LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVIII, Issue 10944, 16 June 1927, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

It is the intention of the D.IC. to erect a seven-storev building on its site in Lambton Qu'ay, Wellington. The company is giving the city free land at the corners and this will enable groat traffic improvement. The mock parliamentary campaign organised by the St. Stephen's Mens Club was presented to an appreciative audience at the weekly meeting last evening. Each of the three candidates, Messrs H. Lennon (Reform), S. C"iverhouse (Independent), and Mr G. V. Furbv (Labour) made interesting speeches. Mr E. Loach was elected captain of the ping-pong team ,and it was decided to challenge the Mount Somers Club to a debate and ping-pong match. June 22 was fixed for a games everting.

The number of motor vehicles registered in INtew Zealand up to the end of May was 166,079, of which 102,657 were in the North Island and 66,124 in the South Island (says a Wellington telegram).

A new military training year commenced this week in the Ashburton district which is known as Sub-Area 10 C. The first parade wae held on Monday night, the regular drill night for Senior Cadets of this district.

An indication of the amount of unemployment in the County is afforded by the fact that as the result of an application for potato-diggers, which appeared in the "Guardian" recently, no fewer than 80 applications were received.

Several cases of sheep-worrying have taken place in the Methven district recently. Yesterday a farmer caught three dogs in the act of worrying sheep, and as he was on the look-out and was ready with gun and ammunition, there are three dogs which will do no more worrying of sheep.

Estimates for the work to be carried out" in the coming year are being considered to-dav at the meeting of No. 15 Council of the Main Highways Board at Timaru. Mr F. Langbein (chairman of the council) was a passenger for the south by this mornings express train, and Mr W. T. Lill (Ashburton representative on the council) joined the train here.

Dogs howling dismally and roosters crowing at an unusual hour were some of the indications that there was something out of the ordinary in the heavens last night. It was merely the total eclipse of the moon that made the dogs turn their noses in the air and give .vent to their feelings of protest at the strange phenomenon, while the strange half-light that filtered down over the earth accounted for the crowing of roosters.

With a fierceness one would not have attributed to a dog so young, a pup in the clumsy stage of its existence made a savage onslaught on a plate-glass window in East Street yesterday afternoon. People in the vicinity at first) thought the animal had become mad, and then surmised that there must be a cat in the window. It transpired, however, that the pup was attracted by his own reflection in the highlypolished surface. He had to be forcibly removed from the window.

Many people who travel by train have the annoying habit (and a dangerous one, too) of waiting about the station platforms till the very last minute, and then, as the train draws away, making a rush for their carriage. Others stroll up and down the platform, and when the engine whistles they likewise make a run for their carriage, sprinting along the length of the train instead of boarding it at the nearest carriage. In this way many near accidente are witnessed, and it seems likely that not until these pests (as they are termed by railway people) come nearly to grief that they will learn the folly of their actionß.

An epoch-making ceremony in the history of Methodism in New Zealand was performed yesterday, when the foundation-stone of Trinity Methodist Theological College, at the corner of Grafton and Carlton Gore roads (Auckland), was laid by the GovernorGeneral (Sir Charles Fergusson) in the presence of a large assemblage of ministers and prominent church workers. "I can sympathise with your satisfaction in seeing your dream of a great theological training centre about to be realised," said the Gover-nor-General. He congratulated the promoters of the scheme on their success, and the contributors to its cost on their generosity in raising over £40,000 in months. That more young men were offering for the ministry was pleasant hearing. Usually they were insufficient for the harvest, said Sir Charles.

A hint thati the position of Lincoln College will not be adversely affected by the proposal to establish a similar institution in the North Island was given by the director of the college (Mr Alexander) 'in addressing South Canterbury farmers visiting the college yestefday. While the exact outcome of the negotiations was still a confidential matter, said Mr Alexander, he was able to say that Lincoln College would not be left out in the cold. He felt that there was room for another college in the country. Every kind of condition could not be studied in one. Lincoln College had never made such a claim. If it >was not judicious to teach dairying in the dry lands of Canterbury, it was not advisable to teach arable farming in Taranaki. He was satisfied that the arrangements made woidd satisfy the majority of Canterbury people.

