LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 9372, 29 October 1921, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Despite the wet weather last evening a .large crowd was m attendance at the Baring Square Church bazaar m the Theatre 'Royal. The various stalls, which . contain most attractive displays, were liberally patronised, while the side-shows provided light amusement and were a source of profit to the church funds. Much interest was shown m the " Baby Kin^" contest, the results *>f which will be determined this evening. ■ The ladies of the' Guild weren respdnsible for the bazaar, and • their efforts are deserving of much praise and public support. This evening, m addition to other # attractions, a programme of .bright music will be played.

Examples of economy m local government departments nave not been wanting m recent months. It appears to be the intention of the PostmasterGeneral, the Hon. J. G. Coates, to run his Department on Btrictly business lines, and various little indulgences which obtained m the past are now to be the subject of payment. It transspires that even the " Katipo," the journal of the Post and Telegraph Officers' Association, will now no longer be carried post free to subscribers, but will be -required to pay the same impost as humbler publications. Similarly, m the past the association's finance was never m doubt, because the Department collected officers' subscriptions, by the simple expedient of deducting them from salaries and remitting to the central executive. The association loses this privilege • now, and must make its own arrangenients for collecting subscriptions.

It is good to learn by experience, but it is often wiser to profit by the experience of others. This is especially true of the amateur photographer. If the photo did not turn out quite right take it a][ong to the . Kodak Store m Burnett Street, and Mr Totty will explain where the trouble is. He develops hundreds of films, and finishes off prints for amateurs, and will be pleased to help you from his wide experience. 10*

Cod-liver oil is about 250 times as potent m food values as butter.

i New Motor Cars.-f£everal proprressive farmers and business men m this county are considering the purchase of a new car this season . # The recent reduction m prices will induce _ many to | purchase who have been ■waiting for prices to drop, Oakland Six Now Model, which has been listed nt £625, has now been reduced to £590, a saving to buyers of £35. Gi H. Carson has a limited number to offer for immediate delivery at this price. Intending purchasers should insist on seeing this fine example of the latest prorluot of Oakland Co., whose cars are famous for reliability, comfort, and economy. 10x

1 The name of A. J. Ford Was omitted from the list of Ashburton County successes m £he Canterbury College cfcerm examinations published yesterday. His passes were. in Education and Philosophy at B.A. standard, and he is thus qualified to sit for the degree examinations next month.

The local labour market was showing signs of renewed life to-day. Labour agents report that farmers m town were -enquiring for teamsters and shearers, and several men were placed. A continuance of fine weather will rapidly create a brisk demand for both these classes of farmhand, as there are heavy arrears of work to be made up after the long wet spell.

At the monthly meeting of the Cairterbury Land .Board the following transfers of : leases and licenses relating to Ashburton County were approved : Section 11, Res. 1769, Block VIII., Ashburton, 10.0.00 — Executor - will James Henry Stewart' (deceased) to John Spring; Section 12, Res 1679, Block VIII.: Ashburton, 10.0.00—Executor will James Henry Stewart (deceased) to John Spring.

At the Timaru show Miss D. 'Keith won the silver cup presented by Mr E. McCarthy for 'the best lady rider over jumps. Her own horse, Joker, ridden by the owner, was one of the winners of the Rhodes Hunt Challenge Cup for the team of three qualified hunters out of, 15 horses that competed. He scored most points. This cup is the most highly valued* trophy of its kind m New Zealand, and carries £50 to be distributed between the three horses.

A suggestion was made to the Minister for Public Health by Mr Sullivan yesterday that catarrh was widely prevalent m New Zealand, and that nine-tenths of the population were suffering from some type of the malady. He recommended that the Minister should find out the cause and make public all available information m regard to prevention. The Hon. C. J. Parr replied, that the word "catarrh" was loosely applied to four closely allied diseases — nasal catarrh, bronchitis, bronchial pneumonia, and pneumonia— and that it was impossible to give figures of the number or persons affected! The mortality figures, however, did not support the contention that the New Zealand death-rate from this cause was unduly high: m fact, comparison' with other countries was very favourable to New Zealand.

That indefinite person "the man m the street" was a cheerless soul last '■night. Mostly he stood at the street corners and gazed dolefully at the pelting rain, remarking on the sadness of life m general and the wetness of Ashburton- m particular. Bowlers, cricketers, and tennis players were pessimistic; for three; weeks; past the weather had interfered with . their sports, and the torrents of falling rain predicted another wet week-end. But, behold 1 this morning the sun . shone out, and the little birds chirruped from the trees. Men looked up thenflannels, and the ladies packed theil tea things and hied them away to the tennis courts. This afternoon bowlers were trundling on the green, batsmen were at the wickets, and the swish of tennis racquets resounded from the grassy courts. Outdoor sporting enthusiasts were m their element, cheered by the jpys of a fine Saturday.

