MID-CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21715, 24 February 1936, Page 6

MID-CANTERBURY

ASHBUBTON FURTHER DIPHTHERIA CASES ■■ , ■ Two further cases of diphtheria from the Eiffelton area, making 14 notifications since the outbreak more than a week ago, were reported to the county health , inspector (Mr E. N. Johnson) on Saturday. One of the cases was at Longbeach and the other at Isleworth. Both are young children and are members of families among whom the disease has_been reported during the week. The Eiffel, ton School will remain closed to-day and to-morrow. ... : k v ,__. p Sneaking to a representative of "The Press" yesterday, Mr Johnson said all the cases in the Eiffelton area were confined to children of the Dartment of the school, and if there were no further cases he would allow the Eiffelton School to reopen on Wednesday morning. Storm Damage

The damage done fey the flood on Thursday and Friday on land Adjacent to the Ashburton river between Tinwald and Ashton was inspected by Messrs D. J Morrow (chapman) > I Moore, and S. P. Taylor (members), and G Kelly (clerk) of the Ashburton County Council, at the request of farmers in the district on Saturday morning. They were accompanied over part of the area by Messrs H. B. MllHchamp (chairman) and W. Bryant, of the Tinwald Town Board. During every severe flood in the Ashburton river hundreds of acres in this district are swamped ,by the overflow of the Ashburton river. Representatives of the local bodies were met by farmers affected by the flood >nd a discussion took place on the control of the river by protective works to prevent a repetition of the severe damage on Friday, when sheaves from paddocks were carried two to three miles, blocking culverts and water races, and ploughed land was washed away. ....... ,: Mr Morrow indicated that he would recommend the county council to have an estimate of the cost of constructing a stop bank along portion of the bank of the river and the removal of willows from the bed of the river, prepared by the engineer. The legal position creates a difficulty as far as the county council is concerned, as the river runs through districts controlled by the council, the Tinwald Town Board, the Wakanui River Board, and Longbeach Road Board. Damage to roads and also at the south approach to the Ashburton traffic bridge were also inspected, and a report will be made to the next meeting of the council, Rainfall

A further 18 points were added to the rainfall for this month during the 24 hours ending 9 a.m. on Saturday, making a total of 104 inches since February 1. The total rainfall since January, 1, is 11.18 'inches, equal to more than one-third of the total rainfall for the whole of. last year. According to statistics available yesterday, this month is the wettest on record, the nearest approach since 1914 being 9.05 inches in May, 1923. The heaviest fall in February of any year since 1914 was 4.67 inches in February, 1514. The average rainfall for February over the last 25 years is 2.12 inches. The most rain experienced in any one year since 1914 was 38143 inches in 1925.

Unemployment Unemployment registrations at Ashburton this week, total 123, of which 112 men will receive the sustenance payment, and 11 are employed by the Ashburton Borough Council under scheme No 5.

Magistrate's Court A statutory first offender, who was arrested in East street on Friday afternoon, was convicted and discharged by Mr R. Kerr, Justice; trf the Peace; at a sitting of the Magistrate's Court on Saturday morning; County Bates

The rates of the Ashburton County Council have come in remarkably well this year, and up to the time of closing, the council's office on Saturday, about £4060 was outstanding. The total amount levied was £29,271, of which about £25,211 has been paid. The last day for payment before the 10 per cent, penalty is imposed, is Friday. Personal

The Kcv. R. B. Tinsley, Auckland, and formevlv of Ashburton. conducted the services at the Baring Square Methodist Church yesterday. Two Men Injured

Robert Harris and George Harris, miners of Mount Somers, were admitted to the Public Hospital on Friday night, Robert Harris, with internal injuries, and George Harris with injuries to his head, received in a motor accident on the road, between Mayfield and Mount Somers. Last evening both were reported to be improving.

Picnics Postponed

Because of the unsettled weather the St. Stephen's Sunday School picnic which war, to have been held at Corsair Bay on Saturday, was postponed. The Eaßt Ashburton Swimming Club's picnic, set down for yesterday, was also postponed.

Band Concert

Under the conductorship of Mr E. R. Hopwood, the Ashburton Silver Band gave a concert at Tuarangl Home yesterday, the items being enjoyed by the inmates and staff. The programme was as follows:—March, "Vampire"; selection, "Musical Memories"; fox-trot, "Smoke Gets in Your Ewes"; euphonium solo, "My Old Kentucky Home" (Lance-Corporal T. A. Miller); waltz, "Loudoii"; hymn, "Jesu Lover of My Soul" (Hollingside); intermezzo, "Lazy Pete"; selection, "Rustic Revelry"; march, "Swing Along."

MOUNT SOMERS To raise funds for the proposed picnic to Timaru, the Mount Somers School Committee held a dance in the Memorial Hall. Because of the wet night, the attendance was small, and a loss resulted. Music was played by Cook's Orchestra (Lyndhurst), and extras ~by Mrs S. Mactier and Mrs TV. McClimont and Mr G. Randall. Messrs P. Gifkins arid J. King were masters of ceremonies.

WILLOWBY Miss Kathleen Stoddart, who is leaving to take up a position in the Post Office at Wellington, was bidden goodbye at a social by the members of the club. Regret at the necessity for Miss Stoddart's leaving the district and best wishes for her future were expressed for the club by Mr R. J. Chapman (captain), who made a presentation of a delightful bedroom clock to tha guest of honour.

Personal The Rev. Robert McGregor and Mrs McGregor, who have been attending the annual Methodist Conference in Christchurch, have returned home. Miss Kathleen Stoddart. who has been appointed to a position in the Wellington Post Office, will leave on Saturday.

RAKAIA The Anglican Church held its harvest festival service yesterday. Three services were held during the dayl Th« morning and evening services were conducted by the Rev. H. J. W. Knights and Mr R. H. Bigger. The offering and the fruit and vegetables will be sent to St. Saviour's Orphanape (Christehurch).

Social Evening Members of the Anglican Church held an enjoyable evening in St. Mark's schoolroom on Saturday even* Ing. The guest of honour was Miss F. Cornelius, who is leaving the district soon to be married. For the church the Rev. H. J. W. Knights presented Miss Cornelius with a jardiniere. In making the presentation, Mr Knights expressed regret *at the departure of Mies Cornelius. A pleasant evening was spent in games, competitions, and dancing. Competitions were won by Misses F. Cornelius, E. Kidd, and C. Shannon. A Monte Carlo waltz and a lucky spot on*-step were both won by Miss B. Cornelius Mr G. Morland. Music for the dancing and games was played bv Misses F. Cornelius. J. Breach, C. Shannon, Messrs E. Anderson and S. Shellock. Mr Knights was master of ceremonies.