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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 28, 1908
Page
2
A commentary contrasts idealists and pragmatists in social reform. It argues that new ideas slowly transform society, using Christianity as a case study, and urges timely action by reformers while warning against complicity of churches in poverty. It discusses unemployed labor and capital, urging capital to support productive employment and societal well being.
Ashburton mourns James Crawford author of the high pressure water supply plan who died leaving a need to appoint a new engineer with council or executors approval. Despite his death the scheme’s plans are approved and will be carried out. Captain Udwin’s telegraphed forecast predicts strong westerly winds to a gale with falling barometer.
Daily notes report a fishable Ashburton rivers condition at 9 am, the Invercargill Cadets disbanding, upcoming Ashburton visit for a photography event, and the Federal Old-age Pension Fund totaling £423,000. Also covered are Christmas car carriages earnings, Workmen's Compensation Act tensions, thanks to donors at Tua rangi Old Ben's Home, a rescue search near Rakaia river, and a man’s fall aboard the late express with a safe return.
A cold front brought a brief morning shower and a heavier noon storm with hail. Streets flooded briefly as rain pounded, then cleared. hail damaged flowers while pastures welcomed the moisture. Rainfall totals reached 37 points by 9 am and 32 points during the noon shower, with some areas reporting no rain at all.
Ashburton Orange Lodge members and friends, numbering over 259, travelled by four waggons and bicycles to Wakanut Beach on Saturday. The dry day allowed a long sports program, prizes were promptly awarded, and the outing was praised for smooth organization and broad appeal, likely the first of annual trips.
At a Wakanui River Board meeting Messrs Anderson Taylor Brown and Wilson attended. The Premier said auditing act amendments would be considered. The board fixed its office as the polling booth for the next election and clerk Fooks to arrange. Accounts totaling £3 11s were approved for payment.
In the fifth Cup match played on Wednesday December 28, the Ashburton Rifles posted scores with listed shooters including Andrews Sergt Childs Pte Tovoy Pte Miail Pte H Knox Pte Bowkett Pte Corbett. Final figures show varied tallies across the unit.
In London on December 26 the Australian League team scored a goal and four tries to Leeds with two goals and two tries. Next day twelve thousand saw Oldham beat the Australians 1 goal and 3 tries to 1 goal and 1 try, Messenger converting a late penalty. Swansea then defeated the Wallabies 1 goal and 1 try to nil before 40,000 spectators, with Cullen sent off for rough play.
The final remainder of Henry Chapman’s estate, totaling 110000 pounds, was bequeathed to the King's Hospital Fund. The same report notes Privy Council concerns over Lord Loreburn’s proposed constitutional reforms and the balance of a new Judicial Dilmates court. Also reported are sprint times in Johannesburg, a New York stock exchange failure, and a Munich post office robbery.
London reports 130 548 paupers the highest tally in 88 years with poor relief expenditure totaling 387 840 pounds.
Two leading Paris doctors reported to the Anti Cancer League that over three years they treated 62 cancer cases with radium, achieving six failures.
The Press Association reports growing friction between Germany and Switzerland over German millers dumping high grade flour into Switzerland. Switzerland seeks arbitration but Germany resists a limited reference, leaving arbitration ineffective.
M Sevelsky praises the Anglo Russian agreement and urges restraint on Serbian Montenegrin expansion. He argues Russia seeks a peaceful legal solution to the Balkan issue, cites 1876 78 treaties, and calls for a Balkan Slav Turkish union under a common defense of development. A confidence vote passes.
Vienna dispatches report Austrian newspapers express outrage at Russia’s stance and warn it endangers peace. German newspapers claim Russia is delaying the conference by advancing demands Austria cannot accept.
The French Press denounces Baron von Aereuthal and condemns cynicism while stating France expects violators of the Trest of Berlin to compensate the sufferers.
Vienna press notes Count Mensdorff Austrian Ambassador in London delivers a verbal message from King Edward to Emperor Francis Joseph. The message is believed to urge Austria to arrange matters with Turkey.
Mathis a fanatical monarchist restaurant waiter attempted to seize President Fallieres in the Champs Elysees. They wrestled, Mathis’s nails drew blood behind the President’s ear, and he was arrested as Fallieres continued his walk. A medallion of General Mercier was found on Mathis.
Governor orders state militia to aid marshals in Whitley County amid a miners strike. Violence has claimed a miner and a marshal, with several men killed in a hotel fire after clashes between marshals and miners. The report notes rioting and arson linked to the labor unrest.
In Melbourne on December 26 a railway quadricycle carrying eleven Christmas shoppers collided with a light engine near Benalla. Six passengers were hurt, two Dowd siblings severely. A jockey died later that December. In Perth a jockey was fatally injured after being unseated, wearing an electric battery linked to horse spurs. A Coffs Harbour tornado damaged a Catholic church and other structures.
