ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20539, 14 February 1935, Page 7

ASHBURTON NEWS.

Ample Supply of Water in Main Races. REPORT ON COUNTY AREA. (Special to the " Star.”) ASHBURTON, February 13. The supply of water in the Ashburton County water-races has kept up remarkably well considering the protracted spell of hot weather which is at present being experienced. This is attributed chiefly to the heavy rains before the hot weather set in in November. Inquiries at the county engineer’s office to-day show that there is an ample supply of water in the main races, but a shortage was experienced in some of the smaller races, due to the growth of vegetation. The supply of water in the north branch of the Ashburton River has kept up well, but is now beginning to recede. In hot seasons this branch is usually dry long before this time of the year, especially in the lower reaches. Meeting of Presbytery. At a meeting of the Ashburton Presbytery yesterday, the Moderator, the Rev R. Morgan, presided. It was agreed to forward to the Rev G. B. Jardine and the Rev A. G. Davidson the Presbytery’s appreciation of their work while in charge at Springburn and Wakanui respectively. Mr S. J. Webb, of Sumner, was recommended for appointment as home missionary at Wakanui for one year. The position of secretary to the Presbytery will be taken over by the Rev R. Morgan, and the Rev D. B. Ashford, of Rakaia, has been appointed Moderator. Swimming Carnival Arranged. At a meeting of the East Ashburton Swimming Club last evening, Mr G. Bowman presiding, it was agreed to hold a carnival on Wednesday of next week and one on February 27. Fanciers’ Society. A meeting of the General Committee of the Ashburton Fanciers’ Society was held last evening, the president, Mr W. H. Robinson, being in the chair. The matter of obtaining increased revenue prior to the next show was discussed, and the following were appointed a sub-committee to consider this question: Messrs G. H. Nicoll (convener), T. Rattray, O. Digby and D. G. Smith. The president of the South Island Poultry Association, Mr G. H. Bradford, was welcomed by Mr Robinson. Mr Bradford gave an interesting talk on the efforts of the assocaition to assist the various affiliated clubs, and stated that it was his intention to keep in touch with all the clubs by keep in touch with all the clubs by periodical visits. In response to a request from the association, which is revising the list of judges, it was decided to send forward the following nominations: Messrs W. H. Robinson and G. Bundy (all classes of poultry) and W. T. Scott (pigeons). Railage on Fish. Mr H. Langford, Railways Business Agent, paid a visit to Ashburton today. He met Ashburton fishmongers and discussed the matter of the freight charged on fish and oysters. It was explained to Mr Langford that the railage on oysters from Bluff to Ashburton cost twice as much as from Bluff to Christchurch. Personal. Mr J. F. R. Sprosen, of Hawarden, has commenced duty as relieving first assistant at the Ashburton Borough School pending the appointment of a permanent successor to Mr C. D. Francis.