LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8508, 22 July 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Lambs, it is reported, have already made their appear unco in some ot the paddocks at Fakovhai, in the North Island.

A Wellington Press Association telegram states that advice has been received from the Imperial authorities that it is not necessary to send the Antarctic vessel Aurora, which is now under repair at Port Chalmers, to Elephant island, as Sir E. Shackieton loft Punta Arenas for that spot on July 12th. In addition, the British Government lias almost completed arrangements for another vessel to go to Elephant Island. Tha decision not to send the Aurora will enable the authorities hero to relieve the high-pressure work in repairing and refitting the ship, which was badly squeezed in the ice. She will probably remain in New Zealand until December,'when she will proceed to tho Ross Sea for tho relief of Captain Mac-lalftßU'iii party.

Writing to.his parents. Corporal A. C Gadd, of Barr Hill, who was wounded in France in June, and who is now in hospital in London, states that while on duty one day in a trench he picked up a copy of the "Guardian," containing a report of the Ashburton autumn show. The discovery, possessed added interest for Corporal Gadd, because in the* list of prizewinners «.t the show his sister's name appeared.. >..;•■..■ ' *

Mr A, Mitchell informed a "Guardian" representative this morning that, although the local classes for giving instruction in making ritle pullthroughs for the Government had been abandoned, a number of local enthusiasts were still continuing tha good work. The Catholic Literary Society members had also taken up the work, and with their assistance a large number of pull-throughs were being turned out each week. .

There was again a very large attendance at the St. Andrew's Church Literary and Debating Club meeting on Thursday evening. The subject was "Should Women's Suffrage be introduced into England?" The affirmative was taken by Misses Lane and McAlister "and the negative by Messrs It.: Culbert and Di. McCalliim. The debate proved to be highly interesting and at time very amusing. The lady debaters were tho winners by a comparatively narrow margin of votes.

The recent warm nor'-west winds, fol-lowed-by heavy rain in the back country, have caused an unusual thaw of snow on the ranges, and this morning the Abhburton River was bank-to-bank. It is stated that the river is higher to-day than it has been for several years. A Rakaia resident informed a "Guardian" representative that the water in the Rakaia River had risen, considerably during the night, but the river was not in heavy flood. The rainfall in the Rakaia district last night was exceptionally heavy, _ 105 points being registered this morning.

An amusing incident in connection with the British Premier's recent Ulster visit is related in the Belfast "Telegraph." On the return journey Mr Asquith's motor car was stopped by a County Down policeman, who, unaware of the distinguished occupant's identity, was interrogating 'the chauffeur regarding his destination _ahd business, in pursuance to instructions, when Mr Asquith .suddenly projected his head and sternly inquired tho cause of the stoppage. The constable's casual glance and unexpected reply, "Wait and see," caused tho Prime Minister to subside smilingly. - '

From the Glasgow "Herald":—Patrons of picture houses are facing the amusement tax with commendable fortitude, though a few of them have expressed doubts whether the entertainment is really worth ' the increased price. This means, of course', that the burden of the tax will really be partly borne by the proprietors of the picture houses. At one establishment the other day a small boy tendered 3d and demanded "a hauf." On being asked for 4d ■he querulously inquired "What furr?" He was toicl it was a Government tax "to help to pay for the "War." "Ah dinna want the War," retorted this conscientious - objector as he marched away. But in half an hour ho returned and ,put down four pennies, remarking, "Mither says Ah maun dae ma bit—an' the ither hoose changes fowerpenoe/" „

The following special prizes have ibeen allotted in connection with the Methven Collie Dog .Trials., held on June 16 and 17:—National Mortgage and Agency's special, won by A. McLeod; Methven A. and P.-Association's special, won by W. Grieve; N.Z. Farmers' Co.-op.'s special, won by J. Trotter; Friedlander Bros:' special,.won by Jno. Morgan; N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Co.'s special, won by, J. Trotter; Mr H. D. Tomlinson's special, won by M. Lewin; Stone and Sons' . special; won by L. Hicks; Mr A. McLeod's special, won by A. McLeod; Mr D. McKenzie's special, won by S. Kennedy; Mr L. Hicks's special, won by J. Morgan. District Special: F. Rushton 1, W. Grieve 2, A. McLead 3. The committee wishes to thank Messrs S. Carleton and D. McLean, who supplied the marquees . used on the day of the trials.

Some two months ago the ladies in charge of the Lady Liverpool depot in Ashburton adopted a system whereby persons wishing to supply some luxury for soldiers at the front in the form of tins of chocolate, jam, soup tablets,, etc., could do so by filling in an orderform for their grocer to supply the article desired and debit tTioir account, special forms for the purpose being given to the school children to take to their homes. The idea-lias, been 1 attended with marked success,' Yesterday, was one of the days appointed for the grocers to deliver the goods at the depot, and upwards of 400 articles were sent along. The ladies in charge spent a busy evening Backing ur» the luxuries, which are to be sent on to Christchurch for despntch to the front at nn enrlv date. 1 The school children in ■Ashburton- are also contributing one nenny; per month to procure sweets to be sent ,to soldiers. -The- sweets : f are being packed in qunrter-lb tins. '■• ■'■'■■

A KerlFern (Sydney) Congregational Church pamphlet says:—"A person who begins; with the words 'I am a sport 1 in a letter to a daily newspaper states with truly charming candour: 'The average racing man looks askance at fighting.' As they have watched long streams of race trams pass along crowded with strong, able-bodied men of military ago, many mothers and fathers and wives who have given thoir dearest and best to fight for'the country, have boon moved to. comment, with considerable irony. 'So it appears!' 'Horse racing/ continues this estimable correspondent, is essentially a si>ort do luxe. The excitemont of backing on-c's fancy, if continued for any length of time, is apt to make one nervy, and disinclined for tho strenuous' life.' Evidently. Meanwhile, good men are enduring all manner of hardships and sacrificing their lives while these delicately-nerved vsports deluxe continue to enjoy the thrills ot backing their fancies."

A naw illustrated catalogue. The Ford Motor Company,- of Canada, Limited, are now issuing through their agents a now catalogue. Each model is" illustrated with a background in colours. This new catalogue gives a fill) description of the standardised Model T Ford. There are several types of bodies shown, including Runabout, Touring, Cmipoict, Sedan and Town car. A. Chassis is also tiwown. Copies of this now catalogue arc being distributed by Mr Carson and requests ■,r'!l lie attended to promptly.