MID-CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20899, 5 July 1933, Page 6

MID-CANTERBURY

ASHBURTON. SCHOOL TEACHERS HONOURED. As a welcome home to Mr R. M. McGregor, agricultural master at the Ashburton High School, and Mrs McGregor, who have just returned from a six months' trip to Scotland, and a farewell to Mr H. M. Bibby, who has been relieving at the school dur-j ing Mr McGregor's absence, a dance was held in the school assembly halt on Monday. During the evening Mr Bibby was made a presentation by the boys of the school. In the afternoon the teachers made Mr Bibby a small presentation. Mr Bibby left for Dunedin yesterday. Upper Ashburton Road Board. The monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board was held yesterday. Present: Messrs H. Morris fchairman), R. Houston. S. W. Lilley, S. H. Lill, R. J. Mulligan, and S. c! Curd. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £54 14s 2d. The Public Works Department wrote asking the board to put in its application for new work for the current year. It was decided to reply that it was not the board's intention to apply for any grants this year. | The chairman reported on the conference of local bodies on Fridav with reference to clearing the courses of the Hinds and Ashburton rivers. It was agreed to fall into line with the other local bodies, and obtain legal opinion regarding the handing over of the board's control of the rivers to the Ashburton County Council. It was resolved to proceed with the formation of Thompson's Track, as soon as possible. AUenton School Committee. The Allenton School Committee meti on Monday, Mr E. C. Bathurst presiding. The headmaster (Mr E. S. Chambers) reported that the roll number was 255, and the average attendance 244. The Education Board advised that it considered the time was not opportune to establish an intermediate school in Ashburton. The arranging of a concert to aid the School funds was left in the hands of the chairman. Messrs C. Mavnard and W. James were appointed a "visiting committee. Wakanui Road Board. The monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board was held yesterday afternoon. Present: Messrs F. Frampton (chairman), L. Hanrahan, J. Watson, A. Bennett, and A. Gregory. A complaint was received concerning the state of a water-race crossing on a road in Fairfield township. It was pointed out that the road was not under the jurisdiction of the board, and it was decided to refer the matter to the Canterbury Frozen Meat Co., which has control of the road. It was agreed to carry out the work of replacing a water-race crossing with concrete pipes on a road leading from the Main South Highway over the railway line to Village Settlement, the pipes to be supplied by the Ashburton County Council. It was reported that 60 chains of the grass road leading past Mr C. Flynn's property at Chertsey had been shingled during the month. Grading work had also been carried out on the road from Chertsey to Selrna corner, and at Dromore. Rule's road was reported to be in need of repair, and it was decided to have the work carried out this month. In accordance with notice given it was decided to levy a rate of 3-16ths of a penny in the £ for the year ending March 31, 1933. Arrangements were made for the cleaning of the board's storm-water channel running through Mr D. Cairns's property at Wakanui. The member for the ward was authorised to make enquiries and report on a footbridge over a waterrace on the road adjoining the railway line near Chertsey. Star of Ashburton Lodge. The fortnightly meeting of the Star 1 of Ashburton Lodge No. 14, U.A.0.D., was held on Monuay, when A.D., Bro. i A. Garriock presided. Votes of sympathy were passed to the family of Bro, T. Tilley, and to Bro. T. Miller, in his illness. The ball committee reported that the ball held last week was a I success, and the receipts would exceed the expenses. A vote of thanks was passed to the ball committee and ! the ladies' committee who had charge of the catering. An invitation to attend the Oddfellows' Lodge jubilee celebrations was accepted, also an invitation from the Success of Ashburton Lodge to attend a social evening next Monday. A challenge to a debate and card match with the St. Stephen's Literary and Social Club on July 11 was accepted, the subject for debate to be, "That oratory is a lost art." It was left to the secretary and Bro. N. Thomas to arrange a team. It was decided to invite the Success of Ashburton Lodge to the next meeting when impromptu speeches will be held, and to challenge the Hibernian Lodge to a card match on July 31. A social to which the ladies' lodge had been invited was afterwards held. Ladies' Golf. The second round of the eclectic match will be played among members