ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 190, 12 August 1931, Page 4

ASHBURTON NEWS.

Valuable Help Given to Needy Families. WOMEN’S RELIEF SOCIETY. (Special to the “ Star.”) ASHBURTON, August 10. Valuable work is being accomplished by the Ashburton Women’s Relief Society in aiding families who are badly affected by the slump. Since July 11 no less than eighty-seven families have been assisted and articles of clothing distributed as follows:—New garments 139, second-hand clothing 196, new boots and shoes 44 pairs, secondhand boots and shoes 27 pairs, new blankets 6 pairs. The society reports that a quantity of men’s and youths' second-hand clothing and boots are required. Air Rally Arranged. The Social Committee of the MidCanterbury Aero Club, at a meeting this evening, decided to hold a ball in His Majesty’s Theatre on September 5. Invitations will be issued to pilots at Blenheim, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill to participate in an air rally which will take place at the Ashburton airport on the same afternoon, when an enteresting programme of events will be provided. Meeting of Presbytery. The Rev A. D. Kirkland presided over a meeting of the Ashburton Presbytery held in St Andrew’s Hall this morning. The Rev G. D. Vercoe (organiser of No-License in South Canterbury) addressed the Presbytery, and it was decided that all ministers should as opportunity affords, bring this subject before their respective congregations and set up small committees to foster interest in the question in view of the poll, which will be taken at the general election. A letter was received from the Rev Dr Gibb, of Wellington, setting out the aims and objects of the League of Nations. The Presbytery, expressed approval of the objects of the League and decided to do all in its power to forward the objects of the League so as to obtain a lasting peace. The clerk reported that the visitation to Springburn would be carried out on the third Friday in September and that the Sunday School conference, at which Mr Vigor French and the Rev R. M. Ryburn •would be the chief speakers, would be held at Tinwald on Saturday, August 22. The Rev A. D. Kirkland gave a preliminary statement as to the results of the Sunday School examinations, and stated that the candidates from Carew, Mayfield and Lagmhor had done excellently. Dr Mernington, of Dunedin, forwarded particulars of proposed legislation to prohibit publication of unsavoury evidence in connection with divorce and affiliation proceedings. Motor Lorry Breaks Down.

While crossing over the railway line at Burnett Street intersection early this afternoon a Ford truck owned by Ford Motors came to grief on the rails. The mishap was caused through the rear axle snapping and one of the wheels becoming detached. No further damaged resulted. Opening of Traffic Bridge.

Slow progress has been made with the completion of the fences on the approaches to the new traffic bridge due to the delay in the arrival of material. It is hoped, however, to have the work completed in time for the offiicial opening on August 31 when the wife of the chairman of the County Council, Mrs H. C. B. Withell, will cut the ribbon and open up the bridge for traffic. Motor-car Damaged By Fire. Smoke issuing from the front portion of a car in Ashburton yesterday attracted attention. The owner, Mr W. H. Mulligan, of Maronan, had left it only a few minutes after his arrival. Caught in its incipient stages, the fire was soon extinguished, but not before the electrical apparatus had been badly damaged. The trouble originated through a defect in the electrical system which failed to cut off the power from the battery. Gipsy Evening. A Gipsy evening was held by members of the St Stephen’s Girls’ Friendly Society in St Stephen’s Hall, when members of the St Stephen’s Literary and Social Club, choir and senior boys' Bible Class were present. An exhibition of folk-dancing was given by members of the Girls' Friendly Society, other items being a recitation by Miss M. Page and a song by Miss N. Healey. The remainder of the evening was spent in games and dancing. Mrs E. C. Bathurst on behalf of the associates of the society and Mr R. B. Barnett, on behalf of the Literary and Social Club, returned thanks to the girls. Lodge Meeting. The Royal A.D. (Sister R. J. Crum) presided over a good attendance, including the I P. Grand President (Brother O’Donoghue) from Royal Arch Chapter No. 1, Christchurch, at a meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter No. 4 U.A.O.D. held last evening. The P.A. Degree was conferred on Sister L. H. M’Kay, of the Success of Ashburton Lodge, No. 222. It was decided to hold a V.A. competition and also an A.D. competition between the Star of Ashburton No. 14 and the Success of Ashburton No. 22 on November 9, under the auspices of the Royal Arch Chapter. Personal. Mr W. Patching, sen., who was admitted to the County Hospital during the week end and underwent an operation, was reported last evening to be little changed.