MID-CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20630, 20 August 1932, Page 10

MID-CANTERBURY.

ashburton. j FARM LABOURER'S DEATH, j i i j Leo Edgar Johnston, aged '2~i years, a j farm labourer employed by Dawson's | Estate. Waterton. died from injuries on J the -way to the Public Hospital 011 ; Thursday evening. He was loading j shingle inio a dray from a shingle pit | "<vhen a slip occurred,, and he was buried j waist-deep. Johnston was seen going into the pit at 4.45 p.m., and an hour | later Mr A. Pratley was attracted by j his cries for help. Johnston's chest was badly crashed. The horse had bolted, having been frightened by the slip in the wall of the pit. The inquest was opened yesterday before Mt B. Clark, District Coroner, for the purpose of identification and was adjourned. Johnston's parents, Mr and Mrs J. Johnston, reside it McMurdo street. Tinwald. Personal. Mr Charles H. X. Clarkson. who has been postmaster at Ashburton during the last three years, retires voluntarily on superannuation to-day after 39 years of service. Mr Clarkson commenced service with the Post and Telegraph Department at Greymouth in 1893, and three vears later was appointed a cadet. After "several years he was transferred to the Dunedin Telegraph Office. Seven years later he was transferred to Wellington, subsequently being placed in the stores brinch of that office. In 1916 he was appointed district stores superintendent at Christchnrch. Three years later, when that branch was absorbed l>v the District Telegraph Engineers branch, Mr Clarkson was appointed superintendent. Prior to his retirement he had held the position of postmaster at Kaiapoi, Waimatc, and Ashburton. Mr Clarkson is well known in musical circles in the Dominion, being recognised, in his prime, as the possessor of a brilliant baritone voice. Mr and Mrs Clarkson have not definitely decided '.vhorc tliev will reside permanently, but in all probability they will stay m Ashburton until after the summer. Mr J. P. Ilanratty, mail-room supervisor, will act as postmaster until A permanent appointment is made. Friendly Societies' Association. The council of the Ashburton United Friendly Societies' Association met on Thursday evening, when the president. Mr E. Parkin, presided. The hospital account for the quarter amounted to £220 13s Od. The administrative costs ! were £lO 16s. t On behalf of the Hospital Board, Dr. .T. I?. Wells explained the Board's proposal for the extension of the agreement to co\-er ante-natal treatment. The matter was deferred for further consideration.

Magistrate's Court. i U the Magistrate's Court before Messrs G. Kelly and W. Patterson. J.P.'s, yestctday judgment for the plaintiff by default was given is the following cases:—Matgaret Cairns v. L. Kerr. Us and costs 8s: Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., v. J. G. O'Dowd, £7 10s nnd costs £1 4s. Tin-Wild Totrn Beard. t The monthly meeting 6? the Tinwald Town Board was held on Thursday evening, 'tirhett there were present: Messrs 11. B. Millichamp (chairman), A. Colrille, sen., H. W. Carp?ndale, and A. Watson. The Transport Department wrote asking for tho Board's views on the suggested proposal to exempt farmers from i payment of heavy traffic fees. It was ! resdlvfcd to reply stating that the Board j doCs not favour the suggested proposal. the Tihwald sub-branch of the Pltinket Society ■flrrote asking for a donation towards its funds. It was reSolrgd that the sum of £2 2s bo given. The matter of obtaining some material from the old traffic bridge was left in the hands of the chairman.

nnder the eonductorship of Savage Plieloung, and a choir under the baton of Savage Burfy. Club badges were exchanged between Great Chief Grut, of the Waimate Club, and Great Chief Grater, both referring to the spirit of good fellowship which existed between the two clubs. Proceedings closed with kai, after which the visitors left for Oaftiaru. WINCHESTER.

Twenty-four Members of the Winchester Men' 6 Miniature Rifle Club fired for Mr J. M. Sticking's trophy, which ■tfas won by W, L. Gudsell, with 7? off the rifle, after three shoots off. Following were the scores:—W. Jackson 78, D. Louden 78, C. Louden 78, N. Priddie 77. John Cripps 77, W. Priddie 77, O. 8. Priest 77, A. W. Beilly 76, Jas. Maitland 75, W. R. Peatce 75, W. L. Gudsell 75, James Cripps 74, J. Connolly 74, P. Hewson 74, A. H. Cripps 73, A. 11. Opic 73, A. England 73, W. Waple 72, M. Mallock 73, W. Smith 69, Jas. Stevenson 68, D. Scammell 68, N. Thomas 67. On Wednesday night, the member'? of the Winchester Ladies' Miniature Rifle Club fired for Mr J. M. Sticking'a trophy, Mrs C. McClelland winning after two shoots off. Following were the scores:—Miss J. De Renzy 77, Mrs M. Russell 74, Miss I. Summerfield 73, Mrs W. Priddie 73, Mrs W. L. Reilly 71, Mrs W. Jackson 71, Mrs «C. McClelland 70, Miss Opie 70.

