Ashburton Guardian, Thursday, December 29, 2022

Dubs rides the rails again

full of people

Malcolm Hopwood

It might be a year short of its 150th birthday, but a Class A locomotive is back on the tracks at the Plains Museum for the first time in six years.

Built by Dubs and Company at Glasgow in 1873, the shunter has been inactive for several years but, with recent maintenance and a renewed boiler ticket, it pulled its first carriage yesterday since about 2016.

Driver, David Oakley, said the coal fired loco is a “personal engine to drive. It’s small, compact and you feel you’re in charge”.

“I just push and pull the levers and it drives itself.”

With Scott Thomson as fireman, the vivid green loco made trips up the two-and-a-half kilometre track every half hour yesterday, pulling a carriage, often

It was used at Fairton Freezing Works for shunting and, when it was retired, it rested at the Tinwald Domain before being restored by the Plains Museum.

“One carriage is plenty for it,” said Plains manager, Lorayne Oakley.

In addition to the loco, restorers Ian Fyfe and Paul Gray, were demonstrating their 1898 Blackstone Oil Engine, used on farms for a variety of purposes, often driving threshing mills and shearing plants before electricity.

The rare engine, said to be the second oldest in New Zealand, needed repairs to its fuel and water pump but was chugging beautifully for them.

Lorayne Oakley said “too many people complain there’s nothing to do in Ashburton between Christmas and New Year so we opened the Plains to give them something to experience.”

Further open days are planned on January 8, 15 and 22.

Cover story

First try this century and Lex lands a 17-pounder

fished in the main current on the north side of the river,” Lex said.

“We’d stopped briefly for a cuppa, but, within five minutes of returning, I hooked my biggest salmon ever.

“I stopped its run and managed to beach it. It weighed 17 pounds. I was just so happy to catch it. I was delighted.”

Lex and Jo Lyons go fishing every Christmas in the inland lakes. It’s a ritual for them.

Ever since their wives died, the brothers prefer each other’s company over Christmas. But this year they tried something different and it paid off.

After catching three trout and a perch in the inland lakes Lex, from Christchurch, was persuaded by his Ashburton brother, Jo, to try the Rangitata.

“I hadn’t fished for salmon for 30 years but I agreed to check the river out to see if they were running,” he said.

“We headed two kilometres up stream and

Lex’s advice to other fishermen is the salmon are running up the Rangitata to the spawning grounds at the headwaters.

“They’re good sized, wild salmon. The flesh is very deep red in colour,” he said.

Lex points out the season is early but there are salmon to be caught.

“It’s been a very special Christmas for us, my best fishing ever,” he said.

The proof is in the eating and that’s something Lex and Jo have yet to experience.

“We filleted it and put it in freezing bags. It looks good but I haven’t tasted it yet,” he said.

Right – Paul Gray (left) and Ian Fyfe, are proud of their 1898 Blackstone Oil Engine which they’ve restored in time for yesterday’s open day at the Plains Museum.

Left – Lex Lyons hooks his biggest salmon yet in his first attempt for 30 years.

Malcolm Hopwood

Allergy funding news a ‘lifesaver’

aware of the constant dangers he faces where even touching and smelling peanuts could be fatal.

An Ashburton teenager with a severe peanut allergy says Pharmac’s decision to fund lifesaving EpiPens is “awesome news’’ for Kiwis everywhere.

Finn Holden, 19, home in Ashburton after completing his second-year engineering studies at Canterbury University, has had two adrenaline EpiPens with him at all times since he was a toddler.

He’s never had to use the specially designed syringe, which is filled with synthetic adrenaline and can be a lifeline for allergy sufferers if they have an anaphylactic reaction. But Holden is well

He also understands that not everyone has been able to afford the cost of the single-use adrenaline pens, which have a shelf life of only 12 months and which Allergy New Zealand says can now cost between $120 and $350 each. That cost has been out of the reach for many families, putting loved ones at risk. But that won’t be an issue anymore for thousands of New Zealand allergy sufferers, much to Holden’s delight.

