MID-CANTERBURY NEWS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21802, 6 June 1936, Page 8

MID-CANTERBURY NEWS

CONTROL OF RIVERS

BOARD TO BE FORMED ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL’S DECISION

A decision to take steps to form itself into a river board to control the rivers in the Ashburton county, was reached at the meeting of the Ashburton County Couhcil yesterday. “The growth' of willows, gorse, and, broom in the Ashburton riverbed is causing ver' great concern, not only to the council, but to the owners of land near the river, as the waterway is being restricted, causing serious loss to farmers bv the flooding of their properties,” said the chairman (Mr hj Frampton), in his statement on the subject. The council, although willing to assist, was unable to do so, as it had no power to undertake any work except in localities where its roads or bridges were threatened, he stated. The multiplicity of local bodies having control of area subjoining the river also caused confusion, as it was difficult to define the responsibility for necessary works, or to organise concerted action. It was also doubtful if the local bodies had full legal power to undertake all necessary works of river control as the diversion of water, which might be brought about by the erection of stop banks or by the clearing of obstructions, might lead to claims for damages. The Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) had been asked to set up a commission of engineers to investigate the position, and he had agreed to survey the whole area provided the council paid £3OO of the total cost of £BOO. The survey was under way. and would take five months to complete. The council had suggested to the Minister that clearing of the willows in the riverbed was national work suitable for unemployed. As both branches of the Ashburton river were affected, as well as the Hinds river, and as the area would extend from the sea for a distance of 25 miles, it would be difficult to decide on the area of land which would benefit by river work. Thq formation of a district should therefore be deferred until the survey was completed. The Wakanui River Board already controlled the Ashburton river for a length from near Ashburton to the sea, and no doubt a union of this district with the upper district could be arranged. , , Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., wrote that he and Mr H. E. Herring, M.P., had waited on the Minister for Employment (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) with a request that unemployed labour be used. The Minister was considering help probably along the lines of £2 5s for each man from the Labour Department and £1 5s advanced by the Government to the local body interested ah a very low rate of interest. “I thought the Government was going to set up a commission to consider river protection, and to allocate the cost to each local body concerned,” said Mr D. J. Morrow. The urgency of some protective work alon" the banks of the Ashburton river was stressed by Mr S. P. Taylor. Mr J. Bland said he would like to see the council take an active part in river protection. The Government was looking for useful work for men, and the work mentioned should be represented as urgent. “The Ashburton river is a serious menace to land along its banks,” he stated. Mr H. C. B. Withell moved, and Mr Taylor seconded, that the council take steps to have itself formed into a river board to control the rivers in the Ashburton county.

This was agreed to, and it was decided that ste’-s be taken to have a special bill prepared and placed before Parliament vesting the control of the rivers in the council.

ASHBURTON BOXING ASSOCIATION

TOURNAMENT ON THURSDAY

A meeting of the general committee of the Ashburton Boxing Association was held with Mr H. D. Johnston (president) presiding. Mr H. R. McElrea reported on the meeting of sports association representatives convened by the Advance Ashburton Association about the Labour Day, gala, and said that he had given an assurance that the Boxing Association would assist with boxing contests If desired. It was proposed to hold a queen carnival, and if A sports queen was nominated, the sports bodies would assist in running a 1 queen. Mr J. Musson thanked the association for N. H. Fisher (Olympic boxing representative) and himself, for the travelling rug presented by the association, and also Mr J. H. Grigg for his generous donation towards the funds raised to enable Fisher to make the trip. The secretary, Mr G. V. Furby, presented the financial report on the last tournament, which showed a small loss. It was decided to proceed with the negotiations for a professional contest provided a suitable match could be arranged for a reasonable purse.

It was resolved to hold match and novice contests on Thursday. The following officers were appointed:—Referees, Messrs A. N. Grigg and H. D. Johnston; judges, Messrs J. H. Grigg, H. R. McElrea, J. B. Cullen, C. Stock, and F. Crum; announcer. Mr F. Porter; time-keepers, Messrs F. Robilliard and C. B. Gass; official seconds, Messrs N. Kerr and D. Wellman; scales, doctor s and competitors’ stewards, Messrs G. Brown, G. Nutbrown, and H. Rainey; house steward, Mr M. Keeley; gioves steward, Mr J. W. Smith; rounds steward, Mr T. Hookings.

