ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 9020, 16 December 1914, Page 4

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Sixty-five years ago to-day the Canterbury Province-was founded by those worthy and energetic pioneers who, seeking fresh fields and pastures new, settled in New Zealand, and found it good, and realising tire wonderful fertility of the, Canterbury. Plains, strove against tremendous odds, and turned the barren stretch of country into one of the most fruitful agricultural fields in the world, famous throughout the length and breadth of the British Empire* for i'tt| particular brands of produce. There are lmt few of those grand old pioneers left, and most of those remaining nave retired on their well-earned laurels aftpr surviving the great battle with the soil, the victory in which can go only to the fittest of the human race.

The day was celebrated in Ashbiirtcn by the closing of all the shops and business houses, except those which are not compelled by tho .Act to observe it. as a holiday. The Post ard Telegraph Offices wore open all day. but there was only onr> delivery oi' letters.

The weather was fine, and exeent for a blustering nor'-west wind, conditions were ideal for holiday-making.

That .ever-popular sports meeting, the' Methven -Caledonian Society's gathering, was one of the most successful held by that body. The. entries were record ones, and a good day's sport was witnessed., Many local residents, including a large number of competitors, took /advantage of the holiday fares to 'make !a trip to the foot-hills. . . ,- ■ . . In the Domain, sport of all kinds was in progress. The South CTiristchurch Tennis Club sent a team up to play the Ashburton St. Andrew's Club, and some good matches were witnessed. On the Oval a cricket match between Ashburton and .Ellesmere was played, a fair number of spectators being present. The children had'full charge of the swings and other amusements, and several small picnic parties were also enjoying the sunshine. In the baths a number of boys and men were swimming and sun-bathing. On the bowling green there were a ' large "-number. of players, a progressive tournament being fought.out there.

Picnics and Excursions. The excursion trains to Timaru and Chnstchurch took a large complement ! of passengers from Ashburton. j The Baptist Sunday School marked the occasion by holding its annual treat. About 150 children and adults made their way by motor lorries to MiAndrew Brown's farm' at Elgin, where a happy day was spent by both young and old. ; , The Baring Sqpare Methodist Sunday School also held its annual picnic to-day, Wakanui Beach being the scene fixed for the function. About 2lKl picnickers were conveyed to the beach by, traction train, and an enjoyable day was spent. A team .of tennis players from the Ashburton Club Teft by the first exoress for Timaru to do battle with the Timaru Club. . Various private picnics were held at the mouth of the Ashburton River, at Wakanui Beach, nt Mount Peel, and the other picnicking places, while anglers, patronised their favourite holiday haunts. At Wakanui rifle range the Wnkanui Club indulged in a day's shooting.