MID-CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19104, 13 September 1927, Page 4

MID-CANTERBURY.

ASHBURTON. HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBERS' DISPUTE. The recent dispute between the chairman of the Ashburton Hospital Board (Mr F. W. Watt), and Mr W. G. Gallagher, a member, brought about by a statement made by the former, was brought to a conclusion at yesterday's Board meeting. Mr Gallagher said that, as the chairman, Mr Watt, had not seen fit to withdraw or apologise for his attack on him, the speaker regretted that he must review the position; and have his protest recorded in the minutes before allowing the matter to drop. In a statement at a previous meeting of the Board Mr Watt said he understood that Mr Gallagher was the only member of the Board, who had actually opposed the arrangement, which tV Board had made with the Medical Superintendent. Mr Watt said ho had always the greatest respect for a man who opposed him in the open, but he had little for the man who "stabbed him in the back.'' Mr Gallagher said that in his statement, Mr Watt had mentioned the speaker's name efght times and did not mention the name of any other Board member. Mr Watt: I don't think that any good can como of continuing the discussion on the matter. In the statement, I merely replied to statements which MiGallagher had recently made, and which had gone out, and had been discussed with me by members of the public. I did not have Mr Gallagher in mind when I made reference to being "stabbed in the back." Mr Gallagher does not accept my word. Fortunately, there are hot many more members of tlie same opinion. That is all I have to say in the matter. The Board then continued with its ordinary business. Lady Motorists Welcomed. • A reception was accorded the two lady motorists, Mrs G. SandfOrd and Miss S. Christie, who passed through Ashburton yesterday, on a tour through Australia and New Zealand. They were met by the Mayor. (Mill. Galbraith), and presented with a bouquet. Afterwards they were the guests of Mr George Wilcox at luncheon at Which there were also present the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs R. Galbraith), and Mr J. Bathgate (secretary of the Ashburton branch of the Canterbury Association), and Mr E. Turnbull. e ■ Lodge Social. The Loyal Ashburton Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., held its fortnightly social in the Orange Hall on Saturday evening, when there was an attendance of about 60 couples. The music was supplied by Mrs A. Mitchell's orchestra, Mr J. Dickenson being M.C. The ladies' euchre prize was won by Mrs J. Ibell, while that for the men went to Mr O. Stills. l Hospital Board. j The monthly meeting of the Hospital j Board was held yesterday, when there j were present: Mes'srs F. W. Watt.(chairman), J, Bruce, A. Horsey,-W. G. Gallagher, H. Maginness, W. Bryant, W. T. Lill,.and the secretary-treasurer (Mr A. Prentice). The secretary-treasurer reported that the following infectious diseases were notified for last month:—Borough :.ScarIbt fever 1, tuberculosis 2, puerperal sepsis 1. County: Scarlet fever, one from Sprihgburn, dhe from Longbeach and three from Eiffelton; tuberculosis: Methven 2} diphtheria: Highbank 1. The Minister for Health had sanctioned the alterations to the Methven Home. There waß a credit of £1179 12s 3d on September Isti The modical report stated that 68 patients remained in hospital at Julv 31st; 85 were admitted during August,' 153 treated, 78 discharged, leaving 42 males and 33 females at the crtd of the month; 07 c X-ray examinations had been made, 400 out-pati-ent treatments given, 3il massage treatments, 7 plaster "operations and 62 surgical operations performed. The niatroh of Malvern Homo (Miss I. Munro) reported that during last inonth 18 patients were admitted and 14 discharged, leaving 7. Owing to every available bed being in use, she had to refuse admission to ono patient. An extra trained midwife was employed for a week, while they had moro than the registered number of patients, The reports from the country homes showed that during last month, one patient was admitted to Methven and two discharged, leaving none in the tion, while at Rakaia 4 were admitted, six discharged, and one remained. The reportß were adopted. A request from the Gala Executive to enter a display in the Gala procession, was referred to the matron. It was decided to erect a refrigerating chamber for the storing of provisions in hospital at a cost of £340. Borough Council. The fortnightly meeting of tho Borough Council was hold last evening. There were present—The Mayor (Mr E. Galbraith), Crs. W. H. Woods, W. H. Rundlo, F. W. Seldon, J. Thompson, F. J. E. Smallbone, J. McElhinnoy, W. H. Robinson, R, A. Collittß, R. Kerr, and the Town Clerk (Mr W. Patterson). The financial statement showed that the receipts since laßt meeting had to-1 tailed £238 12s 6d. The Ashburton County Council ad- ' Vised that the usual grant of £125 had been mado to the Domain Board. It was decided to thank the County CounciL I In reply to the Council's letter regarding tho Representation Commission's report, tho Hon. Mr Nosworthy congratulated the Mayor and councillors on the great effort made by them, and indeed all tho local bodies of the Ashburton County, to have -the Ashburton electorate retained. Mr Nos' worthy added that he was convinced that the change was against tho interests of the borough and county, but