ASHBURTON.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17997, 14 February 1924, Page 8

ASHBURTON.

GENERAL NEWS. A further report of the condition of County Hospitals patients isi as follows: —Mrs P. McCann (Chertsey), slight improvement; Gordon P. H. Max. well, slight improvement; Rutland- A. Swanson will be discharged in the course of a few days.

Soldier settlers express themscOvea sadly disappointed by the revaluation results. Several decisions have trickled through, and their reception was investigated by a reporter who interrogated several soldiers at the saleyards. The iirst one said he expected a reduction of nearly double what he received. His farm was valued twice too highly. If they could not succeed with the present favourable markets, they were bound to crash presently. Questioned in detail, several soldifers concurred in the belief that the Central Board was responsible for slaughtering the decisions of the local committee, who were conversant with local conditions. Many Lvndhurst men were quite unable to pay the arrears in the period stipulated, and all who had any arrears were disqualified from rebates, which in one case equalled the total reduction granted by the Board. Lyndhurst Settlement, sold to soldiers at £l6 to £2O, was overvalued at £G. "We must either stick it or walk off," was the general comment. Refreshing showers of rain fell during Tuesday night. Only 10 points wire registered at 9 a.m. yesterday, but with the 10 points which fell during Monday night it will be sufficient to further stimulate the growth of grass, stubble feed, rape, turnips, and mangolds. The Ruapuna settlers are holding a banquet on the 23rd in3t. to celebrate the abolition of the special water charges and the opening of the new school. The first batch of Territorials from Mid and South Canterbury district left for Burnhani yesterday afternoon to attend the annual camp. About 25 men left from Ashburton area. This complement will return on Thursday, February 21st.

Quinnat salmon have been noticed coming up the rivers within the last few days, but not in any great number. No catches, save one some days ago, have been reported, though some have been hooked. Presbytery. The bi-monthly meeting of the Ashburton Presbytery was held on Tues-

day in St. Andrew's Church. There was a jjood representation of ministers and elders. Commissions were received from their respective sessions in favour of Messrs J. Lowery, H. Lock, R. Oakley, J. Macfarlane, E. Buchanan, C. Sewel'l, and A. Moore, and they were sustained.

The Rev. R. Dickie, of Springburn. was appointed Moderator of Presbytery for the ensuing twelve months. The Rev. A. S. Morrison reported that the Rev. Geo. Hereus, of Methven, was still in an unsatisfactory state of health, and leave of absence was granted till the end of June'. Mr Morrison, as interim moderator, was instructed to interview the Methven congregation, and make the necessary arrangements for supply. The question of the alteration of con. gregational boundaries was discussed, and a strong committee was set up to consider the matter and report to next' meeting of Presbytery. The Presbytery revie\ved the works done by the Rev. Geo. Miller, who lias received a call to North-East Valley, and unanimously agreed to the following deliverance:— "The Presbytery desires to place on record the valued services rendered to the Church as a whole, and to St. Andrew's congregation in particular, by the Rev. Geo. Miller during the ten years in which he lias held the pastorate. The call which was tendered to him in 1914 has been amply justified in the progress the congregation has made, and the membership has increased 100 per cent., and the finances have more than doubled. The Presbytery appreciates his genial and kindly bearing towards all its members, his mature judgment in all matters in debate, liis earnest and" faithful presentation of the Gospel, his active interest in the cause of local No-license and National Prohibition, and his unfailing efforts as a citizen to advance the' interests and well-being of the community, especially in all social and educational matters. The Presbytery also cordially appreciates the good work Mrs Miller has done in the congregation as president of the P.A. and the P.W.M.U., and in their kindred institutions. "The Presbytery rejoices in Mr Miller's appointmyit as Mederatorelect of the General Assembly foj 1924-

25, and regards it as an indication of the esteem in which he is held throughout the Church; find it earnestly prays that God's richest blessing may rest on him and liis family in their new pastorate, and that the work of the Lord may continue to prosper in their hands."

Amateur Athletics. The following are the handicaps for the Amateur Athletic Olub's evening meeting to-day:—22oyds—First heat: W. S. McClymont' scr, J. B. Nieoll 4yds, A. L. Tressider Byds, G. H. Nicoll 12yds, E. M. Clark 13yds, W. J. Batstone 13yds. Second heat: A. McClymont 4yds, C. Campbell syds, E. R. Easterbrook 12yds, G. L. Nicoll 12yds, A. J. Nieoll 13yds. 1000yds—R. Wood scr, G. H. Nicoll 10yds, A. L. Tressijler 25yds, G. L. Nicoll 35yds, R. le Cren 50yds, A. J. Nicoll 60yds, W. D. Wood 60yds, L. Moore 70yds. Relay Race—Club No 1 (A. D. and W. S. McClymont, C. Campbell, and E. M. Clark) scr; Nicoll, A. J., G. H., G. L., and J. 8., 15yds; Club No. 2:

A. L. Tressider, E. R. Easterbruuk, W. J. Batstone, W. D. Wood, 35yds. Mail Notices. Mails close to-day: For northern ports at 2.45 p.m.; late fee letters 3.10 p.m.; guard's van, 3.30 p.m. For northern porta at 5.15 p.m.; late feo letters 5.40 p.m., guard's van 6 p.m.

Mails for United Kingdom, Europe and ] U.S.A., via San Francisco, per Tahiti, close at Ashburton on March 3rd, at 5.15 p.m. Mails forr United Kingdom arid Europe, via Monte Video, per Tairoa, at Bluff, close at Ashburton on February l'th. ' Mails for Australian States, South Africa, and the East, per Tahiti, at Wellington, close at Ashburton on February 15th, at 6.15 p.m. Mails for United Kingdom and Europe, via Panama, per Ccirinthic, closo at Ashburton on February 27th, at 5.15 p.m. (specially addressed correspondence oniy.)