LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 248, 1 August 1941, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the “Guardian,” Aug. 1, 1S91). Water Supply —The want of water is still the foremost topic “when drouthy neebors, neebors meet.” The wells in the middle of the town which have been sunk to a depth of upwards of 40 feet are giving mud—not wiiter. Whether this is the normal state of the liquid in that stratum, or whether the mud is being stirred up by the pipe-driving that is going on all over the town we camiqt say. We do say, as we have said before, that the only way of obtaining a sure supply of water for domestic use is for the corporation to bring in a comprehensive scheme. But the Council pays no attention to the wants of the inhabitants —not oven to the extent of placing the water-cart at the service .of tho many who would willingly pay for water, as suggested by the Rev. Mr Scott.

“Inevitable Destiny”—The inevitable destiny of large estates is about to be exemplified by the cutting up for sale of the Annum Estate. For years it lias been famous for its sheep and wool, both of which were always at or near the top of the market in their respective classes. The land is to be dealt with in a way which will offer every inducement to settlers, and a church and school site will all tend to convert a sheep run into a thriving settlement. There have been rumours from time to time in Methven in the last couple of years of other large properties in the County being similarly dealt with; perhaps the success of the Anama. sale, of which there is no room for doubt, may hasten* similar operations elsewhere. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From the “Guardian,” Aug. 1, 1916). Fat Sheep Sold—At the Tinwald. stock yards to-day two very prime fat sheep, donated by Mr G. Body, on behalf of the Navy League Fund, were offered for sale by the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association, Ltd. The first sheep offered, a wether, was sold to Mr Frank Frost for £(J The other, a six-tooth ewe, was purchased by Mr J. Smith, jun., Alford Forest Road, for £5 ss. The sheep were exceptionally well grown, and were the feature of the market. It is questionable whether larger sheep hav© been seen in the Tinwald! yards.