause the proceeds of the performance were donated. The sum of £27 2s 2d was later handed to the Mayor for this purpose. The club has suffered a tremendous loss this year in the resignation of the treasurer, Miss Beryl Armstrong, who was married in May. A theatre and supper party was held on May 4, when the honorary and active members met to bid Miss Armstrong farewell. Mr Forbes presented the guest of honour with a crystal toilet tray and jewel case, wishing her success and happiness in her future life. Her position has since been ably fulfilled by Mr E. Fisher. Rehearsals for the next production, “Who Are They,” were commenced on February 22. and the producer. Mrs G. Johnston, deserves great

credit for her efforts. Despite setbacks of ill health and inability to obtain a suitable cast, the play was produced on June 30. This play was of a distinctly different type from any previously presented, and the producers and cast are to be highly complimented on the production. The help given by Mr H. Tankersley in the painting of scenery, and Mr E. Hedley and Mr J. Manley in the making of stage properties was an invaluable asset to the club. It was not possible to obtain a suitable date for this production without clashing with other entertainments, and the fact that the play was produced for one night only, naturally made the receipts lower than on previous occasions. The patron, Mr D. L. Taverner, thanked the club for a most excellent production, the proceeds of which were to be donated to the Carterton Plunket Society. The sum of £5 6s Id was later handed over to the secretary of the Plunket Society. At the conclusion of the performance a supper party for the cast was held in the Band Room, and everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The producer has plays in hand for the next production, and we are hoping to commence rehearsals immediately, so the production can take place this year. We wish to express our appreciation to all who have assisted the club in any way, especially Mr Forbes, ushers, the Tivoli staff, the press and many others. We look forward with anticipation to another year of active interest in the club, and of help in the community.—For and on behalf of the committee, W. Kitchen, hon secretary.