MID-CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20907, 14 July 1933, Page 8

MID-CANTERBURY

ASHBURTON. YOUNG MAN'S DEATH. A verdict that death was due to a ■elf-inflicted gun-shot wound in the head was returned by the district Coroner (Mr R. Clark) yesterday at the inquest concerning the death of Raymond Dennis Joyce, a labourer, aged 28 years, who was found dead in a bedroom of the residence of his parents, Mr and Mrs Valentine Joyce, Melcombe street, Tinwald, on Wednesday.

Ralph John Joyce, brother, of Raymond Joyce, said that for the last 12 months his brother had been unemployed, and had been living at home. Before that he had been in a sanatorium for 10 months. He had arrived home from Christchurch on Wednesday morning having been on a drinking bout for a few days. He seemed to be quiet and moody after dinner. Witness heard a shot discharged and found him lying on the floor of his bedroom. He had never pventioned that he would commit suicide.

Dr. N. E. H. Fulton stated that he bad examined Joyce on Wednesday morning and had found that he was suffering from severe nervous prostration caused by excessive drinking. iWitness had prescribed a sleeping draught. There had been nothing to indicate that he would commit suicide. Keports on Students. "I cannot help thinking that howjever carefully the reports on the /students, which are sent to the parents, put made out they are not necessarily a true index of the progress of some students," said Mr R. J. Thompson, principal of the Ashburton Technical School, in his report to the school Jooard meeting last evening. Continuing, Mr Thompson stated that:—

"While some kind of report is necessary under present conditions, I would ask parents to take all the factors into consideration before passing judgment on the work of the students as shown by the report," he said. "Some of our best characters are boys and girls whose reports are apparently disappointing in some respects." Unemployment Relief. The executive of the Ashburton Unemployment Committee met yesterday afternoon. There were present:—The Mayor (Mr W. H. Woods), chairman, Messrs G. Kelly, A. Prentice, W. Bryant, T. Gibson, W. J. Minogue (certifying officer), and W. Patterson (secretary). The Unemployment Board wrote statins that advice had been received from the Railways Board agreeing to grant rail concession tickets to those unemployed workers desiring to visit their homes when unemployed camps were closed temporarily under the authority of the controlling body. The men would be issued with secondclass return tickets at one quarter of the ordinary rates on the presentation of a certificate signed by the officer in charge of the camp. The Unemployment Board wrote in reply to representations urging that assistance given in cash or in kind to returned soldiers by the Returned Soldiers' Association be not taken into account when determining the ration of relief to be granted to such men, that it had been decided to disregard such grants. The secretary reported that during next week there would be 559 men available for work under the No. 5 scheme. The freezing workers were included in the total, but not in the allocation. The amount required to tfive the men full time was £1062 6s 6d, and the allocation was £727 2s. Included in the allocation was the amount for the second and third relief camps. It was decided to give the men one, two and a half, and three and a half day#* work respectively. This would absorb £7Ol 15s.

Four applications from farmers for labour under the No. 4a scheme were granted.

Boxing Association.

The president, Mr H. D. Johnston, presided at a meeting of the Ashburton Boxing Association on Wednesday evening. A donation of £3 3s from the patron, Mr J. H. Grigg, was received with thanks.

