MID-CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19062, 26 July 1927, Page 6

MID-CANTERBURY

ASHBURTON.

UNEMPLOYMENT.

In accordance with the decision of the Borough Council to continue the laying down of the remainder of East street with bitumen to provide relief work for the unemployed, a start was made with that part of East street between Havelock and Cameron streets yesterday, when the work of scarifying was commenced prior to laying down broken metal. In addition to the ordinary staff, five unemployed married men were put on, and it is expected that each •section between the streets running cast and west will take about ten days. It is proposed to put on a fresh batch of men for each stretch of road.

Drizzling Bain. It was apparent that there would be a change in the weather on Sunday afternoon, and during the evening a light rain set in and continued throughout the night. Drizzling rain fell all day yesterday, • and made conditions very unpleasant. Four degrees of frost were registered yesterday morning. Hakatere Lodge Social. Under the auspices of the Hakatere Lodge, No. 68, 1.0.0. F., a social and dance were held in the Tancred street Hall on Saturday evening. The'- card prizes were won by Mrs Turner and Mr G. Hosken. Mrs A. Mitchell's Orchestra supplied the music. . Football Club Dance. There was an attendance of about 60 couples at the Hampstead Football Club's social and dance on Saturday evening. Mr ; A. Gourley was M.C. for the dance, and the music was provided by' Mrs White and "Miss E. Ibell. The card prize was awarded to Mr V. Hulme. • Y.C.T.TJ. The Young People's Christian Temperance Union held its monthly meeting on Saturday evening, when the president, Mr N. Corbett, presided over an attendance of about 40 members. Miss McLay, Young People's Organiser, spoke in connexion with temperance work. Twelve members were initiated. During the evening games and competitions were indulged in.

Farmer's Failure. Enquiries into the circumstances causing the bankruptcy of Daniel Bell, farmer, of Lismore, were made before the Official Assignee (Mr C. O. Pratt), at a meeting of nine creditors yesterday. Mr G. C. Nicoll appeared for bankrupt, and Mr V. W. Eusßell represented James Bell. The financial statement showed a deficiency of £BOS 18s Id. The amount owing to unsecured creditors was £950 188 Id, while the amount owing to secured creditors was £145. Book debts were estimated at £65. The principal unsecured creditors were: Barretts Ltd. (Ashburton) £52 10s 2d, E. J. Burgess (Mayfield) £42 15s 3d, Booth Mac Donald £34 12s 9d, J. Bennett (Geraldine) £37 4s 6d, Canterbury Frozen Meat Co., Ltd., (Ashburton) £54 15s, Christchurch Press Co., Ltd., £l3 Is 6d, J. Cass (Wakanui) £lO 10s, J. Clifford (Euapuna) £lO, H. S. Gardner (Ashburton) £ll 2s 7d, H. D. Johnston (Ashburton) £l2 12s 9d, Kerr Bros. (Ashburton) £42 Is 7d, J. Grant Mackie (Ashburton) £l7 6s Bd, W. J. B. McDowell (Hinds) £33 4s 4d, N.Z. Refrigerating Co. (Christchurch) £62 15s, N.Z. Farmers' Coop., Association (Ashburton) £ll 12s 6d, W. Patching (Ashburton) £l7 10s 9d, D. T. Patterson (Hinds) £l4 13s 7dy W. Strange and Co., Ltd. (Ashburton) £52 13s Bd, Smallbone Bros. (Ashburton) £l9 8s 3d, W. C. Lunan (Mayfield) £22 l&s, Ashburton Hospital Board £lO 7s, D. Bell (Lismore) £l9 2s, H. Reeves (Lismore) £SO, J. Eeeves (Lismore) £6B, A. Lill (Lismore) £3O, National Mortgage and Agency Co., Ltd, (Ashburton) £139 17s 6d. Bankrupt, in his sworn statement, said he commenced farming operations at Lismore in L 920 in partnership with his brothers, but they dissolved in April 1923, and he carried on the farm with very little capital, while the stock comprised 560 sheep. He leased a farm of about 1200 acres from his father, James Bell, at 5s per-acre, and he was to pay interest under the mortgage to the Public Trustee, about £2lO a year at 6 per cent., and also rates and taxes. I In 1923-24 most of his stock was sold' to the National Mortgage Agency, but after the payment of outstanding accbunts, there waa no profit. About 1925 he bought about 2020 lambs from the National Mortgage Agency, with the intention of fattening, but before he was able to realise on them, the price had fallen to such an extent that he lost heavily. The- same year he was caught by a snow-storm during the lambing season. He attributed his failure to unprofitable dealing in stock, and to insufficient capital to stand the losses. He was also compelled to keep the farm understocked. His father retook possession of the farm and terminated the lease,, last month, and the National Mortgage Agency realised its securities over his stock and crops shortly after. He was a married man with three children, and was working for wageß for his father. Debtor said he had no offer to make to the creditors, so the Assignee agreed to wind up the estate to the best advantage, i '

