LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 172, 4 May 1937, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the “Guardian,” May 4, 1887.) Failure of Gas.—Early on Saturday evening shopkeepers who had their establishments open were astonished at the gas suddenly lowering till there was but the merest flicker at each burner. In some places it was found impossible to conduct business with the scanty light, which had therefore to be augmented by candles and lamp. The dismal aspect of East Street occasioned by the drizzling rain was not lessened by the “dim religious light” visible in the shops in the principal thoroughfares in the town. Wakanui Mill Purchased.—Our< farmer readers, and particularly those in the Wakanui district, will be pleased to hear that Mr Edwin Thomas has purchased the Wakanui Mill, and, will be at once prepared to do general gristing, crushing, etc., for which the mill is very well adapted and conveniently situated.

Ratepayers’ Meeting Lapses.—The annual meeting of ratepayers in the Coldstream road district, summoned for noon on Monday, did not take place for want of a quorum, the only ratepayers present being the chairman (Mr E. G. Wright) and Mr Dowding.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO.

(From the “Guardian,” May 4, 1912.)

The High School Board.—At the monthly meeting of, the Ashburton High School Board of Governors there were present Messrs Joshua Tucker (chairman), 0. Reid, H. Davis, W. B. Denshire, W. H. Collins, and W. T. Lill. A letter was read froift Mr.Hujgo Friedlander enclosing a- cheque for £2O, being the first instalment in connection with the scholarship he had offered. The headmaster (Mr W. F. Watters) reported that the school roll was 105 (56, boys and 49 girls). The chairman asked for an extension of time in which to bring up a report on the proposed residence for the headmaster.

Territorial Camp.—The territorial casual camp commences in Ashburton to-day. Members of O and H Companies will parade at the Drillshed at 2.30 and from there they will proceed to the railway station, where they will be met by the recruits from the various centres. Afterwards the recruits will fall in and march to the camp, which will continue until the following Thursday. Personal.—Prior to his leaving on a visit to the Home Country, Mr John Lambie, ex-chairman of the County Council, called at the County offices in Ashburton to bid farewell to the staff, all of whom joined in wishing him a successful voyage.