LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 131, 15 March 1933, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the "Guardian," Mar. 15, 1883). Borough School.—At the meeting of the Ashuurton Borough. School Committee on Tuesday evening, the headmaster (Mr Dempsey) reported as follows:—"The average attendance in the Upper School for the four weeks respectively was 107.3,. 193.5, 198.5 and 201, and in the infant department 141.2, 133.1, 123.6 and 151./; . total average for the four weeks, 308.4. Average roll, Upper School 288.5, Infant 204; total average roll, 492.5. The attendance is very low compared with the number on tne rolls, but this, .is ow-ing, I believe, to sickness and the severity, of the weather. The lowest attendance during the month was 188 and the highest 374, 384 to-day (Tuesday) and 254 yesterday. I don't think there is any necessity for so many to absent themselves when there is the slightest appearance of rain as they at present do." It was resolved to .prosecute the parents of certain children consequent upon non-attendance at school during the past month. Sale of the Rangitata Station.—The well-known Rangitata Station, which belonged to the late . Sir J. Cracroft Wilson, is to be submitted to auction to-day by Messrs Miles and Company at their sale-rooms in Christchurch. The station comprises 15,000 acres of leasehold and 2000 acres of freehold, and the stock comprises 15,000 merino sheep. The station buildings are of a convenient and substantial character. • Library Committee.—A meeting .of the Library Committee took place, at Mr Ward's office on Thursday evening, the members present being Messrs G. H. St. Hill (in the chair), W. H. Zouch, G. B. M. Branson and R. Le'chner. It was decided, in view of the immediate prosecution of the building, to communicate with Mr Jackson, architect, requesting him to prepare Working plans at once and to get the contract signed. The secretary reported that the grant from the Government of £44 6s had been lodged to the credit of the committee. , TWENTY-FIVE YEARS ACO. (From the "Guardian," Mar. 15, 1908.) Harvest Festival Services.—Harvest festival services at the Baring Square Methodist Church were brought to .a successful conclusion last evening by a concert and sale of produce. Over 180 persons paid for admission and the Rev. 11. E. Bellhouse occupied the chair. A strong choir under the baton of Mr E. Undrill contributed -four special items in a most creditable manner and others who took part were: Bolos, Misses M. Rattray, Terris, Gray (Christchurch), Messrs' G. H. Carson, Edwin Craighead and J. Keirj quar : tets, Misses M. Rattray and Clara Smith and Messrs E. Undrill and E. Manchester; clarinet solo, Mr Clarkson ; cornet solo, Mr H. A. Humphreys. Miss Bonnington presided at the piano and Miss Jones at the organ. Supper was served in the schoolroom to a number who remained and the 7 function proved both a financial and social success. Loyal Ashburton Lodge.—The usual meeting of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge, 1.0.0. F:, M.U., was held last evening, when Bro. F. Hancox, N.G., presided. Sick pay due and other accounts were passed for payment and routine business discussed. P.G. Bro. F. Pritchard, on behalf of the, Lodge's delegates, reported on the business transacted at the annual district meeting held the day previously. One candidate was proposed for' membership and the Lodge was closed in due form at an early hour, after which a card match was played. At the conclusion of the match a pleasant hour was spent in harmony. Oat Crop.—Mr' George Shaw, ; of Rangitata, has just threshed out a fine crop of 40 acres of oats, which , has given a return of 40 bushels to the acre. The crop was put in with manure, and the grass-seed . sown at. the same time has come away splendidly.