EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 December 1939, Page 9

EKETAHUNA

TO MARK CENTENNIAL PLAYGROUND OFFICIALLY OPENED. (“Times-Age” Special.) The official opening of the Eketahuna Centennial Memorial Playground took place on Saturday afternoon. The weather was fine, but the attendance of the public was not large, due, no doubt, to the prevalence of- chickenpox among lhe children of the town and district. The area in the vicinity of the playgrounds was decorated with strings of bunting and flags for the occasion. In the unavoidable absence of the member for the district, Mr J. Robertson, M.P., the Mayor (Mr W. Simpson) performed the opening ceremony. In doing so Mr Simpson stated that the funds for the playground had been publicly subscribed in various ways, and the Government had provided a subsidy on the amount of money collected locally, the total amount raised being in the vicinity of £3OO. He said that it was the wish of the Borough Council to provide every facility the children of Eketahuna to enjoy healthy recreation to the fullest extent. Two years ago the council had provided modern swimming baths and now had erected a children’s playground adjoining. He hoped that the children, both present and future, would enjoy to the full the facilities provided. In conclusion, Mr Simpson said he wished to express his own thanks and the thanks of the town and district to all those who had worked to make the opening of the'playground such a success. To Mr W. C. Duffill, who designed the layout, to Mr Lambert, of Masterton. who manufactured the several units of the playground; and to the staffs of the borough and County Councils he expressed the thanks of (he district.

The County chairman, Mr J. B. Carruthers, spoke on behalf of the residents of the county. He said that it had been a pleasure for the council and its staff to have helped to provide a playing area for the children. He impressed on the children the fact that they must look after the playground as it was their property. Mr A. L. Wilson, headmaster of the District High School, on behalf of the children, thanked the Mayor and County Council for placing the Centennial Memorial Playground at the disposal of the children of Eketahuna and district. The Mayor then declared the Eketahuna and District Centennial Memorial Playground open for all time. The section on which the several units of the playground were erected was generously donated by the Misses C. M. and M. W. Wilson.

SWIMMING CLUB RESULTS OF SATURDAY’S SPORTS. In conjunction with the official opening of the children’s playground, the Eketahuna Swimming Club held a meeting. A short programme of events was got off in good style. Though the entries were not large every event was keenly contested. The officials were: Handicappr, Mr N. Richardson; starter, Mr C. Parsons; judges, Messrs J. S. Tripe, E. M. Simmers and R. Dickson; timekeeper, Mr G. Jesson; diving judge, Mr A. L. Wilson; entry steward and announcer, Mr S. Daniel. The following are the results: — Junior boys (25 yards), under 14 years: K. Doney, 1; R. Brown, 2; P. Stewart, 3. Time, 20 l-ssecs. Junior girls (25 yards), under 14 years: Rae Fraser, 1; Sybil Walton, 2; Jean Waterreus, 3. Time, 25secs. Men’s 50 yards handicap: M. Fraser and K. Murray (dead heat), 1; P. O'Brien, 3. Time, 35 3-ssecs. Boys’ dive: P. Stewart, 1; K. Doney, 2: R. Capes, 3. Ladies 50 yards handicap: Miss M. Bousted, 1; Mrs Reid, 2. Time, 49 l-ssecs. Ladies’ dive: Miss M. Bousted, 1; Mrs Reid, 2. Mixed relay: R. Capes and R. Mountjoy, 1; R. Fraser and Paul Jones, 2; K. Doney and M. Fraser, 3. Time, 37 3-ssecs. Men’s dive: M. Fraser, 1; K. Murray, 2; P. Jones, 3.

ORDER OR DRUIDS CHRISTMAS TREE GATHERING. A very enjoyable Christmas Party was held in the Eketahuna Odd Fellows’ Hall on Saturday when the officers of the lodge entertained nearly 100 children of members of the Order. The large Christmas tree was gaily decorated and made a pleasing sight. Prior to the arrival of Father Christmas the following children contribute ed much appreciated items: —Muriel Gray, "Father William;” Eric Gray, "Rabbits;” Nancy Eagle, "Umbrellas;" Rex Morris, cornet solos; Yvonne Bouzaid, "Sing a Song of Sixpence;” John Hodgson, "Wee Froggie;" Dawn Farrow. song; and the Davis sisters contributed a duet. Mrs G. A. Hansen at the piano, led the community singing. The V.G., Bro. I. Morriss, in a short speech, welcomed the parents and children and extended seasonal greetings. He also welcomed Father Christmas who was soon busy distributing the gifts. After his departure the children were treated to ice cream, lemonade and sweets, and all thoroughly enjoyed the treat. The happy gathering was brought to a close with supper for the adults.

FIREBRIGADES DEMONSTRATION IN FEBRUARY. Arrangements for the annual triangular demonstration were discussed at a meeting of representatives of the Eketahuna and Pahiatua Fire Brigades when Mr W. Lawiy presided. It was decided to hold the demonstration on Saturday. February 10, at Eketahuna, commencing at 1.30 p.m. The purchase of a miniature cup, of a value of IDs, for the novice event, was

approved. Starters were elected as follow: Dry events, Mr E. H. Lett; wet events, Mr Gordon Hogg. The appointment of other officials was left in the hands of the Eketahuna Brigade. It was decided to allow three entries from each brigade for the novice, entrants to have not more than 18 months membership. The following are the events: Novice and Lett Cup (dry.); three-man disable, four-man motor and four-man lumber (wet).

CRICKET COMPETITION WIN FOR EKETAHUNA. Eketahuna defeated Pahiatua High School on Saturday by on innings and 31 runs. Scores: — Eketahuna, 114 (Payne, retired, 44, Tredray 19, Wilson 17). Pahiatua High School 49 (Vincent 11, Beals 10; Tredray 4 for 15, Francois 2 for 9, P. Holfard 1 for 0, Payne 1 for 4, Leith 1 for 15). Second innings 52 (Leith 5 for 5. Francois 3 for 15). Pahiatua Firebrigade beat Mangamaire by 6 runs. The next competition matches will be played on January 0. Personal Items. Mr A. L. Wilson, who has been headmaster at the Eketahuna District High School for the past three years, has been appointed headmaster of the Pahiatua District High School. Mr Leith and Miss Stevens, of the primary department, have been notified of their transfers. Mr and Mrs W. J. Henderson left today on an extended holiday to Southland. where they w.ll visit the former's relatives. Mrs R. Fafeita returned today from a three weeks' visit to Napier. Gunner A. Williams, of the Special Force, Ngaruawahia, spent the weekend with Mr and Mrs R. Giles, Newman