MID-CANTERBURY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20028, 8 February 1935, Page 4

MID-CANTERBURY

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS ASHBURTON, February 7. Fire In Dump: Although a considerable volume of water was pumped into the pit yesterday, the fire which broke out in the rubbish dump in the Ashburton Domain on Tuesday afternoon was still alight 10-day. A water-race was diverted into the dump to completely extinguish the heaps of smouldering refuse. Produce Market: Business on the Ashburton grain, seed and produce market has been brisk during the week. Offerings of milling wheat have not been so heavy, and millers are still accepting choice lines. There is a good demand for Jumbuck variety. The fowl wheat market remains firm, and supplies are

not offering freely. There has been a demand for last season’s Algerian oats for autumn sowing. The demand for grass seed, cocksfoot and clover is good, there being a fair inquiry. Oatsheaf chaff is also inquired for, but few sales are reported. The following are prices to be paid to farmers, on trucks, at countrj' stations, sactfs extra, unless otherwise mentioned:— Wheat: Good whole fowl wheat 3/5, wheat seconds 3/-. Oats: Gartons 1/9 to 2/-, Algerians 1/8 to 1/10, Duns 1/9 to 2/- per bushel. Chaff: Good bright oatsheaf ."3/15/per ton. Grass seeds: Perennial Italian and Western Wolths 1/9 to 2/3, cocksfoot 6£d to Td, white clover 6d to 9d.

“Rather Absurd”: The Ashburton Borough School Committee met last evening, Dr. J. Connor (chairman) presiding. The headmaster (Mr H. Colquhoun) reported that the roll number at the end of last year was 413 and the average attendance for the quarter 386.4. I ifty-five pupils left at the end of the year and 42 new ones were enrolled, making the roll now 400. With two classes without teachers on account of non-appointments there was some disorganisation at present. “It is rather absurd,” said the chairman with reference to the closing of the schools at midday each day until February 19. Such action was reasonable on a day like Tuesday, he considered, but the committees should have been given some discretion in the matter. It was ridiculous to have the school closed on a cool day like yesterday. The speaker also expressed surprise that the Education Board had not officially notified committees of the decision to close. For the visiting committee, Mr Wood reported that the grounds were in good order, but very dry. The grass had been cut before the school opened.

Fire Menace: An outbreak of fire, believed to have been started by the Springburn-Ash-burton goods train, was discovered in one of the county shingle-pits at Llount Somers shortly after the train passed on Tuesday afternoon. In a short time about 30 fire-fighters were on the scene, and as plenty of water was available, the outbreak was soon brought under control. Had the fire

got out of control several residences would have been endangered, and it was fortunate that the wind, which shortly afterwards veered to the northwest, did not change sooner, as it would have been almost impossible to have saved Mr H. Alexander’s residence, which adjoins the reserve. Poisoning Campaign: To consider the eradication of the rabbit pest, farmers in the Pendarves district held a meeting last evening. There was a good attendance, Mr A. P. Bruce presiding. Those present were unanimously of the opinion that concerted action would have to be taken to safeguard the district. It was decided that a general poisoning campaign should be commenced immediately, the following committee being set up to make arrangements:— Messrs J. W. Watson. P. Doig, F. Johnson, J. Lambie and F. W. Ironside. This committee will act with the Ashburton stock inspector (Mr J. W. Smith) and take whatever steps are thought necessary to exterminate the pest. Mr Smith gave an address on how* to deal with rabbits and the methods of poisoning, and was accorded a vote of thanks on the motion of Mr Lambie. Water Supply Gives Out: Because of the long dry spell the springs which feed the Methven highpressure water supply have given out, and it is fortunate that the main water-race intake from the North Branch of the Ashburton River at Locks adjoins the township system and supplies of water are now being drawn from this source. Provided no freshes in the river occur to discolour the water, the service will prove eminently satisfactory.