Untitled

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1014, 1 December 1883, Page 2

The sale of the “ Marionettes,” which was advertised on Thursday last by Mr Harrison to take place during the current month, has been withdrawn. The vital statistics for the month of November for the Ashburton district are —Births, 26 ; marriages, 4 ; deaths, 10 ; The corresponding numbers for November, 1882, were—Births, 25 ; marriages, 1 ; deaths, nil. The Canterbury Caledonian Society celebrated St Andrew’s day by a grand dinner at Warner’s Hotel, Christchurch, at which national dishes were served. Ihe accommodation was insufficient for the members applying for tickets. The Ashburton Hospital return for the month of November is as follows:—No. in hospital on Ist Novem er, 13 ; No. admitted during the month, 3 ; No. discharged during the month, 2 ; No. in hospital on 30th of month, 14; No. treated during the month, 16 ; deaths, nil.

Some very fine strawberries are now to be seen in the local fruiterers’ windows, which have been grown in Ashburton. Taking altogether it is anticipated that a very large crop of small fruit will b ; gathered this year, if the small birds can be induced to leave it alone.

The weather changed last evening from a very sultry h“at to a most welcome rai l, which continued the greater part of the night. To-day some tine showers also fell, which will give the crops a wonderful impetus The hay crops are very heavy, and in some places have been badly laid, but altogether promise the heaviest yields wo have ever had in this district. At tho Court Minstrels at Dunedin last night the Mayor, on behalf of Mr Hegarty, presented the six men who were concerned in the rescue of the boys from Bird Island with silver medals. It is likely that the conduct of the young Sloans and Pemberton in swing life at Pleasant Creek during the recent floods will shortly be recognised by the Humane Societju

A correspondent of the Dunedin Star at Queenstown telegraphs that the enormous aerolite which was seen in the heavens there on Wednesday last, struck the earth near a farm, shaking the ground terribly. The shock was felt throughout the whole district, and the atmosphere became close in the extreme. A portion of the aerolite fell at Skipper’s, destroying a stable and setting a telephone bell ringing.

The Westland Education Board met again yesterday afternoon. The Chairman said in sending the previous day’s resolution to the Government he took the liberty to exceed his instructions by adding to the telegram the following words : —‘‘ Will the Government be prepared to validate the proceedings if we go on with the election 1” The reply to which was “ Government cannot at present do anything concerning the matter referred to in your to-day’s telegram. -Tuos. Dick." Mr McWhirter then moved that the resolution be rescinded. After considerable discussion, the voting for Mr McWhirter’s motion was 4 and 4. The Chairman then gave his casting vote against the motion, which he declared lost. It was thin resolved on Mr McWhirter’s motion, that the ballot papers be sealed and endorsed by Mr Gmnmond and Uje Chairman. That leaves the Board as it was.

On Thursday sovb.-u! L.dies and gentlemen kindly devoted the evening to entertaining the patien.s at the Hospital. Mrs Wo d end Miss Kidd played the harmonium and song several songs accompanied by Miss Wood 011 tlio violin. Messrs 1 Harrison, Fooks, and Collins gave some songs and readings, all of which were djly appreciated by the patients. Thero was a very fair audience at the Town HaT last evening to welcome back the Willmoit Company, who appeared in BoucicauU a ever popular play, “1 he Colleen Bawn.” So much of the success ful representation of this piece depends upon scenical display, that it is not possible to do it justice on a small stage, but those present were lavish in their applause and evidently satisfied with the performance. Mist Amy Johns was cast as Elly O’Connor, and is to be complimented upon her actin'.* as the hardly used Irish girl. Her singing of the incidental songs ns a prominent feature of the entertainment, and was heartily applauded. Miss Craw ford’s Ann Chute was a careful bit of acting, but the character is not one in which th?s lady is seen at her be-st, and Miss Lawrence was effective as Mrs Chute, although she looked far too young. Mias Lena Wy.it- was satisfactory in the minor part of aheelah. Mr Rede acted excellently as the light-hearted Myles, and Mr Wilkinson displayed considerable force as Danny Mann ; but none of the others call for special mention. This evening “Aurora Floyd” and the builesquo of “Cinderella” will constitute the programme.