From the 'Mountain Town News' of 1958:
? In November the Eastern District's schools held their group calf and lamb judging day at Toko. There were 23 lambs and 20 calves from Stanley, Huinga, Tututawa, Douglas, Huiroa, Makahu and Toko Schools. The judges commented on the outstanding calves display with particular mention of the best paraded calf owned by Dianne Borre, Huinga. The cup for the best lamb was won by Murray Wells, Huinga. Chain stepping was one by Mr P Kilsby and weight guessing by Mr W Jacobsen.
? A letter to the editor: Sir, Although I have given up all hope of living to see the new street from Broadway to Miranda Street finished and available for use, my closing years have been saddened to learn that when eventually finished, at great cost to the ratepayer, it is damned with a name like 'Prospero Place'. Phonetically, the name is difficult to pronounce, being a real mouthful, as it contains three 'ps'. A good street name would be short and catchy.
This fetish for Shakespearean names surely is being carried too far, even if Prospero was supposed to be the father of Miranda, and, after all, where does the name Broadway figure in Shakespeare? The street opens up a view of the mountain from Broadway, so why not Egmont Place?, or to retain the association with Stratford-On-Avon why not Avon Place?
Our councillors appear to lack imagination, for to accept this choice of Prospero Place may be unfortunate - it may in time become known as 'Prosperous Pro's Place'. I remain, 'Old Stager'.
? Another letter: In a recent issue in your Stratford Aero Club Notes, you mentioned a 'Tiger Mother'. It will be of general interest that the club now has two cubs.
? There were several personal notices back then: Mr and Mrs Vernon Evans arrived back in Stratford on Thursday after a world tour. Most of Mr Evans' time was spent in South Africa, where he married a Miss Reid, of Midhirst. He has been away for six and a half years.
Mr Melvin Brieseman, Page Street, has recently passed a medical exam. He will be at the Stratford Public Hospital for 10 weeks.
Mr P G Field, an outstanding man, was welcomed by the Borough Council as the new assistant town clerk. Miss Bertha Elliott, who has worked in the Stratford railway office for the last six years was given a presentation of a chiming clock. Miss Elliott leaves her work to be married to Mr John Burston of Hawera.
Mrs E Kleeman, Seyton Street, was admitted to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. Mrs Kleeman joined the Stratford St John Ambulance Brigade in 1943.
? Business noticed from 1958: L G McInnes, 'Mountain Town Light Where You Want It', electricians; Searle Plummer, 'The Home of Dependable Used Cars', opposite the New Commercial; P Homann 'All Types of Upholstery', Broadway North; G A Croad Motors 'Agents for Skoda Cars and Sprite Caravans', Broadway North; Tru-Cleen Drycleaning; John Petrie, Jeweller; Thatcher, optician; N S Deare Ltd, shoe shop; Clarke's Sporting Supplies; E J L (Peter) Bunyan, panelbeater; R W Robson, home appliance dealer; R H White & Co Ltd, 'Easy To Find, Hard To Beat'; Lawson Collinson, photographer; Pat Donohue, menswear; Mortlock & Co, 'The Morris Garage'; Kilmister Studios 'for wedding portraiture'; Hodgson's Booksellers and Stationers; Tocker Bros, Electrical Contractors; E C A Gaw, Chemist; Barrie Moss Pharmacy; Angus McEwen Ltd; Kofoed Electrical; D W M Mackay Chemist,: L H Johnson Motors 'Proud to offer selected cars to discerning buyers'; Orrs Radio; Ron Boyes; Savages Butchery; H J Leggott, 'Quality built-in furniture'; D Schoemaker, Piano tuning and repairs; Wann & Mackay Ltd, bike, tricylces and pedal cars.
? The winner of final men's championship of the Stratford Golf Club for 1958 was Mr R C Wills. He first took the championship in 1937, again in 1946, 1949 and 1952. Mrs Will defeated Mr R L Pease at the 37th. In the intermediate grade T H Death defeated M Metcalfe and in the juniors B Arthur beat J Boon.
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The old Scottish couple, still hale and hearty, were celebrating their Diamond Wedding, and to mark the occasion received a special call from the Parish Minister.As the visitor was about to leave, he asked if they could name their own special secret to account for their longevity." Oh, yes, " answered John readily enough, " It's marriage ! " The minister beamed with pleasure. He could hardly wait to hear the story of their domestic harmony over the years." Marriage makes for a long life, John, " he replied, " Now that's most interesting . . . . . "
John cut him short.
"You see," said John, " This is the way of it. After I was married I said to the wife, 'Meg,' I says, ' I must warn you that I've a very sharp tongue in my head, and I'm thinking that sometimes you'll hear the edge of it. But when you've had as much as you can stand, you can always open the door and gang out for a long walk 'Well, John,' says me Meg, 'You'll learn quick enough that I've a very sharp tongue myself ! And when things get over hot for you - well, as you say yourself, there's always the open door and a bit walk !'"" Yes, yes," concluded John with a wry smile, " That's our secret - plenty o' exercise and fresh air."
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One of the most powerful visions I have experienced was the first photograph of the Earth from outer space. The image of a blue planet floating in deep space, glowing like the moon on a clear night, brought home powerfully to me the recognition that we are indeed all members of a single family sharing one little house. - Dalai Lama
Have a great week!
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