ASHLEY RIVER CONTROL

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22656, 10 March 1939, Page 6

ASHLEY RIVER CONTROL

TRUST TO MAKE AN

INSPECTION

PREPARATION FOR TAKING OVER OPERATION

Preparatory to taking over the operation of the Ashley-Thyer control, commissioners of the River Trust will make an all-day tour inspection of the river on March 17. The inspection will cover stopbanks. plantations, groynes, and otlier protective works within the trust’s area—a 12-mile length from a pointi above the Okuka river to the sea. Members of the trust to make the inspection, and who will meet in Rangiora at 9 o'clock, will be Messrs F. Langbein (chairman), C. S. Ayers (deputy-chairman), H. J. Benjes, G.i A. Bruere, F. E. Martyn, J. Johnson, A. M. Carpenter, and J. Vette. The Public Works Department engineer at] Rangiora (Mr R. Mclntyre) will also/ be present.

AN EARLY SETTLER "IN CANTERBURY

RESIDENT OF RANGIORA FOR SIXTY YEARS

NINETY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY

ON MONDAY

Among the early settlers of North Canterbury is Mr T. Keir, who came to New Zealand 73 years ago. Mrs Keir, who has resided in North Canterbury for more than 60 years and in Christchurch for the last 11 years, will celebrate her ninety-seventh birthday on Monday. When Mrs Keir was interviewed yesterday during a few days’ stay in Rangiora, she expressed her willingness to give details of her arrival in New Zealand and her subsequent move to North Canterbury. She arrived at Lyttelton in March, 1866, on the ship Victory, and later joined her husband, who had preceded her on the ship Mermaid in 1864". The couple moved to Rangiora in 1867 at a time when Rangiora was a “small market town with a few shops and a blacksmith,” and took up residence in Ivory street in a house which is still in existence.

Until his death in 1911, Mr Keir was a partner in the building Arm of Keir and Boyd. Mrs Keir resides in Christchurch with Miss J. Keir, the only surviving member of her family.

RANGIORA RAINFALL

FIGURES FOR THIRTY-HOUR

PERIOD

More than three-quarters of an inch of rain fell in Rangiora in the 30-hour period up to midday yesterday, this being more than the total fall for February. A gauge. at the Rangiora High School farm gave the reading at 77 points.

SWIMMING

CARNIVAL ARRANGED AT RANGIORA

The holding of a carnival on Saturday has been decided on by the Rangiora Amateur Swimming Club. Proposals, as discussed at the club’s meeting this week, are for a good range of events for senior competitors, secondary school children, and primary school children. A team of Christchurch swimmers has been invited. The events will include a number of novelty items such as plate-diving and cork scrambles. The club decided to offer prizes valued at £5, and to make no admission charges.

WAIKARI TENNIS CLUB

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES AT DANCE There was a very large attendance, including visitors from surrounding clubs, at a dance in the Waikari Hall organised by the Waikari Tennis Club. A staisfactory profit was made for the club’s fund. Mr C. H. Bethell, president of the club, presented Mr J. McCreanor, for the members of the tennis and miniature rifle clubs, with a gold wristlet watch. Mr McCreanor will leave shortly to take up a position at Ethelton. Mr J. Rydings, for the Hurunui Lawn Tennis Sub-Association, presented the trophies won in the recent sub-associ-ation’s competitions as follows: — Women’s singles, Mrs M. Wright (Ha* warden); women’s doubles, Mrs M. Wright and Mrs S. Scott (Hawarden); mixed doubles, C. Saundercock and Miss B. Megowan (Waikari): mens singles, C. Saundercock (Waikari); men’s doubles, F. Shadbolt and C. Saundercock (WaikariL , Music for dancing was played by the Hawarden Dance Band and extras by Mrs W. Traill. Mr W. Traill was master of ceremonies.

DANCE AT ASHLEY BANK An enjoyable dance arranged by the Ashley Bank Tennis Club was held in the school. There was a good attendance. Dance music was played by Mrs J. A. Vallance (piano), and Mr J. A. McKenzie (drums), and extras by Mr R. Brain. . _ Novelty dances were won by Miss B. Rollinson (Sefton) and partner, and Miss M. O’Connor and partner.

MOTHERS’ UNION

ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT HORORATA The annual meeting of the Hororata branch of the Mothers’ Union was held recently. The following officers were elected; Presiding member and corresponding secretary, Mrs C. W. I. Maclaverty; vice-presidents, Mesdames E. A. Gray apd T. B, Jones; secretary and treasurer, Mrs H. H. Thorne; committee. Mesdames E. Fleming, C. Duckmanton, F. N. Wright, and L. Parker. The vicar (the Rev. C. W. I. Maclaverty) read a paper on “The Reading of the Bible.” Afternoon tea .was then served.