LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 15, 28 October 1932, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the "Guardian," Oct. 28, 1582.). Gala Dav at Flemington.—Yesterday was quite a gala day at Flemington, when a large number of neopie assembled in the paddock of the cheese and butter factory. The celebrations were in connection with .the opening of the factory, sports being held, a dinner and a ball also taking place. A programme of races was drawn out, in which sums of money were contested for, each race Being represented by' a number of starters. J. Cowan won the 100 yards (boys), with Hepburn second. Hocken won the hurdle -race. It. Lechner securing second place. A second 100 yards race ( was won by H. Burfoot, with H. McConnell second. Hurdle race (ooys): J. Macfarlane 1. H. Sneers SJ. Long jump: T. Dalton (15ft. sins.) 1, W. Gray (15ft. 3ins.) 2. 100 yards (boys): H. Lucas 1, R. Fleming and Clark (tied) 2. Long jump (boys): H. Lucas (12ft. sins.) 1, R. Fleming (lift.) 2. 220 yards: Truman 1, Hbcken 2. A number of other Vaces took place, which were well contested. A "great number of people sat down to the excellent dinner provided, and the ball held in the evening was well attended, and was a great success.

Accident to the Rotomahana.—Telegraphic advices from the Bluff state that the Union Steamship Company's steamer Rotomahana was stranded at the Bluff on Sunday morning, but was floated off on the returning tide without having sustained any material injury. The Rotomahana came back to Port Chalmers yesterday. Since her arrival in port, there was no sign of any damage having been done to the * vessel, which made no water.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From the "Guardian," Oct. 28, 1907.) Rakaia Residents Farewelled. —A iarge number of Rakaia residents gathered together at the Railway Hotel last evening to bid goodbye to Mr and Mrs Alex Craighead, the lessees of that hostelry for the past 11 years. Mr Thomas Blackleyi occupied the chair, and made the presentation of a diamond and emerald brooch to Mrs Craighead and of a gold matchbox and sovereign case to Mr Craighead. Dean J. J. O'Donnell, on behalf of the Catholic community, made another presentation to Mr and Mrs Craighead, and a very pleasant social evening was spent in song, recitation and reminiscences, and the gathering broke up with hearty cheers for.the Craighead family. School 'Sports Association.—A meeting of the Ashburton County Combined School Sports Association was held on Saturday evening, Mr W. J. McGregor being in the chair. Present —Messrs W. F. Watters, 8..-J. Chapman, Morris, J. McLeod. O. Campbell, and M. Bruce. Donations of money were reecived from Messrs J. C N. Gri"-g, T. Hayes. G. A. M. Buckley, H. 'Ford, J. Studholme, and T. Dignan. A donation of £2 2s was received from an anonymous donor for swimming events, which would take place later in the season. Further arrangements for the sports on December 5 were made. Welcome Home.—A welcome home to Mr Alex. Ironside (who has just returned from a visit to the Old Country) took place at the Chertsey Hotel. Mr T. Langley occupied the chair. Mr B. Stuart proposed the quest's health, and the toast Sured with much cordiality. Songs were given by Messrs G. Smart, J. Elliott,' J. Allen and Ironside (2). Mr and Mrs March were the host and hostess. Mr Ironside gave a brief outline of his trip through Europe and the British Isles.