LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 141, 27 March 1948, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Women's Fellowship Meeting Mrs L. Houston presided over a meeting of the Allenton Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship on Tuesday evening, when the Girls’ Bible Class presented a play entitled “The Vigil,” which was very much enjoyed by those present.

100th Birthday To-day Mrs George Williamson, of Waikouaiti, is celebrating her 100th birthday to-day. She has good sight and hearing, and though frail enjoys good health. Last September she and her 91-year-old husband celebrated their 70tli wedding anniversary.—P.A.

Community Centre Supported “This is a very laudable scheme,” commented the president (Mr C. Hilgendorf), at Thursday’s meeting of the Mid-Canterbury executive of Federated Farmers, when a letter Avas received from the Ashburton Community Centre Committee outlining- its aims and objects. It Avas unanimously resolved to affiliate with the committee.

Fertiliser Supply Position

“It is vitally important that farmers should be kept informed as to the position'of fertiliser deliveries,” commented a member at Thursday’s meeting of the Mid-Canterbury Executive of Federated Farmers. After' a brief discussion, it Avas resolved that the secretary (Mr J. G. Hannah) should communicate Avith Kempthorne, Prosser and Company, each month, to ascertain the position in this connection,

Chertsey Gymkhana on Monday An attractive programme has been arranged by the Chertsey Gymkhana Committee for Easter Monday, and visitors will be provided with a splem did day’s fun. Horse, athletic and’ cycling events, and Highland dancing, are listed and all 'sections have been promised strong support. A decorated tricycle and bicycle event is arousing special interest, as also is the baby show.

Police Party at Rarotonga Things were proceeding smoothly in Rarotonga as far as he knew, said the Commissioner of Police (Mr J. Cummings) yesterday when asked whether he had had reports from the New Zealand police party which had flown to Rarotonga to reinforce the police there in case of a possible disturbance on the arrival of the food ship Wairata. The Commissioner did not give an indication as to when the party would return to New Zealand. — P.A.

Two County Fires Two fires broke out in the county on Thursday afternoon, the County Council fire engine answering one cal) and the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade the other. A peat fire on Mr J. Cocks’ property at* Black Bridge, Eiffelton, which had been smouldering for .some time, broke out, causing some anxiety. Neighbours assisted in keeping the fire in check until the arrival of the county fire-engine. Darkness had fallen before the fire was completely under control. While the county engine was out at Eiffelton, the borough brigade answered a call to a broom fire on Mr A. Amos’s property at Wakanui. The fire was in a gully and was quickly brought under control, little damage being done.

“Grow-More-Wheat” Campaign

Taking the view that no useful purpose would be served, the Mid-Canter-bury executive of Federated Farmers, at a meeting on Thursday, decided that no action should be taken regarding a suggestion that the president (Mr C. Hilgendorf) should broadcast a seven-minute address advocating the growing of more Avheat as a measure to provide extra aid for Britain. The suggestion of a broadcast came from the Director of Broadcasting, Professor Shelly. In the course of a brief discussion, it Avas stated that farmers were already doing everything possible to assist the campaign, and emphasis was laid on the point that they were wholeheartedly behind it.

Federated Farmers Membership Membership of Mid-Canterbury Federated Farmers, according to a report to an executive meeting on Thursday, now totals 871, out of a possible membership of 1100, a proportion of 80 per cent. Approximately 73 members are ex-servicemen. Membership of the branches, with the percentage of possible members in parentheses, is as follows: Ashburton 103 (approximately 80 per cent), Ealing 41 (80), Eiffelton 54 (80), Flemington 29 (80), Foothills 50 (90), Hinds 02 (87). Lauriston 60 (91), Lowc-liffe 33 (97), Mayfield 123 (89), Methven 127 (65), Pendarves 26 (not known), Ralcaia 85 (86), Scafield 14 (87) and Wakanui 64 (77). It was mentioned, in the course of discussion, that anyone who derives his income mainly from farming was eligible for membership (e.g. farm employees) . j