ASHBURTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 828, 5 October 1916, Page 10

ASHBURTON.

NOTES AND NEWS. From Our Own Correspondent A demonstration of the Jelbart oil tractor was given yesterday at Mr McElhinney's farm. It convinced the large number *of farmers present that the day of "Dobbin," with his capacity for consuming oats and chaff, whether working or not, is drawing to an end. The tractor ploughs, harrows, cultivates, drills, harvests, and supplies all the power required on the farm. It was shown drawing five furrows in grass land, and also a Grant cultivator and harrows. The Jelbart has three speeds,

runs on low grade kerosene, and is a British-made machine built in Australia. At the orchestral concert on Tuesday evening the baritone, Mr Andrews, sang "I Gave You a Gift," composed by Mrs Loughnan. The High School Board is at present receiving prospective pupils for the new preparatory department. In the past many inquiries have been received regarding this scheme, and now the board has decided to proceed with it. For country pupils board will be provided at the rectory.

The countryside is looking very fresh after the recent rain. The crops are coming away nicely, and the prevailing greens of the fields, combined with the brilliant gold of the gorse fences, presents a beautiful sight. The lady who collapsed on the train on Tuesday has now completely recovered, and she resumed her journey south yesterday, i The Christmas Gift Fund now stands at £l2l 2/-.