ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18937, 6 December 1929, Page 5

ASHBURTON NEWS.

SHEARING. After a temporary hold up as a result .of the tvet -weather, shearing was in full swing yesterday. On the coast side of the main south railway the majority of fanners are practically cut out. The quality of the wool is not as good as in the previous year, on account of the protracted spell of cold, drv weather and the backwardness of the season so tar as the growth of feed was concerned. A PLAGUE OF RATS. An eastern district farmer had reason to complain Q f the depredations of rats, which appear to be more numerous than usual. His attention was attracted bv the hurried exit of a well-proportioned and apparently well-fed rodent from the covering of the family bacon, which was hanging in one of the outbuildings. His suspicions being aroused, he made an examination and much to his disgust found only the skin, which hung like a lantern from the rafters. Several farmers who wefre questioned yesterday stated that they had not seen so many rats about the outbuildings and stacks for many years. In the borough of Ashburton the pest is also creating a nuisance, and it appears there would be a good thing in it for the expert ratcatcher, as both the Borough and County Councils are paying out 6d pentad. SCHOOL PICNICS. Summer weather prevailed for the school excursions to Timaru yesterday, and those who went south with the Ashburton Bast School picnic train, which carried over 800 passengers, spent an enjoyable day at Caroline Bay. The annual school excursion of the Barr hill and Dunsandel Schools to Ti* maru will take place to-day. The Springbum School picnic was held in the Ashburton Domain yesterday and was attended by about 160 children and adults, who spent the day in games and sports in beautiful surroundings. ODDFELLOWS. There was a large attendance at the fortnightly meeting of the Hakatere Lodge. No. 68, 1.0.0. F. Mr J. Wilkinson presided. Votes of sympathy were passed in connection with, the bereavements of Mr M’Donald and Brothers K. and R. M’llwraith. One transfer to Christchurch was approved. Seven candidates were proposed and five elected. The Washington Lodge wrote thanking Hakatere members for their hospitality on the occasion of the farmers’ recent visit to Ashburton. An invitation to attend a social from Wakanui Lodge, No. 111, was accepted. TREATMENT OF CONSUMPTION. Medical practitioners in Ashburton were asked for an opinion yesterday on the claims made by an Auckland clergyman regarding a cure for tuberculosis. They had heard nothing beyond what had appeared in the daily newspapers. One doctor said he had seen the message referred to, but it all sounded too good to be true. Another doctor said all these things were very indefinite. If there was anything substantial in the claims of the northern minister, the medical profession would soon know about it. He did not know who might be the doctor who had agreed to keep the matter a secret, but that was contrary to medical practice. If a doctor became aware of a cure for any disease he was bound to make it public so that all might benefit. As to the new cure, it had to be tried out, under proper supervision . Doctors did not go on experimenting with their patients in matters of this kind, and no doubt the doctor spoken of would soon bring the matter before the British Medical Association. Thousands of “cures” for tuberculosis had been advanced over a long period, everything from gold to dross, but it seemed that they were as far off as ever. The only thing at present was the sanatorium treatment. CYCLE ROAD RACE. On Saturday afternoon a twentv mile road race round the Grove Farm block xrili be conducted bv the Tinwald Cash Cycling Club. This will be included in the competition for the Coldicott Cup. The handicaps are:— H. O’Connor (Rakaia), W. J. Tod (Tinwald), J. O’Reillv (Rakaia), G Horton (Ashburton’, W. Wells (Ra Oakley (Tinwald), J. Lawler (Rakaia), A. Wells (Rakaia), scr; S. Pluck (Rakaia), 2£min; W. Parkes (Ashburton), S. WatsOn (Tinwald), N Jlawke (Lowcliffe), L. Betteridge (Ash burton). 3fmin; I. Dalton (Seafield), , ■ Hubbard (Ashburton),' J. Samuels (Ashburton), 4*min; C. Shierlaw (Ashburton), 5-imin; B. Cain (Tinwald). L Arnst (Ashburton), B. Hamlin (Ashburton). T. Muir (Ashburton), J. Ede (Tmwald), 6min; J. M’Gee (Tinwald). llmin. The riders with points for the cup are:—W. Oakley 26 points, S. Pluck 16. E. Hubbard 16, L. Betteridge 16, G Horton 10. W. J. Tod 9, J. Chadderton 8, J. Samuels 6, L. Arnst 6, N Hawke 4 and J. O’Reilly 4. ALLENTON SCHOOL. Mr R. Houston presided over the monthly meeting of the Allenton School Committee. Others present were: Messrs C. Maynard, H. Breach. H. Greaves, G. Harris, G. Solway and J. M Elhinney, Mr G. E. M’Curdy (act-ing-head master) was in attendance cind reported that the average roll for the month was 233, and aver age attendance 203. The pro ficiency examination was held during the month, but the results were not yet to hand. Five pupils had been granted their proficiency on the head master’s recommendation. The tern, had been completed, and the results were quite satisfactory. The secretary was instructed to write to the nurse in charge of the dental clinic with regard to some pupils in P 4 who had not been charted for treatment. was decided to hold the annual concert on Saturday, De cember 14, and the break-up ceremony on Wednesday, December 18. The Visiting Committee reported the school grounds in good order. Messrs Harris and Greaves were appointed a Visiting Committee for the ensuing month. PERSONAL. Mr E. S. Chambers, of New Brighton, has been appointed head master of the Allenton School and wilt commence duties after the term holidays. MOTORS IN COLLISION. A motor accident occurred at corner of Cast; and Peter Streets at 5.30 p.m. yesterday, when a Chevrolet sedan, driven by Mrs Buchler, of Dromore, travelling north, collided with a Ford tourer, driven by Mr N. Marsh, who was proceeding in the direction of East’ Street. The impact turned the Chevrolet on its side, doing extensive damage to the body. The driver and Mrs Harris, the other occupant, were unable to get out until it; was lifted back on to its wheels. Mrs Buchler suffered from shock, and Mrs Harris received minor injuries. Mr Marsh had with him his wife and two friends. All escaped injury. The front axle of the car, and a mudguard were damaged