The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER. TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 25, 1879.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 26, 25 November 1879, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER. TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 25, 1879.

Those farmers who live upon the rich but risky banks of the Ashburton, have, for some time past, been applying for aid from County and Road Board funds forthe purpose of protecting their farms from the ravages of the river, which periodically overflows its banks, —such as they are, — spoil their pasture land, and worst of all, take the farms themselves away piecemeal. Seeing from experience, that if the Ashburton, River was to have its sway in any direction it' fancied to take, the residents between the North and South branches took the bull by the horns and proposed to tax themselves to protect their holdings from the encroachments of this still uncivilized watercourse. As they took the proper means, an application to the County Council was at once met in the same spirit it Was offered and, so that no delay should ensue, it was resolved to have plans and specifications drawn, which was done, and yesterday Mr. Baxter ,-,the County Engineer, -accompanied by one of cur staff, visited the scene of the future operations of the Board of Conservators which will be certain to be formed shortly. The position is at present a most alarming one, as the farms of Messrs. Watkins, Weldon, Church, and Goode have each portions fronting on the river, which are being) attacked flood by flood; and from the Iqwness of the banks, and the loose'nature of the soil, the river is making sad havoc with their properties. Added to this, the fall of the country, as a general rule, trends to the south and south-west, with a ruling fall of one in ninety, and the river seems to have a most decided inclination to impinge upon the south bank of the north branch, having for its object, apparently, a wish to join the south branch, somewhere between Goode’s and Chuuch’s, the two rivers being here not more than some thirty chains apart, but this distance is increased both above and below. Should the junction take place it will destroy a large area of land, justly described to us yesterday as the “ Garden of Ashburton,” and it deserves the name, for a crop of wheat in one of Mr. Goode’s paddock, is the best we have yet seen in the County, and all the crops in this portion of the district are giving promise of a bright future for the land holders. The land, as a general rule, is a good loamy clay, the banks of, the river shewing generally a depth of about four feet, and under this loose shingle ; and it is with this, as in most other rivers, that the engineer has to contend, since, when a flood is on, the scour of it continually loosens the shingle until the clay is undermined, and the superincumbent weight having its foundations gone, falls into the flood, and then is gradually melted and floated away, causing the dirty appearance we always see in our rivers in flood time, and so the process goes on, slowly but surely. In addition to this, there is the constant travelling of the. shingle down the river bed in floods, causing banks to be thrown up in unexpected places, and diversions of the stream, which sometimes in a few hours do enormous destruction to portions of the banks wh ere no provision had been made. In the case of the bed of the North Ashburton, the difficulty we see to be the worst to deal with is the almost total absence of banks, and the natural fall of the river towards the south branch, added to which the deposits of shingle in the river-bed itself, causes a set in the direction alluded to, making one fancy that there is some magnet drawing the current in that direction. To obviate this Mr Baxter has devised a scheme dealing with the points irost threatened, and should the contractors for the work not have floods to contend with during their progress, we think the, protective works will, on completion, be fully equal for the duties intended for them to perform. Briefly the idea is as follows To excavate at and below the points ou which the river impinges, new channels, wide or bell mouthed at the entrance, and gradually contracting towards the exit, so as to cause scour in flood time, and by this natural means to increase their dimensions eventually until tne channel will become sufficiently large to carry all the water at any time. These channels will as a rule be 100 feet wide at the entrance and 40 at the exit, and have such grades as the fall of the ground will permit. The shingle excavated will be utilised for making embankments to assist in diverting the water into its new course, and they will be protected by a facing of boulders in some cases and of sods in others, all being built up to a sufficient height to make them safe from the overflow of any flood. Further, at the upper points of the scour, groins, filled with the largest boulders procurable, will be built to shoot the water, into the course intended for it, and the scheme altogether, although presenting some minor difficulties in the carrying out, will, with the stipulation above referred to, be able to compete with any flood on that portion of the bank of the river. A considerable number of contractors were in attendance to meet Mr. Baxter who explained the nature of the work both from his plans and specifications and again on the various sections of the work itself. The day was a most disagreeable one, as a pelting rain was falling the whole time, making men and horses as miserable a looking looking lot as could be imagined.

Meeting. —We would remind the officers of the Fire Brigade and Fire Police that the meeting arranged with the Insurance agents will be held at Messrs. Edmistoh Bros, and Gundry’s offices, at 11 a.m. to-day.

