LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 274, 1 September 1936, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the “Guardian,” Sept. 1, 1886.) Excessi«> Snowballing,—lt would seam that some individuals last Friday carried snowballing to excess, as we hear that one gentleman contemplates laying a batch of informations against certain persons for the manner in which he was treated by them. Pig and Dog Story.—Another pig and dog story has reached us —this time from Methven. A well-known, farmer in that locality is the owner of some greyhound pups, the mother of which, a short time ago, came to an untimely end. The pups associated themselves with a litter of pigs, and! the sow bestowed upon them as much care as her own offspring. We have been told that the young greyhounds have thrived exceediingly well, and are quite as strong and healthy as if brought up by their own maternal relative. A Backward Spring.—Spring this year is very backward. The cold weather has kept the. grass very short, and weeping willow?, which at this season generally present a fresh green appearance,, are but showing the merest sigh of bursting into leaf. The snowstotih last Thursday has occasioned a few losses among stock. A few fine days, however, would have the effect of inducing a rapid growth on the part of dormant vegetation. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO.

(From the “Guardian,” Sept. 1, 1911)

An Ashburton Inventor.—Mr J. Lewis, of Ashburton, has invented an improved contrivance in connection with electric doorbells. The idea, with sketches, has been submitted to experts, who have pronounced very favourably on it, and Mr Lewis is taking the necessary steps to have it protected under the Patents Act.

Shakesperian Essays—Before passing on from the study of one play to that another the Ashburton Shakespeare Club makes a practice of hearing essays from the pens of a number of members on the drama gone through. In accordance w<th this rule the last two meetings of the club have been eissay nights. Mr II P. Mercer delivered a comprehensive and discerning paper on the play Hamlet generally, making special reference to the Prince of Denmark. Mr S. Grant followed with an able and vigorous portrayal of the other characters of the play, from the King downwards, afld Dr. W. J. Mullin read an illuminating and learned discourse on the old question “Was Hamlet mad, or did he feign madness?” All the papers were heartily received and much enjoyed, and it was decided to endeavour to have Dr. Mullin’s published in the literary columns of the “Otago Witness.” A committee, consisting of the chairman (Mr M. G. 0. Paseoo) aind two other members wa» set up for that purpose. Civic Reception.—A civic reception will be given to Mrs Helen Barton (excouncillor of the City of Glasgow) at the railway station upon the arrival of the Timaru train to-morrow.