of the ladies' section of the Ashburton Golf Club to-morrow. The draw is as follows:—Mrs L. J. Watt and Miss J. Newton, Mrs E. A. Denham and Miss A. Madden, Mrs S. Thomas and Mrs F. W. Watt. Mrs J. M. Mc-| Rae and Mrs Smith, Miss J. Lane and Miss E. Millichamp, Miss Z. Bonnington and Miss Brown, Mrs R. B. Lambert and Mrs R. Kennedy, Mrs' Macdonald and Miss Langley, Mrs F. W. Seldon and Miss D. Vesty, Mrs J. Connor and Mrs A. Amos, Miss J. Dunlop and Miss P. Cox, Mrs T. Thomas and Miss Dalston. Mrs J. Sinclair and Miss B. Lane, Mrs J. Bathgate and scorer. The draw for the stroke match to be i played among unqualified members is as follows:—Mrs W. H. Amos and Miss M. Zouch, Mrs Doig and Mrs C. M. Innes, Mrs A. L. Jones and Miss E. Bruce, Mrs S. H. Truman and Mrs R. Tucker, Mrs Bennett and scorer. Advance Ashburton Association. The annual meeting of the Advance Ashburton Association was held last evening, when the president, Mr H. W. Sherratt, presided. The balance-sheet showed that the year started with a credit of £385 12s sd, and ended with a credit of £6B 16s lid. There was also £SOO on fixed deposit. The chief items of expenditure were wages—£ll4 lis Bd, and extensions to the domain fence, £179. The annual report stated that the executive maintained a keen interest in the activities of the association. No work of any magnitude was carried out during last year, and there were no major schemes before the association at the present time. The whole of the West street frontage of the domain was enclosed with a fence erected by the association. The corner of the domain near the swimming, bath had been improved by the erection of a rustic bridge. Grants had been marie to the borough and Ashburton East schools for improvements to their grounds. A row of trees had been planted on the railway reseive near the station. Mr Jas. Young, formerly curator of the Christchurch gardens, paid a visit of inspection to the domain and reserves recently, and his recommendation to remove several oak trees affected with golden scale, and replace them with trees immune from that parasite, was being carried out. No effective way of combating the pest in the trees in Baring square had been found. The school garden competition had been won by the borough school. A grant

of £lO had been made to the Ashburton Silver Band's contest fund in recognition of its assistance to the association. The gala was marred by wet weather, and the results were far below expectations. The association's proposal to conduct a pound scheme for the relief of distress had been held over. It was considered that some definite scheme 6f work apart from maintenance should be formulated. Thanks were due to everyone who had assisted the association during the vear. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The following were appointed to the executive: Messrs H. \V. Sherratt, H. L. Barker, J. Watson, W. S. Kerr, K M. Dunlop, H. R. C. McElrea, H. Smallbone. M. J. Burgess, A. H. Todd, W. H. Robinson, C. J. McEachen, 1. B. Haydon. W. G. Welch, H. D. Johnston, and S. Mitchell. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring president, Mr E. H. Orr, the auditor, Mr W. H. Woods, the executive, and the architect, Mr W. Thomas. At a subsequent meeting of the executive the following appointments were made:—President, Mr S. Mitchell; secretary, Mr G. V. Furby; treasurer, Mr C. J. McEachen: auditor, Mr W. H. Woods; hon. architect, Mr W. Thomas; beautifying committee, Messrs Dunlop, Haydon. and Barker. It was decided to obtain a design and estimate of the cost of an honours board to record the names of the respective presidents. Several suggested beautifying snnemes were discussed. These included a river-walk, tree-planting in the streets, beautification of the watertower reserve, and the provision of seats en the road to the cemetery. Personal. Mr E. H. Orr, who has been treasurer of the Advance Ashburton Association since its inception in 1922, did not seek re-election at the annual meeting last evening. It was decided to record appreciation of his services. Uabbit Farming;. The president (Mr W. G. Wright) and members of the executive of the Co-operative Rabbit Breeders' Association of New Zealand, visited Ashburton on Saturday, where a meeting of the Ashburton provincial branch of the association was held. The secretary of the branch, Mr 11. R. Hopwood, reported that the branch activities had been the means of furthering the interests of rabbit farming in the surrounding districts, and membership had actually been doubled during the last six months. An illustrated lantern lecture was given by Mr W. G. Wright on all phases of Angora wool farming. At the conclusion of the meeting members of the New Zealand executive expressed their