LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 10133, 10 June 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The returns of the slaughtering done at the Municipal Abattoirs last month was something in the nature of a record. The figures were: Cattle 186 (one condemned), calves 5, sheep and lambs 960, pigs 128.

A letter received by a Timaru family from Canada (states the "Post") bore the following inscription used by a Canadian post office to cancel the postage* stamp: —"Protect the birds, and help the crops."

The educational motion picture matinee to have been hold to-morrow at His Majesty's Theatre has been postponed owing to a likelihood of its clashing with the children's Barnardo Home ball. The date upon which the programme will be given will be announced shortly.

The Ashburton Borough Council, which has been given permission to register motor-cars, motor vehicles, and motor-cycles under the Motor Regulations Act, has been informed that its distinguishing letters will be "A.8.C." (Ashburton Borough Council), and that its numerals will run from 1 to 1000. Tiie local regulations will take effect from July 1. *

One of the old football veterans was unearthed at the Ashburton Rugby Union's meeting last night. The secretary of a country club wrote asking if the classification committee would re-grade a certain player from senior to junior, as the player refused to play senior grade, as. he thought he was too old. The writer believed the player was over 40 years of age. The request was referred to the classification committee.

The great weight of a mangold grown by Mr W. E. Bond, of Flemington, was recorded recently in one of the paragraphs relating to events of 25 years ago. This particular mangold weighed 411 b, and was forwarded to the Christchurch winter show at the time. Mr Bond states that 12 mangolds were sent by him. each weighing from 45 to 521 b. The largest one weighed 571 b, but this one was not forwarded for exhibition owing to its ugly shape. He furthor states that he has been informed that mangolds weighing over 601 b have been grown in the county.

Two heavy fines, one of £-100 and another of £3OO, were imposed in the Auckland Polios Court yesterday by the Magistrate, Mr Poynton, on men charged with bookmaking. William George Brown, 44, pleaded guilty. Mr M. Fraer, for accused, said the latter had a business, and was not doing too well. He had never been before the Court before. Chief-Detective Cummirigs, in reply to counsel, said he had no complaints about Brown's bookmaking activities. He had known accused for ten years, and apart from being a bookmaker, accused had a good character. Brown was fined £3OO, in default twelve months' imprisonment. Joseph George Roes, 49, who had been convicted before, was fined £4OO. in default eighteen months' imprisonment. In, each case a week was allowed to pay the fine.

A fire occurred shortly before 3.30 p.m. to-day in a shed at the rear of the premises of Messrs W. Strange and Co., and at the end of the right-of-way to the back of the building. The blaze was first noticed in a wooden shed belonging to the firm,. Smoke issued from all parts of the roof, but the fire appeared to be more or less smothered until the removal of a heavy' lighted mattress allowed it more air. The fire was confined to one corner of the shed, but quite a quantity of valuable furniture belonging • to Messrs Strange and Co. was destroyed. Though smoke was issuing from the roof of the latter building, little damage was done to it, and the brigade's arrival soon extinguished the blaze. Some damage was caused to/ bedding materials and cases of fruit) and confectionery which were stored | in Mr Madden's shed adjoining.

The facilities provided in the Domain for the enjoyment of the children are to be added to in a manner which should create great interest among the little ones. A shute or slide, similar to that at North Brighton, is to be purchased by the Ashburton Borough Council at a cost of just over £49. It will be remembered that the First Canterbury Mounted Rifles' Band, on the eve of. its departure for the South Island contest, gave a performance in the Domain, and donated the proceeds (£42) to the council for the purpose. of increasing the playing facilities for children. After considerable enquiry the Reserves Committee recommended to the council last night that a shute be procured. Shutes are perhaps the most popular of all amusement devices of its class. The council intends to make up the balance of the purchase money, but a suggestion was thrown out that the band, when it learns there is a small deficit, might express a wish to pay the total cost and have its name inscribed on the shute as having donated it to the council for the benefit of the children.

In a talk to members of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Mr Justice Herdman entertained them with the judicial view of trade and the principles of the law which had been evolved by notable British Judges, especially Judge Mansfield, to ensure that a man's word in business should be his bond, and that justice should obtain in commerce as between .man and man. He sketched the rise of Britain in trade under the old regime, which believed in non-inter-ference by the State in business, showing how India, Canada, and the Ausi tralasian colonies had been developed by British trade on a system by which traders worked out their own salvation to the mutual benefit of Britain arid the countries mentioned. , It was held by many that a man could run his own business well, and that it would go back if he took a partner, and successively decline still more as it was taken over by a limited liability company or by the State. Personally, he hoped that the new tendencies which were showing in Britain would bring about changes in tbo old systems, witb caution, enabling British commerce to return to its former supremacy; but in any case he felt that the allegiance to Britain which flourished in New Zealand, which was not exactly patriotism, but rather an intangible spirit handed down from father to son, would keep this country bound to Britain through thick and thin

Sure and certain—WADE'S WORM FIGS. Children like them.

