ASHBURTON.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18228, 12 November 1924, Page 4

ASHBURTON.

PERSONAL.

Miss I. Kerr, of Nethcrby, is at present paying a visit to friends in Christchurch.

Miss E. Parkcrson, who has been staving with friends in Ashburton, returns to Christchurch to-day. Mrs J. Blackler leaves for Christchurch to-day to spend a short hdliday with her sister, Mrs A. Nelson, of Garden road. General. The stock slaughtered at the abattoir during the month of October was as follows: —Cattle 10l (two condemned), calves 6, pigs 96, lambs 6, sheep 886 (one condemned). In discussing the rural mail question, a farmer in the Winchmore district, 10 miles from Ashburton, stated that when he first went to reside in that part of the county, seven years ago, there was only a "little pokey post office," and the papers were delivered at any time, but now, what with electric light, telephone, and a mail delivered twice daily, it was quite a pleasure to live in the couutrv.

New Kangitata Bridge. In connexion with a petition, recently signed by 145 settlers and presented to the Minister of-Public Works, for the erection of a new traffic bridge over the Rangiiata river, in the vicinity of the railway bridge, a reply was received by the Ashburton County Council from the Hon. W. Nosworthy, stating that the question of providing a grant on the present year's estimates had been very fully gone into when draft estimates were prepared. The amount of money available to that district for the financial year, under the automatic allocation scheme had, however, already been fully allocated to otliev urgent items, and although the desirability of bridging the river at that point, to provide improved access to Rangitata Island, had been recognised, it was regretted that provisions could not bo made. The petition requested that the bridge be erected at Bodham's crossing, but the County Council left the selection of the moat suitable site to the Departmental engineers, and they suggested that the structure be erected just below the railway bridge, for at that site the railway protective works could be utilised, while fl.t Bodham's crossing extensive protection of the approaches, which would greatly increase the cost, would bo necessary. *

Rural Mails. A definite decision has been reached, and tenders have been called by the Postal Department, in connexion with the proposed rural mail service for the following districts: —Wakanui-Seaview, Willowby-Eiffelton-Lyniif ord,Hin da-Low-cliffe-CoJdsircam, and Ashburton to Methven.

A slight diversion will occur in the route for the return journey orf. the lastnamed service, making an extension and serving the settlers on Curd's road, along Mitcham road, thence on to the Racecourse road and into Ashburton.

Amateur Athletics. The following are the handicaps for tlie Ashburton Amatour Cycling and Athletic Club's evening meeting, to t>e held on the Domain oval at 5.30 p.m. today:—looyds: First heat, M. Farrell per, E. M. Clark Iyd, L. Milsom 3ydp, McTigue 4yds, E. Easterbrook syds; second heat, C. Campbell scr, J. Robilliard 2yds, E, Smith 3yds, G. H. Meoll syds, G. Olds 7yds. 30.0 yds: C. Camp, bell scr, M. Farrell 3yds, K. M. Clark syds, J. Robilliard 6yds, L. Milgom Byds, E. Smith 9yds, G. H. 'Nicoll Oyds, McTigue JOyds, T. Peters 10yds. One mile: G. H. Nieoll per, T. Peters 50yds, E. Easterbrook' 55yds, S. GudseJl 80yds, Keig 90yds, L. Moore 90yds, L. .Donaldson 100 yds, Bosswill 110 yds, G. Broker 130 yds.

Garden Party. One of the most succesgful social functions held for some time, in connexion with the Willowby Methodist circuit, 'took place on Saturday after? noon, when a garden party in aid of the circuit funds was held in the grounds of "Huttoft," the residence iS% Mrs H. Chapman. The Young Ladies' Guild was responsible for all the arrangements, and deserve congratulations on its buc cess. The gardens were looking at their best, and with the artistically decorated stalls formed a pleasing picture,

The Rev. W. J. Enticott declared the party open, and soon the stallholders were doing a good trado. There were various other attractions, including tennis and nail-driving competitions. Those in charge of the stalls, were:— Fancy, Misses Chapman, Harries, and Jewell; sheets, Misses Pratlev and Gorman; young men's stall, Messrs H. Beach and E. Gorman; afternoon tea, Misses Lill and Roscoe, who were assisted by a band of willing helpers; Christmas tree, Misses R. Stoddnrt and M. Harrison. During the afternoon the proceedings were enlivened by orchestral music. The following comprised the orchestra: Violins, Mrs H. J. Chapman, Messrs Frsmpton, Ellis, and Lush; 'cello, Miss H. Lill; piano, Mrs Lush. The result of the effort was very gratifying to all, the circuit account benefiting to the extent of about £7o. Mail Notices. Mails close to-day:— For northern ports at _.lo p.m.: lato fee" letters 3 p.m.: guard's van 3.50 p.ns. OUTGOING OVEKSKA MAILS. The Chrblma* despatch <u rnaiis for Grcaj Britain, Ireland aad Xorih American will clese at Aabburton on November Tils nest mail for Chatham Islands will c!os» in Ashburton about Wednesday, Ivovornbsr 12th.