LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 290, 19 September 1936, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the “Guardian,” Sept. 19, 1886). The Dramatic Association—The usual weekly meeting of the Ashburton Musical and Dramatic Association was held at the Town Hall last evening. A long discussion took place as to the advisability cf putting in preparation a pantomime to be held hy the society at Christmas. The matter was ultimately left over until next meeting for final consideration. It was decided that a renearsal of the drama “False Colours” should be held on Friday next at the Uiidteiiows’ Hall. It was decided that tee farce “Leave It To Me” should be presented on the- race nights. Entertainment at Home—An entertainment was given to the inmates of tiie Old Men’s Home cn Tuesday evening last. Mesdames Thomas, Crisp and Alayiie, Miss M. J. Otway and" Messrs Thomas and H. Gates gave musical selections which were much appreciated,. Riots at Belfast—Rioting commenced again at Belfast, caused by a band of music and an accompanying crowd on the way to meet a Sunday School excursion. The police were ordered to shoot with buckshot, which they promptly did, killing an errand boy named Knox and wounding many rioters.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From the “Guardian,” Sept. 19,1911). Confusion Over Electorates—“ Confusion worse, confounded” might describe the chacs at present reigning in connection with the recently-altered boundaries of the Selwyn and Ashburton electorates. In consequence of a letter which appeared in Saturday’s issue, a “Guardian” representative interviewed Mr W. W. White (Registrar of Electors) on the matter. Air White said he was pleased the correspondent had brought the matter up, as too much publicity could not be given to the question, many electors being quite ignorant as to which electorate they were entitled to vote in. Epidemic Disappears—The Inspector of Health reports that the scarlet fever and scarlatina epidemics have almost disappeared in the Comity, as no fresh cases have occurred during the last two weeks. At the present time the health of the community is fairly satisfactory, though whooping cough and influenza are prevalent in a mild form.

Smart Totalisator Staff—The smartness of the totalisator staff at the recent Ashburton races was very favourably commented on by the betting fraternity. The tickets were, issued and the dividends posted with praiseworthy dispatch.