RICCARTON RECORDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17039, 12 May 1923, Page 10

RICCARTON RECORDS.

BOROUGH NOTES AND NEWS. (From Ocb CoßßxsroxDzxr:.) H OSPITA L BO AHD ELECTION S. The interest taken l>y residents in the election oi : candidates tor the Hospital Board v>as a ifee ted by the inelemont weather, and only between three and four hundred persons voted, out of a possible 231(3- lu tho Riccarton district Mr A. K. W tee re easily topped tlie poll, the figures being: Mr Steere 203, Mr Walter 13U, Mi Spencer 77. Mr A. E. Steere should be proud of the support accorded him, and it is to be regretted that he diu not do so well in the Waimairi County, an area, which is much larger and in which, of course, he is not so well known as in the Riccarton borough. His supporters can only wish him better luck next time. IS RICCARTON DAMP ? It is often heard that Riccarton is one of the dampest portions of the suburban districts of Christchurch. Old residents often talk of swamps ana j>tat, and tales of narrow escapes from drowning in hidden springs are lroquent. That was all before Riccarton was drained. The recent heavy rains have demonstrated the fact that Riccarton can weather the storm even better than some other ureas. Residents ol Harakeke Street are the only people with cause for complaint, the water in this street failing to get away as quickly as residents would have liked. However, in about eighteen hours the water had practically disappeared. Our drainage system has* therefore proved its worth, and is evidently equal to any emergency that may arise. Published pictures showing the present state of other localities, reveal the fact that our borough u not as damp as some would have it. There is only one person who may differ from the above, and that, is the boy who, while paddling in Harakeke Street, had the misfortune to walk into the sump, fully clothed. He was a good swimmer and nothing serious resulted.

MUD It is not one sees a motor bogged in Clarence Street.. Such vras the case on Wednesday, when a five sea ter car was observed to sink up to ;h» axle right in front of the Town Hall. True, the car had an exceptional load, and a softening of the surface might be expected after the heavy rains. Inquiries from workmen in the vicinity brought to light the fact that .the Post and Telegraph Depart menf are at present engaged installing an underground cable the full length of Clarence Street The presence ol water prevents them from packing the trench securely at present, so motorists are requested to proceed with caution. SURPR ISE PARTY. On Tuesday evening a. number of young people paid -a surprise visit to Mrs Calder, Maxwell Street, tlie party being organised by Misses G. Silby and M. Swanston. Musical items were contributed by Mrs Calder. and games and competitions were indulged in. Among those present were Mr? Calder. Misses J. Brocke!hurst, G. and J. Dickson, A. Marks, R. M’Savency, G. Silby and M. Swanston, Rev B. . Ivilroy, M.A., Messrs D. Askew, C. Hamilton, J. Heywood, H. MTntosh, B. Calder, A. Mackintosh and V. Calder. SALE OF WORK. The St James Ladies’ Guild met on Thursday afternoon at the Vicarage, when tberd were about a dozen ladies present. It has been decided to hold a sale of work in the Town Hall on W ednesday, May 16 (afternoon and evening). Besides needlework, there will be produce, cakes, sweets, hoop-la and afternoon tea. A programme of musical items will be included. Fine weather and a good attendance is hoped for to make it a great success. WHARENUI SCHOOL. The combined committee of householders and school committee met on Wednesday nigfi>. in the Wharenui School to make initial arrangements in connection with tlie -people’,! presentation to Mr R. Mounsey, formerly first assistant master at the school. It was decided to wait upon all residents in the Wharenui school district for subscriptions, and the district was subdivided into sections for the purpose. The secretary (Mr Singleton) said that ex-pupils and former residents of the district were keen to participate in the presentation.