ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19241, 1 December 1930, Page 16

ASHBURTON NEWS.

RELIEF WORK WAGES. The Ashburton County Council is entering a protest against the proposal, of the Unemployment Board to subsidise unemployment relief work at the rate of £2 for £1 on a basis of a wage of 14s per day. The council, which is seeking the assistance of the Counties’ Association in the matter, considers that the higher wage offered will induce farm employees to leave their present positions, as on account of the present financial stringency farmers are unable to pay the wage indicated. It is further stated that if the wages are paid on unproductive or uneconomic work the position will become worse. Girl Guides’ Celebration. The third birthday of the No. 1 Company of Ashburton Girl Guides was celebrated with a social, when the Divisional Commissioner (Mrs J. H. (Trigg) and the District Commissioner (Mrs G. L. Harold), together with members of the executive and company committees, parents and friends, Guides of No. 2 Company and Rangers, were also present. Miss Currie, who is the first Guide in the South Central Division to gain the honour of holding the first-class badge and all-round cord, was presented with the decorations by the District Commissioner, who congratulated her on the achievement. A birthday cake made by Miss Currie was cut by Mrs Harold, who with the Divisional Commissioner, congratulated the company on its continued progress. Good Templar Lodge. At the fortnightly meeting of the Star of the East Good Templar Lodge, No. 62, Brother H. Rands presided. Two candidates were initiated and two proposals for membership were received. A Dutch auction was held, and as a result the funds of the lodge will benefit to an appreciable extent. Supper was provided by the brothers. Collection of County Rates. A sign of the times is indicated by the amount of rates received by the County Council for the current year. The total rate struck was £27.000 and the sum collected to date is £5122 11s lid. Garden Party. The garden party held at the residence of Mr Bruce, West Street, by the Ashburton branch of the British Sailors’ Society was a distinct success. There was a large attendance and the annual appeal for contributions met with a satisfactory response. During the afternoon musical items were rendered and at the conclusion a vote of thanks was passed to Mr and Mrs Bruce for their hospitality and the use of their beautiful grounds. St Andrew’s Garden Party. Perfect summer weather favoured the busy bees and Girls’ Auxiliary of St Andrew’s Church for their garden party on Saturday. The garden party was in aid of the mission funds and a large variety of goods was disposed of at the various stalls. Father Christmas, who was present, attracted the attention of the children. The stall-holders were:—Novelty, Misses Murray and Wilson; sweets, Misses E. Bruce, E. and M. Lloyd, I. and O. Kerr; cakes, Misses E. Lewitt, M. and E. Kennedy and J. Blackwood; flowers, Misses C. Turnbull, A. M’Elhinney and F. Barnett; work, Misses Bonnington, Jones and N. Osborne; home delicacies, Misses E. and B. Anderson and T. Crooks; afternoon tea, Misses M’Lauchlan, L. Giles, K. Morrison, K. Copland, and B. and N. Jury; Christmas tree, Mrs Barker, Misses M. Christianson and B. Melrose. Convent School Garden Party. The Ashburton Convent School held a successful garden party on Saturday in aid of the convent funds. In addition to a sale of work, games, etc., a concert was given by the Montessori pupils, fancy dances by the senior pupils and selections by the Ashburton Silver Band. Salvation Army Services. Lieutenant-Colonel Toomer, secretary of the Salvation Army men’s social activities for New Zealand, and Mrs Toomer, conducted special services at the citadel yesterday, on the occasion of the Sunday School anniversary. In the morning the Army Life Saving Scouts and Guards, headed by the band, under Scout-Leader C. E. Hopwood and Guard-Leader Mrs Daly, were on parade, and were inspected by Colonel Toomer. The Sunday School prizes were presented at the afternoon service, which was largely attended.