MID-CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21414, 5 March 1935, Page 6

MID-CANTERBURY

ASHBURTON PERSONAL Dr. A. J. Mason, medical superintendent of the Ashburton Public Hospital, is on annual leave. He has left for Blenheim, where his marriage to Dr. Zoe Rutherford will take place this week. Dr. D. A. Bathgate, of Hastings, and formerly medical superintendent of the Ashburton Public Hospital, who recently suffered a severe illness, is convalescing at Auckland. Mr W. G. Gallagher ichairman) and Mr A. Prentice (secretary) left Ashburton yesterday to represent the Ashburton Hospital Board at the annual conference of the Hospital Boards' Association, which will open at Napier to-day. Mr E. N. Johnson, county health inspector, has returned from annual holiday. Mr H. V. Baigent. a pupil of the Ashburton High School, has been awarded a Robert Bell Scholarship, tenable at Canterbury University College. Fishing Between 40 and 50 rods were out at the mouth of the Rangitata river on Sundav. but fishing proved disappointing, as only a few small trout and about five 'salmon were caught. A fair number of kahawai was caught. The river is not yet in a first-class condition for salmon fishing. Pishing up the river a local angler caught a salmon weighing about 101b. A large number of anglers visited, the Rakaia river during the week-end. The river was milky, but a fair number of salmon was caught, one party of local anglers landing 12. It is expected that both the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers will provide better sport for fishermen during the coming Ashburton river was in a good fishing condition. A good number ot fishermen were out. but fishing proved disappointing, only one salmon being caught. The sea was too rougn for cod fishing. Unemployed Registration

A total of 177 men are registered fur unemployed relief work under the No 5 scheme at Ashburton this week, isnd 133 men will drew the sustenance payment. Municipal Abattoir The following stock have been slaughtered at the municipal abattoir dV.ig the last month:—Cattle 158. cfives 21, sheep 764. lambs 83, pigs 99. Cadets' Rifle Shootins A very successful rifle meeting marked the close of the course of training laid down by the Defence Department for the cadets cf the Ashburton Technical High School. The rifle meeting was held under perfect weather conditions at the 25 yards range at the Drill Hall on Saturday. The meeting was controlled by Captain W. Crawford, who was assisted by Lieutenant J. M. Willoughby. Staff Ser-geant-Major W. Edmonds, W. 0.1, was range officer. Fortv cadets took part at the meeting. Championship trophies in the senior and iunicr sections were given by Mr W. R. Tucker, of Ashburton, the senior being won by Quarter-master-Sergeant V. Crequer, and Ihe junior by Cadet G. Penman. The events resulted, as follows (the principal only being given):— Senior Championship (aggregate of practices, possible 115) Quarterma-ster-Sergeant V. Crequer (25, 22, 15, 46) 108; runner-up, Cadet F. Rickard (25, 18, 15, 45) 103. Junior Championship (possible 11 j> —Cadet G. Penman <25. 16. 9, 47) 97:

runner-up, Cadet L. Harper (25, 14, 15. 37) 91. JUNIOR Grouping (possible 25) —G. Penman 25. 20, 25, and L. Harper 25, 20, 25 (equal) 1. Application Practice (possible 25) —N. Tully 23, 1; R. King, 21, 18, 2; G. Turton 21, 17: W. Sumner, 21, 13. Snap Shooting (possible 15)— L. Harper 15, 6. 12; R. Shaw 15, 6, 9, 2; G. Turton 15, 0.

Rapid Practice (possible 50) —G. Penman 47, 1; R. King, 38, 44, 2; G. Childs 38, 29. SENIOR Grouping (possible 25) F. Rickard 25, 25, 20, 25, 1: A. Keen 25, 25, 20, 20, 2. Application ipossible 25) —R. Greer 24, 1; A. Keen 22, 21, 2; V. Crequer 22. 20. Snap Shooting (possible 15)— V. Crequer 15, 15, 15, and F. Rickard 15, 15. 15 (equal), 1; R. Green 15, 12. Rapid Practice (possible 50)— V. Crequer 46, 1; F. Rickard 45, 2; A. Keen, 39; L. Cornwall 37. Cricket The management committee of the Ashburton Cricket Association met last evening. Mr F. Pritchard presiding. The Malvern Cricket Association wrote tion was still desirous of arranging a representative match this season. The Malvern competitions would conclude on March 23. It was decided to reply regretting that no suitable date could be arranged lor a match this season. Airangements were made for the entertainment of the West Coast senior cricket team to Ashburton on March j 6, 17. and 18. A smoke concert on Saturday evening and a visit to Durbar Lodge and the mouth of the Rangitata river the following day were arranged tentatively. Mr S. M. Cassidy was appointed manager of the Ashburton team. Borough Council The Ashburton Borough Council met last evening, when the Mayor (Mr W H Woods) presided. There were

