LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 249, 2 August 1937, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the "Guardian,” Aug. 2, 1887.) The Methven Library.—A meeting of the committee of the Methven Library was held on Thursday evening, when there were present Messrs It. Patton (chairman), A. Jackson, J. Hibbs, T. G. Grange, J. Batty, J. Hood, J. C. Williamson, and G. A. Alington (secre- / tary). The secretary reported that he had made several applications for the annual Government grant for aid, but had not received it as yet. A long discussion of a conversational type took place as to the best means for which the grant could be supplemented for the purchase of books. Ultimately it was resolved that a ball be held in the schoolroom. A committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. As it is a long time since the committee made any appeal to the general public for assistance, they trust their effort on this occasion will meet with the cordial support the object they have in view so richly deserves. The Acclimatisation Season—As thereappears to be some misapprehension as to when the season for shooting native game closes, we may state that under the regulations of the Ashburton Acclimatisation Society, published in a recent Gazette, the season closed for the district on July 31. nares and rabbits can still be destroyed, having been declared vermin. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. (From the "Guardian,” Aug. 2, 1912.) Removal of Pillar Box—An endeavour is being made to have the Post Office letter box situated between the Central Hotel and the registrar’s office of Mr W. W. White removed to the corner of Cass and Victoria Streets—a much more convenient place for all concerned. The postal authorities have been‘approached, hut as yet no replies have been received to the representations in favour of the change. The Effect of Rain.—Even the heavy rains of winter do not give to the subsoils of Ashburton lands that degree of moisture desirable, but the nine inches ■ that have been absorbed this month should have penetrated to a sufficient depth, and the sub-soil will be able to provide much better than in average years against the heavy tax imposed) by the drought. The effect of the rain on 1 the grass grub is affording the farmers the liveliest satisfaction. Their delicate organisms have not been adapted by nature to a wet environment, and the probability is that they have been pretty near exterminated in the last few days. Proof of this may be found in visiting the foot of any grassy slope where they had been plentiful.