Last week a meeting was held at Mr A. Relman's residence, Geraldlne Flat, ■with the object of starting a tennis j club. Mrs T. Lewis presided over a good attendance. After a discussion it was decided to form a club and to lay down a chip court for this season. Forty residents of Geraldine Flat have promised to join. The following officers were elected: President. Mr A. Kelman, sen. 5 vice-presidents, Messrs J. C. Sooth i and D. E. Lewis; committee, Mrs T. LflWis, Mrs B. Hall, Miss M. Wilts, Messrs B. "Wilks, and A. Kelman, jun.; secretary, Mr 0. Davidson. On Tuesday evening there was a large attendance at the annual ball of the Walhi Football Club. Extras- were played by Misses M. BHssett and G. South and Mr W. Wilton. Mr A. Mackie was M.C. The president (Mr J. C. South) and Mrs South led the grand march. The Monte Carlo waltz wan won by Miss B. Baldock and Mr T. Dove. Miss Smith and Mr Coochey won the lucky spot waltz. During the evening, the president of the elub (Mr J. 0. South) made a presentation to Mr G. W. Valentine, a vice-president of the club, who is leaving shortly for Australia. In making the presentation of a travelling tug to Mr Mr South paid a high tribute to the active interest -he had taken in the welfare of the club.

ORARI BRIDGE. The Orari Bridge Ball was tilted to overflowing for the ediieett and dance held ita aid Of the School funds. A party from Ashbutt6n provided aft excellent programme, which was greatly appreciated. The dance following the concert was flianaged by Mr W. Ford, chairman, of the School Committee.

Missionary Union. ■ The usual monthly meeting of the Ashburton branch of the Methodist Women's Missionary Unior was held on Thursday afternoon, when the president (Sister Mildred") presided. A vote of sympathy was passed with the Misses Andrews in their recent bereavement. Owing to her removal from Ashburton. the resignation of Mrs R. Buxton was received. It was decided to write thanking Mrs Buxton for the j valuable services rendered in connexion with the organisation. It was resolved to hold future meetings on the third Wednesday in each month. The sum of £9 10s was voted to the sisters' salaries fund. An interesting letter was read from Miss G. Searle, of the China Inland Mission. farmers' Union. j The Mid-Cftnterbury Provincial Ext- j entire of the Farmers' Union met yes- j terday afternoon, the president (Mr W. : R. Hammond) presiding. A vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Mr Aug as Horsey. . With regard to the union's enquiry , as to whether the Meat Producers'. Board would be prepared to act as ! broker for any farmer who wished to j sell his meat on the London market, the Board wrote stating that there were several firms available in London to sell farmers' consignments on Smithfleld Market, and the Board did not consider it necessary ot advisable to act in this matter. The Live Stock Division of the Department of Agriculture advised that if , it was found that lousy sheep were on the increase, the penal provisions of the Act would again be brought Into force. With Mgatd to the small farm plan, the Dominion secretary of the union wrote stating that if members of tho unioh would indicate to Mr A. H. Cockayne, chief executive officer of the scheme, specific areas in their respective districts which they considered suitable for occupation, he would have special investigations made of such areas with a view to their inclusion in the present settlement plan. The president said that some of the members had areas of lasd which were

suitable. The Canterbury Herd-Testing „ 80 .~ ciutioh wrote confirming August 20th as the date for an address by Mr Home, supervisor for the Dominion Group i Herd.Testing Association. The lecture would be illustrated with lantern slides, And would eorer matters in relation to herd-testing, calf-marking, the certified bull scheme, and pig husbandry. The North Canterbury executive of the Farmers' Union notified that it had resolved to support Mid-Canterbury's ; nominee (Mr W. R. Hammond) as ft candidate for election to the Electoral Committee of the Meat Producers' Board. The Ashburton Unemployment Committee wrote asking the union td givi as much publicity as possible to the farm camp scheme for unemployed single men. A report on the wheat manurial trials in Canterbury, five of which were carried out in the Ashburton district, was received from the Department of Agriculture. The report stated that, owing to the extremely dry weather experienced, some of the trials had to be abandoned.

Messrs J. Carr (convener;, W. T. Lill, F. Frampton, H. C. B. Withell, and B. W. Wightman were appointed to investigate local body administration | in accordance with, a circular received from the Dominion executive. Mr A. Moore (Hinds) reported that he hid made enquiries and had ascertained that arrangements eould be made for men on the No. 4A unemployment scheme to obtain their wages from the nearest Post Office instead of going to the central Post Office. "That the Civil Service superannuation fund be no longer subsidised by the Government"' was the text of a remit received from the Lauriston btanch. Mr G. A. Franks (Lauriston) moved that the remit be adopted, stating that the Government BUbsidy to the fund was a big drain on the country's finance and the superannuation fund should stand on its merits. Mr H. Brown (Seaview) stated that, with reference to the railwaymcn's fund, the Government had paid out sums it should not have done. Mr J. Carr (ifethven) said superannuation schemos would not succeed unless assisted by the employer or the Government; A difficulty was that the Government retired 66tvaats at an age when they were most useful to the eom- ; ttxunity. It ifraS detided to favour an investigation into the fund so that it would not be a burden on the community. A temit suggesting that the AshbuttOft County Council be asked to reduce the water fate by 3d per cent, was forwarded by the L-.turigfon branch. No action was taken.