Kate Gilmour, a stewardess aboard the steamer Sardinia, is awarded Lloyds silver medal for saving many Arab lives when the ship's passengers faced panic on November 25. This marks the first time a woman has received the honor.
The cabracas dispatch reports that General Gomez's revolution has concluded peacefully. Former revolutionaries are urged to return and political prisoners have been released. The boundary dispute with Colombia is said to be settled.
Sydney obituary notes actor John F. Sheridan, famed for The Widow O'Brien, died suddenly in Newcastle last night.
James Crawford a long time Sumner resident and civil engineer died of heart failure after months of illness. Born in 1829 in Liverpool, educated in Ireland, he immigrated aboard the Alma and joined New Zealand Public Works, later Canterbury engineer. He surveyed major rail lines and oversaw waterworks. he served as Sumner town clerk and engineer and helped Geraldine and Waimate projects. Survived by wife and three sons including Francis Crawford.
Teheran December 27 Shah refuses to issue a new elections decree until the Nationalists vacate the Turkish Embassy, according to a press association report. The stance follows protests surrounding the embassy incident and pressures from political groups in Persia.
In December 25 dispatch from Pekin, the Dalai Lama is said to have left Pekin and will reach Lhasa in a few weeks. China declares itself the sovereign power over the region.
New York report says Bir Root seeks to force Brazil to balance naval power with Argentina to prevent a Brazil Argentina conflict. Argentina rejects Britain's mediation offer.
The Times reports a Franco Belgian accord delimiting Congo State frontiers. It recognizes Belgium's one sided annexation and France's right of preference if Belgium relinquishes its claim.
The chess congress began in Dunedin with Judge Denniston welcoming Dominion players and visitors led by Mr David R. Hay of Melbourne, an ex-champion, marking the opening on December 28.
An old advertisement urges readers with rheumatism seratica or gout to avoid nostrums and try RHEUMO claimed to cure quickly and permanently. It asserts thousands of sufferers have been cured and lists chemists and stores selling it in various prices.
An advertisement claims Rheumo can cure rheumatic conditions by removing excess uric acid from the blood. It targets readers with inherited tendencies, indigestion, swellings, and joint stiffness, urging purchase from chemists and stores at 23 6d and 4s.
A motor lorry death at Queen's Wharf occurs when McPhail falls from his vehicle after a collision with rails. He dies of brain concussion before hospital transfer. A second unidentified death is found in Courtenay Place. Inquiries note accidental causes and other regional fatalities including a shooting accident, a drowning near Pelorus Sound, and a Christmas night death in Rakauroa.
The Auckland Racing Club held its summer meeting at Ellerslie with fine weather and large crowds. Inglis won Trial Handicap, Great Northern Stakes saw Broad sword take the lead by three lengths, All Red captured Auckland Coup, Reservoir won Grafton Hurdles, Royal Soult led Railway Handicap, Hyperion won Nursery Handicap, Negapuka took Robinson Handicap, and Waimangu won the Xmas Handicap by a neck.
At Dunedin Jockey Club meeting the first day drew excellent attendance in fair weather with multiple races led by Leonardo, Royal Shell, and Cymbiform. Times ranged around 3 minutes, with Czar Kolohil, Passion, and Spinning in close pursuit in the Salisbury Hack Handicap.
December 26 at Christchurch Plumpton Park Trotting Club opened in fine weather with multiple races. Trial Handicap results Rubicon first, Charlewood second, Hailsome third. won by two lengths. Ladies Bracelet race Aliss Case first, Thicket second, Old Fred third. won by 12 lengths. Sockburn Handicap Miss Burlington first, Prince Warbeck second, Bell Car third. won by a neck. Annovation Handicap TL.E.C. 21 first, Kg Vy. 2 second, Belle Benton third. won by two lengths. Electric Handicap Victor Huon first, Prince Randle second, Peacock third. won by two lengths. Riccarton Handicap Kelso first, The Mooress second, Merry Lincoln third. won by eight lengths. Boxing Day Handicap Nellie H. J. Claremont first, My Mistake second. won by two lengths.
The Canterbury Automobile Association starts a four day reliability trial with 37 cars leaving Christchurch at eight for a 119 mile course. No repairs are allowed and the test rewards cars with no breakdowns or unauthorised stops. Heavy hill climbs on Thursday test drivers and vehicles.
Advert claims RHUDO acts on blood to remove excess uric acid, the supposed cause of rheumatism gout and sciatica. It markets itself as a safe, reliable cure though not a universal remedy. It promises relief for rheumatics through a specific treatment labeled RHUDO.
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