NORTH CANTERBURY NEWS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22523, 4 October 1938, Page 9

NORTH CANTERBURY NEWS

ASHLEY RIVER

CONTROL

Work on Project

Finished

STRONGER RESISTANCE TO FLOODING Work on one of the most important engineering projects of its kind in North Canterbury—the Ashley river control scheme—is virtually finished After five years of intensive labour, during which an average of 250 men have been engaged on the scheme, the Ashley river is protected to-day by stop-banks and groynes which, in tn< opinion of Mr R. Mclntyre (engineei in charge of the scheme) could resisl the biggest flood to which the river has ever been subjected. Altogether 2C •u-oynes have been installed, and 750,000 cubic yards of material have been assembled to build them and the stop banks. To afford. even further protection against flooding 200 acre* nave been planted in willows. Most 01 the work was done by manual labour. Asked whether he considered the river was now safe from flooding, Mr Intyre said he firmly believed that it could withstand floods comparable with those of 1936, when whole area: were inundated and enormous damage done. But whether it would withstand even greater floods he was not prepared to say. The river was protected from flooding by a single row of stop banks on either side and not. as was practised in Italy, for instance, by a double or triple row. It had yet to be proved whether the single row o! stop banks was sufficient resistance to overcome bjgger floods than those in February and March of 1936. "However," Mr Mclntyre added, "there is no comparison in the condition of the river now and what it was like in 1932. just before the scheme was started. Everything has been done to make it safe and to protect adjoining areas from flooding. Men will still be kept on to look after stop banks and groynes and for general maintenance purposes. It will take about five years, probably, for the willow trees to consolidate and for the banks to harden." ■ Only about 40 are now engaged on the scheme and this number will be reduced in another week or so. Of those put off river control work in the last month about 100 have been found employment in the Rangiora district and between 40 and 50 have been placed on irrigation schemes in South and Mid-Canterbury. SMOKE CONCERT AT RANGIORA FOOTBALL CLUB ENTERTAINS The North Canterbury Football Club celebrated the conclusion of a successful season by holding a smoke concert •in the Oddfellows Hall, at Rangiora on Saturday evening. About 50 were present, among the visitors being several former members of the club and representatives from other clubs in the sub-association. Mr J. V. Rowland presided. „„. . x A toast to the Prime Minister of Great Britain (Mr Neville Chamberlain) was honoured after the toast tc "The King." A varied programme was presented, musical items being giver by Messrs L. P. Devlin, J. Jones, W. Forgeson, and L. Smith. SEPTEMBER WEATHER MORE THAN THREE INCHES OF RAIN AT DUNSANDEL ) The rainfall at Dunsandel for September, as shown by Mr C. A. Wright's gauge, was 3.42 in, compared with 217iri for the same month last year. The total fall for the year to the end of September was 29.88 in, and the total fall for the same time last year was 20 78in. Rain fell on five days oi the month.. The September rainfall was the heaviest since 1931.

FIVE WET DAYS AT OXFORD The rainfall' in Oxford for September was 3'.9Bin, falling on five days. Of this 3.2 in fell on the first three days of the month. For the corresponding month last year 3.29 in of rain fell on The average for the month for 28 years is 3.35 in. The total registered since the beginning of the year is 36.67 in. For the same period last year it was 27.62 in. The average annual rainfall for 27 years has been 37.88 in LAWN TENNIS OURUHIA CLUB OPENED The opening of the season of the Ouruhia Tennis Club took place on Saturday at the residence of Mr and Mrs H. A. Dawber in excellent weather. The president (Mr H. A. Dawber) welcomed Mr W. P. Spencer (chairman of the Waimakariri River Trust) and asked him to open the courts for the season. He also paid a tribute to Mr and Mrs Dawber for the use of their courts till such time as courts were put down at Ouruhia Park. Mrs Spencer played the first ball. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT KAIAPOI CENTENARY THANKSGIVING SCHEME Special services were held at St to-J's Presoyterian Church, Kaiapoi on w'unday, when gifts for the centenary thanksgiving scheme were received and dedicated. The service in the evening took the form of a song service when special anthems were sung by the choir. A violin solo by Mrsi N. J Stevenson and a vocal solo by Mr Cx Hirst were also given. Mr H. Thornley, chairman of the local centenary committee, announced thai in gifts ranging from 30s to £25 in cash and promises over the three years of the scheme, the debt on the church would certainly be liquidated. There were grants still to be received and it was expected the fund would reach £ 3OO - . x,. ■,_ '., The gifts were placed in the nanas of the minister (the Rev. N. J. Stevenson), who. in a brief prayer, dedicated them to the service for which they were set apart. - ■ ■ I