The Weather. —Yesterday was anything but pleasant for those whose occupations led them beyond their door-steps, and even for those who could take advantage of indoor employment, the day was of the dreariest. We could now well dispense with any more rain until harvest, as some of the crops are showing signs of rust, and the hay harvest having already begun, damage will he done unless the summer soon sets in, which tt appears to be somewhat loth to do. The Plains Water Supply.—We call the attention of our readers, more,.eape<4- uj ally those interested in the Rakaia district, ” to an advertisement in our columns with reference to a petition in favor of ' the water supply scheme, contradicting certain statements made in a petition aza'SfftVpg** and signed last week agaihst ( the - wcorki - Copies of the petition are to be seen at Mr. W. A. Brown’s, Chertsey ; the • Road Board Office, Bakaia ; and at the - County Council Offices, Ashburton. •.:. ; :

Another Rise in Wheat.—By the Suez mail we are glad to announce ’ the encouraging news that Ashburton grown wheat is still improving in value in the. Home markets, Messrs Friedlander Bios.' advices announcing the fact that 555.. 6<L - per quarter had been reached for their two shipments. This is an advance! of.. 2s. 6<L upon last month’s rates. Messrs Saunders’ advices note the same advance. ' “ Sunshine. We 1 have received the first issue of a new comic journal; at least the proprietors call it sd; AS it is pub-’ lished in a Scotch settlement, we may be forgiven if we fail to see the ‘.‘jokes,’ on account of their poflddrokity.' 1: A cartoon accompanies the “ jokes’,” bdt is still more incomprehensible than they are. However we wish k the infant success, and—im-., provement. ~, , , , -i The Mayorai, .Election.—Mr-. Hugo Friedlander will address the Burgesses at the Towrl Hall to-night, andithe election!:: takes placetomorrow. > •.>..! ; An Error. our report of the _:Aih- f burton Show a topographical - , error ,pc-‘ cured in the prize list, which We desire' to correct. Mr. Jbhp Small, of ’ Graham’s road, took first prize for the best salt hotter, and we have to apologise to him for themistake. • ■ - • •• ■ 1 ‘* ■ ’

Threatened Fever Visitation. A correspondent wants to know- yheo; the , new scavenger begins workj as seine - ' closets have not been seen to since the old hand left off. The stench is fearful, and health is endangered. 1 > • ‘ / The Recent FikeL—ln another column ’ Messrs. Orr and Co. - expressi their tbanksi to the Brigade and. others whose exertions saved their building and stock last Saturday night, and apologise - fpy the tardiness • of their acknowledgments. The ciicamv • stances in which a fir^nsuifllyleavesa man’s premises may wekßgcount for any ' - , forgetfulness of conventoHralities, .. ...

Mysterious Death of Two CHitDEEir.— On Saturday morning the. twin • infants of Mr. Penny, waiter, at the Somerset Hotel, were found dead in bed, ! the' bodies presenting a peculiar appearance.. At half-. , past 11 on Friday night the father looked at the babes, who then appeared to be all right. At four in the morning there’also’;' appeared to be nothing wrong, but two Or 1 - three hours later they were found dead, with their mouths wreathed in foam. Dr. Boss was called,' and, on examining the children arrived at the conclusion that they had died from poison.. All the food • in the house has been' kaifapledj and;sent! to Christchurch for analysis. ■ An’ in-i? quest on the bodies was commenced yesterday, and adjourned tili Thursday, a report of which : appears, iin , another column. -

The New Fire Bell.—Due notice having been given, that the new fire bell would be rung 1 for the firsf -time ion'Saturday evening His Worship the Mayor’, a full muster of the brigade, and a large number of spectators, assembled at. thenew station on the Wakanui road, to go through - the ceremony;,of; testing the sound of the bell. Punctually at - 8 p.m. His Worship stepped, that he had beenrequesfpd’by tfyp plumbers of the- -brigade tp 'giyef the and he. did so with great pleasure, know-; ing, as he did, the mnnppr in*. which the. officers and men of so useful a body had exerted themselves,for.the public good, and more especially at the late fire, where their exertions saved severalbuildihgaahd much valuable property. He was glad to say that it was the intention of ment to grant them the same privileges as volunteers, and to make a capitatiod allowance of £2 2s. - per head. That amount,, withj pome assistance from, the Borough Council, would enable them to provide the necessary uniforms. He altffi hoped that before long, a steam fire engine would be procured for them,- and as the Council intended sinking more 'of the pipe wells, the brigade would be in. a gooji position to combat any fire which might break out in the town. (Cheers.) would also like to remark that it was gratifying to know that the pasting of the bell had been dope, in New Zealand, and it was certainly a creditable piece of work for the colony. Mr. Bullock then took the ropes and the peal resounded through the township. The tone is deep and rich and was greatly admired. After ringing for a few minutes the signal was given to stop; and Mr. George Compton,' baptain of the brigade, stepped forward'arid proposed the health of His Worship the Mayor, which was responded to vociferously. Thanks having been returned. His Worship proposed the health of the captain, and complimented that officer on the efficiency of his officers and men. Mr. Compton replied, aaf hoped the public would take more inhere'

in the formation of a Fire Police and Sr vage Corps. The health of Lieutem** Dolman and Fireman Wilkie were M drunk and suitably replied to, brigade dispersed. Cbicket. —A match will be ph®d in the Domain on Saturday next bet®® n eleven of the Borough C. 0. and 4 f T ven representing the Geraldine C. CfW commence on arrival of the train from Timaru. The picked to do battle for the ; P‘ ou ®> p* : Messrs G. Andrews, A. An^ B ’ "* 1 * wood 0. Denshire, J. ’P; » X H. Fowler, S. Poyntz, < Whitley, !. Mayo, A. Fooks. Saunders, A. Groves, ■* jei^c “» J** Williams, W. Charlton

NbwlandS.— On Sunday next, the Anniversary services of the Primitive Methodist Church, Cambridge, will be preached by the Rev. W. Keall, at 11 a. in. ami 6. 50 ; and a tea meeting will take place or. the following day, to commence at 6.30 p. in.

