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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Mar 24, 1908
Page
2
A March 24 1908 issue notes events and notices in the paper with readable items. The column lists names and local matters likely including civic notices and community news from the era.
Local residents secured government acquisition of the remaining Peel Forest land as a scenic reserve through an exchange with the owners. The area will join Canterbury reserves, praised for preservation by the owners and public-spiritedness.
Rain continues across Ashburton and county wide with no immediate break in sight. Daily totals show 9 mm yesterday and 22 points by 9 am Tuesday. overall rainfall since the rain began reaches 3.12 inches and 5.28 inches for the month, with higher levels at Kaikoura and Masterton batches noting prolonged wet spells and effects on transport and crops.
A reader suggests the musical authorities hold four per year Ashburton competitions to encourage young musicians and create attractive entertainments, aiming to arouse more enthusiasm for the art.
West's Pictures drew a packed Ashburton hall with new films and clever mechanical wonders. The Brescians impressed with Maritana orchestral arrangement, strong vocal numbers by Tindall Hayward and Adelina Martinengo, and a lively comic trio. Tonight both groups return with a fresh program.
Canton witnesses a 50,000 strong demonstration over release of the Tatsu Maru with burning of Japanese garments. The crowd urged a boycott of Japanese goods and the impeachment of Yuan Shikai as mourning cloaks many city buildings.
M Kekovtsoff told the Budget Committee that new loans are inevitable to fund a second trans Siberian line and the Amur railway totaling £36000000. Extraordinary defence spending over the next five years would reach £92000000. M Robortsof noted expected rises in ordinary expenditure and hinted at a coming income tax.
Gratification in Japan as the American fleet accepts the invitation for a visit. Japanese papers call it a chance to show sincere friendship and international goodwill. The Times correspondent notes broad approval and the Sun praises the move toward mutual confidence.
The Times lauds the growth of the United States and Japan as momentous, credits Americans for inspiring Japan’s transformation, and praises Roosevelt's role in ending the Russo-Japanese War. It notes cooperation ending immigration tensions and foresees the American fleet as a welcomed guest in Australia and Japan.
The Bourse Gazette in St Peters burg says the invitation to the fleet honors Japanese diplomacy and will raise Japan's prestige amid Pacific sentiment between America and Japan.
Melbourne report says on March 24 Mr Deakin received official acceptance of Australia’s invitation to the American fleet visit, confirming the cordial ties and forthcoming arrangements for the naval event.
A Japanese coastwise steamer Mat sumaru struck the Hirhiyosta maru near Hakodati. The collision caused the captain and crew to die and over 200 passengers are feared lost.
Premier Moor of Natal, speaking at Winton, criticizes certain House of Commons members for questioning Natal’s actions and seeks to prove the colony’s just position within its chartered rights. He argues Natal bears the burden and hopes for better counsel and opportunity to show justice.
Peking reports Britain will reduce opium imports over three years to test if poppy cultivation and smoker numbers fall. The plan, part of a decree issued in Peking, outlines further measures to curb the evil.
Brisbane reports two saloon passengers aboard the Changsha arrested for possessing 14l ing of opium valued at £950. The case details the seizure and arrest as authorities race to curb narcotics trafficking.
Messrs Peats and Pexley report to London County Council that the tramways accounts are flawed after an independent audit. They claim the shift from horse to electric traction created about £1,000,000 in displacement costs and that £203,592 earned by the horse system was improperly used to relieve rates instead of covering losses.
Wellington reports 12 year old Francis Chamberlain electrocuted by a downed live wire at Island Bay. Auckland notes the sudden death of Mrs M Dodds at Brighton Road Parnell. Hamilton records the drowning of an eight year old Maori boy in the Waikato. Wairoa identifies Edward Marryat as the body found after a storm flood linked to methylated spirits. George Reed dies after fall from scaffolding in Newtown. Greymouth notes the death of Wm Daly Revington at the Post Office Hotel from heart failure.
In CA WrORTA dispatch March 25, it is reported that Rand mines are not to be permitted to recruit further natives in British Central Africa. In Durban Mr Moor urged that a South African Commission study federation and unification issues.
At the Arbitration Court RR A Wikelyn was fined £1 8s plus costs for hiring a non unionist when a unionist was available. Charles Brown sued Union Steam Ship Company for £800 for injuries after being knocked from a plank while lumping coal, causing a pelvic fracture and total incapacity. The company had paid £76 4s in temporary compensation. The court ordered £200 damages plus costs, with no contest beyond whether a lump sum was appropriate.
