ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 457, 19 May 1932, Page 15

ASHBURTON NEWS.

Literary Club Meeting.

(Special to the “ Star.”) ASHBURTON, May 18.

Mr S. M. Cassidy presided over a good attendance at the weekly meeting of the St Stephen’s Literary and Social Club, when a debate was held, the subject being, “Is the Cutting of Wages True Economy?” The speakers for the affirmative were Messrs M. Lees (leader) and C. Childs and the Rev J. C. A. Zimmerman, and for the negative Messrs R M’Uraith (leader), J. Hamilton and S. M. Cassidy. In announcing the negative speakers to have won the debate by a small margin, the judge, Mr R. H. .Biggar, complimented the younger speakers on their noticeable improvement since last year, and gave valuable advice on the preparation of speeches and their delivery. Mr Biggar was accorded a vote of thanks. The members arranged the syllabus to the end of June. W.C.T-U. Meeting. In recognition of “ Peace Day,” a special meeting of the Ashburton branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held in the Baring Square Schoolroom. Mrs W. H. Robinson (district president) occupied the chair. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mrs G. Tulloch in her bereavement. A vote of sympathy was also passed with Mr J. Hunt and family. Reference was made to the useful work carried out by the late Mrs W. T. Lill, and a record of her service was included in the minutes. It was agreed to inform the South Canterbury District Executive that the union considered it inadvisable to forgo holding the annual district convention in September, and to suggest that arrangements be made for the gathering. Lodge Meeting. The Success of Ashburton Lodge, U.A.0.D., No. 22, met on Monday evening. The Arch Druid (Sister J. Collett) presided over a large attendance, including Past Grand President Brother B. Donoghue, District President Brother Parkin and members of the Star of Ashburton Lodge, No. 14. The bards reported on visits to the sick, and sick pay was passed for payment. One candidate was proposed for membership. Nine members competed in a hitual competition of the Vice-Arch Charge, held by the Royal Arch Chapter, the prizes being won by Brother Lattimer and Sister B. Wallis. A Dutch auction was conducted, and added considerably to the funds.