OXFORD SHOW

ANNUAL MEETING OF ASSOCIATION

CREDIT BALANCE REPORTED

The thirty-third annual meeting of the Oxford Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on October 1. The president (Mr W. A. B. Reed) presided. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £3l 13s 7d. Officers were elected as follows: President, Mr A. Winter; senior vicepresident, Mr J. J. Skurr; junior vicepresident, Mr I. Mehrtens; treasurer, Mr E. C. R. Inwood; general committee, Messrs C. H. Bassett, A. E. Cross. H. G. Cross. J. T. Croy, J. H. Doak, T. Doody, F. W. Engelbrecht, A. A. Fantham, F. H. Gilchrist, F. J. Gorton. A. O. Graham, E. J. Grimsey, M. H. Johnston, R. E. Judson. F. Loffhagen, L, H. Leslie, T. Mehrtens, J. E. H. McGrath, E. W. Meyer, R. Macaulay, W. A. B. Reed, J. J Skurr, W. J. Skurr. A. Titheridge, E. H. Thompson, R. C. Thompson, A. Winter. Mention was made of the death of Mr August Meyers, who was a member of the association since its inception, a former member of the committee a past president, and a considerable exhibitor. A motion- of sympathy was passed to his relatives. OXFORD FARMERS' UNION The monthly meeting of the Oxford branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held recently. The president (Mr C H. Bassett) presided. It was decided to hold the annual pasture competition on October 22, and the chairman, with Messrs A. Titheridge, Francis Engelbrecht, and J. E. H. McGrath were appointed to make all arrangements.

PERSONAL NOTES LITTLE RIVER Mrs M. Barclay, sen. (Sumner), is the guest of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs S. S. Barclay. LINCOLN Mr J. W. Stewart has returned from a short visit to Wellington. Mrs Peryman, sen., has returned to Southbrook, where she will stay with her son, Mr H. S. Peryman. CONFIRMATION SERVICE AT KAIAPOI A confirmation service was held at St. Bartholomew's Church, Kaiapoi, on Sunday morning, when Bishop WestWatson confirmed 12 candidates, nine from Kaiapoi and three from. Woodend There was a large congregation. The Bishop spoke of the Europear situation, expressing thankfulness at the removal of the danger of war. The hymn "Now Thank We all Our God" was sung. CRICKET WAINUI CLUB MEETS The credit balance of the Wainui Cricket Club's balance-sheet, presented to the annual meeting recently, was £5 14s. Opening day was- fixed for October 15.. Officers were elected as follows: — Patron, Mr Hopkins; president. Mr L. Stanbury; secretary. Mr L. M. Hooker; honorary auditor, Mrs L. Hooker. • The election of captain was held: over until opening day, and it was decided that Mr R. A. Mould and the captain be the club's delegates on the Peninsula Cricket Sub-Association.

AKAROA CLUB Mr R Bruce, club captain, presided at the annual meeting of the Akaroa Cricket Club, when there was a fair attendance. ~, The balance-sheet showed a credit of £l6 4s Id. Officers for the year were elected as follows:—President, Mr F. Davis; vicepresidents, Messrs H. W. Oliver E. X. le Lievre. I/. J. Vangioni, W. E. Swainson E. C. Kotlowski, and Dr. W. J. Edginton; club caotain, Mr W. A. Newton; honorary auditor, MrP.G. R>ches; delegates to Peninsula Sub-Association, Messrs T. Masefield and W. A. Newton: committee. Messrs R. T. Masefield. L. le Lievre, and T. Masefield; honorary secretary- and treasurer, Mi: J. Masefield; assistant secretary, Mr L. J. vangTtwas decided that the club could not accept an invitation from the Wamui Club to play a match on October 15, and it was resolved that Wainui be invited to play at Akaroa on October 22, when the club would hold its opening day.

IRWELL BEATS DUNSANDEL

Playing at Dunsandel in Ihe first match of the feason in the Ellesmere Cricket Association's competition, the Irwell Club beat Dunsandel by 14 J 1 uns - rio ._ il .. „„„. The following are the details.—D un sandel (J. Walker .20) 100: Irwell (J. Coe 25, J. Chamberlain 21. D. Lill. J e "^ e °' 24 , 114. For Irwell, A. J. Coe took seven wickets for 63 runs, and W. °°« k hj for 26. For Dunsandel, K. A. Jonnsion took four for 26,. and Frampton three for

GOLF

MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

AT DUNSANDEL

The results of a bogey match played on the Dunsandel course on Saturday were:—E. Tweedy, 1 up; S. Tweedy, all square; J. Chatterton, 3 down; W. Tweedy, 4 down. In the final of the men's championship, played over 36 holes, E. Tweedy beat W. Tweedy by 2 up and 1 to play. The results <t the r..iger competition fo»- the bo»»i score txr the s>«f:sbn, over nine holes, were as follows: — W. Tweedy 27, B. Shipley 28, E. Tweedy 28.

From a powderlike clay known as bentonite comes a new transparent wrapping film which is fireproof and highly resistant to water, acid, alkali, and oils. Bentonite clays contain large amounts of tiny particles of colloidal size. When these particles are separated in a centrifuge and then concentrated they form strong jellies, which, when dried, become translucent films without any birder. Under pressure the translucent film turns transparent. The result is a strong, wrapping material that -will take print like paper and has an electrical resistance comparable to mica,

AKAROA COUNTY COUNCIL

JSIPROYED TELEPHONE

SHfrTICE

DJISATISFACTION WITH PRESENT SYSTEM

Dissatisfaction with the present Banks Peninsula telephone services was expressed at a meeting of the Akaroa County Council by' the county chairman (Mr C. B. Thacker). The varying hours of the various bureaux and privately-owned lines could, he suggested, be eliminated by co-ordina-tion, and if the larger bureaux at Duvauchelle and Akaroa were built up, subscribers would have a continuous service. He considered this very desirable.