satisfaction at the very fine work done by the branch in furthering the interests of the association in particular, and the industry in general. METHVEN. The monthly meetnig of the Board of Management of the Methven Presbyterian Church was held on Monday. Present: The Rev. R. Morgan, Messrs J. T. Mangin, M. Macale, A. S. Kennedy, A. L. Mangin, C. Prebble, A. G. Foreman, and W. A. Shemeld (hon. secretary). The question of the letting of the church land was discussed anu ,an offer accepted. Arrangements [for the annual sale of work | and produce were completed. The secretary advised that he had made arrangements for a concert party from Ashburton to assist, while a number of novelty events had also been arranged. The following were appointed to take charge of the various stalls:—Tea rooms, Mrs A. S. Findlay; cake, Mrs A. Guthrie; needlework, Mrs R. Morgan; 11 id, Mrs A. L. Mangin; produce, Mrs M. Macale; sweets, Bible Class girls; Lyndhurst stall, Mrs C. G. Prebble. The monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board was held on Monday. Present: Messrs F. W. Ruddenklau (chairman), A. F. Marr, D. Hampson, C. A. Campion. The clerk reported that repairs to Cairnbrae-High-bank roads had been completed. Crushed metal had been put on Rakaia river road near Penny's. Repairs to Back Track, Lyndhurst, and Tyne's roads had been attended to. Attention had been given to the worst portion of the Double Hill run road, and a sharp corner leading to Little River bridge had been taken off, and two cars could now pass. Grading and scarifying had been carried on on the Railway line road, Rakaia river road, and Highbank roads. It was decided that no application be made this year for road grants. The board decided to offer sufficient work for three men during their stand-down periods, each to be allowed to work in rotation. The question of high live fences at all intersections was discussed. It was decided to approach the owners of the properties concerned, to have them cut back. The matter of outstanding rates was referred back to the board's solicitors for further action. Sitting as the Domain Board, the balance-sheet was received from the Auditor-General and certified correct. An application was received on behalf of the Ashburton Rugby Union for a closed day on July 15. This was granted. The balance-sheets of the Highbank Domain and Highbank Cemetery Boards were received from the Auditor-General. An offer from Mr V. E. Mehrtens to purchase the swedes in the Highbank cemetery, was referred to Messrs Wilson and Campion to deal with. |

HINDS. The ladies' hockey club held a dance in the Hinds Hall. Mr and Mrs Chapman supplied the music and Mr JHall was the master of ceremonies. The miniature nfle club held its weekly shoot on Monday. The best scores registered were: R. McKenzie 79, A. Sim 77, H. Watson 77, A. Ellis 76, E. Harcourt 75. D. Watson 73. R. Bagrie 72, R. McElhinney 70, R. Reddecliffe 70. The trophy given by Mr T. McPherson was won by A. Sim. R. McKeage won the hotty button for the week. The next round of the Cass Cup is to be fired on the Willowby range next Monday night. The following will represent Hinds: R. McKeage, A. Ellis, A. Sim, D. Watson, H. Watson, R. Bagrie, R. McElhinney, R. Reddecliffe, E. Harcourt, M. McInness, W. Joiner, L. Watson, and S. Watson. MAYFIELD. The monthly meeting of the school committee was held on Monday. Present: Messrs R. Oakley (chairman), G. N. Harrison, J. Riley, W. Prouting, and B. McKay < secretary). The Education Board wrote agreeing to pay for the i underground tanks for the school and residence if the committee would arrange for the labour. It was agreed to effect repairs to the horse paddock during the month. It was decided to hold a hare drive in aid of the school funds on July 13. Particulars were received as to the contents of a firstaid outfit, and it was left in the hands of the chairman to revise the list and delete anything that would not be absolutely necessary. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr Kirk (Geraldine) thanking him and his party for the excellent concert they had given in aid of the school funds. LYNDHURST. There was a good attendance at the fortnightly social held in the Lyndhurst Hall. Visitors were present from Barr Hill, Lauriston, and Winchmore. The prizes in the competition were won by Miss McNaught, Mrs Cook, Mr J. Kenny, and Mr W. R. Hammond (Winchmore). Music for the dancing was supplied by Mr and Mrs Cook, Mr Knox Cook, Mr Ken Cook, and Mr J. Cretney. Mr A. C. Gadd was master of ceremonies. A basketball team and a football team from the Methven School played friendly games with Lyndhurst. The visitors were victorious in both games. Afternoon tea was served to the visitors and supporters in the school.