The New Zealand Boxing Association 'wrote about the licensing of trainers. It was decided to recommend that Mr G. Terns be granted a trainer's license. It was reported that good entries were being received for the novice tournament to be held on Monday evening. Two special bouts, N. Kerr v. W. Miller and P. Sheehan v. P. CSullivan, had been arranged. The president reported on his recent visit to Rakaia, where a boxing school was being established. It was decided to congratulate the Rakaia committee and to offer it every assistance in ad* vancing the interest of the sport. The following officials were appointed:—Referee, Mr H. J. Dillon; judges, Messrs J. H. Grigg, A. N. Grigg, J. B. Cullen, H. R. McElrea; announcer. Mr H. D. Johnston; timekeepers, Messrs F. B. Robilliard and C. fl. Gass; scales steward, Mr A. Hayston; competitors' steward, Messrs F. Crum and D. Lynch; house committee, Messrs W. Tucker, M. Keeley, F. Porter, and F. Crum; rounds steward, Mr J ,W. Smith; doctors' steward, Mr J. D. Murdoch: official seconds, Messrs C. Stock and C. Shearman. Arrangements were made to hold the tournament in the Stadium, Tancred street, instead of His Majesty's Theatre. Hskaiere Lodge. The Hakatere Lodge, No. 68,1.0.0. F., mat on Wednesday evening, when the Noble Grand, Bro. T. Wakelin, presided. A vote of sympathy in the loss of his mother was passed with Bto. D.D.G.M. Bro. A. Moore. One candidate was proposed and two initiated. It was decided to proceed with the work of improving the acoustics of the hall. Men's Hockey Association. A special general meeting of the 2Ashburton Men's Hockey Association wa* held on Wednesday evening, when the president (Mr E. M. Gabites) presided. Representatives of the Ashburton Ladies' Hockey Association were present. Final arrangements were made for the representative fixture Bftinst Geraldine next Saturday. As a curtain-raiser Hinds and Tinwald will play a senior grade women's competition match. It was decided to admit unemployed men on production of their work tickets at the gates. Mr £>. W. Gower was appointed manager of the representative team. An invltatioto was extended to the Malvern SubAssociation to send a team to Ashburton on the same date as the women's team visited Ashburton. All junior grade matches set down for next Saturday were postponed. At a subsequent meeting of men players. Mr E. Davidson, president of the Hockey Referees' Association, gave 8n interesting exposition of the rules of the game of hockey, which was greatly appreciated. He was accorded a vote of thanks. It was decided to continue the address on July 26. (

Volunteer Blfle Shooting. The C Company of the First Bat--1 talion of the Canterbury Regiment (Ashburton Volunteers) hela its . "weekly shoot on Wednesday evening the idllowms seaatsM&Elrea

76, Louden 74, McElhinney 74, E. R. Coker 72, F. Tait 69, Beach 69, Jennings 67, C. Cox 61, A. S. Coker 56, Wilson 43.

A handicap match for the I.en Hopkins trophy resulted in a draw between H. F. Field (13) 85 and E. Beach (11) 85.

A team of 10 from C company will visit Timaru to-morrow evening to contest a match with D Company (Timaru unit) in the first of a series of inter-company matches. The Ashburton team will be chosen from the following:—Cox, Field, E. R. Coker, Dalley, Hawker, Cookson, McElhinney, Milsom, Louden, Jennings, Johnstone, Edmonds, Thompson, Martin, McElrea, Bray, Wilson. Women's Golf. A four-ball bogey match played among members of the women's section of the Ashburton Golf Club yesterday resulted in a win for Mrs R. Kennedy and Mrs J. Connor with a score of four down. The next best scores were Miss Brown and Miss A. Madden five down, and Mrs J. T. Thomas and Mrs E. A. Denham six down. j

Women's Hockey. The following is the draw, with referees, for competition matches tomorrow:— Senior A Grade —Tinwald v. Hinds, on Domain Oval, 1.30 p.m.; Methven v. Kereone, at Rakaia (Mr A. R. Edwards). TT . , Senior B Grade—Rakaia v. High School Old Girls, at Rakaia, 1.45 p.m. (Mr A. R. Edwards); Ashburton v. Baring Square, at Ashburton, 1.30 p.m. (Mr W. B. Thomas); Lauriston v. Springburn, at Springburn (Messrs G. L. Bufton and W. T. Church). Junior Grade—Lowcliffe v. Hinds, at Hinds (Mr W. G. Middlemas); Methven v. Mount Somers, at Methven. 2 p.m. Basketball. The draw, with referees, for the Ashburton Basketball Association's competition matches to-morrow is as follows: Senior Grade, 2.15 p.m.—St. Stephen's B v. Technical Old Girls B (Miss N. Buchanan); Technical Old Girls A v. Technical School (Mr McFarlane); Baring Square v. Convent Old Girls (Miss C. Miller). Junior Grade (knock-out) —Technical B v. Convent Third Grade —High School B v. Allenton (Mr R. J. Thompson). Third Grade—Technical C v. High School A (Miss V. Smith). Senior Grade, 3 p.m.—High School Old Girls v. Hinds (Miss Doak); Tinwald v. Lyndhurst (Miss E. Meredith). Third Grade —High School B v; Allenton B (Miss Caward); Technical B v. Allenton A (Miss Fisher). Junior Grade—Convent Old Girls v. Technical A (Miss Garbutt)i Baring Square v. Tinwald (Miss McTigue). Junior Grade, 4 p.m.—St. Stephen s v. Technical Old Girls (Mr McFarlane). t , . Only one set of matches was played in the primary school basketball competitions yesterday. In the B1 and CI grades Allenton beat Ashburton East. Ashburton East registered a win against Allenton in the C2 grade. Technical School Board.