ASHBURTON PLUNKET SOCIETY

The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Plunket Society was held yesterday, when the president ( Mrs F. W. Seldon) presided. The nurse reported that 34 homes in the town and 82 in the country were visited, and 64 visits were made to the town rooms and 268 made to country rooms. It was announced that at the annual meeting to be held on June 26. Mrs Cracroft Wilson, the Christchurch president, would be the speaker.

ASHBURTON PERSONALS

.Major H. C. Coffin, of Wellington (territorial secretary of Salvation Army Bands), will arrive to-day to conduct tue annual band festival *of the Ashburton Saivation Army Band, during the week-end. Bandsman E. Danholt (violinist), of Christchurch, will also take part in the festival. A solo competition, in which 17 local bandsmen will take part, will be held in conjunction with the festival.

COUNTY COUNCIL

TENDERS FOR NEW OFFICES TO BE CALLED POLL FOR METHVEN DRAINAGE A meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held yesterday, when there were present Messrs F. Frampton (chairman), J. Carr, W. G. Gallagher, H. C. B. Vvithell. J. Lambie, R. Houston, D. J. Morrow, H. J. Crothers, J. Bland, C. A, Campion, and F. P. Taylor. Mr J. Davidson (Lyndhurst) wrote protesting against the construction of the Winchmore irrigation, channel along the road on his frontage, Lyndhurst road, as he said the road would be made too narrow, and it would be a danger and a nuisance to stock. Mr J. Riddell (assistant irrigation engineer to the Public Works Department) wrote that in the first place Mr Davidson had protested against the race being run down his frontage, and after the position had been explained to him he had accepted th 3 race being partly on his property and partly on the road rather than wholly on his property. Mr Bland said that at the corner near Thompson’s track bridge four feet of land had been gained and the Public Works Department would place a white rail along the race bank at the corner so that there would be no danger. Mr Campion said the race was placed on the road to appease Mr Davidson. The council had missed a good opportunity to widen the road at a point 10 chains from the corner in question. Mr Houston maintained that Mr Davidson was right in his objection. It was agreed that the chairman Messrs Carr, Campion, Houston. Bland, the irrigation engineer (Mr Riddell), the county engineer (Mr K. A. Vezey), and Mr Davidson, meet on the spot to decide the question. On the recommendation of the South Rakaia Road Board which forwarded a petition from 16 residents of Rakaia, it was agreed to erect an electric light at the corner of Robinson and Cridland streets, and also another light at the corner of the main highway and Railway terrace east to supply light to the railway crossing in the vicinity. The necessity for rounding off the corner on the Lagmhor road near the church was mentioned by Mr Bland. It was reported that the matter was receiving the attention of the engineer. It was decided to take a poll of Methven ratepayers on July 16 on the question of raising a loan of £6870 for the installation of the underground drainage system at Methven. The clerk (Mr G. Kelly) said that the estimates for the scheme were based on 10s a day for labour, but since there had been an increase to 16s a day, the extra cost of the scheme would be £1706. It was decided that this question could be considered after the result of the poll was known, and tenders had been received. It was suggested that the Government might assist with the extra cost as it did with the Hampstead drainage scheme. It was decided that tenders be called for the erection of new offices for the council. ■

TRANSPORT TO ALLENTON SCHOOL

PETITION TO DEPARTMENT A deputation of parents of Winchmore children attending the APenton School waited on the Allenton School Committee on Thursday evening with a request that the bus route be extended to 40 miles, instead of the 30 miles at present, so that the first child taken on by the bus in the morning* could be the first off at night. Mr B. J. Evans, for the deputation, also requested that the run should start and finish at the Allenton School, instead of at Winchmore. The committee decided to asked the Canterbury Education Board to forward the petition to the Education Department. It was also decided to send a copy to Mr H. E. Herring, M.P.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE

The monthly meeting of the Allenton School Committee was held on Thursday evening, when there were present:—Messrs E. C. Bathurst (chairman). H. G. Ferricr. G. H. Rollinson, D. H. Moore, J. Boothroyd, J. Gibson, W. James, and J. McElhlnncy. The headmaster (Mr E. S. Chambers) reported that Miss N. O. Hopkins started her duties on May 25. Messrs F. A. Bates and S. A. Clark (inspectors) had visited the school. Several dual desks had been broken through constant removal, and required repairing as soon as possible. Mr W. Hunter was trying to make a lawn between the school and Allen’s road. Thirty shrubs were being obtained from the curator of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The report was adopted. It was reported that the school’s fancy dress dance showed a profit of £lO 14s.

