ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18960, 6 January 1930, Page 5

ASHBURTON NEWS.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM TO HOLD FIELD DAY. To-morrow a field day will be held at the Ashburton Experimental Farm where farmers will inspect the potato trials in connection with certification of crops. Mr J. W. Hadfield, agronomist, of the Plant Research Station, will give a short address on the various phases of the work on the plots. IMPRESSIONS OF HAKATERE. “Hakatere is well worth development as a seaside resort,” in the opinion of an American visitor to Ashburton. Its long frontage of over two miles, from Wakanui River mouth to Ashton, with fine shingle walks, and excellent bathing pond, offered an excellent opportunity for enterprise. The settlement, sheltered in a horseshoe, girded by a plateau and pine ridge, could be transformed into a lovely garden and sea city free from many dangers usually associated with the seaside. It could be made a children’s and young peoples paradise—with terraces and walks unexcelled anywhere in Canterbury, said the visitor. “Get busy, make plans, but keep the tentacles of the trust element out, and you have in prospect one of the finest assets of the future—and one that will help cultivate a vigorous and healthy manhood and womanhood," were the concluding remarks of the visitor. TWO MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. A middle-aged man, Frederick George Sheehan, appeared at the Magistrate’s Court on Saturday before Mr C. Tucker, J.P., and Mr A. H. Fenn, J.P., on charges of being an incorrigible rogue, in that he had insufficient lawful means of support. Senior-Sergeant Martin explained that Sheehan was one of the defendants in connection with the “Marble Bar” case which came before the court a short time ago, when he was convicted of being idle and disorderly. On the previous evening he was at Seafield, and acted as if he wished to commit suicide. He was also seen drinking sea-water. Accused was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. CHRISTIAN STUDENT CONFERENCE. The members of the New Zealand Christian Student at present attending the conference in Ashburton held a picnic at Longbeach on Saturday, and in spite of the gale which raged all day, they spent a most enjoyable time in games, etc., amidst the picturesque surroundings of the w-orld-famous homestead. At the annual convention of the movement held previously, it was stated that financially it had been a hard year, but they had come through it successfully. By the end of November all debts had been paid and the bal-ance-sheet showed a satisfactory position. It was decided to support a scheme by which a native South African student could go through his medical course in New Zealand and then return to work in his homeland. The cost would not exceed £ l/ “I at the most, and with concessions this sum would be reduced considerably. It was decided to set up a committee to make preliminary arrangements. Miss Gavin is directly supported by the Student Christian Movement in her work in India, and it was decided to keep her there until July, 1932. It was decided to appoint someone (preferably a member of the British Student Christian Movement) to select and purchase new books for the v ew Zealand movement. ** CRICKET ACCIDENT. Arthur Charles Hooper (Rakaia) sustained an injury to his right cheek as the result of being struck by a cricket ball while playing in a match at Fairfield on Saturday. He was admitted to the County Hospital for treatment. EXCURSION TRAINS. The excursion trains were well patronised yesterday. The first from Christchurch carried 300, and the second 500. Eighty-six persons from Ashburton joined these trains. The train from Timaru carried 300 people sixty-four joining it at Ashburton. GIRL GUIDES. Girl Guides from Waimate and Timaru travelling by this evening’s express to the Dominion Scout Camp at Wellington will be joined by six Guides from Ashburton under Captain I. Ilillier and Lieutenant Cambridge FISHING. The Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers are still discoloured as the result of the recent nor'-west winds. Practically no fishing was done during the week-end. THE WEATHER. Heavy rain fell during the early hours of Sunday morning. The weather cleared before midday, but lat« in the afternoon became dull and cold and rain began in the evening. PERSONAL. During the absence of the Rev A. G. Irvine, who left for the south on Saturday evening on his annual holiday, the services at the Presbyterian Church will be conducted by the Rev F. M’Donald, of Kaitangata, and the Rev G. Miller, formerly of Ashburton, and now of North-East Valley.