LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10168, 24 July 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Prior to the delivery of tlie Financial Statement by Mr Massey, Mr T. K. Sidey ashed for an assurance that ins Summer Time Hill, which was being displaced owing to the fact that the Bntfoot was not delivered last night, would not be prejudiced. Mr Massey gave this assurance.

The alteration in the method of collecting telephone charges had the effect of inflating the revenue for the financial year, a sum of £825,178 being received, as compared with £595,967 during the previops twelve months stated tlie Minister for Finance in the House last night. Of this amount £149,000 had to he earned in the current year. Although the present charges were moderate, they were designed to earn interest on the capital outlay.

At the weekly slioot of the Doric Miniature Rifle Club the following tied with total scores of 35 in a competition for a prize donated by Miss Harrison:—S. Hyland 35—1, It. Turnbull 33 S. Gardner 29—7, AY. Banks 30—5, J. Baker 34—1, C. Sprott 32—7, D. McMillan 34—2, M. Kingsbury. 34 1. On the second shoot-off D. McMillan won, with AY. Banks second. S. Hyland put on 14 consecutive bulls, a record for the range for this season.

It is a .common delusion among some town-dwellers that life in the country is stale, dull, and unprofitable: that there is such a lack of means whereby to occupy onself that time hangs most heavily. This is decidedly not so in itakaia, writes our correspondent, where the difficulty is not to find a meeting to attend, but to find a free night on which a meeting may be held. Decently the itakaia Manchester Unity Lodge of Oddfellows, tired of finding dances and other functions clashing with their meeting night, decided on a change from the Thursday to A londay. However, on the very first night of meeting, members were absent, and it was found three other meetings were being held the same evening.

The re-introduction of penny postage was commented upon by the Prime Minister in his statement to the House last night. In the course of his address Air Massey said that oil October 1, 1923, the "penny postage was re-estab-lished within the Dominion, and to all parts of the British Empire, by the further decrease of one half-penny in the letter rates. Opportunity was taken at the same time to make appropriate reductions in rates of postage on other classes of mail-matter. AVhen it was remembered that the cost of concessions in postage brought about by the reductions effected in February and October, 1923, was £600,000 per annum, there was cause for congratulation that revenue from postages last year was only £257,149 less than that derived from the same source in the previous year. AA’itli a continuance of prosperity this loss should shortly disappear. A deputation of representative citizens who are interested in science and art waited on Air Massey at A\ T ellington to-day to urge that the Government increase to £IOO,OOO ail offer of £75,000 previously made by Cabinet in order to allow of a Dominion museum and art gallery worthy of the country being erected in AVellington. Mr Massey stated he could not promise that the Government would grant the request, which, however, would he considered by Cabinet in the course of a few days. He had a groat deal of sympathy with the request, hut was somewhat staggered by the figures put forward. The promise of £75,000 would he kept, hut the deputation was asking for another £25,000 and £IO,OOO per year additional as well as part of the site. Cabinet would do the best it could, and he hoped it would result in the museum and art gallery being provided, not only for AVellington. because it was not a AVellington concern altogether, hut for the Dominion. It was the policy of the Government to give industrious soldier settlers every possible chance, said the Prime Minister in the course of a review last night of the work of the revaluation of soldiers’ farms. There were already indications of a great improvement in soldiers’ settlements, continued Mr Alassey. In conformity with the legislation" passed last session authorizing the revaluation of soldier farms, a Dominion Revaluation Board was appointed, and 23 distiict revaluation committees set up. The duty of the committees' was to inspect and value the farms in their respective districts, and submit their reports to the central hoard. The field work in some of the smaller districts had been finished, but it would be some time yet before the whole of the necessary inspections and valuations in the larger districts could be finally completed. The hoard and the committee were impressed with the urgent nature of this important work, and everything possible were being done to expedite the early completion. Recommendations were coining to hand, and in many cases mortgages already had been substantially reduced both as regards-capital and interest liabilities,, and substantial relief had also been afforded in case of arrears.

At the Christchurch Magistrate’s I Court yesterday, before Mr H. Y. I Widdowson, S.M., Herbert Edward | Bonnington, chemist, of Ashburton (Mr lA. K. Nortli), claimed from Herbert IL. Bradford, railway employee, of Christchurch (Mr 0. I’. J. Alpers), the sum of £34 2s 3d damages in respect of a motor collision. Plaintiff alleged that on April 5 defendant negligently and unskilfully drove a motor-car so that it struck his own car, and damaged it to the extent or £l4 2s 3d. He also claimed £2O general damages. Defendant counter-claimed for £72 7s special damages and £SO general damages, alleging that the collision was due to the negligence of Bonnington. in that lie was on the wrong side o r the road, and did not have his oa>under proper control. Plaintiff gave details of the collision, which occurred on the Main South Road, near Dunsandel. Defendant, in evidence, said he was travelling at 15 to 20 miles per hour on his correct side when the accident happened. After hearing many witnesses, the Magistrate said he was satisfied the collision was due to the fault of the defendant. A reasonable man ought to have decreased his speed before reaching a culvert on the road and passing Bonnington’s car. Judgment would he for the plaintiff for £2B 12s 6d,