The members of the council supported the chairman in his suggestions, and it was decided to write to the Akaroa Borough Council, the Banks Peninsula branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and the Canterbury Progress League, asking for their co-operation in the matter. The opinion of the council was that a linesman for telephone repair work should be stationed in the district. Others present at the meeting were Crs. S. J. Vogan, J. Hayward, and A. R. Haylock. Cr. Hayward said he considered it very necessary for the council to purchase a power drill for getting out spaller'. metal for the crusher. The hand-drilling was slow and costly, and metal supplies were urgently needed. The council agreed to the Main Highways Board calling tenders for a power drjll, and its purchase through the board. It was also decided to have a petrol-driven plant with the drill. Mrs Harvey, of Akaroa, wrote complaining that clay was being taken from her frontage and the clerk explained that he had referred the complaint to the Akaroa Borough Council, as the street was under borough jurisdiction. The council decided to retain its affiliation with the Canterbury, Westland, and.Marlborough Employers* Association. ' The foreman reported that the old Pigeon Bay road had been partly metalled. Members of the council said car and truck owners were using this road, which was a short-cut from the Hill Top to Duvauchelle. The road was steep and narrow, and warning boards had been placed on each end of it. It was considered the road should be used only as a stock route. The foreman reported the sea wall in Buckland's Bay, Akaroa, had been re-erected, and was now in a satisfactory condition. A wall on the Kaik road also required attention, and it was decided to strengthen it. Crs. Haylock and Hayward were appointed to inspect the road to Stoney Bay with Mr F. G. Armstrong and the foreman, and to have the road graded and reformed into the bay where it was necessaryThe Department of Labour notified the council that men were available for noxious weeds eradication, but it would be necessary for the council to arrange for accommodation or transport. It was left to the chairman to see Stock Inspector Henderson about further details. FLOWER SHOW CLARKVILLE METHODIST ! CHURCH

ANNUAL SPRING DISPLAY The annual spring flower show organised by the Clarkville Methodist Church, was held recently and was very ful. There was a very good display of both cut flowers and decorative exhibits. Judges were: Cut flowers, Mr J. Keetley. decorative. Mrs W. Taylor: cookery, Miss M. Ambridge; fancy work, Mrs R. A. Ambridge; photography. Mr H. L. Adams; school work, Mr J. P. Farrel . Special awards were as follows.— Methodist challenge cup, most points in cut flowers, N. R. Ashby: Mrs Hassell. •sen's cup most points in district, Mrs A J. Rich; Ashby memorial cup most points in show. N. R. Ashby; most points in decorative section, Miss Dunlop; best bloom in district, Mrs Mcllwrick; champion bloom in show, N. R. Ashby; most points in cookery and preserves. Mrs Mcllwrick; most points in fancy work, Mrs V. Giles; most points in photography, Miss V. Giles; man gaining most points in show. N. R. Ashby: girl gaining most points in children's flower section, Betty McMillan: boy gaining most points in children's flower section. Robin Pengelly; girl gaining most points in school work, Patricia Dunlop, June Miller, and Heather Smith (equal); boy gaining most points in school ■ work, Robin Pengelly; papier mache work, June Rice. The challenge cup for the school gaining most points was won by the Ouruhia School. RIFLE SHOOTING RANGIORA DEFENCE CLUB OPENING OF SEASON

The Rangiora Defence Rifle Club opened its season on Saturday with 11 shots at 200 vards and 10 shots at 300 yards. There was a good attendance and the weather was ideal for shooting. Detailed scores

KAIAPOI DEFENCE CLUB

The Kaiapoi Defence Rifle Club held its opening shoot on Saturday afternoon, the conditions being 11 shots at 200 yards and 10 shots at 300 yards. The following were the leading

wt 11.. 200 300 yds. yds. Ttl. A. D. Smith .. 52 47 99 A. W Prestney J. Heney .. 51 .. 51 45 44 96 95 J. Turner .. 52 40 92 T. C. Thompson James .. 53 .. 50 38 40 91 90 B. Dench .. 50 38 86 C. Humphreys .. 50 38 81 J. S. Cook ... 47 37 84 A. Lovegrove Lovegrove .. 48 .. 45 35 38 83 83

A. Green .. 53 46 3 102 J. Johnston .. 50 46 5 101 101 101 100 100 99 99 . 98 96 93 F. G. J. F. Bryden Winter Bryden Richards .. 55 .. 50 .. 53 .. 53 45 44 46 43 1 7 1 4 H. Martyn .. 53 46 scr R. Fendall .. 54 44 1 H. Edwards .. 53 45 scr 7 3 C. J. Green Ball .. 48 .. 48 41 42