COtDSTREAM. At the concert held in aid of the church funds there was a large attendance. Mr Wilson's party from Ashburton gave a varied programme, while Mr D. Shaw contributed solos. Items by the Sunday school chtfdren were appreciated. During the evening a cake weight-guessing competition was held and was won by Mr Tilson, sen Thanks are due to Mrs Stephens for making the cake and Mr G. McKenzie for icing and decorating it. The Rev B. Taylor thanked the party and also Mrs V. Rogers (secretary) for her work on behalf of the concert, after which supper was served. df The Lowcliffe, Girls' Hockey Club held a successful dance on Saturday. The Monte Carlo was won by Miss M. McKay and Mr F. Onsworth. Bfc Chapman supplied music w^ h * S n McKay and Master D. Chapman Sayed extras. Supper was provided by the girls. Mr M. Tilson was master of ceremonies. RUAPUNA. There was a good attendance at the fortnightly meeting of the Workers Educational Association. The play. "Candida." by Bernard Shaw, was read and caused considerable discussion. Following this a series of gramophone selections was played to illustrate a lecture on music. Variable weather was general during June. The sun shone on 27 days. 13 of which were sunny all day. a total of 105 points of rain, which ieU on six davs, was recorded, compared with 66 points in June last year. The rainfall for the last six months is 11.59 in, compared with 19.42 in for the corresponding period of 1932. WILLGWBY. The meteorological report for June is as follows:—The month was calm, the breezes blowing mainly from the south-west. There were several fogs of varying density, occasionally followed by frost, but more often by overcast conditions. Twenty-two frosts were recorded. The maximum amount of sunshine was registered on only 16 days, though the sun's rays filtered through the clouds for short periods on 12 other days. Rain fell on seven occasions, the heaviest fall of half an inch being registered for the 24 hours ended 9 a.m. on June 5. The fall for the month was 99 points, that for June, 1932, being 81 points. The total preciiptation for the first half of the year was 6.56 inches, that for the corresponding period of last year being 11.13 inches. The ladies' evening of the Mutual Improvement Society took the form of a "back-to-fronf entertainment. There was a record attendance. Much thought had been put into the charades, and some splendid acting was seen in a one-act comedy, the parts being taken by Mrs S. H. Lill, Mrs B. T. Clothier, Misses M. M. and R. H. Lill. Competitions were won by Mrs R. J. Chapman and by Mr Henry Dollman, jun. Songs, with 'cello obbligato, were contributed by Mrs R. J. Chapman,' and pianoforte solos by Miss Kathleen Stoddart. Supper was provided. Young people's day was celebrated at the Wlllowby Methodist Church on Sunday, when the Rev. R. MacGregor delivered the address. The hymns were announced and the lessons were read by members of the boys' and girls' Bible classes. At the weekly shoot of the Willowby Miniature Rifle Club a trophy presented by Mr S. P. Taylor was competed for, but the match was not completed. The best scores were:—T : Mackay (2) 78, 79; J. Sutherland (3) 1 78. 76; J. Bell (5) 75, 74; R. Mackay (6) 74, 75, 76; L. Pratley (4) 74; H. Hickman (6) 72; A. Maginness (6) 74 lo ; f; e 1 (9) 70 >' G - Maginness (7) 73, 71; D. Mackay (6) 73. The hotty button was won by T. Mackay.