also present: Crs. W. H. Rundle, F. J. E. Smallbone J. Connor, A. L. Jones, J. T. Pratley.H. R. C. McElrea, W. H. Kobinson, E. H. Orr, and E. Buchanan. The Mayor reported that the receipts since the previous meeting had totalled £795 3s 2d, the principal amounts being: Rates £76 Is 9d, rents £66 lis, extraordinary water supply £3O lis lid. abattoir fees £54 15s lOd, licenses £33 5s 9d, sinking fund commissioners to meet debentures £3OO, domain subsidy £IOO. The New Zealand branch of the Royal Sanitary Institute wrote thanking the council for granting facilities

to the inspector (Mr J. R. Richardson) to attend the conference held in Wellington. Replying to the council's letter, in which'it was stated that letters had been received from the St. Kilda and Lyttelton boroughs about the revised scale of allocations for the unemployed; the Commissioner for Unemployment (Mr G. C. Godfrey) stated that the expressions of opinion of the council, conveyed in its letter, and the protest registered against the difTerentation of allocations between different districts, had been noted for consideration. In a later letter Mr Godfrey acknowledged a letter from the council and the accompanying copy of a letter received from the Ashburton Relief Workers' Union conveying to the Mayor and councillors representations -bout the provision of relief under the No. 5 scheme and requesting that the allocations be increased to the level of the metropolitan areas. The commissioner stated that the matter had been given full consideration, and it was regretted that the rates of pay at present operative in the four main cities and their contiguous boroughs could not be extended beyond those boroughs. He added that the revised scale of relief recently introduced at Ashburton represented a substantial increase over the rates previously in force, and it was stated that Ashburton was receiving the same measure of assistance, as that afforded other similar centres.

The Mayor said the reply was hardly satisfactory- There seemed to be several different groups of towns, but no one knew how the districts were classified. The council could not compare the figures for Ashburton with those of other towns, because they were not given the figures. Until there was uniformity in the distribution of unemployment funds there would never be satisfaction. ' It was decided to send a copy of the letter to the Unemployed Relief Workers' Union.

Mr J. Connolly. M.P.. wrote stating that he had in the past, and would in the future, when given opportunity, support the council's desires and do his part to have justice done to the county relief workers. The endeavour being made by tho Ashburton Salvation Army to replace the army band's present instruments, was mentioned by Captain N. E. Bieknell, in a letter to the council, which said that the present set of instruments had rendered service in Ashburton for the last 20 to 25 years. The scheme for attaining the corps objective included flic raising of approximately £2OO by public subscription. In view of the band's jubilee, tho council was asked if it would consider making a special grant for this 3'car. It was decided to make a grant of £ls, which is £5 more than the annual grant. The Christchurch City Council wrote stating that it had been placed at a very serious disadvantage through the action of the State Advances Department repudiating liability for rates and it would now appear that the proposed Mortgage Corporation Bill would further increase the council's diflkulties. The council had written protesting against the passing of any legislation which would have this effect and asked the Ashburton Council's support of the protest. It was decided to support the proles'.. The Ashburton County Schools' Sports Association was granted a closed day en tho Domain oval for the annual alh'etic sports on March 23. The Town Clerk 'Mr \V. Patterson) was given permission to attend the annual conference of town clerks at Christchurch on March 20. On the recommendation of the water committee, it was decided that the Ashburton and East Ashburton Amateur Swimming Clubs' water charges remain as at present, but provided thenaccounts for water were paid by March of each year, a rebate of 20 per cent.

be allowed to be retrospective from the current season; the stop-cocks attached to the baths be locked and the keys held by the Borough Inspector. The question of whether an auctioneering firm from Wellington was liable for an itinerant trader's license under the by-laws for auctioning goods in the town, was referred to the borough solicitor.

Dealing with the cost of living as affecting the unemployed, Cr. McElrea submitted an average account for tho consumption of electricity at Ashburton, and moved that it be sent to the Christchurch City Council for a comparison of the costs of the same amount of electricity at Christchurch. He said the Unemployment Board varied the allocation of relief, contending that it was cheaper to live in towns than in the cities. The comparison in th« cost for electricity alone would, he said, be interesting to send to the beard. There was no seconder for the motion, which lapsed. The Mayor said that the question of the cost of living had been taken up frequently by the Unemployment Committee with the Unemployment Board and its representatives. The Town Clerk stated that the secretary of the Hospital Board had figures showing the rental paid, by every relief worker to place before the deputy-chairman of the Unemployment Board, but he did not want them. It was decided to congratulate the Ashburton Silver Band on its success at the Dominion contest at Timaru. LAURISTON The Lauriston Presbyterian Church was prettily decorated on Sunday morning for the harvest thanksgiving service. The Rev. D. B, Ashford preached to a large congregation, and Miss Farquhar presided at the organ. As a result of the service, a large and valuable consignment of fruit. vegetables, preserves, grain, and groceries, will be forwarded to the Presbyterian orphanage at Christchurch.