after making full enquiry it appeared that nothing further could be done with any hope of success. He thanked the Council for its good wishes, which he appreciated. The Town Clerk reported that the unemployment relief fund amounted to £3O 14s. In its report to the Council the Works Committee reported that owing to the depletion of the fund it recommended that all relief men employed on the East street reconstruction work be dis- , charged as soon as that work was comj pleted to Peter street. I The committee's recommendation waß i adopted. ! Tho matter of laying a concrete pitch between the two hockey grounds in the Domain for the newly-formed Celtic Cricket Club was referred to the Do- ' main Committee with power to act. Municipal Abattoirs. During August the following stock were slaughtered at the Municipal Abattoirs:— Cattle 140 (2 condemned), calves 2, sheep 763, pigs 91. Personal. Mr T. J. Buckton, Meat Inspector and Abattoir Manager at Ashburton, retires on superannuation at the end of October. lii a letter from the Live st„„i. Division of the Agricultural De-

partment, read" at last night's meeting of the Borough Council, it was stated that at an early date arrangements would be made for an inspector to take Mr Bucktpn's place. HINDS. On Saturday afternoon a hockey match between Ashburton Old Girls and Hinds Ladies was played on the grounds at Hinds, and resulted in a win for Hinds by 3 goals to nil. The visitors were afterwards entertained in the Hinds Hall. Mr W. Middlernass was referee. MOUNT SOMERS. At a well-attended meeting held in the Library on Saturday evening, over which Mr J. W Coniyns presided the canvassers appointed in connexion with raising a benefit to Mr N. Hood, reported having received a splendid response. Besides money, girts of produce by farmers,* and assorted goods by merchants and shopkeepers had been given. The offer of Mrs Chapman (Ashburton) to .arrango a concert party was accepted with thanks. The Mount Somers, Hockey Club played their final match in the Junior A grade competition, against Rakaia, at Mt. Soiners, on Saturday. The visitors dominated the first spell, but the second half saw a thrilling tussle, the visitors being the victors by two goals to nil. Mr G. L. Button was referee. There was a good muster at the weekly shoot of the Mount Somers Miniature Rifle Club held on Saturday evening when the/final shoot for Mr F Petefs's No. 2 trophy was fired, which was won by F. W. Gifkins with a score of 105, including handicap. G. A Bland 104 and C. Gluyas 103 being second and third respectively. Best tronhv scores were:—Miss M. Bland 33-33, R. Hix 33, C. Gluyas 33, G. A. Bland 31. • Best scores in practice were:—lt. Hix 34-34-34; F. W. Gifkins 34, G. A. Bland 33, C. Gluyas 32 J. Gorrio 32. The first of a fournights shoot will be fired this week-end for a trophy given by Messrs Hammond and Turner (Christchurch). Arrangements nro being made for an inter-club match with Methven. > . After a morning's bracing Buushine an unusually strong gale suddenly swept across the plains on Friday, afternoon, bringing in its course great' dust clouds. Light rain fell at night (point 13 inches) and snow fell lightly along the hills. Conditions over the week-end have been pleasant, although a fairly strong westerly wind blew throughout Sunday, two degrees of frost wias registered yesterday morning compared with four degrees on Sunday. . Mrs F.' B. Compton and family, Riccarton, spent the weekend with Mrs T. S. Bishop Mt. Somers. Mr and Mrs J. Turnbull. Taieri.' who have been visiting the district, have returned south. RUAPUN/. There was another good attendance on Friday evening at the euchre match and dance The men's prize was won by Mr Friazel, while four ladies, Misses E. Sewell, M. Andrews, J!/. Argyle, and I/. Read tied for the ladies' prize. 11l the play-off* Miss Andrews won. Consolation prizes were awarded to Miss W. Andrews and Mr O'Connor. The evening concluded with an enjoyable dance. STAVELEY. Mr 13. G. Craighead conducted the Presbyterian services in the.Springburn parish on Sunday. There was a full attendance.of ladies to take the first or the series--of Red Cross- lectures by. Nurse Christian on Thursday evening. Owing to inconvenience to the nurse, it was agreed to change the-meeting time to Wednesday afternoon. 9 The N.G.. Sister E. J. Pawsey. presided at the meeting of the Loyal Pioneer Lodge. M.U., 1.0.0. F., oil Saturday evening, when there wis a fair attendance, including P.G. Bro. J. 21a swell, of the' Loyal Waikouaiti Lodgo Final arrangements were made for V.iie Lodge'; l - annual ball. MAYFIELD. The monthly meeting of the Mayfieid branch of the Farmers' Union was held in the hall on Thursday evening, the president Mr C. Sewell, presiding. There were also present: Messrs T. Corbett, R. McClay, J. J. Mulligan, J H. Boaler, C. Dunstan, J. Moore, A. Painter, J. A. Fleming, C. V. Gillies, and J. McLauchlan. Correspondence was.received frorri the Government Valuation Department, advisine that it would have the matter « re-valuiug the Rangitata riding considered. A letter was received from Mr W..G. Gallagher thanking the Union tor its motion of .confidence m him as the district's representative on the Hospital Board. , A working bee met at the Presbyterian Manse on Thursday, and carried but general improvements to the grounds. ' ~- . , ; Mr O. Sewell. who spent his holidays with his parents in Mayfield, returned to Blackball on