SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18107, 24 June 1924, Page 4

SOUTH CANTERBURY.

TIMARU.

Social and Personal.

Mr and Mrs Gladstone Robinson are expected back from Chrißtchurch today. Mrs Maitland (Dunedin) is the guest of Dr. and Mrs P. K. Woodhouse. Mrs Eric Harper has returned to Christehurch after a short visit to Mrs Maurice Harper ("KinnouU"). Mrs Arthur Hope ("Tumanoko") is visiting Christehurch. Mr H. L. 'Wigley has returned to Timaru from Wellington and Christcliureh. Casualties. Two accidents occurred during the meeting of the South Canterbury hounds at Kerrytown on Saturday. Miss June Orbell, of Timaru. was thrown from her pony and suffered a broken thigh. The pony became entangled in o. fence, and fell heavily. Another accident befell the huntsman. Mr J. H. Shaw, who also had a bad spill. He was unable to continue in the hunt, but beyond a severe shaking up there was no serious injury. Population Figures. The population of Timaru Borough at the end of last month was 15.230, and that in the remainder of the urban aroa 1480, making the total population 16,710. , Building Progress. For the first five months of last year the Timaru Borough Council sanctioned the erection of buildings of an approximate value of £53,308. From January to May of this year, tho permits issued totalled £67,143. February of last year was a fairly brisk month, permission for work approximating £14,289 having been given. Then followed a period of comparative slackness, for in March and April the figures amounted to only £8204 and £BI7O respectively. May saw a decided change for the better, and business brightened up very considerably. In that month nearly double the work authorised in the two previous months was undertaken, tho borough permits totalling £15,865. A slump came over building activities in January of tho present year, for tho figures went down to £3459, but this state of affairs was temporary, as may be seen by tho sudden rise of the following month, and a further advance again in March. A slack period was experienced in April, but business returned manyfold last month. February's ■figures were £16,273, and those for March £23,004. This latter total is the 'largest of those under review. April could only claim £7205, but last month is credited with £17,202. Generally speaking, the greatest activity this year so far has. been in the erection of 'dwelling houses, "although the largest ! permit issued last month was £4500 for a biscuit factory in High street.

General News. The monthly meeting of tho L.B.C. (Timaru branch) was held on Saturday night. A letter was received from a supporter of the Labour Party in Temuka and Goraldinc, stating that a meeting had been held for tho purposo of forming a branch of tho party in •that district, and they were now awaiting moro particulars from the executive. It was hoped to get the branch in full swing in tho near future. Discussion took place on the formation of tho Tekapo Development League, and it was agreed that it was a great step in tho direction of the progress of Timaru. Unemployment was also discussed, and the necessity was urged on all unemployed men to register their names at the Labour Department's local office.

WAIMATE. Tho Waimate District High School primary department's first fifteen have this year entered for the South Canterbury primary schools' Rugby competition, and to raise funds for expenses of travel and entertainment a series of children's concerts has been arranged. The first of these took placo at the school, when over 300 scholars assembled to hear- a concert provided by'pupils of Standards V. and VI. _ An unusual difficulty faces the Waimate Ploughing Match Association this year. The annual meeting had been held, officers appointed, and arrangements made for holding the annual match, but now the committee finds that a suitable paddock for the purpose is not available. At a well-attended meeting of the Band of Hope, a programme arranged by tho Methodist Y.M.B.C. was proscnted. The Rev. A. H. Fowles gave a short address. The following items comprised the programme:—Songs by the Bible Class girls, Miss Tew, Miss Averis Johns, and Misses 0. and J. Johns; recitations by Misses D. Welch and R. Toolev; pianoforte items by Misses W. and P. Meyers and Wallace. The second meeting will be held in July when the Presbyterian Bible classes will provide the programme. At the half-yearly meeting of the Loval Heart of Friendship Lodge, MTJ. 1.0.0. F., two new members were initiated.' The various offices were keenly contested, Bro. Jas. Melton being elected' N.G., and Bro. WilceV.G. GM Bro W P. Wilson installed the new* officers.' P.G.M. Bro. McLauchlan congratulated the officers and invested each with the regalia of office. A motion of sympathy was accorded a brother in the death of his father. The Waimate Hunt met at Mr H. H. Meyers's, '' Highway,'' Hook. The day was an ideal one for hunting, and with hounds working well, followers enjoyed some interesting hunting. -