MID-CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20488, 5 March 1932, Page 6

MID-CANTERBURY

ASHBURTON. GROUPING OF HOSPITALS OPPOSED. "That this Council is of the opinion that the Ashburton Hospital District should be left as it is, and that a protest be ' made against amalgamation wit'h any other district," was the text of a resolution passed at the Ashburton County Council meeting yesterday, on the motion of Mr A. Horsey. The chairman (Mr H, C. B. Withell) stated that they should voice an objection against the proposed grouping of hospitals as far as Ashburton was concerned. The Ashburton Hospital rate was on a low basis, and no advantage in a reduction of costs appeared possible if the district was amalgamated with North Canterbury, as proposed. Mr J. Carr said he would not favour any alteration in the Ashburton Hospital's constitution, but further reductions in general cost 3 would have to be faced. There was a' multiplicity of local bodies, with a certain amount of overlapping, and most of the work could be done with one administration staff. The motion was carried. Unemployed Relief Work. A comprehensive statement showing that sinctf the commencement of tho Unemployment Board's No 5 Scheme the sum of £15,290 16s Id had been spent ill unemployed relief work controlled by the Ashburton County Council up to January 31st, 1932, was submitted to the County Council yesterday by Mr G. Kelly, County Clerk. The wages were refunded by the Unemployment Board. The money was spent on various works as follows: —Drainage, £3561 3s 3d (including Isleworth scheme £.3154 3s 3d); roads and- highways, £723 14s; bridges and fords, £|2s 8s 2d; willow clearing in Ashburton river-bed, £562 17s 6d; reserves and gravel pits, £7347 lis 2d; water supplies, £215 3s 6d; river protection/ £66 8s; Council* store yard, £BIO 4s 6d; clearing cemeteries, £B2 3s 6d; clearing Domains, £36 0s 6d; school grounds, £l9O 12s; farmers' scheme, £691 4s; miscellaneous works (including Seafield irrigation scheme £434 13s 6d), £577 16s. The cost to the Council in transport and supervision since March 31st, 1931, amounted to £846 10s. Present work 'in operation T?as as follows: —Seafield irrigation, Methven water supply, preparation of fire-breaks af Dromore and Hinds, clearing fallen trees, drainage at Springbum, and miscellaneous work. New work contemplated was principally ■—Deviation at Chapman's creek, widening Mt. Hutt race, straightening Ashburton main race, preparing fire-breaks at Maronan and Valetta plantations, firewood cutting. , , Many applications from farmers for relief workers had been held over until after harvest. It would appear that this scheme could absorb all the relict workers fox some time to come. Messrs J* Moore and D. J. Morrow said they had inspected the Alford Potest Cemetery, and there was not work to the value of £44 carried put. Mr Moore also added that clearing stumps in the Mayfield School ground by unemployed averaged out at about £5 per stump. Ho maintained that the Council should have its own estimate of the work, as at some future date they would probably have a statement placed against the Council for the benefits it had received from unemployment revenue spent in the county. . Mr H. E. Jessep said he had, heard of unemployed who had drawn their relief pay and had not been on the "*°Mr G. Kelly, County Clerk, stated that an-efficient check was kept on the men, and there must be very few cases, if any, of that nature. He thought that legal action could be taken against o fenderß. * . Mr J. Carr stated that it was general realised that they were not obtaining 20s value in work for every pound spent on unemployed wages. Mr H. J. Crothers urged that tho unemployed be engaged itf widening waterraces to increase their carrying capacity as recommended- by the Canterbury Progress League this week. Mr W. G. Gallagher favoured the development of irrigation schemes, mentioning that there was plenty of scope for experiments from water which could be obtained from the Bangitata river through the Qracroft race. . "There is a large tract of good land in ihe north-west corner of the Ashburton County going to waste for the want of water," said Mr Carr, who suggested that they obtain a report on the feasibility of pumping water from the Bakaia river on to the top of the terrace near the gorge., He maintained that Lake Coleridge electric power could be utilised at night-time for the purpose^ The report was adopted.

