COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10684, 30 December 1925, Page 7

COUNTY CENTRES.

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

MOUNT SOMERS.

The outstanding event of the year was the inauguration of the electric power from Coleridge, which came on on Monday, December 21. Early in tho year the rural mail commenced, and all agree that it has proved a boon to the country settlers. Last year the district received telephonic communication through the Springburn exchange. In the realm of sport the local B “tennis team won the Mid-Can-terbury championship, but the club has now lost many players. The courts were improved by having some trees cut down. The Men’s Club session was very successful, and two debate and ping-pong matches were held against St. Stephen’s, Ashburton. The Rifle Club held a number of postal matches. The Football dub entered a junior team in the competition, and the Ladies’ Hockey dub played in tournaments. Several hare shoots were _ enjoyed, the funds going to various worthy local objects. The competitions were postponed until next March, which is considered a more suitable time. The Plunket Society carried on its good work, raising funds by holding the biggest children’s and adults’ plain and fancy dress ball seen in the district. The public library increased its membership, and a children’s section was commenced. Murray’s Hall, an old landmark, was dismantled and sold during the year. A trial run of tho railway petrol car was made v on the Springburn branch, and the greater part of the line was re-laid and the bridges re-decked. The past winter was one of the worse ever experienced, and this is reflected in the state of the roads. A great amount of snow fell, and some was still lying on Mount Somers on Christmas Day. The coming year will see the jubilee of the local school.

PENDARVES. A meeting of residents on Monday night decided to approach the Postal Department with regard to a rural mail service. A sub-committee of the guarantors was appointed to l'eport at a future meeting. Mr A. Bruce presided. CHERTSEY. A fire occurred close to the railway on Monday near the plantation south of Chertsey. Willing helpers were fortunately at hand, and so the fire was under control before serious damage was done. Government painters are now busy working on the station and other railway buildings in the vicinity.