Saturday. CHERTSEY. The spinsters and bachelors have arrangements well in hand for their-an-nual ball. Miss D Brown and Mr L. Colville are the joint secretaries. A card match has been' arranged between tealns from Pendarves and Chertsey, and will bo held in the Chertsey Hall this week. . ■Miss ' Dorothy McKenzie (Ch™tchurch) has been visiting Mr and Mrs R. McKenzie. PENDARVES. A violent sou'-West squall sprang up about 4 o'clock yesterday morning, but fortunately did not last long. The electric current was cut off in the district for many hours. Miss Alma Watsoii's many friends will be pleased to know that she is progressing well after her recent operation at Oakhurst Private Hospital. METHVEN The annual meeting of the members of the Methven Cricket Club was held on Thursday evening, when Mr C. Topp presided over a satisfactory attendance. The annual report and balancesheet, which showed that the club had enjoyed a fairly successful Eeason, was read and adopted. Orhcers tor'the ensuing year were elected as follows: Patron, the lion. Sir It. Heaton Uhodes, M.L.C.; president, Mr C. J. Urooks; vice-presidetit, Mr C. I. Jessep; club captain, xVlr P. A. Watson; vice-captain, Mr C'has. Jessep; hon. secretary, Mr W. Grieve; hon. treasurer, Mr C. Topp; caretaker, Mr E. Grieve; committee, Messrs F. Anderson, M. Holland, Gauntlet, ,H. Glasson, A. Allied, delegates to Ashburton County Cricket Association. Mr P. A. Watson, and an Ashburton resident to bo appointed. The matter of entering teams in the Ashburton Coun-. Tv competition was left in the hands of the committee to deal with. It was decided to open the season with a match, Town v. Country, on the Domain, on September 17th. There were no sports on the Methven Domain on Saturday afternoon, winter games being about over and the summer games not yet commenced. For some seasons past, hockey has been a favoured winter pastime at Methven but plaved only by the feminine portion of the community, and during this • season the Ladies' Hockey Club has been able to wit three teams in the

field each Saturday* That the popularity of the game is, however,, increasing in the County is shown by the fact that at Methveii ana Laurißton two men's teams have been formed and these tried conclusions at LauMstoh on Saturday. After ft very interesting game the Methven team won by 4 goals to '&. A n ladies' team also visited L-aitrlstbh to play the local team and this gftme fchdea in a draw, neither team scoring. Mr H. Thompson waß referee in each case. At 4 the conclusion of the games the Visitors Were hospitably entertained by the Lauriston ladies. With a view to assisting the funds of the Methven Miniature Rifle Club, the committee of the Ladies' Hbckey Club Held a very enjoyable and successful danCe in the Anglican Hall ott (Saturday evening. There was a large attendance, the hall being crowded, and, as a consequence, the fuhds of the Rifle Club will benefit considerably. Music for the dance was supplied by Mrs Alex Lawrence, Miss. Alma Manger and Messrs G. and D. Petrie, while the duties of M.C. were in the hands of Mr D. Anderson. ChriMgtha interval in the proceedings, Mr w\ M. Holland, on behalf Of the Rifle Club, Spok« briefly, thanking the Hockey Club for their yery sportsmanlike action and assistance' they had extended to the Rifle Club. • t Now that the date of the inaugural Meeting of the Methven Trotting Club is definitely fixed for October Bth, ownera of trotting horses in the district are busy giving their charges work to prepare them fof the races. The ranks of owners have increased wonderfully during the past few weeks and the training track is busier than it has been for years. There is certain to be a large nomination of local horses, and if these improve, as their trainers hope, the visiting will -need to be at their best if they are to collect the prizes. Arrangements for tho meeting are well forward and there is promise of considerable Btipport from owners and trainers from all parts. All that is needed is fine wea-. ther to make this fixture one of the •most successful country meetings yet held. The final Of a series of progressive euchre tournaments and dances promoted under the joint auspices of St. Saviour's Sunday School and Highbank School Committee in aid of .neir respective prisse funds, was held in the Highbank School on Friday evening. After keen competition, Mr E. Good secured the men's prize. A play-off between Mrs J. Simpson and Mrs A. S.. Findlay resulted in the latter winning the ladies' prize Consolation prizes were awarded to Mr R. Carr and Miss J. Miller. At the close Of the tournament supper was served by the ladies, after which a dance was held; Music was contributed bv Miss E. Woods, Mesdames "Findlay, Hands, and Adams. During an interval in the proceedings, Mr R. J. Adams, on behalf of the promoters thanked all for their loyal support. As a result of the tournaments the prize funds had been considerably augmented. The winner of the men's aggregate prize, presented by Mr Chas. Topp, Methven, was Mr Hugh Ledgerwood with 196 games, while Mrs S. Ireland won the ladies' aggregate Drize, which was presented by Mr T. TV. Grant, with 17? games. More than usual interest was displayed on the Methven golf links on Saturday afternoon, when the final of the men's championship was olaved. A. E. Grubb beating G. J. Heney. A mixed foursome -was also played, this being won by Mrs T. Sim and C. E. Shaw with a net score of 90.