Plunket Society. The Ashburton branch of the Plunket Society met yesterday afternoon, when the president, Mrs F. W, Seldon, presided. 1 The> County Council forwarded a cheque for £l2 10s towards the Society's funds, and the sum of £.lO 10s was received from the Cavendish Club towards the cost of furnishing the new rooms. Both bodies were thanked for their generous donations. An invitation to attend its annual effort on March 19th was received from the Hinds sub-branch. A letter of appreciation for the new rooms was received from the nurses. The president reported on the opening of the new rooms and ffn the official \ visit to Methven by members of the Central Council. It was reported that the tennis tournament held recently had augmented the Society's funds by £4. The report of the nurses stated that , in the town 143 visits had been to homes and 789 visits had been paid to the rooms. One hundred and fifteen homes had been visited in the country, while 281 visits had been paid to the rooms. There were 18 new cases. A vote of thanks was passed to the sub-eommitteetf who had made arrangements in connexion with the opening ceremony of the rooms, and also to all those who had contributed toward* their furnishing. Magistrate's Court. Messrs J. W. Bowden, J.P., and W. Patterson, J.P., presided at the Magistrate's Court, Ashburton, yesterday morning. Judgment for plaintiff by default was given in T. A. Bryant v. E. Eapley for £3 18s 5d and costs 18s fid. Bugby Union. A meeting of the Management Committee of the Ashburton Rugby Union was held on Wednesday evening, the following members being present: Messrs H. Sarnoy (president), R. 11. Biggar, J. C. C. McLachlan, R. H. Loy, H. D. Johnston, and E. C. Chambers.

The resignation of Mr H. J. Chapman from the committee owing to illhealth was received with regret. It was decided that a letter of sympathybe sent to Mr Chapman expressing sympathy with, him in his jllness and appreciation of his services to football in the past. The New Zealand Rugby Union forwarded copies of correspondence relating to new rulings and the proposal to adopt the 3-2-3 scrummage formation aud the abolition of the wing-forward. This correspondence was held over for the annual meeting. A draft report for presentation to the annual meeting was adopted, together with the balance-sheet, which shows a Joss of £37 ISs 3d oil the season's working. Notice of motion has been given that the colours of the Ashburton Rugby Union be changed. Music Examinations. The Ashburton successes in connexion with the theory examinations conducted by the Trinity College of Music, London, last December, are as follows: — Associate —Alan Meikleham (Mrs M. C. Cowan). Honours, Senior —Hazel Galletly (Mrs Cowan), Marjoric McKeago (Miss L. Lewis, L.T.C.L.). Advanced Junior —Ngaire Kelly (Mrs Cowan). . Junior —Katie Johnston (Miss Lewis), Theodore Staples (Mrs A. G. Mcllardy, A.T.C.L.). Preparatory—Nadinc Vial (Mrs H. IT. Pearce, L.T.C.L.), Margaret Cowan (Miss E. P. Thomson, L.T.C.L.), Jean Cockroft (Mrs Cowan). Pass—Advanced Intermediate: Margaret Frampton (Miss Lewis). Intermediate: Olive Evans (Mrs Cowan), Patricia Holland (Mrs Cowan), Gladys Mcllraith (Mrs Cowan), Margaret Oram (Mrs Cowan), Elsie Lowcry (Miss Lewis). Advanced Junior —Percy Enigent (Miss Lewis), Hazel Hill (Mrs Cowan;. J'unior—Ena Berry (Miss M. McKcage, A.T.C.L.), Cecilia Furniss (Mrs Newton Jones). Preparatory—Dolly Boyce (Miss Lewis), Peter Fitzgerald (Miss Lewis), Noeline Henderson (Miss Lewis). Tennis. The following players will represent their respective cluba in junior competition matches to-day:—To Marae V; Lowcliffe, at Te Marae: H. Weston, N. E. Johnson, A. Pollock, C. T. Brown, Misses E. Meredith, L. Porter, P. McTigue, and E. Thomas. Pigs and Poultry. The following prices were obtained for pigs and poultry at the auction mart yesterday:— , Poultry—Hens, Is 7d to 2s Id; roosters, 2s to 4s lOd. Pigs—Porkers, 22s to 295; baconers, £2 ss; stores, 14s to 15s; weaners, 5s 6d to lis 6d. County Council.

