MT. SOMERS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19815, 31 December 1929, Page 7

MT. SOMERS.

The past year lias been one of considerable progress, and it is pleasing to note that the former industrial depression and general inactivity have been arrested. This is chiefly attributable to the commencement of operations by the newly-formed Blackburn Coal Company, who contemplate making Mt. Somers one of the chief coal mining centres of Canterbury. \\uh a view to getting the coal on "15't 1 from the coal deposits up the \\ oolsbed Creek Valley, a gang of nearly 20 men has been working for some months laying a Government-gauge line from the pits to the present tramline (three to four miles) which runs parallel with the Ashlmrton Gorge road to Jit. Somers. Tlie men have also been pulling up and relaying the latter line with the Government gauge from the junction to the Mt. Somers railway (about six miles). Although the lime kilns have been closed for some months, it is anticipated they will be reopened when the new line is completed, as an added asset will he given the work* with both the limestone quarries and kilns being directly attached by rail. This will result in a considerable saving of both time and labour, hitherto necessary when retrticking at Mt. Somers railway. The year has been a good one generally for farm products, but declining prices have in many cases meant an actual decrease in the financial returns to farmers, more especially to the woolgrower*. The Mt. Somers School has maintained good progress, and several important improvements have been effected, including repainting. There has been increased enthusiasm both in social and sporting activities. The junior hockey ladies were runnersup in the county competitions. Th© tennis club played a number of interclub matches, the first f.>r several years, and the miniature rifle club enjoyed a successful season. A girl guides' movement was started, and this has filled a long-felt need. A local picture company was started and a motor repair garage was established. A lich memorial gate has been erected at St. Aidan's Anglican Church, in memory of Mrs Annie Miller, by her friends, in token of the many years of social service she rendered in the district. The unveiling ceremony will take place shortly. In spite of the broken spell of the past three weeks, weather conditions for Christmas and Boxing Day were o.r.ite ideal, and the district "was invaded by many motorists, who visited the lakes in the Ashburton Gorge and the beauty spots of the surrounding hills. The Rev. H. M. Cocks officiated at St. Aidan's Church on Christmas morning. The service was well attended and the church was prettily" decorated.

Showery and unsettled weather prevailed over the week-end. and heavy rain fell on Sunday morning. Thirtyone points wore recorded, making the week's total 201 points.