The following were the principal sales made on account of County clients at the weekly stock sales at Addington yesterday:—Fat Cattle—On account of James Campbell (Methven), 3 cows at £7 2s 6d to £ll 2s 6d. Fat Sheep—Wethers: On account of H. Moore (Ruapuna), 13 at 40s 4d: J. E. Harris (Methven). 12 at 36s lOd to 39s 7d- D M. Christie (Mount Hutt), 59 at'3ss Id to 36s 7d; J. Moore (Mayfield), 14 at 35s 4d; A. N. Grigg (Longbeach), 130 at 31s lOd to 35s Id; A. J. Wilson (Methven), 47 at 26s lOd to 34s 7d; J. Brown (Mayfield), 29 at 25s lOd to 34s 4d; James Langley (Rakaia), 35 at 28s 7d to 28s lOd. Ewes: On account of J. E. Harris (Methven), 43 at 31e 4d to 36s 7d; A. F. Marr (Methven), 55 at 33s Id to 36s 7d; I. Gallagher (Valetta), 56 at 29s 7d to 36s 4d: Stone Bros. (Methven), 58 at 33s lOd to 36s Id; H. Maguinness (Methven), 57 at 29s lOd to 33s lOd: D. and W. E. Hampton (Methven), 37 at 21s Id to 29s lOd; A. D. Harris (Methven), 87 at 21s 3d to 29s lOd; Ashburton client, 50 at 26s Id to 28s lOd: R. W. Croy (Chertsev), 60 at 25s 7d to 28s 4d: N. W. Orr (Lismoro), 53 at 19s lOd to 26s Id: A. D. Harris (Methven), 9 merino at 19s lOd; James Langley (Rakaia), 14 at 17s lOd. Fat Lambs: On account of D. Harris (Methven), 29 at 21s lOd to 25s Id; D. and W. E. Hampton (Methven), 19 at 19s 7d.

English Cars are coming into popularitv in the Dominions overseas. Coventry is' one of the main manufacturing; centres, and the Singer Company, of Coventry, is the second largest maker of cars' in England. The latest model Singer "Junior" bids fair to be the most popular light car in the Dominions as well as in England. One Dominion agent has contracted for 40 a month of these economical and powerful small cars. Owners of large cars are buying Singer 8-18 h.p. "Juniors" to cut down their running expenses and also depreciation on the big car. A catalogue or the Single Cars will be posted to you free of charge, on application to far. i±. Carson, Local Agent, Tancred Street, Ashburton. 'Phone 129.—(Advt.)

While breaking in a horse last evening, Mr F. G. Broker, of Ashburton, was injured internally through being jammed between a post and the horse.

By a strange coincidence a local resident was given as change by an East Street shop this morning three coins—two half-crowns and a florin —■ all bearing the same date, 1878. The two larger coins were very much worn, but the florin was in good condition.

A lecture of considerable importance to farmers will be given by Dr. F. H. Hilgendorf, of Lincoln College, in the Ashburton A. and P. rooni.s this evening.. The lecture is entitled "Crop Improvement in Canterbury," and is. one of a series arranged by the Ashburton Chamber of Commerce.

A referendum taken by the Auckland Education Board on the question granted to make appointments of married women teachers resulted in that course being favoured. Out of 2100 teachers in the board's employ, 1528 voted in favour and 311 against. It was decided to send the figures to the Minister of Education and to other boards.

Though the conditions were good for the first half of the eclipse of the moon as viewed" from Ashburton, last evening, the remainder of the phenomenon was hidden behind a bank of cloud. Hazy weather obscured,the moon till about the time of the commencement of the eclipse, when the clouds broke and an excellent view was obtained. With the total eclipse only a minute or two away the sky once more clouded over, and the moon was lost to sight for the remainder of the night.

Much curiosity has been shown by Ashburton people regarding the new shakos issued to members of the Police Force in the cities, and this morning residents had an opportunity of seeing one. It was worn by a Christchurcn police officer who is relieving here, and many side glances were thrown at him as he wended! hie way to the Court. The new headpiece is exactly similar to that worn by warders in the .prisons in England, pictures of which are so familiar to New Zealanders.

Four candidates were initiated into the Order at the ordinary meeting of Daphne (Rebekah) Lodge No. 34, 1.0.0. F., over which the N.G. (Sister J. Mcintosh) presided. A ballot on one candidate proved satisfactory. It was decided to accept an invitation from Hakatere Lodge, No. 68, 1.0.0. F. to a social on-June 30. After the Lodge had closed, a social hour was spent, supper being provided by the sisters. There was a good! attendance at the meeting.