A Collector Wanted. —The Wakanni Hoad Board invite applications for a rate collector! who must find sureties for 1 the sum of £2OO. All particulars cpn be obtained from.the Surveyors, Messrs Foots and Son.

A Correction. —Mr. H. Milner’s mare Miss ridden, Miss Jameson, took second pr&w’fn the Ladies Hack Class, and not B|ack Bess as stated in' OUr prize list; and, Messrs. Saunders Bros, chg Why Not was awarded Mr. Scott’s special prize for best hackney or roadster..

WnanyvAN Anniversary Services and Soiree. —Active preparations are being made to ,{neke the. soiree, in connection, with the sixth anniversary, a great success,. .The anniversary, services will be held, .on the 14th December, when the Rev* Mr. Baumbqrj of Christchurch, will preach, . Public Analysts.—Mr. Wright is preeminently. practical, i In the House recently he was-at Government to ihake • public ■jpalysts more: {frantically useful to the' colony, and the reply 1 given to him was that- m: the recess careful ■ consideration' would be given to the Subject. :

SaWOiJs AcqiDBNT. — Shortly before four while Mr. ; Thomas prbmqre, was Taylor’sAmSpipt a supply of bread,, his team ofPnrßtfnbrscsstaham g'OOtaidOtook fright at a bucking horse ridden’ by a’ boy. The dray drawn by the team was heavily laden, and when Mr Wublley bolted but to secure his horseshel Was' knocked down,; the heavy dray passmjfbverhim. He was at once earned * Into l Q,uill’s Hotel; wherea doctbfc "attended- ; Mm.' : He.is badly cut aljbnf •; tile : head; His. fthoulder was diri(teated, and he has suffered, other injuries; ' ' The ; runaway horse fetched up on the road after a good long Tun; Local Wheat in-London .Market. — Messrs. ' Saunders Bros, are advised of sales of wheat m.Lpudon epc Atethusa at gss 6d per 4961b5. This shipment comprised I samples ", grown at Seafield, by Messrs! ) Ledley, Lawry, and others. Messrsi) -Friedlander “Bros, report as follows. ir-nOur wheat Ox: Arethnsa sold for 66s 6d,per qqarter; ond.’ex Maraval Bos and 56s 6d, bothilois having been disposed of at the Octoberisales; iii.-London.. . CaxjsOOnian SciriemPf-A' meeting of' the CatOdonioriSoolety was held at Quill’s Hotel jbn’ • 1 Skttfrify ■ ‘ night J : Present: "Gfetit iChairtrian), Crawley, W. AndertOh, G.’ Heidy T. : Qtull, Wilkie, and Ward.’' ■' It was - resolved that aii offer of £lO lO& be maide tor thb Pacing Club Committee foT the use of the groiind on Boxing Day, and ’Messie Anderabnv Reid, and Crawl6y-WOTe ; appqinteda Committee to wait Club 'With a View to arranging the’ matter ‘ Subsequently a warm disastotheadvisableness of ■ iiiiilLiymitfnWllii i/nji Societies with the of devoting ; the profits of both toVards tnbking permanent improvements on the ground; : and it was’ finally resolved that a'cOmbinWMeeiuigbeheld todiscuss terms etc.

hare been fe mve the childreh attending the Schools at Ashburton W&awiiJ and thfe Preshy tenart at Watorton aird district*,a treat on NflS? chosen. for the the manaCj Aiia th<s arrangements , will be under thn of the ’Hev. Mr.,. jind a 'committee Of. the t^her^ PowriojJaj WTOftw:,of -the, Ashburton Brass'Oßahdj WerA camed to the grave w% w r Joead.,March m, comrades m tlio -Twn-tOwa-MpN.’a jHo,MB. r r;Thia evening the Gof>d Templars; give an entertamment aLithftiQld .Men’s Home,, ; for which;a.yery superior programme has beep prepared -; <i;‘ .1; >:•'>.•■■ ■;• - r Nautk Goai.—-Inthe House a few days ago, the vHbn. iMft >« Oliver said * Govern-: ment word-giving a bonus of sixpence a day to ehgme.-driverß, with the object of inducing them -to use' native coal, and the * residtwaathafc>native fuel was now very -