LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 157, 14 April 1928, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

It was decided by the Mid-Canter-bury Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday afternoon that the annual County Conference should be held on May 17, at 10.30 o’clock. )

Two cases of scarlet fever were notified to the County Health Inspector (Mr E. jV. Johnston) this week. One came from Allenton and one from Montalto.

The work of paving the base of the Ashburton War Memorial is now*m hand, and when this is completed little remains to be done. The laying out o* the grounds will be the greater part of the remaining work.

The two companies of the Ashburton Girl Guides held a parade at St. Stephen’s Parish Hall last evening, when Miss Seth-Smith (a captain in one ol the Christchurch companies) examined the girls for their second-class badges. A good number passed the examination. Miss Seth-Smith expressed her pleasure at the result of the examination, and congratulated! the candidates on their success'.

The executive of the Grand Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (under the New Zealand Constitution of the G.L.E.), comprising the Grand iPrimo of New Zealand (Bro. George Dunning), the Deputy-Grand Primo (Bro. W. Drain), and the. Grand Secretary (Bro. L. N. Alexander), are touring the Dominion visiting all lodges, minor and provincial Grand Lodges. It is of interest to note that the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes has now 40 lodges throughout the Dominion, and a branch is about to be opened in Ashburton.

At the meeting of the Mid-Canter-bury Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday afternoon the names of Messrs James Carr (Methven), McMillan (Irwell), W. W. Mulholland (Darfield), and Ik R. Talbot (Timaru) for nomination to the Wheat Research Institute Committee were received. Three representatives of wheat-growers will sit on the Committee. It was decided to nominate Mr James Carr, and Messrs G. W. Leadley and F. Frampton were appointed i!o vote for the member of the Committee.

The recent visit of farmers to Southland was reported on by Mr H . C. B. Withell (president of the Mid-Canter-bury Executive of the I armors’ Union) yesterday afternoon. The visit had been excellent in every way. He thought an organiser should be taken in the train on these trips to gather in those who went who were not members of the Union. A great many such people went and took advantage of the savings brought about by the Unions. A vote of thanks was passed to Southland farmers for their hospitality.

In the Blenheim Police Court this morning John Graham, alias John Sinclair, alias Charles Genge Breen, aged 46, a cook, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for the theft of shirts, socks and garters from a fellowhotel employee. Accused has a long list of convictions since 1920. For the theft of a suit of clothes, the. property of Malcolm Kerr, at Sunnyside Star tion, Ma,rtinl*rough, last month, Eric Nimrod Dixon, aged 21, was admitted to a year’s probation (says a Press Association message).

The statement that there will be no surplus of wheat this year was made by Mr James Carr yesterday afternoon when he reported to the Mid-Canter-bury Executive of the Farmers’ Union on the work done at the last meeting of the Wheat Committee in Christchurch. South Canterbury had suggested a pool for the future and details had been fully discussed. There woie many difficulties to he got over, an the Committee thought the only way out of difficulties would be through the formation' of a pool. Details of the scheme would l>e set before growers a an early date.

The caucus of the Reform R ai 'ty members of Parliament to. be held at Wellington next Tuesday promises to be of much interest. It is understood that the .primary purpose m calling it is t>o discuss legislation for the. coming session and matters, pertaining to tne internal organisation of the paity. in political circles it is fu y ■ expected that the licensing issue will be raised hyi members anxious to see the twoissue ballot paper and the bare majority carried. When the caucus is considering questions of internal e gams“turn k is not unlikely that the Keneral question of loyalty to the. party will he touched upon.

The monthly meeting of the Mount Somers School Committee was attended by Messrs G. M. Doak (chairman). It. W Todd, and J. T. Bull. I was reported that the excursion to Timaruhad been largely attended, and had been very successful. The . generous response made by the party in providing cash for the children, was referred to bv members with appreciation. It was reported that the attendance at school had been affected by the prevalence of sickness. The resignation of Mr S. G. Alexander, who has left the district, was accepted with regret, and a motion expressing appreciation oi his services was carried. The Education Board reported that the Board s architect had been directed to inspect the school regarding suggested improvements. Arrangements were made tor the annual clipping of hedges ana cleaning of grounds.

Now that the ploughing season is here, before buying others be sure you see our latest pattern Tractor 1 lough, with improved Murray Lift. All the first prizes at the 1927 South Island ploughing matches were won by them and all the second prizes also at all but two matches. P. and D. Duncan, Ltd., Christchurch and Ashburton. Advt.

Members of the rearguard of the Ashburton Squadron, Ist Canterbury Mounted Rifles (0.Y.C.), returned to Ashburton to-day from Burnham, where they spent ten days in camp. The main party returned on Thursday.

At Willowby last evening a fair attendance was addressed by Messrs B. F. Nicoll and W. T. Lill, on the Ashburton Power Board’s loan proposals. Mr EL Watts presided. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr "Watts expressed himself satisfied' with the Board’s proposals, and moved a hearty vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation.

The Ashburton Miniature Rifle Club will open its season in the Burnett Street range to-night. A very profitable season is looked for. Several alterations are being made at the range. It has been decided to adopt the John Roberts’ targets, which are in general use in England. On these targets a “ bull” counts as 10, instead of 5 as jn the old form of target.