YMCA repeat performance

The physical department of the YMCA will repeat its grand entertainment in the Garrison Hall at Port Chalmers tonight. The programme will comprise class work by both the young men’s and the ladies’ classes in exercises on the horizontal and parallel bars, the horse, and club-swinging demonstrations. The purely physical side of the programme is suitably balanced by items of a musical nature. Mrs Wilfred Andrews, Miss McPherson and Messrs T. Dobbie and C. Henderson will sing, Mr V. Drew will contribute items of an elocutionary character, Miss Annie Moore will dance, Mr T. Dike will appear in solo haka, and Mr L. Rough will render violin solos. The display is under the personal supervision of Mr J.V. Hanna, tho physical director.

Danger of railway trespass

An inquest was held yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of Miss Daisy Wilson, who fell from a railway bridge near Evansdale on Monday morning, and died in the Dunedin Hospital the same evening.

In giving his verdict, the coroner said that the evidence showed that there was absolutely no blame attachable to the driver or fireman or the Railways Department for the unfortunate fatality which had occurred. The deceased had no right on the bridge, and, although it was apparently used to some extent by foot passengers and others, they were in the position of trespassers. It was not quite clear how the deceased fell from the bridge, but it was a reasonable inference that the two women became so excited by the approach of the engine that they were unable to take any rational measures to avoid the threatened danger. They could have done so either by retracing their steps towards Waitati or by taking hold of the supports on the side of the bridge. They evidently became flustered, and while rushing about they fell through between the railway track and the trestles, with the result that the deceased received fatal injuries.

Good sports at OGHS

The annual sports of the Otago Girls’ High School were held on the Caledonian Ground yesterday, under weather conditions that doubtless affected the attendance of parents considerably. The ground, as a result of recent rains, was heavy, and therefore the times were not fast. There were 29 events on the programme, and a number of them had to be contested in heats. The sports did not begin until l o’clock, but they were concluded at a reasonably early hour. This speaks well for the organising and educative ability of the teachers and others responsible for the conduct of the meeting. 

West Otago homestead burns

An old landmark was destroyed at Tapanui about 4am on Sunday, when the Glenkenich Station homestead was burnt to the ground. It is not known how the fire originated, but when discovered it had a good hold, and the inmates had only time to get out. The building was erected nearly 70 years ago, and was occupied by the late Captain Mackenzie and his descendants since the early squatting days. For some years past Mrs J.F. Whyte was the occupant. The fire has meant the destruction of valuable records and family property, including pictures, books, and heirlooms. Mr and Mrs Whyte have general sympathy in their misfortune. — ODT, 16.11.1922

Compiled by Peter Dowden