At tho monthly meeting of the Ashburton County Council held yesterday, there were present: —Messrs H. C. B, Withell (chairman), J. Carr, W. G. Gallagher, D. J. Morrow, H. J. Crothers, W. T. Lill, R. Houston, J. Moore, jun., J. Lambie, H. E. Jessep, F. Frampton, and A. Horsey. In his statement the chairman said that a suggestion had been made that the local body debt of New Zealand should be consolidated, giving better security to bondholders, and making possible a reduction in the rate of interest, and that if anybody was forced to default, the credit of the whole Dominion would suffer. The local body loan debt at March 31st, 1930, was £71,207,539. The gross debt in the Ashburton district was: County Council, £23,487; Borough Council, £69,072; Power Board, £343,650. The County Council's loan, for the Ruapuna water supply, Methven water supply, paving Ashburton-Dromore highway, and the Ashburton bridge, totalled £23,487 3s sd. Full particulars of the proposal had not been published, but a careful watch should be kept in case the liabilities of other local bodies who were in difficulties were imposed on the Ashburton district. Of the rates struck for the current year ' amounting to £19,906, the sum of £9728 had bee* collected to date leaving £10,178 outstanding. It was anticipated! that most o-f that would be paid before March 31st, as the rebate of 12$ per cent, was certain to be taken advantage of. After that date a rebate could not be allowed. A •decision with regard to the date on which the ten per cent, penalty will be imposed on unpaid rates for the current year was held over until tho end of the month, it being considered that those who were in a position to do so would pay before the end of Marcn to take advantage of tho special rebato of 12} per cent.

It was decided to make a claim against a man for £1 for wood he had taken from a county plantation without a permit. T.he District Highways Council of the ftfain Highways Board, Christchurch, wrote requesting, that a by-law be framed requiring traction engines to utilise the shoulders of the main highway instead of travelling On the newly constructed bituminous surface.

The engineer (Mr Fooks) pointed out that the Council now had to maintain the shoulders. It was decided to write to the Highways Board asking if the new motor regulation's were sufficient. The Unemployment Board wrotg stating that the Council's application for some contribution from the Unemployment fund towards the cost of transport, tools, supervision, insurance', etc.. in connexion with the employment of relief labour under No. 5 Scheme, had been noted, but the Board was definitely unable to assist local bodies in this direction at the present time. The Board had no objection to the Council arranging with the local Unemployment Committee and arranging for relief workers under No. '5 Scheme to put in a full week's work in return for their ordinary ration of rolief. The Council's representations regarding the subsidising of contract labour under the No. 4B Scheme had been also noted, but it was very unlikely that the Board's subsidy would be increased above the present 33 1-3 per cent, of the labour cost at the present time. . In reply to the Council's request that the railway lino between Rakaia and Ealing, and the Methven and Springburn. lines, be patrolled after the passing of every train, owing to the dry state of the country, the Railway Department advised that the proposal would be impracticable. Messrs Houston, Horsey, and Withell were appointed the Council's committee to act with the Borough Council in connexion with arranging a suitftblo function on the occasion of the visit to Ashburton by General Higgina, head of the Salvation Army, on March 29th.

With regard to the Council's application for a grant in connexion with the Hinds rivor improvement, the Minister for Lands advised that so far no definite information as to the projected scheme or thu cost thereof had been submitted. The Council was asked to supply tho necessary information. This waj referred to the County Clerk to attend to. .