Rugby Union. The Ashburton Eugby Union met last night, the president, Mr W. F. Watters, presiding. The Mayfield Club advised that it could not send its junior team to Ashburton to play Allenton on Saturday, as some of its members could not travel on that day. The New Zealand Rugby Union wrote stating that it had no objection to representative teams being assembled two clear days prior to representative

fixtures. It also forwarded the school grant of £lO for the 1927 season. The Eakaia Club wrote stating that it would be pleased to meet representatives of the Union on any meeting night which would be suitable for the Union. The letter further stated that Messrs E. Breach and A. Oliver would be willing to referee if required. An application to have his disqualification removd was made by A. Shannon, of Rakaia. It was decided to recommend the New Zealand Union to accede to the request. A grant of £5 5s towards financing the West Coast tour was received from the Old Boys' Club. The sum was accepted. The Buller Kugby Union telegraphed asking the Union's decision with regard to playing its representative team at Westport on August 20th, expenses to be paid from Greymouth to "Westport return. The president reported that a reply had been sent accepting the offer. On the application of the Old Boys' Club, representative caps were granted to W. S. and A. McClymont. The Mid-Canterbury Schools Athletic Association applied for permission to hold its annual seven-a-side tournament at the Show Grounds on August 20th. The application was 'granted, and it was agreed to reserve a ground for the finals in the afternoon. ' ' Mr F. Pritchard, treasurer, reported that the financial condition of the Union was better than had been anticipated, and the Finance Committee recommended that £lO 10s be granted to the Unemployment Fund. This was agreed to. The first two Saturdays' matches in the third round of the senior competition are as follows: —July 30th, Old Boys v. Hinds, at Show Grounds; Eakaia v. Methven, at Show Grounds; August 6th, Hampstead v. . Old Boys, at Show Grounds; Hinds v. Methven, at Methven. • The High School was granted permission to play Christ's College at Ashburton to-morrow; Gore High School, at Gore, on August 10th; and St. Andrew's College, at Christchureh, on a date to be arranged. It was agreed to ask the Mackenzie Sub-Union if it could play an Ashburton representative senior B team at Ashburton either on August 13th or 20th; to the Ellesmere Sub-Union asking what date in September would be suitable for the annual representative match, and whether it could send its junior representative team to Ashburton on August 13th or 20th; to the South Canterbury Union asking if it could send its junior representative team to Ashburton on August 13th or 20th; and to the North Otago Union asking if it could send its senior representative team to Ashburton in September.

METHVEN The weather at Methven on Saturday was dull but fine until the evening, when light rain fell for some time, four points, being recorded. On the hills there was a light fall of snow, but this did not reach to the flat. There was a sharp frost on Sunday morning, followed by a fine day, and prospects at present are for a continuance of fine weather. There was no football or competition hockey played at Methven on Saturday, and sports enthusiasts had to be content to watch a hockey match played between a men's team and the Methven Ladies' Hockey Club's senior team. The game was more amusing than otherwise, and the ladies won by 5 goals to 2. Mr H. E. Thomson was referee.

STAVELEY. A junior grade Rugby match, Old Boys v. Springburn, was played at Stayeley on Saturday afternoon and resulted in one of the most spectacular matches played locally this season. At first the play Avas open, both teams entering keenly into the game. The Springburn backs showed • better team work than previously, but as the match proceeded Old Boys' superior combination asserted itself. They opened the score and succeeded in keeping a safe margin of points ahead of the home team. Towards the close of the game a. hard tussle was fought at, the back of the visitors' territory, and so excited became the spectators that the referee had to delay a throw-in to get the field cleared. The game resulted in a win for Old Boys by 13 to 5. For Old Boys Bray, Nicoll, and Butterick pcored tries, two of 'which Cooper converted. For Springburn Monk scored and Beckley converted. Mr H. Sarney was referee. Bleak conditions prevailed over the week-end. Following the Aurora display on Friday night heavy clouds came up, and Saturday was overcast, and, in consequence darkness was fall- j ing before the football match was over. ] A little fresh snow fell on the hills oil Saturday "night, and Sunday, though bright in the morning, became heavily overcast and cold in the afternoon.

MOUNT SOMERS. The Mount Somers Miniature Rifle; Club held their second shoot for Mr F. Peters's trophy on Saturday evening, when there was a good attendance of members, and shooting was of an improved order. Best scores were: Hugh Morgan 33, E. Gifkins 32, 33; R. Hix 33, 32, 32; L. Hood .30, F. W. Gifkins 30, J. Gorrie 29, W. Mclver 29. The shoot for, the trophy will be completed this week-end. Weather conditions were most unpleasant out-of-doors over the week-end, overcast skies and chilly east winds prevailing, while there were sharp frosts at nights ranging up to 13 degrees. There was a light sprinkling of snow on Saturday night.

