LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 227, 8 July 1941, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. * (From the “Guardian,” July 8, 1891). Latest Improvement—The latest 'Borough improvement is a wire fence, of which the upper two wires are barbed, at the bade of the stand-pipe opposite Montgomery’s corner. One wing of this fence is stretched across the path behind the stand-pipe that has commonly been trod by foot-passengers, and it will be fortunate it somebody is not injured by walking into it one of these dark nights. Either a lighted lamp or a-white painted board should be attached to the fence until the obstruction becomes generally known to the public. At present it is a veritable mantrap.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From the “Guardian,” July 8, 1916). The “Guardian” Fund—The following extract from a letter from the Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs refers to a' cable message sent by the proprietor of the “Guardian” to the High Commissioner in London, advising the despatch, of £TOOO for the relief of the dependents of sailors who may lose their lives whilst on active service. It was stated in the cable that thb amount had been subscribed by the readers of the “Guardian.” Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, July 5, . 1916. The Proprietor, “Ashburton Guardian,” “Sir, —I have the honour to inform y'ou that a cable lias arrived from the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, stating that he had received from you the sum of £IOOO for naval relief. I am directed by the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs to express to you the appreciation of the Government for the practical sympathy to those who have lost their bread winners in defence of our Empire, and to inform you that the High Commissioner has been authorised to distribute the donation in accordance with your wishes.” Alliance feigned—lt is believed that the much-discussed treaty between Japan and Russia lias been signed. It is understood that an alliance is contemplated with a division of the Russian and Japanese spheres of influence in Cliind. It is considered that the alliance-may involve the possibilities of great danger to the United States, inasmuch as the increase of freedom to Japan will severe Japan’s protection in issues involving international’ affairs on the Chinese littoral and in the Pacific.