WINCHMORE WOMEN’S DIVISION

The Winchmore branch of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union celebrated the third birthday with a social evening. The music was played by Macdonald’s Orchestra, with extras by Mrs Nutt (Motukarara) and Mr Hunt. A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Miss Margaret Dwyer and Mr M. Dwyer. The winners of the cards were Mrs P. Prebble, Miss E. Sparrow, Mr Toner, and Mr J. Davidson. The president, Mrs F. A. Scott, called on Mrs C. Hunt, president of the Greenstreet branch, to light the three candles on the cake, and Mrs M. Mackle, president of the Methven branch, to blow them out. Mrs Begg, of the Ashburton Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, cut the-cake. Others who spoke were Mrs Nutt, Motukarara, and Mrs A. Gadd, Lyndhurst. Mr J. Shearer and Mr J. Shearer, jun.. were masters of ceremonies. Social Evening The .fortnightly social evening was held in the Winchmore hall. The prizes were won by Mrs R. Pearson Mrs J. Davidson. Mr W. Withell, and Mr J. O’Grady. A novelty dance was won by Miss Anderson and Mr RussCll. Music was played by Miss J. Macdonald with extras by Miss P. Holland and Mr Johnston. Mr J. Bland, jun., was master of ceremonies.

BARR HILL

Pupils from the Rokeby School visited Barrhill to play friendly games of basketball and football with the Barrhill pupils. The basketball was won by Rokeby by 11 points to 10. while the football was won by Barrhill by 50 points to 0. Miss Honeywell controlled the basketball game, and Mr Drew refereed the football. At the conclusion of the games the visiting players were entertained to afternoon tea.

CROWN TENANTS

ANNUAL MEETING AT ASHBURTON

FREE TRANSPORT OF CHILDREN A motion that the Minister for Education (the Hon. P, Fraser) should be advised that no attempt had been made by the department to provide free transport for children to primary and secondary schqols, and also that the matter be given favourable consideration, was carried at the annual meeting of the Ashburton branch of the New Zealand Crown Tenants’ Association yesterday. Mr J. H. Robertson (president) was in the chair. The balance-sheet showed that the year began with a credit of £1 13s sd, and closed with a credit of £4 Is lid. In his annual review the president said interest seemed to be waning a year ago. The reason was that the association could not bring about revaluation. Crown tenants could now have a revaluation of their properties, and about 1500 to 2000 applications had been received some time ago. The chairman of the Revaluation Board was also the Commissioner of Crown Lands, and it would take about three years to complete the work. “It is obvious that the chairman of the Revaluations Board should be someone other than the Commissioner of Crown Lands,” said Mr Robertson. A man might be quite a good tenant, and quite a good farmer, but when he went before the Land Board with a case he usually lost his confidence, and did not state his case correctly. That was where the association was beneficial to the tenant, as it could take up his case, “I think it is the duty of the association to co-operate with the Government to whatever extent it is able,” said the president. He referred to the services given by the Ashburton Crown Lands Ranger (Mr J. C. C. McLachlan). Mr C. C. Winn considered that every effort should be made to build up a strong organisation, because the present Government had stated that it would only deal with organisations. He said that this was the difference between success and failure. Mr M. P. W. Blathwayt said that the opportunity before them to-day was probably greater than it had been before. Messrs B. Mac Kay, Blathwayt, and W. H. Amos were appointed to go into the question of reorganisation of the branch and draw up a list of suitable tenants to carry out a canvas of members, and report to the next meeting. The meeting went into committee to investigate the question thoroughly. Tne following officers were elected: —President, Mr B. Mac Kay (Mayfield); vice-president, Mr M. P. W. Blathwayt; secretary and treasurer, Mr W. H. Amos: committee, Messrs J. H. Robertson, R. W. Wightman, C. C. Winn, L, Aitken, and W. Rogers. Messrs Blathwayt and Winn were appointed delegates to the Dominion executive. Mr Aitken was appointed to accompany the delegates.

