LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10805, 28 December 1926, Page 2

LOOKING BACK.

twenty-five years ago.

(From “Guardian,” Dee. 28, 1901.)

Farmers’ Union—The committee of the Ashburton Branch of the Farmers Union met on Saturday afternoon, Mr G. W. Leadley presiding oyer an attendance of six members. The Canterbury Frozen Meat and Export Company wrote with, reference to special concessions for manure. Mr Stone was of opinion that the concessions came rather late in the season, and lie coulcl not thank the Company for its otter. He spoke in strong terms of the way the Company had treated the farmers in making a reduction only when it was compelled to. The Courtenay Farmers’ Club had got a reduction ot 15s a ton, manure being supplied at £4 ss, instead of £5. Other members did not agree with Mr Stone s remarks, and it was decided to thank tne Com-

pany for its offer. Address by John McLachlan, M.H.TU: —An audience of over 200 attended at the Arcade on Saturday afternoon to hear an address given by Mr John McLachlan, member for the district, on “What the Government has Done for the Farmers.” In a lengthy address Mr McLachlan advocated the following:—(1) To resist the political power of the Labour Unions; (2) To oppose Labour legislation; (3) To encourage setlement of land, with a freehold clause; (4) To reduce freights on produce; (5) To advocate taxation for revenue purposes,; (6) To “educate” the farming community. Departure of the Discovery—The Antarctic exploration ship, Discovery, under the command of Captain Scott, left for the Antarctic on the afternoon of December 21 after taking on board her dogs and a number of live sheep. At 11.30 a.m. Bishop Julius held a short but impressive service in the men’s quarters, all the members of the expedition being present. The Discovery got under weigh at 2.10 p.m. amid a storm of hearty cheering, and was accompanied down the harbour by the. Te Anau, Poherua, Cygnet, Rimutaka, and Delphic, besides a number of launches. Salutes were fired by the H.M.S. Ringarooma and Lizard, the former proceeding to Port Chalmers as consort.