‘ There was another large entry of fat cattle at the Metropolitan weekly market at Addington yesterday, and as a result the demand was not so good as last week, though prime cattle sold fairly well throughout. The yarding of fat sheep was a good deal smaller than that of the previous sale. Good ewes improved by up to 2s 6d a head on late rates, but wethers little more than held their own. There was a moderatesized yarding of store sheep. There was a large entry of vealers, and, all round, prices were easier than those of last week. The following sales o r fats were made on account of Ashburton County vendors: —Wethers —For H. E. A. Lock (Methven), 20 at 27s 3d to 28s. Ewes —An outstanding draft of 59 from Mr J. Campbell (Methven) made from 43s 3d to 52s 3d, the latter price for 14. Thirty-two of the lino realised 46s 6d and 13 43s 3d. Other sales were: —For W. S. Green si ado (Mayfield), 124 at 27s to 39s Id; A. N. Grigg (Longbeach), 60 at 30s 3d tc 38s lOd; Methven client, 24 at 33s Id to 38s 4d; Black Bros. (Lagmlior). 60 at 33s lOd to 365; Mrs I. M. PI. Wight

man (Methven), 122 at 25s 4d to 33s 7d. Hoggets—For D. and W. F Hampton (Methven), 44 at 28s 3d to 34s 4d. Cattle—For estate of the lot' M. Kingsbury (Raknia), 1 steer at £7 7s 6d, 2 heifers at £4 10s, 1 cow at £? 17s 6d ; Jas. Hampton (Hinds), 6 steer-; at £5 10s to £9; D. Christie (MofV ven), 2 cows at £4 15s to £7 12s 61 11 heifers at £4 7s Od to £i 10s.

The frosts of the last few mornings have placed a thin layer of ice on parts of the Domain pond. The frost this morning after the rain has formed ice on all small pools of water in the roadways.

The south-bound express this morning, after having remained at the station for its allotted time, nulled some yards away from the end of the platform to allow of attention being given to an axle of one of the vehicles, which was running hot. The train was not delayed to any appreciable extent. In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, replying to Mr Parry, Air Alassoy said lie proposed to ask the committee to take up the Licensing Bill where they dropped it last year. He proposed that the Bill should he drafted on the lines of the committee’s recommendations, and submitted to the House.

The facilities for children’s enjoyment in the Domain will be greatly added to when the proposed chute is erected. For the purpose of raising the balance of the amount required (£9), the Ist Canterbury Alounted Rifles’ Band will give, ja concert in the Theatre Royal on Thursday night of next week. This course was suggested by a Borough Council member at a recent meeting.

A. card match was played last evening between St. Stephen s AJen’s Club and the Ashburton Catholic Club, in the latter’s rooms. There was a good attendance of members of both club 6. The president, Air AA. Bryant, extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors. The play resulted in a win for the Catholic Club by 18 points. After supper had been dispensed, Air Peters, on behalf of St. Stephen’s, congratulated the winners, and expressed the visitors’ appreciation of the entertainment provided.

Potential serious accidents are in wait for the unwary who would thoughtlessly step on those parts ol some of the footpaths which have recently been dug up for putting in the sewerage. In several cases the soil has apparently been replaced without being pressed down. In a day or two its own weight causes a subsidence _of quite a foot, while the frost maintains the outer crust apparently as solid as ever. Pedestrians stepping on this hollow crust are liable to_ receive a severe mental and physical jolt.

For some time the Ashburton East School has laboured under the disadvantage of having practically no library, an equipment now recognised as an essential part of the school. The books at present in the library are few, and have been used so freely that they are in all stages of dilapidation and ruin. To remedy this defect, a concert has been arranged for Friday night in the Memorial Hall, and the public are .assured that those who assist this worthy cause will have an excellent programme presented by Airs H. J. Chapman for their consideration.

Approximately 380,636 acres, subdivided in 977 holdings, and comprising practically every class of land, were opened for selection during the past year according to the financial statement presented in the House last night. Excluding miscellaneous leases, approximately 459,289 acres of Crown, settlement," and national-endowment lands and reserves, subdivided into 942 sections, were taken up during the same period. The miscellaneous leases issued during the same period numbered 1,148 holdings, comprising an area of 59,190 acres. The sub-divisions of Mount Pisa Run were all disposed of, and the Teviot sections and runs are open for selection.