METHVEN PIPE BAND

Preliminary steps for the proper formation of the Methven Pipe Band were taken at a meeting held in-the Road Board’s offices. Mr Gerald Burrows presided. It was decided to register the band with the Pipe Bands’ Association of New Zealand, and that a further general meeting of supporters be held on June 16. Officers elected at the meeting were: Drum-major, Mr A. G. Foreman; pipemajor, Mr Robert Petrie; pipe-ser-geant, Mr R. G. Mauger; honorary secretary, Mr George Petrie; pipers, Messrs D. McKay, J. Lye, W. Grieve, G. Burrows. W. Wolfrey, W. K. Wilson, Allan Smith. G. Dickson; drummers, Messrs H. Ellis and J. Dickson.

LODGE MEETING AT RAKAIA

Bro. S. Bryant presided at a meeting of Court Star of Rakaia, A.0.F., held in St. Mark's Schoolroom. The woodwards reported one member on the sick list, and £1 16s 8d was passed for sick payment. An appeal for assistance from Court Hinds, Jamaica, British West Indies, which had suffered severe damage by earthquake and hurricane, was held over pending further information from the district.

Further accounts were passed for payment, Court Ashburton (for regalia) £9 Is 4d, and sick pay £3 19s 6d, provided the brother in question attended at the court to receive payment. Temperance Union Mr A. Wilson presided at the monthly meeting of the Rakaia branch of the Young People’s Christian Temperance Union held in St. Andrew’s schoolroom. An address was given by Mr S. Wilson, after which a social was conducted by Messrs R. Pluck and E. McGeorge. Supper was served by the ladies.

METHVEN WOMEN’S DIVISION

A monthly meeting of the Methven branch of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held in the Presbyterian Hall on Thursday, with Mrs M. Macale, president, presiding. Mrs Macale welcomed Mrs Johnson, president of the Mid-Canter-bury executive, and later Mrs Johnson gave an address on the aims and objects of the Women’s Division. The following appointments were made:— Delegates to Mid-Canterbury provincial executive, Mesdames S. G. Holmes, M. Macale, and J. R. Dalton: advisory members for housekeepers’ scheme, Mesdames M. Macale and Jos. Fleming. The sales table was in charge of Mesdames Macale and S. G. Holmes, and did *mod business. Mesdames A. J. McKay and W; G. Breach offered to act as hostesses for the next monthly meeting. The committee women acted as -hostesses for the inaugural meeting.

MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD

The monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board wag attended by Messrs A. F. Marr (chairman), R. J. S. Wilson, D. Hampton, C. A. Campion, and J. G. Ruddenklau. The clerk reported that the maintenance staff had engaged in repairs on three springs. Dip, Maginness’, and Waimarama roads. Crushing had ' been resumed and crushed metal had been put out on McKendry’s and Railway line roads. Tire water-race bridge on the Drayton road had been repaired and was now safe for traffic. The sum of £39 4s 4d in rates had been collected since last meeting, as well as £9 10s lid for rates of previous years. Total receipts collected to date were £1738 3s 9d, with payments deducted amounting to £478 13s 6d. Accounts amounting to £364 11s Id were passed for payment. Mr Marr was re-elected chairman and Mr Wilson treasurer. The Ashburton County Council advised that as soon as the money was available from the Government, the work of installing a culvert on Drayton rqad would be proceeded with. The board decided to levy a general rate of 5-16 of a penny in the £, on 75 per cent, of the original rateable values. Reporting to the board, the clerk stated that seven men were em-» ployed on relief work under Ute

5 scheme. Wages paid out amounted to £64 3s, making a total of £143 7s since the start of the scheme.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ SOCIAL CLUB A meeting of the committee of the^lmmslfutt^Mstrictße-|

iurned Soldiers’ Social Club was ore- i ov r by * Mr A ; c - Gadd (prest > dent). A motion of sympathy was ft**** to Mr Geo- Waddington in his SumotfiS ™ npl ' to «s* *•» <* secretary reported that a small 1 credit balance was in hand from the s recent reunion It was decided to ex- ‘ press appreciation to Mr J. F Stowe’s i t^L. club to l«ve 2 the use Mir H T

Wilson for providing visiting performers. ’wIBHI Somewhere there is has something you something you have. Bead “The Press” Classified tisemeats—l2 words