In its report the Finance' Committee recommended that the matter of the purchase of a fire engine be deferred. The committee further recommended that all reductions in rents be effected for a further twelve months and that rents and penalty amounting to £46 D 2s lid as well as sundry accounts amounting to £6 18s 9d be written off. Tlje report wiis adopted. A telegram was received from the Et. Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister for

Public Works, stating that the financial' position necessitated the review of all road authorities held by local bodies. All such authorities held by the Council wore therefore being cancelled from that day, but where contracts had been let or definite commitments made, the Government would consider issuing fresh authorities for thoife works only. It was statqd that 29 roads in the Ashburton County would be affected. RAKAIA. .Mr D. Finlav, who has been stationmaster at Rakaia for the past lour years, Iris been transferred on promotion to Feilding, and leaves on Tuesday to .take up liis new position. Mr Colgan, statiemmaster at Middlemarch, will succeed Mr Finlay at Rakaia.

On Wednesday evening, in the Town Hal), a very enjoyable concert was given by the Methodist Maori Choir under the direction of the Rev. A. J. Seamer, superintendent of the Methodist Home Mission Department. There was a very large attendance, and an excellent programme of Maori songs, liakas, poi dances, waiatas, and instrumental music was much appreciated. On Thursday afternoon m St. Andrew's Church, the monthly meeting of Uic Rakaia Branch of the Presbyterian Women's "Missionary Union was held, Mrs Morrison presiding over a good attendance. Sister Annie, a missionary to the Maoris, at Jtuataluma, gave a most interesting address on Mission work among the Maoris. In the evening, in the Presbyterian Church, Sister Annie gave an address, describing the work of the missionaries in the Ureworn country. The Rev. A. S. Morrison, who presided over a small attendance., thanked Sister Annie for her address. The weekly meeting of the Rakaia Unemployment Committee was held ou Thursday, when there were present: Messrs H. A. Harrison (chairman), W. \V. Carruthers, W. J. Lee, G. S. Hardy, L. Cordncr, C. W. Browne, and H. C. Nelson.

Mr Querce, of tlf: Government Labour Department, attended the meeting, and had a talk with members on tlio general administration of the schemes under the committee's control, stressing particularly the necessity of getting tho assistance of the farmers in taking men under the 4A Scheme. Several questions were answered by Mr Querec, and, on the motion or Mr Cordner, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Queree for attending the meeting, and also for canvassing the district in the short time at his disposal. Four applications for men under the 4A Scheme were approved. Owing to-the allocation for this week being small, it wa9 decided to employ only married men. Nine men were placed with the Road Board, and four men with farmers. . A vote of thanks was passed to the Road Board, Domain Board, and the School Committee for assistance given last winter. . The monthly meeting of the bouth Rakaia Iload Board was held on Thursday. There were present: —Messrs H. A Harrison (chairman), Jas. Lambic, W. W. Carruthers. A. Doig, and VV. Letham. Tho monthly report showed that grading work had been continued throughout the district, and metalling had been done 'n the township. The ■ winger's report stated thai; 53 Tiead or cattle. 7 horses, and 7 sheep had been seized during the month. A donation of £5 was granted to the Plunket Society. Receipts for the month totalled £10" 5s 4d, and accounts for payment amounted to £235 17s 4d. The credit balanco at the bank was £641 l«s 7d. A scheme, of work for the unemployed during the winter was arranged.

