October 1905

There was an abundance of Situations Vacant in October 1905 - Courts wanted a Girl to learn the trade. Mrs McVeagh wanted an apprentice dressmaker. W D Cheyne was looking for a lady cook for Te Aroha. Dixon's Boarding House wanted 'a boy to milk and drive to factory'. J Ferguson wanted a strong boy for the Blacksmith Shop.
It was recorded - 'The countenances of old age pensioners wore a very pleasing smile when the aged ones lined up at the Post Office for payment under the new scale viz., 10s per week'.
The Inspector's report for the Cambridge District High School read as follows :- 'Compulsory subjects: reading, composition, spelling, singing, physical instruction - very good; writing - excellent; recitation, arithmetic, drawing, geography, history - good; moral instruction and health - satisfactory. Additional subjects: handiwork - very good; nature study, elementary science and needlework - good'.
An old man named Henry Brierly was charged with vagrancy in the local court. Brierly had called at the local police station and demanded to be locked up. He said he was too old to work and he preferred a term in Mt Eden. His request was acceded to - three months with hard labour.

Inspector Crowe's report on the Primary School was, 'Exceedingly creditable work was shown in this division in all subjects of instruction. Order, discipline and tone of the school very good. The school is exceedingly well taught, and is in a very high state of efficiency.'
'A mild agitation is now on foot to form a Chamber of Commerce in Cambridge.'
Thos Hartly, who had been Town Clerk of Cambridge since 1902, resigned. His position was advertised at £150 per year - and the applicant was not to undertake any outside work.
Robert Tudehope displayed in his shop window a 'novel naval show' - three masts with miniature flags representing Nelson's famous battle signal as flown 100 years previously at the Battle of Trafalgar.
A hail storm left the business area stranded with miniature lakes forming in low areas and a stream running beside the primary school. 'The borough workmen immediately set to work relieving the channels.'
'The charming little operatic cantata, 'Robin Hood' was produced by the Cambridge Musical society at the Alexandra Hall last evening. Notwithstanding the wretched weather, there was a large and appreciative audience.'

The Cambridge Musical Society's performance of 'Robin Hood' reflected great credit on the producers Fawcett Rowe and J H Edwards. The audience, good-naturedly overlooked any shortcomings but the choruses were on a whole bright and tuneful, particularly in 'Secluded Midst the Hawthorne Grove', 'Up Ye Merry Men', and 'Oh Happy Man'. The orchestra comprised Miss R Nixon - piano, Mrs Pilcher, Misses Pilcher, Sturges (2) and Boyce (2) - violins, Messrs C & T Boyce - cornets, Mr C S Stuart - clarinet, and Mr A Boyce - bass.
New By-Laws relating to the 'pulmonary patient' were no spitting in the borough, no tents for consumptive patients, and no hotel or boarding house keeper was allowed to house a consumptive patient.
13 businessmen met on 13 October and a Chamber of Commerce was formed in Cambridge with F J Brooks as chairman. It was decided that the Chamber would concentrate on commercial subjects and the Farmers' Club could deal with their own affairs. Borough loans, railway, postal, the curse of the credit system and holidays were all subjects to be discussed.

About 20 persons attended a meeting held at the Masonic Hotel to form a Cycling Club. Mr Arnold Wilkinson presided and they set to and organised a road race.
The Trafalgar Centenary was discussed at the Chamber of Commerce meeting and Mr Tudehope thought the schools and Volunteers should be involved. Mr G E Clark thought it was in extremely bad taste to 'crow' over a fallen enemy and that the English and French had only just got on good terms. The Mayor thought that if they could celebrate Guy Fawkes there was no problem celebrating Nelson's famous win.
There was another important meeting - the Borough Loan Proposal meeting. Perhaps the Musical Society could lighten the atmosphere and parade the streets in their 'Robin Hood' costumes?
At the annual Tennis Club's meeting considerable discussion arose over the cost of balls. They spent £2 2/7d and at one stage the treasurer could not get any for love nor money. 'Members showed gross carelessness in the regard to the use and care of the balls, and some means should be devised whereby members shall be held individually responsible.'

 

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