ASHBURTON.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1607, 15 April 1879, Page 3

ASHBURTON.

The past week has been rather an important one in Ashburton. In addition to the inquiry into the fire at Tinwald, which ended in the committal of Hamilton for trial, there has been the death of poor Mr Brown, through being thrown out of a buggy. Mr S. P. Guiney, late of Rangiora, has been appointed to the mastership of the Wakanui school, and the Eev. W. Keall, new minister of the Wealeyan circuit, took oharge yeater day. The Rev. and Mrs Burnett have both been presented with testimonials and addresses by their Presbyterian friends. Mr has already been spoken of, but Mrs Burnett's took the shape of a silver plate and purse of twenty-five sovereigns. Mrs Trevor, Mrs A. Orr and Mrs Chalmers presenting it on behalf of the Ashburton ladies. It is said that a requisition is in process of signature, asking one of the local bodies to make certain inquiries into the conduct of one of its officers. Despite the bad ground, cricket seems to flourish at Ashburton, and a match will come off to-day between the Borough and County Clubs. The new ground will be ready next season, and no one can doubt it is very badly needed. The "Ticket of Leave Man " is being rehearsed by local amateurs, wiiih the intention of performing it in the Town Hall in aid of the Kaitangata relief fund. It is rumored the amateurs will have some excellent professional assistance, and it is to be hoped that a good sum will be realised, more particularly as Ashburton has certainly barely done her proper share of subscription towards this laudable object. On the Ist of May also there will be a concert in aid of the Church of England bell fund, and for this the services of many of the best local amateurs, and of Mrs Hoskins, have been Becured, so much interest being taken in the matter that it promises to be a pronounced success.