WESTERFIELD, The monthly meeting of the Westerfield Branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union was held in the Rifle Club Hall on Wednesday. Mrs D. Shaw presided over a fair attendance of mombers and friends. The competition, "Something New From Something Old," resulted jn >lrs C. Doig, Mrs J. Dunsmuir, aud Mrs I. Allen tying for- first place. A roll call of hints was well responded to. MT. SOMERS. The third annual meeting of the Mt. Somers Women's Institute was held in the library on Wednesday afternotm. In the absence of the president (Mrs L. M. Goodrich), Mrs A. R. Beckley presided over a good attendance of members. The balance-sheet revealed a credit of £5. Tho report stated that the branch had enjoyed a very successful year. The following office-bearers were appointed for the ensuing year: President, Mrs F. Peter; vice-presi-dent, Mrs A. R. Beckley; hon. treasurer, Mrs R. Young; hon. secretary, Mrs W. A. H. Sharpe; assistant secretary, Miss E. T. Scott; committee, Mesdames J. W. Comyris, E. Roberts, G. Robinson, and R. Edgar. A competition for the best vase of autumn flowers was won by Miss N. Edgar, and the best jar of preserved fruit by Mrs R. Young. A competition, tearing a pig out of paper, caused inuch amusement, and was won by Mrs LHood. Those present at the monthly meeting vjf the Mt. Somers School Committee, held on Wednesday, were Messrs W. R. Glasson (chairman), J. G. Green, and J. T. Bull. The secretary reported having balanced the books and drawn up the annual bal-ance-sheet ready for audit. It was reported that a portion of the playground had been fenced off for the grazing of the school ponies. The headmaster reported a roll of 30 boys and 28 girls, with an average attendance of 54.7, three boys and three girls had been admitted, and one boy left. Dr. R. Phillips and Nurse Lambie, of the Education Board's Medical Staff, visited the local school on »Wed"nesday and reported favourably on the children's health, with the exception of their teeth, which were stated to be generally in bad condition. LAURISTON. The Barrhill-Lauriston sub-branch of the Plunket Society met on Thursday afternoon, Mrs A. H. Sandrey presiding. Others present were Mesdames 0. E. Hooper, E. G. Hay ward, A. V. Fairey, T. Church W. E. Smith, J. ifillyer, and C. A. Fyfe. The nurse's report was read and received, also correspondence was dealt with. It was decided to hold the annual meting at Lauriston early next month.

The Lauriston branch of the Womfen's Institute met oii Thursday afternoon, when Mrs H. J. Crothers presided over a ; large attendance of members. Final arrangements were made for the forthcoming dance. Some beautiful blooms -were exhibited in connexion with the aster competition. ..Winners in this section were the Misses Hampton 1, Mrs R. Bebbington 2. Mrs H. T. Crothers 3. A guessing competition was held, highest points going to Mrs It. Bebbington 1, Miss E. Cretney 2, Mrs ■ H.- Evans 3. The hostesses were accorded a vol6 of thanks, on the motion of the president. Hostesses /or the April meeting w'ill be Mesdames W. D. Brunsden, W. E. Smith, it. Giuison, and Miss Murray. METHVEN. A most enjoyable entertainment was. given in the Methven Town Hall on Thursday evening by the Maori Choir, organised by the Rev. A. J. Seamcr. goneral representative of the Methodist

Home Mission Department. There was a large attendance and those present yvere treated to a most Enjoyable proi gramme of poi dances, hakas, and vocal unci instrumental items, tile whole being accompanied by a descriptive talk by the Rev. Mr Seamer which explained the various items and their origin, which dated from one thousand years back until the present day. That the audienc.e thoroughly enjoyed the programme was evinced by the hearty applause which greeted ■ every lto \ l the conclusion of the programme Mr .Seamer thanked those who had helped them during their visit to Meth%°The annual meeting of the Methven branch of the Mothers' Union was held on Thursday. The -Hev E. Oemers presided over a largo attendance. The lion, -secretary, Mrs A. Dean, in presenting the annual report, stated that the branch activities continued to election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs Stanley Smith; vice-president, Mrs G. R. Cleeve; lion, secretary, Mrs Ashley Dean; sewing committee, Mesdames K Aitken, J. Duff, and G. Burrows. Miss Tripp, Geraldine, gave an address on the "Passion Play," which she witnessed at Ober-amniergau. 4 hearty vote of thanks was acoorded to Sliss Tripp for her address*