As of February 1, the lifesaving auto-injector pens will be free after Pharmac, the Government’s drug-buying agency, confirmed it would fully fund two EpiPens annually for every New Zealander with severe allergies.

“That’s just awesome news,” Holden said.

“It must be such a relief to mums, dads, and guardians with children with life-threatening allergies.

“Not having to pay for EpiPens could save the lives of children and also adults. It really is a lifesaver.’’

Pharmac’s long-awaited funding move has been applauded everywhere by severe allergy suffers. It was expected to benefit at least 12,000 people in the first year, rising to 17,000 after five years, according to reports from Pharmac’s director of operations, Lisa Williams.

Allergy New Zealand’s chief executive, Mark Dixon, described the decision as the best news for the country’s allergy sufferers in the more than 40 years his organisation had been representing them.

He knows the move would undoubtedly save lives and reduce the mental load on families, who had been unable to afford the auto-injector syringes. When used, by injecting the outer thigh of the person suffering from anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, the medication increases blood pressure, reduces swelling and opens the airways.

“The cost (of the pens) has meant this lifesaving medication has been out of reach for many people with severe allergies,” Dixon said.

He said Pharmac’s decision had been a long time coming but “we are thrilled that our collective voice has been heard and action has been taken to support

New Zealanders living with the risk of anaphylaxis”.

Pharmac had signalled its intention to fund the adrenaline auto-injectors in September following a boost to its budget in May.

The EpiPen application was understood to be the oldest on Pharmac’s funding wish list, having first been lodged with the medicines buying agency way back in 1997.

The pens would be available

while

one

via prescription through GPs, pharmacists, or specialists from February 1.

And rest assured, Finn Holden will be lining up for his.

Read more. Editorial, page 8.

Great news: Ashburton’s Finn Holden, a severe peanut allergy sufferer, had reason to smile

holding

of his lifesaving EpiPens, which would now be funded by Pharmac.

Daniel Alvey

An auto-injector EpiPen, which can save lives, will now be free to all severe allergy sufferers in New Zealand.

Nuisances (5)

Ribbed fabric (8)

Short-lived (9)

Prolonged embrace (6)

Three-legged stand (6)

Viral disease (5)

Trader (8)

Consider bad or wrong (10)

Discipline (7)

Char (6)

Anxious (6) 84 Carte du jour (4) 85 Three-pronged spear (7) 88 Cut off (10)

93 Continuous (3-4) 97 Sloping path (4) 98 Vigour (6) 99 Injured party (6) 100 Chelsea (anag) (7) 103 Crossbred (10) 104 Glassy volcanic rock (8) 105 Singing voice (5) 108 Buff (6) 109 Provisions (6) 111 Dancer’s spin (9) 116 Sharply defined (5-3) 117 Impudent (6) 118 Hospital attendant (7) 122 Lineage (8) 123 Cream-filled pastry (6) 124 Eye part (4) 125 Examine (5) 126 Pay (5) 129 Arduous, discouraging undertaking (6,8) 136 Sword (5) 139 Climb (5) 140 Grain store (4) 141 Farce (6) 142 Intrepid (8) 145 Flight attendant (7) 146 Divide into two (6) 147 German white wine (8) 150 Frank in opinions (9) 152 Punctual (6) 153 Dress (6) 157 Rot (5) 158 Borough of New York (8) 160 Blot out (10)

Weird, freakish (7)

Celebrating in style

Pets, costumes, families, and fun. That was the mix of themes we’ve been getting for our Christmas-themed photo competition run on the Guardian’s ever-popular Facebook page. Here’s the latest batch, with three winners to be announced soon from this fine group and those that appeared in Tuesday’s paper.

Dressed for the occasion: A group of friends getting in the Christmas mood were (from left and back): Hamish McLeod, Paddy Mulvihill, Ian Blakemore. Front: Sam Shearer, Lachie Wing, Kelly Wing, Sophie Shearer, Hayley McLeod, Kaitlin Blakemore, Jemma Mulvihill and Tom Wing.