Head-making and re-surfacing have been under way on Beach Road and Moore Street during the last few days. The Borough Council traction engine and grader have been used to advantage. Improved roads have one drawback, however—they encourage speeding. Some misguided motor-cyclists are evidently under the impression that Beach Road is a speedway, and that speed limits may be ignored as soon as they cross the East Belt, for the roar of racing; engines and open cut-outs is heard many times a day by residente of that locality.

Two Ashburton exhibitors attained considerable success at the recent Dunedin Winter Show. Mrs A. J. NlcolTs black cocker spaniel pup, "Penscroft Peddler," gained three firsts, and "Penscroft Perhaps So" was awarded three firsts, a second and a third. Mr G. Bundy's Irish terrier, "Red Prince," gained six firsts and a special, as well as the challenge award, and took second place in the open class for pupnies. His "Just It" gained first and challenge award, gaining the title of chnmmon, as it has won this distinction before three different judges.

The Maori Entertainers under thei auspices of the Methodist Home and Foreign Mission presented an excellent Native entertainment in the Baring Square Sunday school last evening. Rhythmic poi dances, waiatas, and awesome hakas were given in rapid succession. The versatilitv of the Maoris was remarkable, one giving items on at least five instruments. Several of the church fathers were greeted by the Maoris in true Native style, each receiving a hongi (rubbing of noses) as well as the Pakeha handshake. At least one of these dignified gentlemen showed signs of embarrassment. Only a few finishing touches are required to complete the new 600-gallon circular tank for supplying engines at the south end of the overhead bridge at the Ashburton railway station. A gang of men has been engaged on the work for some weeks, and the erection of the huge tank piec© h J P iece has been followed with interest by many citizens. In the past the engines were supplied from a tank of 4500 gallons capacitv, but as each tender is capable of holding 3000 gallons it was often found impossible to supply two engines that happened to call for water within a short period. During the erection of the new tank express trains have been making a stop at the tank ]ust north of the engine-sheds. Preparations for the reception and entertainment of the 251) West Coast farmers who will visit Ashburton from June 27 to June 29 are well in hand, and the secretary of the Mid-Canter-burv Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union (Mr H. Christian) is busilv engaged in arranging accommodation for them. All available accommodation in the Borough has been obtained in hotels and private houses but still there are a number to be billeted in the suburbs and the surrounding countrv, and it would be a considerable assistance to the officials or tne executive if farmers and others would come forward with offers of beds tor the West Coast men. A civic reception will be accorded the visitors on tne morning after their arrival.

Reference to Timaru's success.in having "stolen" the Ashburton Silver Band's conductor was made last night by the Mayor, when he spoke at the farewell concert tendered to Lieutenant W H. Osborne. At a later stage Lieutenant Osborne said that while the Mayor had said that. Timaru had taken him, as other towns had taken members of the band, he would like to point out that neither Timaru nor any other town in the Dominion could have induced him to leave here had it not been for the fact that he could 6ee no hopes of holding a good band together in Ashburton. He made an appeal to employers to assist the band by notifying vacancies on their staffs. He did not wish them to think they should "sack" members of their staffs to make way for bandsmen, but he would like them to keen it in mind for the whole twelve months, and if a vacancy should occur thev would be greatly helping the band by making it known to members.

A tremendous amount of steam ia< required to thoroughly heat an express train* and it. so happens that at times the engine has not sufficient to penetrate to the last cars, and complaint* are frequent on cold days. There wag no ground for complaint thi6 morning, for steam was seen issuing from th« rear end of the mail van right at th«i< tail of the express. A proposal to hold an Old Pupils' re-union was discussed at a meeting of the High School Old Pupils' Association, at whdeh Mr G. Bonningfon presided. The president (Mr S. Christie), treasurer (Mr J. Mcßae), and secretary (Mr E, R. Hopwood were deputed to interview the headmaster of the High School (Mr W- F. Watters) to arrange suitable dates. As the first dance of the season was a success, it was resolved to' hold a series at intervals of three weeks during the winter. A sub-committee was appointed to organise the bridge and five hundred evening to be held at the High School on June 25.