El Mundo reports the wounded young King of Portugal faced doctors urging arm amputation after the late king’s assassination. The king and his mother resist the medical advice.
Palmerston North March 23 The Supreme Court heard John Baillie v Imperial Dry Mii Company before Mr Justice Cooper. Judgment for £10 awarded to the plaintiff for work and patent compensation with costs undecided. A decree nisi granted to Mary Ann Pye for dissolution of marriage from Archibald Robertson Pye. Edward Jones alias Johns sentenced to four years hard labour for indecent assault on a girl at Ashhurst.
In London on March 23 Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman remains in unchanged condition. The Housing of Workers in Ireland Bill passed the second reading in the House of Commons without discussion. It provides for a loan of 3,000,000 to local authorities to build 25,000 dwellings.
President Roosevelt says he will send a message to Congress urging a tariff revision via a special session after March 1909. He seeks amendatory action in 1908 on the Sherman anti trust law to allow railways reasonable traffic agreements with ICC consent. He also asks passage of Employers Liability and Financial Bills from Senator Aldrich.
This morning observers reported murky waters in the Rakaia River and both branches of the Ashburton River indicating possible pollution or sediment intrusion. Local authorities were alerted to monitor quality and potential impacts.
Employers cited to appear at the Arbitration Court were stunned to find no sitting. One had traveled fifty miles, losing two days and incurring expenses. No notice of the postponement had been sent to any party.
A Wellington test case on infant adoption was decided by Mr Riddell, G.M. The defendants faced charges of receiving payment and retaining an infant beyond seven days without a foster license. The defence argued no license was needed if the payment benefited only the child. Convicted but given a nominal penalty of one shilling due to bona fide conduct.
Dunedin marked the sixtieth anniversary of Otago's foundation with the opening of the Early Settlers Hall a memorial to pioneers. The gathering heard tributes to Edward Gibbon Wakefield and celebrated with a concert after a misty day. A telegram from ex Dunedin residents in Auckland sent greetings to the Otago Early Settlers Association.
The article notes 21 sovereigns of Abbey distribution remain unclaimed while Over Is a Tin returns for coupons. Authorities urge holders to claim by deadline and redeem eligible funds through official channels.
Pertha March 23 Smith has been executed for the murder of Clinton at Daydawn on January 5. Death was instantaneous. The report notes the execution and details surrounding the case. It also mentions a separate item about a proposed mint scheme to manufacture cartridges and brass cups to support coinage of silver and bronze with projected profits.
In Sydney on March 23 the coastal steamship companies and Wharf Labourers Union resumed talks. Employers offered terms rejected by the men, with a conference adjourned to tomorrow. The Employers Federation urged non union labour amid dispute over arbitration wages. painters seek a penny rise as about 300 idle and several government contracts affected.
Reports from Suva and Sydney on March 24 describe heavy gales driving ashore the steamer Sangoja with lighters and Indian cargo, extensive wrecks of small craft and houses, refloating of the Sargola, damage to banana plantations, and a large sailing ship ashore at Middleton reef with no name discernible.
Australia scores 569 in first innings with Armstrong not out 146 and Windsor 78, their 226 partnership for the ninth wicket ranking as the second best ever. In the second innings Australia fielding four wickets down for 175 with McKenzie 30 and Bardsley 67. Also notes a forthcoming match of College Rifles against Ashburton Rifles on the Domain Oval Thursday listing ex personnel.
A Blackball Miners Union meeting resolved not to pay a £75 fine from the Arbitration Court and to refuse to work for a half hour crib time. Miners vow to fight the position to the end and criticized the court. Government action is awaited as the payment deadline passes. Some married men are working at Paparoa and Agabhire railway works, and local merchants report strike-related business strain. The miners have received their first strike pay of £1 each.
The Wellington Trades and Labour Council debated the Blackball trouble and approved a half hour crib time as fair. It recognised employers may discriminate against unionists per Mr Justice Sim until law changes, and urged unions to provide financial support. A £4 collection was taken and further union assistance requested.
Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association hosts a formal homecoming for NZ athletes who represented at the Australasian Amateur Championship in Hobart. Speeches by the mayor and MPs praise the team. Manager J E Green proposes sending Kerr and Murray to the Olympia Games in London, seeking government or private funding. In Invercargill the Southland Caledonian Society decides to secede from the New Zealand Athletic Union.
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