Comfy seat: Margaret Hansen, 2, and sister Kaia Hansen, 5, in a lovely shot for the family photo album.

Slightly uncertain: Twelve-year-old Pippa, the miniature schnauzer, all dressed up for her doggy Christmas in Ashburton.

Ready for Christmas: Tommy Beams, 4, pictured chilling out near the Christmas tree with his elves, Cupcake and Elfie.

Riding time: Hahna Shaw, 9, with her cat Duke riding a reindeer.

Who’s the boss? Let’s go with Khan, a majestic looking two-year-old german shepherd, owned by Hannah Keen.

March 2022

Right – Methven’s Anna Johnson took on the challenge of taking 100 dips in various waterways around the district over the course of 100 days.

Below – The first step in Turangi Home’s new history began when demolition crews began work on demolishing the historic location.

Above – Methven Primary School students were given first access to the school’s brand new playground with Riley Coetzee one of the first to check it out.

Left – Peter and Anne Young joined revellers around the world by donning the green and enjoying St Paddy’s Day.

Left – Mid Cantabrians began to really feel the pinch at the pumps as fuel prices reached ridiculously high numbers.

April 2022

Left

Above – The Ashburton SPCA found themselves with an influx of kittens needing new home during April.

– Mid Canterbury’s own Simon O’Neill found his name up in lights with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry when he received a Grammy.

Above – Dame Lynda Topp and her wife Donna were overwhelmed by the support given to them in the wake of Lynda’s diagnosis with breast cancer, which her sister, Dame Jools Topp is also battling.

Below – Mid Canterbury Farming Families were back out in the community checking in on the health and wellbeing of the rural community. Rebecca Miller, Genevieve Wiggins and Craig Wiggins were in charge of the cooking duties.

Big crowds turned out as Mid Canterbury gathered to acknowledge and remember on Anzac Day.

RantorRave

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Take a bow lifesaver Mark Dixon

The name Mark Dixon probably won’t mean anything to many of you. And that’s okay.

After all, Dixon is hardly a household figure, but to thousands of severe allergy-suffering Kiwis, including those in Ashburton, like Finn Holden on page 3, he’s a bit of a hero.

Why? Because Dixon is Allergy New Zealand’s chief executive, who has pushed and pushed for all he’s worth to get life-saving adrenaline auto-injector EpiPens funded by the Government.

And finally – oh finally – Pharmac, the Government’s medicines and drug-buying agency, has agreed to do just that following an earlier announced record boost to its budgetar y spend.

From February 1, every severe allergy sufferer in New Zealand will be able to get two auto-injectors for free, thanks to Pharmac’s very belated decision

Daryl Holden

to do the right thing.

Until now, Kiwis with severe allergies have had to buy their own specially designed syringes, which now cost anything from $120 and $350 each.

That cost has been beyond the financial means of many sufferers and their families. And that’s meant they’ve been forced to play a bit of Russian roulette, a game of chance with their health and life by not having the injectors at the ready. Those injectors, which are filled with synthetic adrenaline, can be the difference between life and death if an anaphylactic reaction takes place.

They’re single-use pens,

which have a shelf life of only 12 months. They’re activated by pressure where you push the round head of a pen into the thigh of a child or adult. That releases a tiny needle quickly into the skin, administering a dose of adrenaline to reduce swelling and open the airways to prolong or avoid fatal symptoms until emergency help arrives.

EpiPens were becoming more common.

So, it’s a big tick to Pharmac and a massive thank you to Mr Dixon and his team. But we have to wonder why on earth it has taken so long to get to this stage because it’s understood Allergy New Zealand’s funding application was the oldest on Pharmac’s wish list, having been first lodged

Even worse, in the past 17 years alone, Allergy New Zealand apparently made eight submissions to Pharmac for EpiPens to be funded.

That makes you wonder just how many Kiwis have died from anaphylactic shock since that first funding approach was made and turned down.

