CARTERTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 July 1940, Page 7

CARTERTON

MISSING OFFICER FORMER RESIDENT OF CARTERTON. (“Times-Age” Special.) Acting-Major Gcofl' B. Ward, who is reported missing in a recent engagement in France, is well-known in CarEE2?terton, having been employed as a /"bank clerk in this town. His father, j, Mr H. H. Ward, was in charge of the Hikurangi Maori College at Francis , Line, Park vale, for some years. Major Ward went to Lower Hutt after leaving Carterton. and was interested in a sports depot in that township. PARK VALE GATHERING SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED AT SOCIAL. On Saturday evening the Parkvale Hall was filled with one of the largest and most enthusiastic gatherings ever held in the district when a social was tendered to Private C. Rayner and Private Brassel, local members of the Expeditionary Force. Among those present were visitors from all parts of the Wairarapa and several soldiers from Trentham Camp. Dance music was supplied by Mrs V. J. Ashton (Carterton) and Mr G. Harding (Masterton). Mr Dan Jensen was M.C. and kept the dancing going with a swing. Extras were played by Mrs Jas. Turley, Mrs J. James, Miss E. Lorenzen, Miss M. Herrick and Mr M. Edwards. Songs given by Messrs L. Renall and D. Irwin were much appreciated. The Union Jack was prominent in the decorations both in the hall and in the sup-per-room. At a suitable interval Mr Chas. Jensen Senr., referred to the splendid personal qualities of the guests of honour, and said how proud everyone in the district was that these men were going to uphold the traditions of the district and the British Empire. He expressed the hope that they would return to Parkvale as fit and well as they were leaving the district. To Private C. Rayner he presented a wristlet watch suitably engraved and a cigarette case from the residents of the district, and to Private C. Brassel he presented a silver teapot and silver hot water jug. PrivateJßrassel had been married last week and had expressed a wish as he already possessed a wristlet watch, to something he could leave behind for his home.

Mrs B. Renall presented each soldier with a parcel of knitted comforts accompanied with the best wishes of all members of the Women’s Institute. She expressed the hope that they would both return safe and well. (Cheers). Mr A. Fisher, on behalf of the Young Farmers’ Club, asked Private C. Rayner, who is a member of the club, to accept a greenstone tiki. He referred to the excellent work Private Rayner had done for the club, and on behalf of • its members he wished him the best of luck. All present then sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” and “Wish Me Luck.” Supper was provided and at midnight a very happy gathering concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem. Cheers were given for all the soldiers present. FOUND DEAD AN OLD AGE PENSIONER. Mr Charles Edward Lewis, an old age pensioner, aged 77 years', was found dead in his bed in his whare at the north end of the town yesterday morning. He retired to rest on Saturday as usual, but as he was not. seen on Sunday morning Mrs D. McPhee informed the police who later found Mr Lewis dead in his bed. Deceased was an old Boer War veteran and also fought in the 1914-18 war. At an inquest held at the 1 Courthouse, Carterton. this morning, before Mr E. G. Eton, District Coroner, a verdict of >. death by misadventure was returned, i Mrs McPhee, next door neighbour, said she had known the deceased for about three years. She understood that he was a married man living apart from his wife and family. She last saw him alive on Thursday morning when he was in good health. He always appeared io be in good spirits and she had never heard him threaten to take his own life. Dr. W. J. C. Wells, who was called to the whare. said there was a moderate smell of coal gas in the building. He was of the opinion that the immediate cause of death was carbon monoxide gas poisoning. Presumably deceased had left the gas turned on by accident and had inhaled the fumes while asleep. Constable W. C. Robertson, who was called to the whare by neighbours, said that on opening the whare he found a strong smell of gas and deceased lying dead in bed. Death had probably occurred about 48 hours previously. He found a small gas stove in the room with the gas tap turned partly on and a fair amount of gas escaping. It appeared that he had apparently turned off the heater prior to retiring for the night. He had only lived in Carterton for three years and formerly lived in Masterton and Gladstone. The Coroner, in his verdict, said the gas had been left on accidentally. “PARCEL EVENING” BRIDE-TO-BE HONOURED. A very enjoyable lime was spent a! the residence of Mr W. Wilson. Carrington, on Saturday evening, when a “parcel evening" was tendered io Miss M. Roberts in honour of her approaching marriage to Mr Reg Wilson. The time was spent in games and competi-1

tions. During the evening Miss Roberts was called upon to open the very fine array of presents which she did amid applause. Mr Wilson, on behalf of Miss Roberts suitably replied, after which Mr T. Stewart (Carterton) proposed the health of Miss Roberts and Mr Wilson in a happy speech, and wished them a happy wedded life. Vital Statistics. There were 3 births, 5 deaths and C marriages in Carterton in June. The figures for the quarter ended June 30 are: —Births, 23; deaths, 9; marriages. 13. Golf. Owing to the wet weather there was no competition held on Saturday by the members of the Ladies' Club. The game between the Rototawai Men’s Golf Club and Carterton which was to have been held on Saturday was postponed on account of the inclement weather. A game at the weekend for the Hill and Hughes Buttons between the holders, Whitburn and Gustofson and Barrett and Dudson (challengers.) was won by the latter, 3—l. Valuable Dog Poisoned. A valuable labrador dog belonging to Mr G. A. Vincent of the Marquis of Normanby He'd u:-., as the result of poisoning on Ftl.<ay night. The animal had won several prizes at sporting dog competitions. Dance. The Belvedere Basketball Club will hold a dance in the State Theatre. Carterton. on Monday, July 8. in aid of the girls’ travelling expenses. The music will be supplied by Tom Udy’s orchestra.