In spite of the inclement weather, there was a good attendance at the open-air, no-license meeting at the Octagon on Saturday night.
The Rev. T. R. B. Wooloxall, of Ashburton, was the principal speaker. He said that in Ashburton the no-license platform was always open to speakers on the other side. All they wanted was that the people should be educated in the question. Nothing did that so quickly as discussion, especially the sort of discussion which defenders of the liquor trade put up. A prominent defender of the liquor trade in Ashburton and an agitator for "restoration" told him at the close of the Agricultural Show-day recently that he had been round all day, looking for drunkenness amongst the 7000 or so people assembled, and had not seen one case.
The Mayor of Ashburton (Mr Davis), an ex-publican, had just travelled to the North Island looking for a place to settle and bring up his family if any appealed to him more than Ashburton; but when he returned he stated publicly that he saw no place equal to Ashburton, and had made up his mind to settle there. Asked recently as to outstanding rates, the Mayor said that 3 would cover them.
This, argued Mr Wooloxall, showed the soundness and prosperity of the place. The Ashburton vote had been partly spoiled three years ago by the inclusion of Geraldine, and now another district that had about 600 votes for no-license to 200 for license, had been taken away.
This would probably further reduce the temperance vote. Mr Dalton gave an earnest address from the Labour stand-point.
• The secretary of Hamiltons Sluicing Company (Ltd) reports a return for the week ended October 14 of 42oz 6dwt 23gr, and another for the week ended October 21 of 180oz, 11dwt, 12gr, making a total for the fortnight of 222oz 18dwt 11gr. This return is one of the best that has been won from a sluicing claim in Otago for some considerable time, and it would appear as though this company is likely to have a successful future.
• At the Carrick Reefing Company's claim work is proceeding steadily, and the battery has been treating stone for the past two weeks with satisfactory results. It is reported that the staff, which now comprises about 40 men, is to be increased. If successful the mine will be a great benefit to the Cromwell district. Evans and party's claim, which is also on the Carrick, is expected to turn out well, and the results of a crushing should be known shortly.
• At last night's meeting of the City Council Cr Todd (chairman of the Reserves Committee) said that after very careful consideration the committee had at a special meeting that evening decided not to recommend the purchase of Mr P. C.
Neill's property, "Chingford," at Normanby, for recreation purposes.
The delegates of the sports bodies with whom the committee had conferred were in favour of the property being purchased. Out of the 43 acres offered only 13 acres were suitable for recreation grounds, only three grounds could be made, and the revenue would not be sufficient to meet the expenses of maintenance.
In justice to Mr Neill, Cr Todd said the committee did not consider the price put on the property was too high.
There was value for the money but it was out of the question to purchase it for recreation purposes. The action of the committee in terminating negotiations was endorsed by the council.
- ODT, 6.11.1911.
