MID-CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20421, 16 December 1931, Page 5

MID-CANTERBURY

ASHBURTON. I FALL OF RAIN. There was a.fall of 31 points of rain in Ashburton on Monday evening. It was very warm, and has stimulated growth. The fall was not very great south of Ashburton, however. Christmas Belief. To decide the manner of allocating the sum. of £l2O which has been giVen to the Ashburton Unemployment Committee for special Christmas relief among unemployed men in Ashburton, a special meeting of the committee was held yesterday, when the Deputy-Mayor (Mr E. Kerr) presided. Jt was reported that a number 'of residents were willing to employ men for a day on the basis of half wages being paid by the employer and half by the Unemployment Committee. It was decided to add the special grant of £l2O to the present week's allocation, thereby providing the maxi' mum aniount of work for all classes. After making this provision, there will bo a balance of about £l9 in hand, and it was decided to ask the Hospital Board to utilise it in grauting relief by way of rations to necessitous cases among the unemployed. Idle and Disorderly. A charge of being idle and disorderly in that he had insufficient lawful means of support was made against Alfred Kirk, a labourer aged 46 years, at the Magistrate's Court before Messrs W. H. Bundle and E. Clark, J.P.'s, yesterday. A sentence of one month's imprisonment was imposed. Loyal Tinwald Lodge. At the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Tinwald Lodge held on Monday evening, Bro. F. Harper, N.G., presided. Dr. G. I. Miller was appointed lodgemedical officer. The district secretary notified tha*, the 1932 conference had been abandoned. The following officers were installed:— N.G., Sister M. Gunn; V.G., Bro. S. W. Wilcocks; E.S., Bro. E. S. Harkness. School Concert. As a result of the I'linual concert of the Ashburton East School, which was held on Monday evening, the funds will benefit by approximately £27. There was a largo and appreciative audience at the concert which was given entirely by the children. The accompanists were Mrs H. J. Chapman and Miss O. Beck. The chairman of the school committee, Mr W. S. Kerr, thanked the audience for their support, and the staff for the excellent manner in which they had trained the children. HINDS, The annuaj school picnic was held •on Saturday, when about 140 adults and children travelled by excursion train to Caroline Bay. Owing to the unfavourable weather conditions the beach attractions were not so readily availed of, but nevertheless an enjoy-

able day's outing was spent' by all. The thanks of the coraiavtte©; are due to Mr J. Mcßae for the gift of sweets children. MEfHVEN, . After a day of hot nor'-west conditions a change took place in the weather on Monday evening, when steady rainset in, continuing for several hours. Forty-three points werd recorded up till 9 a.m. yesterday, while nearer the hills the fall was heavier. Yesterday the weather was dull and more rain seemed probable. The rain will do an immense amount of good to rape and turnip crops and feed ' generally, while the grain crops near Methven will also benefit. i RUAPUNA. There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Ruapuoa Swimming Club. The balance-sheet, showing a satisfactory credit balance, was' read and adopted. It was decided to miuee the membership fee to 2s 6d. The opening day was arranged for next Saturday. Officers were elected as follows Patron, Mr T. D. Burnett, M.J'.; president Sir R. W. Holland; rice-presidents, Messrs N. Orr, W. G. Imrie, T, Bennett, and W. J. borrow ; treasurer, Mr R. McLay; secretary, Mr J. D. King; committee, Messrs D. Harvey, R. McLay, E. Baxter, G. Ross, S. Baxter, and A. 'MaLay,. and Misses M. Boyd, N. King, aind R. and N. handicapper, | Mr J. Moore; handicapper for schoolI children, Mr C. Beckley; starter, Mr | G. Ross: timekeeper, Mr W. Thompson; judges, Messrs D.- Harvey, R. McLay, E. Baxter, and R. W .Holland. At a meeting of young people it was decided to hold a dance on New Year's Eve, a committee being elected to make the necessary arrangements, i The drizzle that fell during Friday night and Saturday registered 32 points. The ground was so hot and dry, however, that most of the moisture ~ e\";iporated. The drying nor'-wester which blew during Monday terminated in a very welcome downpour, registering 43 points.