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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 23, 1902
Page
2
In recent wet weather farmers are urged to increase care for sheep as the animals may suffer from scour or lung-worm. The advisory stresses vigilance for signs of illness and timely treatment to prevent losses.
The lunar cycle details show first quarter on December 8 at 6 57 p.m. and full moon on December 15 at 3 17 p.m. Last quarter occurs December 22 at 7 30 a.m. New moon on December 30 at 8 55 a.m. perigee and apogee dates noted.
Closing notices list mail deadlines for Northern Ports and Westport per Rotomahana, with a final time of 6 p.m. on Tuesday December 23.
The Ashburton Guardian will not publish on December 25 26 or January 1 due to holiday observances.\"
At Home Bush sale numbers remain high with no more sales until Monday. Prime New Zealand cross bred wethers reach 20s 81, other crossbreds from 15s 6d to 18s 3d, Merinos up to 1s 0d. Cattle supply exceeds demand with bullocks averaging £14 18s and £19 2s 6d, cows from 10s to 12s, best beef 47s per hundred pounds.
On December 22 1902 the Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers Co operative Association of Canterbury Ltd lists current prices for wheat oats barley peas and grassseed paid to farmers on Ashburton tracks. Prices range from 2s 0d to 58 Hunters for oats and up to £4 10s 0d for Olaf Good vatsheaf grassseed.
Me D Butterick of Wakanui has sold 1100 bushels of Hunters and Tuscan wheat at a stated price per bushel, delivery arranged in store at Ashburton.
A line of pearl wheat recently sold in Addington for an advanced price and was finally bought by Otago Miller at 6s per bushel for his mill. Messrs Wood Brus of Canterbury Flour Mills, who two weeks ago bought about 200000 bushels from Me D Thomas, have since sold portions of that purchase at 2s 6d.
The Otago Times reports Dunedin wheat trading for 1902 nearly closed with few offerings left. Hunters and Tuscan wheat remain at uneconomical prices and mills show little desire to operate. Velvet not available. Canterbury holders keep the market firm with nominal prices on trucks and Dunedin.
Councillor Andrews presented a signed petition urging a poll on adopting unimproved value rating for Ashburton properties. The move, seen as pending serious financial impact, prompts calls for public consideration and a wider discussion before any decision.
The article argues against a premature poll on rating unimproved values. It notes Three weeks given for consideration may be insufficient and urges delaying until broader questions of amalgamation with Hampstead Tinwald and Allenton are settled. It warns the split views among districts could complicate Ashburton's future.
The Ashburton Guardian will skip publication on Christmas and Boxing Days. Various local items include weather notes, hospital updates, train schedules, a Winslow district asylum commitment, Tinwald Races changes, a daylight Guards parade, charity penny donations, notable fishing catches near the Ashburton river, unimproved values polling, and a Wesleyan social on Boxing night plus Christmas goodwill from the Minister of Trade.
At 2 40 this morning a large fire engulfed Huston and Son’s grocery on East Belt. Firemen could not steady the steamer due to a pump valve fault. The building and stock, valued at 276, were consumed. Huston and a nephew narrowly escaped. The origin remains a mystery.
The community mourns Dr Bluett of Rakataia who died this morning after a brief illness from pneumonia. He recently moved from Wellington NSW to NZ and succeeded Dr Cordner in Rakaia, gaining wide respect for his skill and kindness. He was married twice with two naval surgeon sons and young children.
The Ashburton High School Board held a special meeting to discuss scholarships and staff matters. The headmaster’s salary was increased by £30, scholarships were deferred, and a visiting committee was tasked with reporting on improvements and eligibility. Fourteen applications for a mistress position were received, with a selection planned for Saturday.
Veteran vaudeville star Harry Richards No 3 company, featuring Eugen Sandow the prophet of physical culture, will headline at Oddfellows Hall tomorrow evening. Readers hear Sandow’s vivid account of his lion fight in San Francisco, including the dramatic moments and crowd reactions.
The Ashburton Borough Council met to discuss finance, rates remission, Domain use for Methodist Conference, and domain upkeep. Reports covered lighting contracts, san i tary matters, reserves, inspector and foreman duties, and new tenders for a house on borough land. Licenses and accounts were approved, with the next meeting set for January 19 1903.
A farewell social at Mr A T Maiden’s shed Mitcham honored Mr and Mrs Dickie of Somerton as they leave the district. The evening featured vocal and instrumental solos, recitations, a mock speech, and a dance with Mr Pearce as MC. Gifts included a marble clock from Mr T Morland and a silver mounted pipe from Mr Geo Dickie, with thanks from hosts and neighbors.
Correspondent Epwarn Taynon argues for the county and road boards to jointly buy a steam road roller to improve road quality and reduce idle time. He notes current wear on horse and wagon transport harms farming income and urges public debate and council action.
Samus Wilson of Seaview argues against land use changes at the Beach noting ample water from mill races and suggesting a guarded lagoon enclosure for horses. He questions the need for a recreation ground and proposes a winter-use house to serve visitors, though doubts its viability.
The Rangitata Station school held its annual treat and prize distribution on a Thursday with showers. After a tea with sandwiches and cake, prizes were handed out by Mr J R Brodie with encouragement to pupils.
An ad under royal patronage proclaims Sander and Sons Pure Volatile Eucalyptus Extract as the only safe product. Tests by Bonn and Rostock clinics confirm oxygen saturation and acid removal are needed for curative properties. Fletcher Bros. buy fresh bees at 8d per dozen until further notice.
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