LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 84, 21 January 1936, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE (From the ‘•Guardian,” Jan. 21, 1886). The Ashburton Rifles. —The annual meeting of the Ashburton Rifle Volunteers was held at the drillshed on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance, with Captain St. G. Douglas in the chair. Qaptain Douglas reported that that year had been marked toy renewed vigour throughout the volunteer force, and but tor the limit placed by the old regulations, the Ashburton Rifles would have become very strong during the recent Russian embroglio. When the Defence Minister was in Ashburton some months ago, Lieutenant Fooks and he had waited upon him to represent the grievances under which tlie corps laboured. Mainly as a result oi(-tliat interview, they now had a drillshed for the first time in their history. The following were elected as members of the committee:— Bandmaster G. Hoskens, Colour-Ser-geant T. Haves, Private J. Fooks, Sergeant S. B. Nelson, and Private A. J. Mueller. Aviary at Hotel.—The verandah ol the Somerset Hotel has been converted into an aviary during the last two day's, Mr Charles Bills having established himself there with a perfect stock ol cages full of canaries, bullfinches, etc., which make the air resound' with their vocal rivalry.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From the “Guardian,” Jan. 21, 1911). Windfall of bruit.—As a result of the north-west- gale, the local auction marts were abundantly stocked to-day with windfall fruits,, apples and pears predominating. One fruitgrower told a “Guardan” representative that he estimated the damage done to his orchard by r the wind on Thursday night at £IBO. Song Services.—The “song service” has been one of the striking features of the mission concluded by Dr. Henry in other parts of the Dominion, and there is evidence that, during his work in Ashburton, this element will not be lacking. Under the capable leadership of Mr HI A. Humphreys, the united choirs have been meeting weekly I'or practice, so that when Mr Farquliar (the successor of Mr Potts) takes charge, he will have a body of vocalists ready' to respond to his suggestions and directions.

- Population Figures.—Population of the lour chief centres and suburbs, according to official estimates at the end of December/ were :—Auckland, 97,929; Christchurch, 78,605; Wellington, 78,380; Dunedin, 62,584. Dr. Mawson’s Expedition.—Dr. Mawson will leave shortly for London from Adelaide for the purchase of a ship for his Antarctic expedition." She is to be fitted with wireless.