JUBILEE OF THE ASHBURTON CLUB

RUAPUNA The weather during February was fair. Up to the middle of the month the drought conditions were becoming increasingly severe and the weather was excessively hot. During the latter half of the month, however, showery conditions predominated and some heavy falls were experienced. The sun shone on 23 days, 10 of which were sunny all day. A total of 328 points of rain, which fell on 10 days, was recorded, the heaviest fall occurring on February 22, when 111 points were registered. The rainfall for February last year was 345 points. There was a very large attendance at Peel Forest last week, when the Sunday School held their annual picnic. Tramps were made to the church and to the Acland homestead. A programme of sports was held later in the day. The Rev. T. Williams presented prizes. Prizes for the married women's and married men's races were given by Mrs W. Thompson, the winners being Mrs H. Bennett and Mr G. Ross. A gift, given by the parents of the pupils, was presented to Mr J. Early, who is unable to continue his duties as superintendent of the Sunday School. The Tennis Club held a tournament on Saturday for trophies given by a wellwisher, who wishes 'to remain anonymous. The games were very closely contested, the winners being Miss Nancy Taylor and F. C. Tasker.

There was a large gathering at the domain last week, when the Carew Bible Class held their annual picnic. Games, swimming, and tennis were enjoyed. RAKAIA A well-attended meeting of farmers of the Rakaia district was held in the library to discuss the restriction on Borthwick's freezing works. After discussion, it was decided to call another meeting at a later date, and to invite a member of the Meat Board to attend. WILLOW BY The meteorological report for the month of February is as follows:—Of the 22 sunny days the maximum amount of sunshine was recorded on only 14 days. The prevailing wind was from the south-west. The range of maximum shade temperatures varied greatly, the average, however, being G0.2 degrees. The rainfall for the month was 2.03 in compared with 249 in for February. 1934. The February rainfall during the last seven years has varied from 5i points to 427 points. The rainfall for the January-February period of this year is 3.59 inches. At the Yankee tournaments conducted by the Willowby Tennis Club the successful players were Miss K. Stoddart and R. J. Chapman; and Miss Kathleen Stoddart and Adrian ilayman.

STAVELEY A farmer who was rearing pheasants lost a brocd of eight and a hen pheasant last Week. Traps were then set and three ferrets were caught. The farmer has still left two small broods which are being reared by bantam hens. According to local expereince, pheasants do not breed lreely when at liberty, a nest of eight bad eggs being found only last week. Acting N.G. Bro. S. T. Goldsmith presided at the fortnightly meeting of the Loval Pioneer Lodge on Saturday evening. One maternity bonus and sick pav in favour of seven members were passed for payment. Three candidates were initiated and four proposed and accepted for membership which will in consequence reach a strength of more than 100. Rain fell on 12 days during February, and totalled 398 points. The heaviest fall, 134 points, was on February 22. In February last year 308 points were recorded. The total for the year to date is 7.74 inches compared with 12.52 inches for the same period last year. From a farming viewpoint the latter part of the month was very satisfactory. Following the

rains and with a return of warm weather growth became phenomenal on both grass paddocks and in root crops which now promise to be better than usual round the foothills. Benefiting by the new growth stock has shown an improvement in condition. The last days of February and the first days of March were wonderfully fine. SPRINGBURN Mrs R. Pain, Orari, who has been spending a holiday with her mother, Mrs W. Norman, returned home on Sunday. As the expenses are very low the greater part of the £lO which was taken at the school show on Friday will go to the school funds. Since the local train service ceased catering for passengers no facilities have existed for the conveyance from Springburn of children to secondary schools at Ashburton, although a bifs service for this purpose has run from Mayfield. An endeavour is now being made to have such a service operate from Springburn to Ashburton. A meeting of the executive of the cherry blossom fair to be held at Mount Somcrs, was held at the Manse, Springburn. It was reported that the whole of the Springburn Presbyterian charge was working enthusiastically for the fair. Arrangements were made for stalls and stall-holders and some novel competitions were agreed upon. Mr T. D. Burnett, MP., replied stating that if possible he would attend to open the fair.