ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 143, 18 June 1931, Page 16

ASHBURTON NEWS.

RECOVERY OF RATES. (Special to the “ Star.”) ASHBURTON, June 17. The Ashburton County Council has decided to extend the period of the imposition of the penalty on rates until June 30 in order to give ratepayers an opportunity of paying their rates without the added amount. Up to the present time the amount outstanding, including the penalty, is £4600 and this is naturally causing the council some concern. It has been decided to take legal action for the recovery of rates in several cases. Relief of Distress. A number of ladies who conducted a depot in the Arcade for the relief of distress among the poorer families in Ashburton, have done a great deal towards affording relief. Now, however, the depot finds that its funds are almost exhausted and unless further assistance is forthcoming from the townspeople it will have to shut down. Relief given between May 16 and June 13 was as follows:—Second-hand garments 429, new garments 328, pairs of secondhand boots and shoes 26, pairs of new boots and shoes 50, pairs of new blankets 15, pairs of second-hand blankets 5. Record Weight for Lambs. A record weight for lambs has been secured by Mr H. C. Barton, of Carew. Three weighed on an average 821 b, the heaviest turning the scales at 951 b. The lambs which were exhibited -at the Mayfield Show and were awarded prizes, recently brought top price at the Addington market. Mock Trial. There was a large attendance including members of the Girls’ Friendly Society at a meeting of the St Stephens’ Literary and Social Club, when the meeting took the form of a mock trial. The case before the Court was one of breach of promise in which Miss Diano Marie Cooper (Miss P. Baker) claimed £IOOO damages from Maurice Valentino (Mr M. Lees) the amount consisting of £250 cost of trousseau, £2OO general expenses, and £550 as a solace for blighted prospects. After counsels’ addresses his Honor reviewed the case and reserved his decision, judgment to be given in writing on June 30. Farmer's Failure. A petition in bankruptcy has been filed by William George Reddecliffe, farmer of Lowcliffe, and a meeting of creditors will be held on June 29. Personal. Mr A. A. M’Donald, manager of Wright, Stephenson and Co., is at present confined to his home on account of illness. Mr R. B. Lambert, manager of the National Bank of New Zealand at Ashburton, who took ill on Monday, is much improved but is still confined to his home. Mr S. Madden has been an inmate of the County Hospital for the past two weeks on account of illness, and will undergo an operation next week.