ANAMA. There was another good muster at last week's card tournament held in.the Ana-ma' School. The games were supervised by Mr J. Mclver. Mrs A. Brown won the ladies'' prize with 10 games, Messrs C. Loffhagen, C. Topham, and J. Mclver tieing for the men's prize with 9 games each. Mr Mclver won the play-off. Consolation prizes were awarded Mrs D. Crawford and Mr G. Green. For the highest aggregate of games won during the season Mrs W. J. Robertson leads the ladies with 37 games and Mr C. Topham the men with 40 games. The ladies provided supper. With the exception of a light nor-' west shower early in the week, the past week's weather has been fine and frosty, and fanners have been making all haste with team work with a view to making up the leeway which resulted during the stormy weather last month.

SEAFIELD. The tenth shoot for the Curtis Cup (under sealed handicaps) took place on Saturday night, with the following results: It. Baynes 34, R. Shelley 29 J. Shelley 27, J. Watson 29, H. Watson 2a. E. Johnson 34, It. Martin 31, W Waller 31, H. Watson 31, R. J. Martin 31, W. Parkin 32. A sweepstake was also shot for, It. Baynes being first, J. Lambie second, and W. Parkin third.

CHERTSEY. The Chertsey card tournament, held on Saturday evening, was again well attended. Mrs D._ Lynch won the ladies' orize with 156 points, Miss E. Doig (Pendarves) being second with 154 points. Mr Bruce Doig won the men's prize with 181 points, and Mr J Cairns was second with 150 points. Mr A. Doig controlled the games. A dance followed, for which 'the music was supplied by' Mrs W. Cam, Misses N. Flynn, C. McKee, M. Garland, and Mr J." Cronin,

CAREW. The residents of Carew were fortunate in having such a beautiful. day for the dedication of the Carew Presbyterian Church, which took place on Thursday afternoon, iriome 200 people from all parts of the county accepted the invitation, which was extended to them by the Church Committee. The Rev. James Wilson, of Waitaki, who was minister of the Mayfield charge from 1909 to 1914, performed the opening ceremony. The service was con ducted by the following:—The Revs. A. D. Kirkland (Mayfield), A. S: Morrison (Rakaia), A. Irvine (Ashburtbn), Mr Dickie (Spfingburn), S. Prenter (Hiinds), G. Herous (Methven), and J. Wilson (Waitaki). Other clergy present, were the Revs. J. Hay (St. Andrews), J. W. P. Dyer (Mt. Somers), and J. Jamison (Mayfield). Miss E. Barton presided at the organ,'assisted by Mr E. Belcher (violin). The church is a handsome wooden building, having seating acommodation for 80 people, and costing approximately £6OO, of which £4OO has now been collected. The'land on which it stands was given by Mr E. Baxter, of Ruapuna. After the dedication service, afternoon tea was provided by the ladies in a large marquee which was erected for the occasion. In the evening, a social was held" in the church, items being given by the following:—Miss Barton and Mr Belcher; the Rev. J. Jamieson, Miss Anderson, Mrs 4 Donaldson, Mr M. McMillan, and Mr Craighead; Miss Galbraith and'Mr Hall. During the evening, the Rev. James Wilson spoke of the pleasure it had given him to. open; the church, and congratulated the Carew people on their effort. Mr H. C. Barton, on behalf of the committee, thanked the people for their attendance and support.

MAYFIELD. The many friends of'Mr and Mrs D. O. Sewell paid a surprise visit to their home on Friday evening. The guests were hospitably received, and were entertained in the hall. The time passed all too quickly with dancing, games, and competitions. A lucky spot waltz was won by Mr J. McLauchlan and Miss N. Goldsmith. Competitions were won by Mrs Ray and Mrs D. O. Sewell". Music was supplied by Mrs Shimmin and Messrs W. Fagan and K. Beckley.

MEAD. A very interesting and enjoyable euchre .match was played in the Mead school, when the Te Pirita euchre players challenged the Mead players The match resulted in a win for Mead by •11 games. The ladies' prize was won by Mrs McKinnon, with Mrs Orsbourn second. Mr Orsbourn won the men's prize, with Mr W Grey in second place. A return match will bo plaved at Te Pirita shortly.

PENDARVES. The Hall Committee held its monthly card tournament on Friday evening, the cames being controlled by Mr A. P Bruce. Miss K. Hampton won the ladies' prize with 133 points, Miss E. Hampton- being second with 132, and Miss \. Watson third with 131 points. The" men's prize was won by Mr F. Ironside with 147 points. Mr C Hampton being second with 144 and Mr J Lambie third with 140 points. A dance fnlfnn-pd the music being provided by King, E. Malcolm, Miss ? Watson and Mr W. E. Rankin. * 'Wi« Esther King (Oarnaru) is at present of Mrs Jas. Lambie, ° f Se^frS r liVere frosts hare been exOn Sunday night light ram began to fall, S3 continued at invervals yesterday.

RAKAIA. Miss Margaret Morrison, Rakaia, who is at present an assistant teacher in the Ashburton High School, has been appointed to a position in the Wellington ; Girls' College, and takes np her new duties in September. The weather during the week-end was very changeable. After rain on. Saturday afternoon and evening the weather changed and on Sunday morning there was a hard frost. The morning was sunny, but the afternoon was dull, with a cold south-east wind and the evening was foggy. Yesterday a fine misty rain fell almost without a break all day.