The executive was asked by the Methven branch to consider ways of eliminating the annual cost of renewal of crop liens and the law costs attached thereto. Mr C. C. Wynn (Methven) said that the manager of a local stock firii had told him that there was no reason why the yearly renewals should be kept up. The remit was adopted. Economic Position. Maintaining that lack of any organisation to maintain the general pttee level was the most important contribwtorv cause to the present economic position, Dr. 1. W. Weston, lecturer in oelnomics at Lincoln College, give all interesting address to members of the i Mid-Canterbury Farmers' Union and i the Mid-Canterbury Women's Division J vesterday. Mr W. R. Hammond (jrtfl- j dent) presided. Dr. Weston was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. mbthvek. The monthly meeting of the Metbvia District High School Committee presided over by Mr Stanley Smitik Others present were MeSsra T. 8. Harrison, Frank Shearer, Jas. Campbell, H. I Q. A yen, W. C. Battsofi, and J. K. Dalton. Miss L iL Pledger wrote resigning her position on the staff of tic school. This was received with regret, and a motion was passed expressing appreciation of Miss Pledger'• long service. Congratulations were extended to the Methven school hockey team on their success in winning tiie Ashburton countv pritnarv schools tour- | nament. The headmaster's report showed that the roll number for the primafv departmeat "was 128 boys and 119 girls, a total of 241, and the secondary department, 34 boys And 26 jprMj a total of 50, making & gt*nd total of 291. Before the closing of the Methven District High School for the term holidays pupils wfere assembled ana Opportunitv was taken to say farewell to Miss T. M. Pledger, a member of the staff of the primary department, naAttsigned to take up a twsitiott i* Vm*din. Miss Vera Richards presented Mi*S Pledger with a picture on behalf of tne pupils, while Miss Claire Fleming, on behalf of the school basketball team, thanked Miss Pledger for the «*«*** she had taken in the MisS Pledger was presented wft s Mt of books by the staff and Messrs J. R. Dal»on, J. Campbell and W C. Battson (school committee) a - na Mr A. P. "Kennedy (headmaster) also spoke.

rakaia. A tug-oi'-war tournament 1,1 "'l, °[ the funds of the Rakai* Football Club was' held in the town hall on Thursday evening, and was largely attended Twenty teams competed, and there were some exciting pulls, although the majority were won somewhat easily. Mr J. Connolly, M.P , durinc the evening, and on behalf or tne football club thanked all those who had assisted to make the function Bucn a success. Music was contributed anting the evening by Messrs T. Lawler, L. Keane, and D. Newman. The results were:—Light-weight class —First round: Mead (54st 121b) beat Rakaia Juniors (sost 121b); Rakaia Settlement No. 2 (oost 61b) beat Lauriston No. 2 (55st 21b) j Mead Brothers (55st 101b) beat Lauriston No. 1 (ilb); Rakaia Settlement No. 1 (55st 121b) beat Hakat?re (54st); Mead beat Chertsey (55st 101b). Semi-final: Mead Brothers beat Rakaia Settlement No. 2; Mead beat Rakaia Settlement No. 1. Final: Mead Brothers beat Mead. The following comprised the winning team: D. Mead. W. Mead. A. C. Mend. C. Mend, and L. Mend. Catch-weight class ;* —First round-. Rakaia Seniors {6&t) beat Lauriston (67st lllb); Mead No. 1 (65st 21n) boat Chertsey (61st 101b): Rakaia Settlement (70st) beat Mead No. 2 (57st 91b): Lauriston (67f=t 111b) beat Hakaterc (62st 91b). Semi-finni:

Hnkaterc beat Raknia- Settlement. Mend beat Rakaia Seniors. Final: Mead beat Hfikntero. The winning 1 team comprised T. McKinnon. A. . Breading. F. Broading, X. Breading, j and it. McKinnon. School Boys' Cfla« —Rakaia Convent beat I-auriston. The Convent team comprised: P. O'Reilly. J. O'Reilly, N. Carney. P. Hcer, and J. Haslett. It is expected that as a insult of the tournament the football club will benefit by about £3O. The monthly meeting of the Rak.-iia Bftnd of Hops «.'as held in St. Mark'" schoolroom on Thursday evening. Mr A. Allan presiding over a good attendance. Recitations were given hy Willie Greenavay, Dor wo Pluck, Fred Allan, Rita Allen, Myra Crdmie, Alice Allen, Mrs Palmer, and Mr S. Wilson; Bongs hv Vidlet Raptay and Doreen Pluck, and duets by Peggy Rapley and Nancv Kaan and Edna Kidd and iMtth Kenward. The accompaniments wer* played by Miss E. Saunders. Short w>nij>T: in-c Addresses were gi»«n |><r Mr Allan aud Mr S. Wilson.

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