George Langridge, who fought with the South Wales Borderers in the Zulu War, has died at Sevenoaks.

The London butter and cheese markets have been reported upon in a cablegram received by the Ashburton branch of the National Mortgage and Agency Company, as follows:—Butter firm; salted 170 s, unsalted 180 s. Cheese steady; white and coloured 86s, and 87s.

A vaudeville performance which should provide a welcome diversity in the programme of motion pictures will be given at His Majesty's Theatre tonight and to-morrow night. The clever performances of "Adrian's Performing Dogs and Monkey" will form the mainstay of the acting, and as a change should be readily welcomed. The act is said to-be the best of its kind in the Dominion, and requires to be seen to be believed.

The similarity of the colours adopted by some football clubs was the subject of comment by Mr H. J. Chapman at the Rugby Union's meeting last night. He said that in refereeing a match between Rakaia and Springburn-Mayfield on a day when the grounds (and consequently* the players) were muddy, the slight difference between the colours of these two chubs was indistinguishable. It often happened that a player tackled a member of his own team, believing him to be an opponent. After discussion it was decided to write to the clubs asking if they could furnish any suggestions to remedy the matter.

Due recognition of the honour conferred on Alan C, Robilliard by his inclusion in the All Blacks team was made at last night's meeting of the Ashburton County Rugby Sub-union. The chairman (Mr W. F. Watters) said it gave him great pleasure to extend the hearty congratulations of the union to the successful player and to his father, -»ir F. B. Robilliard. The latter had been for several years president of the union, and was an old representative of the province. It was very gratifying to not© that a young boy who had played for the Ashburton High School, and later for the county, should have had this honour conferred upon him. The Robilliard family was composed of good football talent, which appeared evidently to. be hereditary. The vote of congratulation was carried unanimously and with acclamation.

Fire completely destroyed, at Methven yesterday, a occupied O. F. Bishop, cycle dealer. No idea has yet been advanced as to how the fire started. It was first noticed at about 4.30 p.m., Mr Bishtip being absent at the time. It .quickly obtained a hold, and though a bucket brigade did good work, the shop was completely burned. ..The efforts of the fire-fighters, however, saved a bakehouse which was attached to the shop by a verandah, and the house adjoining, which, together with the shop, is occupied by Mi- Bishop. The blaze was well under control by 5 p.m., thanks to some extent to there being n 6 nvind. The property is owned by the L. W. Balkind estate, in the hands of the Public Trust. It is stated that there is an insurance of £2OO on the stock, the policy being with the London and Lancashire Company.

An important matter concerning highways traffic was brought up bv Mr R. Kerr at the Ashburton Borougn Council's meeting last night. He said that East Street, the principal thoroughfare, was peculiarly situated in connection with highways traffic in that it carried absolutely all that went through the, town. He knew the Highways Boards had nothing to do with towns, but other borough councils were appealing for- some assistance in the matter of the maintenance of those of their streets used by through traffic. I Mr Kerr pointed out, moreover, that many business men were going in for motor transport, and they would be, taxed in various ways, for highway money, yet many of them might never use the main highways; that was to say, the vehicles would be.confined,to the town. He moved that the Highways Board be appealed to in the matter. Mr F. Z. D. Ferriman seconded the motion, which was carried.

A very old Maori came to the Patea Courthouse the other day. "Want te pension," he informed the attendant. It was difficult to understand the old chap, more especially as he was in receipt of a pension. He evidently knew Mr J. S. Barton, S.M., was at the Court, as he intimated he wanted to I see the Judge. Honi Was taken to see the JTidge all right. Under diplomatic questioning it was gathered by Mr Barton that he had never heard of Parliament nor the Commissioner. " You know Bill Ma.ssey ?" asked Mr Barton. The old fellow's face lit up with a beaming smile. Yes, he had heard of Bill Massey. "Him to good fellow." ""Well, Bill Massey says yon have get one pension now." " Yes," replied Honi, "you know maked to shoot te man." "Exactly," said MiBarton. " That pension £4 a month. Bill Massey he say you give up the £4 pension, then he give you the other one worth £3." "By corry," said Honi, as he rolled his eyes about, " that no good,, eh ! I think I keep the £4 one. What you say, eh, Judge ?" Mr Barton advised him that he had made a wise.decision, but Honi was all the same disappointed that lie could not qualify for two pensions instead of one