At the meeting of the Technical School Board of Managers held last evening there were present Messrs A L. Jones (chairman), L. A. Charles, W. G. Hillier, J. Watson, C. H. F. Maynard, R. Houston, W. Bramley, and T. Hayes. The financial statement showed that there was a credit balance of £283 0s 3d. The report of the principal (Mr R. J. Thompson) stated that during last month the half-yearly examinations had been held. Mr W. S. LaTrobe, supervisor of technical education, carried out an inspection of the school on three days last week. Attendance had varied according to classes, some having a record of nearly 10 per cent., while others had dropped considerably. The chairman had presented to the senior engineering class a fully equipped motor-car for experimental purposes. Five students, one boy and four girls, had been placed in permanent positions during the month. Elections would be held on August 14 to fill the vacancies caused by the resignation of Messrs T. Hayes, representing Ashburton employers, W. Sparrow, representing the Canterbury Eaucation Board, and W. G. Hillier, representing school committees within five miles. Mr Hillier was the only member offering for re-election.

The resignation of Mr W. J. Sparrow, on account of ill-health, was accepted with regret, and it was decided to record appreciation of his services and also to express a wish for his speedy recovery.

The chairman was thanked for his gift of a car (or the engineering room, and Mr Maynard was thanked for fitting a louvre to improve the heating system in one of the rooms. Inter-School Games. A party of 80 students from the Ashburton Technical School went to Timaru yesterday, where they played a Rugby football match and basketball matches with the Timaru Technical College. Ashburton won the football match by 14 points to 9. Tinker scored two tries, Schluter and Crequer one try each, while Bradley converted for Ashburton. O'Connell, North, and Crisp each obtained a try for Timaru. Mr Rollands was the referee. Basketball matches resulted as follows:—Ashburton senior team 14, Timaru 9; Timaru junior team 27, Ashburton 17; Timaru third grade team 8, Ashburton 8.

MAYFIELD. The monthly meeting of the Mayfield Women's Institute was held in the Band Hall on Wednesday afternoon, Mrs Austin presiding over a large attendance of members and visitors. Mrs Rushton and Mrs W. Elmslie were proposed and accepted as members. An invitation was received from the Lismore branch of the women's division of the Farmers' Union to attend its handcraft display on July 21 and from the Hinds and Mount Somers Women's Institutes in-i viting members to their birthday parties, the former on July 19 and the latter on August 3. The secretary was asked to write a letter of sympathy to Mrs S. Shimmin, who was ill in Oakhurst private hospital, Ashburton. It was decided to form a small committee to arrange for the flower show for October, and the following were appointed; Mesdames L. R. Harrison, W. K. Dellow, T. F. Sewell, and Miss Corbett. During the afternoon Miss Brown (Temuka) gave a most interesting talk on Chelsea Gardens, England, which was greatly appreciated. Miss Ferguson (Temuka) also gave a demonstration on the making of seagrass chair bottoms and stools. A competition for the best plate of scones drew 12 entries, the prize winners being: Mrs Ritchie 1, Mrs Austin 2, and Mrs Prouting 3. Two thrift competitions were held also and resulted as follows: Mrs Austin 1, Miss N. Dunstan 2, Miss Maidens 3.

ROKEBY. The Rokeby girl guides held a very successful dance in Mr "W. F. Magson's granary last week. There was a large attendance, visitors being present from Pendarves, Lauriston, Chertsey, Barrhill, Mead, Ashburton, Lyndhurst, Methven, Rakaia, and the surrounding districts. The hall was decorated in I the company colours, blue and gold, relieved with greenery. A lucky spot waltz was won by Miss M. Burr owes and Mr W. Holmes, and a Monte Carlo dance by Miss B. Burgess and Mr H. Henderson. Music for the dancing was supplied by Cook's orchestra, and extras were played by Miss Caskey and Mr Talbot. Messrs R. H. Magson and W. A. McPhail were the masters of ceremonies. On behalf of the girl guide committee, Mr W. A. McPhail thanked Mr and Mrs Magson for the use of the hall and all who had helped to make Jhe dance so successful.