The project of which, much was heard some months ago of bringing part of the Ninety-mile Beach under toll for gold dust known to exist there has now reached the stage where a mining claim license is applied for by Mr Mac-. arthur,\of Christchurch. The -portion of the ..beacAu,to which claim is_. ma.de is that part running north fr^m 'the Rakaia Mouth for about three miles. The style under which the claim is to be worked is "The Golden Sands Extension," and the proposed mode of working is by dredging and centrifugal pumps. It is claimed that gold dust is present 1 m payable quantities, and no doubt its existence at that particular spot is due to the overflow of the Rakaia. , Some of that great river's tributaries, notably the Wilberforce, are known to drain gold-bearing country, and the northern set of the current along the Ninety-mile Beach would cast up the gold dust on the beach between the river mouth and Lake Ellesmere." Ashburton residents will probably remember a venture which was to tap the gold deposit at its source m the Alpine district. The company did not get further than! purchasing machinery, which was landed at Sumner, whence, apparently, funds did not permit its removal/ anoTit> was sold.

A most successful garden party was held at the residence of Mrs Derisley Wood yeffterday afternoon', over 60 people being present. Every guest brought with them gifts m kind for Christmas boxes to go m the sailors' bags to be distributed tby the British and Foreign Sailors' Society at the Lyttelton Institute during the coming festive season. The gifts included just such articles likely to be useful or give pleasure to the seafaring man, and subscriptions m money were also made. The afternoon waß spent pleasantly on the tennis lawns, and a putting comgetition provided much amusement, everal vocal items were rendered. The annual appeal m aid of the work among the sailors was concluded last evening, when the Ist Canterbury Mounted Rifles Band g&ve a, concert m the Arcade, the weather t being unfavourable for the open-air concert previously arranged. A sum of £7 17s 6d was collected, and this, together with the £50 realised from the stall on the previous Friday, and money gifts at Mrs "Wood's 'garden party} realised an aggregate sum of over £67, m addition to gifts m kind. Considering that bad weather dogged the society's efforts, this result is most gratifying, and will amply sustain Ashburton's part of the work at the Lyttelton Institute.

Just think how happy it would make the whole family to be surprised with a Bunz portrait of father. There is a lot of genuine pleasure m giving your photo — next to your signature it is the most personal offering you can make to anyone. Call m and see us right away.— Bunz Studio, opposite "Guardian" Office. 9x

In modern times we are constantly hearing of the class of work that used to be done m the early days, and it is doubtful if the residents of Ashburton ever had a better opportunity of viewing an tip-to-date upholstering plant, md. seeing the work of a specialist m upholstering. This ran be seen at Mr H. S. Davis 's showroom and workshop at 85, Victoria Street. Triangle, where all classes of furniture are renovated and recovered *&t a most reasonable price. Railage, time. and money can be saved by patronis ing the local upholsterer, whoso workmanship is guaranteed. 9x