On the recommendation of the Reserves and Domain Committee, the Borough Council decided last night to approve.the Advance Ashburton Association's scheme for the improvement of Baring Square West. The scheme, the cost of which will be borne by the association, provides for the removal of the surrounding fence, the erection of standards with clusters of three lights each at each corner of the Square, and lesser lights at the entrances of a 14ft path running through the centre from West Street to the street opposite the library, the path to wind round the band rotunda.. It is understood the scheme will cost approximately £l5O. When the matter of approval was before the council there was some opposition on account of the fact that the scheme did not provide for kerbing round the Square to the old fence. Mr C. F. Horrill said that unless there was a kerbing, no matter how small, the Square would become a, right-of-way for cyclists andj others. He would like the association to take a suggestion, ! to this effect, but if necessary he would move an amendment that the scheme be not approved until the association undertook to put something in place of the fence. On the other hand, it was explained that this was only the nucleus of a more elaborate scheme the association had in mind, and the kerbing would come later. Mr Perriman seconded Mr HorrilPs amendment, which was defeated, and the motion was carried.

Sam Abrims, the popular Pefcone Coach, endbrses "Dome" Leslie's high opinion of Q-toI for abrasions, and Fluenzol for th« throat,

The people of Ashburton have complimented Alan C. RobiDiard upon his inclusion in the All Black Rugby football team. On behalf of the townspeople, the Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith) i telegraphed convoying the hearty congratulations and best wishes of the Ashburton public. Mr Robilliard has replied thanking the Mayor and people for their kindly and stating that this was one ot the proudest moments of his life. Heassured all that he would do his utmost to uphold the fine reputation the previous All Blacks had established.

Speaking at a complimentary banquet to the Hon. C. J. Parr at Auckland, Mr Massey said the moratorium ends on December 31, and he was going to ask Parliament to amend the law so that a borrower might go to the Supreme Court and state his case and ask a Judge to look into it. If a Judge thought the mortgagor had a chance to recover, he would make arrangements for carrying "on the mortgage for two years, but not longer. He could not believe there was going to be the trouble some people talked about. The security of broad acres was just as good as over it was. He knew mistakes were made during the boom period, but as the 1914 legislation enabled a mortgagee to apply for exemption, so he proposad legislation; should be just turned round the other way.

Record entries have been received for the Ashburton Collie Dog Club's trials to be held on the Ashburton racecourse on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of this week. This is onl~ the second year the club has been in existence, and to be able to boast an entry. of 140, representative of districts from Hastings, h} the North Island, to the Bluff, certainly reflects great credit on the'cdmmittee, and- demonstratesthe ..value of trials. There are to be four events at the meeting this week, three of which are open and one postentry. The fixture is well endowed with cash and trophies, the total value of which is £IOO. Arrangements have been made to provide refreshments oh the ground. The public, having in • mind the-most entertaining fixture- ' staged by the club 'last year, will doubtless attend in large numbers. •:.*..■ •■ ■ -. ■.-• .. ''.•:??"%

The anniversary concert in connection with the Caton Jubilee, Juvenile Tent of the Independent Order of Reehabites, was held in the Victoria Hall last evening. The hall was well filled, and a pleasant and profitable evening was spent. The chairman, in his remarks, traced the progress of the Tent since its inception two years ago. The following contributed to the programme: —Joyce Patterson, Doris Petrie, Mavis Alexander, Eileen Wilkinson, Mavis Andrews, Lorraine White, Doris Petrie, Aubrev Baigent, W. Shieriaw, Winstone White, and Thos. Pethick. There were a number of concerted items. During the evening the Rev. C. S. Matthews gave a very interesting and instructive address. The concert closed with the singing of the National Anthem, after which fruit and nuts were handed round to the children.

A miniature rifle club has been formed in Westerfield, as the outcome ofa public meeting held for that purpose. Satisfactory■".. support has been forth- , coming, and though tne club has notyet a full quota of rifles, there is a full sized range, of 75 feet, upon which the members have been practising for some weeks now. The first shoot for a trophy, donated by Mrs W. Lill, wife; of the captain, will be fired next Monday nightl The following have been elected officers of the club .-f-Patron, the Hon. W. Nosworthy; president, ( MrH. Dillon; vice-presidents: Messrs W. A. Sheate, L. J. Fechney, J. Fechney, W. J. Lowry, W. Langdon, H. Muirhead, V. W. Wright, E. A. Denham, G. Anderson, D, Burgess, C. G. Harper,; J. McElhinney senr., R. Campbell, ana". G. S. Blackmore; secretary, Mr W. J. Conway; treasurer, Mr W. Lill: cap- . tain, Mr W. Lill, committee—MessrsG. MeKie, T. Quaid, T. Allen, R. 'Coward, A. Butter-worth, T. Taylor, J. McElhinney, jun., and A. McNicol.