There was a good attendance at the fortnightly meeting of the Hakatere Lodge, 1.0.0. F., No. 68. Mr A Richardson, N.G., presided. Two members were reported sick, including Mr C. Ward, who was said to be progressing as well as could be. expected. A letter was received frqrn Mr Ward thanking the lodge for its resolution of sympathy, and wishing the new officers a successful term of office. Sick payments amounting to £4 were authorised. Three proposals for membership wore handed in, and a. ballot for five candidates resulted in their favour. Very satisfactory reports were presented on behalf of the hall and social committees. Regarding the card socials, Mr Richardson reported that there were sufficient prizes on hand for the balance of the season. The receipts for the evening amounted to £36 18s.

There can be no possible doubt as to the excellence of the serial sporting film, “ The Leather Pushers,” Hie first portion of which was screened at PI is Majesty’s Theatre last evening. It is ; altogether superior to any serial film 1 screened here hitherto. It has for its ; theme a topic near to the heart of j lovers of sport—the “ noble art of self- J defence” —and- the members of the | Ashburton Athletic Club who viewed j the first portion at the invitation of j the management last evening had a great deal to say in its praise. It is ii story of a former champion in the ring who sets out to restore the family Fortunes by returning tp the scenes of lis former prowess, and how well he commences was illustrated in the first Laptev. In addition to the very great ippoal to one’s sense of sportsman;hip, “The Leather Pushers” contains ill the ingredients of a decidedly incresting “heart story.” The ringside

scenes were excellently pictured. One of the other attractions last evening, and one which will, be screened again this evening, was a turf film, “ Long Odds.” A British production, it was a very welcome change from the mass of sickly romance and alleged high life stories put out by American studios; it was, in fact, a simple, homely, direct story, with a big thrill at the end.

A deputation of the Chelsea Sugar Company’s employees asked Mr Massey o have the present duty of 5-16ths of i penny expiring in September con-

tinued, to prevent the company carrying out its threat to close the works The chief spokesman said that there was a general feeling that the eomnany was in earnest. Building work had been stopped, and there was only raw sugar enough in the works for August, and arrangements had been made to land. Fiji sugar in August, which would be the last shipment unless the industry were, kept alive. Another speaker said that the Labour view regarding the tariff had changed. He thought the company would like to establish a refinery in the Islands worked by Indians. Mr Massey said be certainly was not in favour of turning down fellow-citizens and replacing them with black labour at a penny an hour. The remedy was to get a ma'oritv in the House in favour of the tariff. It was a close thing last sesion, and he had heard that some who supported it then would not support j b again. *

The condition cf Air C. AA T ard J and the lad Alelville, who, it will be remembered, were severely injured in the recent level crossing accident at Ashburton, is improving steadily.

Another example of Ashburton’s competency to supply athletes of no moan order has been brought undei* notice. In the team of 11 hockey players from the Christchurch Training. College, who went south yesterday to take part in the tournament at Dunedin, were seven ex-pupils of the Ashburton High School, who had received here their training in sports.

A comparatively small amount of business is set down for hearing by the Atagistrate to-morrow. Police cases include a charge of selling sly grog by one person, and of assistance given in this by another. Several undefended civil cases and judgment summonses will Fe dealt with. It is not yet known whether reserved judgment will he given in the bankruptcy case in which the Deputy-Official Assignee is interested.

The ill-fated Mount Everest expedition had a stamp issue of its own, and one of these has reached Ashburton. The stamp is of a light blue colour, with a clear-cut view of Alount Everest in its centre, and the names Sikkim, Tibet, and Nepal, 1924, * round itsborder. It is reported that only about 700 stamps have been issued. The stamps were used by members of the expedition on special greeting cards, which have as a frontispiece a view of the mountain from the base camp in the Rongbuk Valley, Tibet. The cards were despatched by postal runner te India. A film of the expedition will commence its screening at the Scala Theatre, London, in November next.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Farmers’ Union to-day, Air G. W. Leadley (Ashburton), who has for for many years been prominently connected with the wheat-growing industry, said the existing Customs tariff was subject to the will of Ministers, and the way the tariff had been chopped and hacked about had been disastrous.. Owing to a variety of causes, the Dominion was not producing sufficient wheat to meet the requirements of the country. In the Financial Statement just delivered the Prime Alinister stated that the Government had had to pay £1,125,000 for wheat imported from Australia. That money could have been saved if encouragement had been given to wheat-growers. - The growers had become so disgusted with the position that, from what he had heard growers say, they would not grow wheat even at 10s a bushel. Air Leadley concluded: “ AYe ought to grow our own wheat. AA"e shoiud not - send abroad for foodstuffs which we could well grow ourselves.”