ASHWICK FLAT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19987, 20 December 1934, Page 14

ASHWICK FLAT

i Contributed.) For the last week summer weather has prevailed and seasonable work has been pushed on. In most cases land requires a lot of work to obtain a decent finish, as it has baked hard after being waterlogged for so long. Sorrel and other weeds have made much growth. Grain crops which, for the most part, are late sown, soon feel a few days drying weather. Constant showers -will be required to ensure a reasonable return. There has been prolific growth of pasture and hay crops should be abundant. We note the proposal to come before Parliament in the February session, regarding Farmers’ Finance, and the suggested legislation will be studied. Any proposal to consolidate finance and give relief in the field of interest, will be welcome. At the same time we question the correctness of the title of this measure. We never yet knew of a mortgage of any kind resulting in a corporation, so. indeed, this mortgage corporation will be something to look forward to. The annual break up and prizegiving at the Ashwick Flat School took place on Monday afternoon. There was a good attendance of parents and others, and a pleasant time was spent. Mr Mackenzie Black, chairman of the school committee, expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present, congratulated the school teacher, Mr W. J. Burgess, on the excellent report he had received from the inspector, and wished the children a happy holiday. The Rev. Father Gallaher distributed the prizes, after giving a short address suitable to the occasion. The prize list is as follows: Form 111. —Mark Hutt. Form I.—Grace Allan 1. Bernard Whyte 2. Standard IV —Gay Allan 1, Melville Doyle 2. Eric Whyte 3. Standard lll.—Keith Allan 1. Gwen Jones 2, Walter Valentine, Kevin O’Reilly. Standard II —Pauline Whyte. Standard I —Jack Hutt. Nan Grant. lA, Marjory Doyle. Vincent Jones. P 3 Ross. Stella Jones. Pl.—Margaret Whyte. Literary prize—Grace Allan (top girl of school): Bernard Whyte (top boy of school). Mr and Mrs Burgess were presented by the children with tokens of esteem. A short play. “Monday Morning,” was given by some of the children and was appreciated. Afternoon tea was then dispensed, and a pleasant gathering terminated. The last seeds are being sown in life’s field of 1934. seed that will grow and brighten or darken the years to come. And weeds will grow from seeds that have been sown, seeds of mistrust, envy and jealousy, weeds that our churches and institutions are ever trying to eradicate. We look back over the year and we recall deeds of heroism and self sacrifice performed for the good of the race, self buried deep under the desire to alleviate distress. It may be that we commenced the year with hopes that all our troubles were over, hopes that have failed to materialise, nevertheless we are slowly rolling back the curtain that hangs before the mystery ol the universe, bringing ever nearer that day when man shall hold the key to all that is good and beautiful and shall be armed with forces of love and justice that shall prevail against the forces of evil.

And what of the year that stands so silent before us? What seeds are we going to sow along its path in preparation for the harvest later? The dark shadow of war seems to hover over the distant lands, and it would seem that the savage instinct of man is ever near the surface, but you and I in our little corner can do our part by thinking peace, speaking peace, and aiding those who are fostering peace ideals in our land. Through the coming days we shail watch for the red car and “The Herald” to learn the doings of other lands and the progress of our own. Day by day the curtain rolls back a little further. Day by day we will see a little clearer, and when the bell shall ring down the curtain on 1935 it is our earnest hope that all may have experienced that wish so universal today, a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.