LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11007, 29 August 1927, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A tender for the erection of a new bridge over the Ashburton River at Hakatere, at the Gorge, lias been let to Mr P. (Nlorman. Work on the structure will be commenced at an early date. At> the Wef’ngton Kennel Club’s Dog Show, the following Ashburton exhibitors were successful: —Cocker spaniel's, Mrs A. J. Nicolll two firsts, two thirds; Mr R. G. Frew, three firsts, one second; Irish terriers, Mr G. Bundy, two firsts, four seconds.

In reply to tt s telegram of sympathy in the death r f the Hon. R. F. Bollard, sent by tho Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith), tlie fPrime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates) has forwarded the following:—“I desire to thank you for your telegram, and am, as requested, conveying Ashburton’s kind condolences to Mrs Bollard

and her family.” Two of the red warning flags placed on one of the barriers across East Street, near the Post Office, were removed by some irresponsible person during the week-end, and the matter has been placed in the hands of the police. On a previous occasion similar flags were taken under cover of darkness, but tho offenders were caught, and were fined' £5. As soon as the lawns on Baring Square West have dried up, work will commence in the removal of the band rotunda to make room for the War Memorial. At present the ground is too soft to permit of drays and horses traversing it. Work has already commenced on the stonework of the memorial. tlie contractors undertaking this at tlieir yards in Christchurch.

Having survived rrVanv storms. and stood as a landmark in the Domain for many years, the old willow tree near the water wheel has been cut down. During a north-wester some years ago, the strain was too much for one of the main stems and the trunk s>plit, having to be held together with a huge iron bar. After this operation the tree flourished but lately has been showing signs of decay. No contributions to the Borough Council’s unemployment fund have been received in the past two weeks. Though the greater part of tlie unemployed in Ashburton have been absorbed in relief works, there is still a pressing need for funds with which to pay the men. There is a Government subsidy of £ for £ on the amount expended for relief works, but the council. in meeting the crisis, lias undertaken work which in the ordinary course would not have been started for some time to come.

A very amusing incident occurred at the farewell to Dr. H. S. Billcliff on Saturday evening. While proposing tho toast of “Little Pat Billcliff,” Mr F. W. Watt referred to the doctor’s dog, “Rags,” and what a staunch supporter of Pat lie was. Unknown to all present, Rags was attending the party incog., and as Mr Watt mentioned his name lie gave vent to his feelings in a truly doggish fashion, much to the amusement of all. As the result of a collision between two motor-cars on the Main Road near Fairfield last night, Mr D. Larkin, of Fairfield, who was driving a car owned by Mr W. Lundy, of Tinwald. received a cut on the hand, while his companion, Mr James Tait, received cuts about the head and was admitted to the County Hospital. The occupants of the other car, Mr and Mrs G. Smith, of Ashburton, suffered from shock only. The cars were travelling in opposite directions, and, meeting head on, were wrecked.

There was a startling incident at the conclusion of the service at the Baring Square Methodist Church last evening. The Rev. R. B. Tinsley took as his text ‘‘The desecration of the Sabbath,” and in the course of his remarks regretted that tho Government of New Zealand should conduct a Sunday excursion for profit. He referred to the fact that another body, in another hall, would make reference that evening to the recent Sunday football match on the West Coast, but. he would say nothing about it. When Mr Tinsley sat down a gentleman at the rear of the church stood up and asked permission to make a statement. His request, which caused a mild sensation, was, "naturally, not granted.