RAKAIA. The monthly meeting of the Hakala branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held in St. Andrew's schoolroom on Thursday afternoon, Mrs Boag presiding. A motion of sympathy with Mrs Allan in the death of her mother was passed. The resignation of Mrs Saunders, who has been treasurer for the last six years, was accepted with regret, and Miss S. Oakley was appointed in her place. A letter was received from Miss Lovell Smith, Dominion treasurer, asking that any money due to the organising fund or other funds be forwarded this month. It was decided to send an instalment of the annual levy at once. A bring-and-buy sale realised 18s, of which 10s was given to the organising fund, and the remainder to the South Canterbury executive. The speaker was Mrs Morrison, who gave an interesting talk on Fay Inchfawn, and read several extracts from her books. It was decided to ask Mrs Cooke to give the address at the August meeting and to request the Young People's Christian Temperance Union to arrange the programme for the August meeting of the Band of Hope. On Wednesday evening, in the Town Hall, a successful concert in aid of the funds of the Rakaia School Committee was held. There was a large attendance, and the programme presented was much enjoyed. Selections on the bagpipes were given by Mr T. Kirk, a chorus, "I'll Telephone to Tell Old Santa Claus," by the school children; recitation, "Wendy's Walnut," by June Johnston; violin solos by Mr Chambers; drill display by school children; songs, "Spring," "Brown Baby," and "Snowflakes," by the infants; recitation, "Lost Time," by Dina Johnston; singing game, "Oats and Beans," by the infants* song, "The Dream Man," by the school children; violin and piano duets, Dr. Bagley and Mr G. McLachlan; songs by Miss R. Morrison, Messrs A. Oakley, and Maxwell; pianoforte solos by Miss Joan Breach; playette, "Wanted, a Coachman,' by Myra Cromie, Barney Cromie, Laurie Allan, Fred Allan, and John Evison, and a one-act play, "The Heart of a Clown," by Mrs A. E. Mead, Misses M. Lee, L. Newman, and B. McGeorge. The accompaniments were played by Misses R. Morrison, J. Breach, and F. Cornelius. The Rev. A. S. Morrison, chairman of the school committee, thanked all who had assisted to make the concert a success.

METHVEN. Mr H. W. Pascoe, stationmaster at Gore, and formerly of Methven, paid a short visit to Methven yesterday. Mr James Stewart, Btationmaster at Abbotsford, and previously of Methven, is visiting friends in Methven. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Methven Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., No. 7620, was held on Wednesday evening. The lodge on this occasion was conducted by the past grands and P.G. Bro. E. J. Blackler presided over an attendance of 36 members. Accounts amounting to £127 were passed for payment. An invitation was received from Loyal Tinwaid Lodge to their annual ball on July 19. One candidate for membership was initiated into the order and three others were proposed. It was reported that the annual ball held recently showed a profit of £7, which was considered satisfactory. In the absence of the president (Mrs S. Smith) Mrs G. Cookson (vice-presi-dent) presided over the monthly meeting of the Mothers' Union, held in the Anglican Sunday School, Methven. There was a good attendance of members. The service was taken by Mrs Cookson, after which a paper was read by Mrs J. F. Stone. A number of garments already cut out by the sewing committee were handed out to members for completion. They will be returned for distribution to the orphanages. MOUNT SOMERS. A meeting of the vestry of the parochial district of Mount Somers was held on Tuesday evening. The Rev. E. A. Osmers presided and there were present: Messrs A. N. Grigg, J. H. Boaler, L. R. Harrison, J. Mclver, A. G. Langridge, G. L. Button, E. C. Wood, G. L. Sandrey, and J. T. Bull. A motion of sympathy was passed with Mr G. Ivey and family, ol Anama, in their bereavement. The treasurer reported a net balance of £139 16s lid from the proceeds of the recent bazaar and flower show. For assistance at the bazaar and show votes of thanks were passed to tho judges, Mesdames Reynolds and E. A. Bland (Methven) and Mr G. A. Clark (Tinwaid), to Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., for opening the function, Constable Robertson (Methven) for giving an exhibition with his performing dog Rajah, and all helpers. The question of the appointment of a permanent vicar after the termination of the amalgamation of the Methven-Mount Somers parishes in September was discussed. As it was considered that the district was now able to regain its former status the necessary guarantees were authorised to be forwarded to the diocesan office. The vicar reported that members of the Church Army would conduct a mission in the parish, beginning on August 21, and each subcentre in the parish would be visited. The vicar also reported that a Bible class camp would be held at Methven at New Year.

An inch of snow and 78 points of rain fell at Mount Somers on Sunday. There was a frost of 23 degrees on Tuesday morning. Wednesday was sunless and one of the rawest days felt this winter.