' The itbk morning was at the fair-weather level of 30.06in, a rise of 19 jioinie on yesterday morning's register. Twelve points of rain fell during the :sou'^west storm which blew up last evening. The Auckland "Star" stateß that Mr H. Erdedlander's brood mare Flora McDonald recently foaled a filly to Absurd, the youngster being born . blind. The sockets were practically j iempty, containing only a little bit of \ dry matter, such an occurrence being ' very rare. ' i i ! In the House- of Representatives yesterday afternoon Mr Massey read a cable message received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, by the | Governor-General, m which it was m- | timated that the King desired that on Armistice Day two minutes' silence be observed at 11 ; o'clock m the forenoon. Mr Massey expressed a hope that the people of the Dominion would comply with the desire of bis Majesty. A motor-car occupied by two men whose names are unknown went over a 20ft bank at Titirangi on Sunday, says an Auckland message. On Wednesday nigh^ another motor-car, driven l>y a man named McCurdy, went over the bank at the same spot. The occupants escaped, but the car caught fife, and, with the first car, was completely destroyed. • The arrival of sthe aeroplane from Invercargill caused great consternation among the cattle at Cornwall Park (says Wednesday's Auckland "Herald"). Some horses m the fields adjoining the landing ground galloped about the paddock m a very excited state, and a steer m the landing paddock took up a hostile attitude. When the machine taxied alone the ground the x animal apparently challenged the right of way, and even after the aeroplane stopped made such ominous movements m the direction of the whirling propeller that the passengers I had to scare it away. " It is quite a novel thing for us, m New Zealand to have a GovernorGeneral who takes such a keen, active ■ interest m cricket, and on such strict lines, as does Lord Jellicoe," said Mr ■ E. Heathcote -Williams, president of the New Zealand Cricket Council, at the annual meeting of that body last night. "He will not allow anyone to bowl him 'soft stuff.' He wants the best always." (Applause and laughter.) Lord Jellicoe was unanimously elected patron of the council. Incidentally* it was remarked that Lord Plunket, Lord Islington, and Lord Liverpool had all been keen cricketers. A sly dig at Scotsmen was indulged m by Rabbi Goldstein at the welcome to the Rev. J. Lamb Harvy at St. Andrew's Hall on Tuesday evening (says the Auckland " Herald"). The rabbi said he had lived m the immediate vicinity of St. Andrew's for 41 years, and during that time it had been his pleasure ans privilege to know the leaders of St. Andrew's. He well remembered the Rev. David Bruce. "He was," said Mr Goldstein— " well, he was what some might call a tough Scotsmen. Let me tell you that we have a congregation m Aberdeen. And if a Jew can live m Aberdeen ..." he was adding, but any further remarks were drowned m laughter. Irregularity m the arrival of overseas mails was made the subu^fc of inquiry, and the Postal Department, i on being' approached,, stated that the uncertainty of steamers' sailing times and consequent missing ■of connections ■ was the main cause for delays, says ■ the annual of the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce.,' T?he various shipping companies were all endeavouring to, keep faith, but were hampered by trouble with the crews of their vessels. In connection with the arrival of goods before their respective papers and bills of lading, the only possible remedy tl.at the Postal Department could suggest was that shipj pers should arrange that all papers leave by the same vessels as the consignments to which they relate. This; could be accomplished by addressing mail matter per the same vessel as the goods. A mixed cash and amateur athletic meeting is projected m aid of the Athletic King's funds m connection witlj the Borough School Carnival. The .sports bodies interested have .applied for the use of the Domain Oval on November 19 for" that purpose, but a 'difficulty has arisen owing to the County Cricket Atsociation having fixtures set down for the same day The Ashburtpn Cricket Club pays , ground rent for.; the use of the Oval, and apparently is inclined to claim exclusive use of it during the season. If it establishes that exclusive— claim, other sports meetings are likely to ' be similarly prejudiced, but it is expected that both cricket and athletics will be ready to come to some mutual arrangement. If the Hon. G W. Russell does not win the Auckland East seat it will not be for want of assurance. On Thursday the *" Herald." m pointing out some of that candidate's shortcomings, referred facetiously to Mr Russell's talents as " author, • financier, orator, statesman, and donor of generous and noble pensions," these being among the many claims for support enumerated m the candidate's own election leaflet. The reject for Avon is, of course, ,an old campaigner, and has sufficient humour to realise the little gibe at him, but he endeavours to go one better, and^ turns this criticism to good account. His election advertisement this morning reads: "Vote for Russell, whom the 'Herald,' m its leading article, describes as author, financier, orator, statesman, and donor of generous and noble pensions." " Pink pills "to a postal officer are not a patent medicine ; neither, to judge from the expressions of those at the P. and T. "smoker" at Wellington this week, are they sugar-coated. Pink pills are special reports supplied by visiting inspectors to all offices under the Department. The pills are, apparently, an unpleasant concoction (says the "Post"), for when Mr A T. Markman, first Assistant-Secretary, announced that the reports would probably be no more m future, the officers present became very and immediately enthusiastic. The enthusiasm waned as quiokly when Mr Markman said that the system *of time off m lieu of overtime would now be followed, but it picked up a little when the horse-sense of the system was pointed out. It would enable the. services of so many more officers to be relained until conditions again became rosy. Omnibus routes m London are being measured with a via-meter, a little instrument with a single wfieel which is ptished along the road. / ' ■

The following weather forecast was issued .to-day.:— rTbe indications are for variable to moderate breezes, but westerly moderate to strong prevailing, . with a southerly tendency. There IBa prospect of fair to cloudy weather.The night will probably be very cold. Barometer rising. A first, offender for drunkenness was * fined ss, with -police' costs (2s), m default 24 hours' imprisonment, ' at thePolice Court this • morning, before - Messrs R. Clark and W. 0. Smith, . J.'sP. James Lindsay was convicted > and discharged- on a charge of drunkenness, and for resisting the police wasfined £l^in default 48 hours f imprison-?^ ment: " * I• f ' I The social and presentation to Mr and Mrs 6. H, JElarle by members of the Post and Telegraph stafi\ held m. the Victoria Hall on Wednesday last, proved very successful. Mr J. ft. Crocker, Mr Harle's successor, on behalf of the BtaflEj presented Mr Harle with a travelling = bag and Mrs Harle with a silver teapot, and m doing so voiced the feelings of regret at Mr Harle's retirement after . 43 years m the Department. Mr J. D. O'Connor, mail and telegraph supervisor,; endorsed Mr Crocker's remarks, and spoke of the consideration shown by Mr Harj£ during his term m the Ashburton Mr O'Connor took the opportunity, on behalf of the staff, to welcome Mr Crocker, and assured h"n of the staffs pleasure at his appointment. Mr T. M. Brophy endorsed the previous speaker's remarks Mr Harle, who, on 'rising to respond, was greeted with "For he's a jolly good fellow," thanked those present on behalf of ' himself and Mrs Harle ; for their expressions of goodwill " anii the substantial tokens which_ accompanied them. During the evening dancing was m- - -.dulged m, and a song rendered by Miss •• Twohill. - y