That’s impossible to know because anaphylactic shock isn’t listed as a cause of death. Instead, the reason is most likely to be recorded as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

In the New Zealand allergy world, Pharmac’s funding news is expected to benefit at least 12,000 people in the first year alone, rising to 17,000 after five years because people needing

with them in 1997.

In the meantime, many of our enlightened first world country colleagues embraced the allergy medical device technology years ago.

So, well done again to Dixon and Allergy New Zealand for their tireless advocacy work. And well done, too, to the Labour Government because EpiPens have been funded under your leadership and your watch.

For that you, along with Dixon and co, deserve a gigantic allergy team pat on back.

You’re all lifesavers.

That makes you wonder just how many Kiwis have died from anaphylactic shock since that first funding approach was made and turned down.

THE BEST OF 2022

TEST YOURSELF

Test yourself with the Guardian’s quiz

1. Who is the Kiwi cricketer helping to turn the British team’s fortunes around?

a) Bendon McCullum

b) Kane Williamson

c) Tom Latham

2. What is behind the current shortage of eggs in supermarkets?

a) A shortage of hens

b) A lack of feed

c) New regulations banning the use of caged birds.

3. A Kiwi cricketer reached a 350 wicket milestone this week. Who was he?

a) Tom Blundell

b) Tim Southee

c) Ish Sodhi

4. All Black Richie Mo’unga will not be playing in New Zealand in 2024. Where is he headed to?

a) France

b) Japan

c) United States

5. South African cricketer Anrich Nortje was knocked over in the second test against Australia by what?

a) Cricket ball

b) Cricket bat

c) A wire-suspended camera.

6. What is a circumhorizontal arc?

a) It is caused by a unique set of weather conditions.

b) A line across the sky c) An extra line just above the horizon.

7. Two members of the Royal family have been given new roles. Who are they?

a) Harry and Meaghan

b) Camilla, the Queen Consort and Catherine, the Princess of Wales c) Princes Edward and Andrew

8. King Charles’ coronation will be held on?

a) March 16 b) May 26 c) June 6

Answers: 1. a) Brendon McCullum, 2. c) New regulations banning the use of caged birds, 3. b) Tim Southee, 4. b) Japan, 5. c) A wire-suspended camera, 6. c) It is caused by a unique set of weather conditions, 7. b) Camilla, the Queen Consort and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, 8. c) June 6

Sibling fun at Christmas

This photo is yet another entry in our Christmas photo competition.

Sibling fun: Dressed in their Christmas themed clothing are Milah Harwood, 10, who is having fun with little brother Colton Harwood, 2.

Watermelon and haloumi salad

pan over medium heat. Add pita. Cook, turning, for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with 1 t sumac. Turn over to coat. Transfer to a plate. Rub pita with cut side of garlic clove. Set aside to cool. Coarsely tear.

■ Whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, honey, 1/2 t sumac and remaining oil in a bowl. Season.

■ Return the pan to medium-high heat. Spray with olive oil. Cook haloumi, turning, for 2 minutes or until golden. Coarsely tear.

■ Place watermelon, herbs, avocado, radish, cucumber, pita and haloumi on a platter. Drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with remaining sumac.

Below

Below

Above – Mel Puckett changed her allegiance and trekked north to join the Blues women’s side in the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki competition.

Left – Sharpshooter Shania Harrison Lee was back at it again, winning national titles and making the sport of shooting look far easier than it actually is.

Below – Neville Bensdorp etched his name into petanque history when he won the New Zealand national singles championship in Dunedin.

Left – Mid Cantabrian Hayley Whiting grabbed herself a spot at the Commonwealth Games later in the year with victory in the national championships, setting a new New Zealand record in the process.

left –The Mid Canterbury senior representative tennis side broke new ground when they won the coveted Shirley Dalzell Memorial Tray for the first time.

right – The Lake Hood waterski club came to the rescue of their national body and picked up the baton to host the New Zealand Waterski championships at Lake Hood.

April 2022

Above –Mid Canterbury Netball’s premier competitions for 2022 kicked into gear with a new-look Celtic looking right on song in the opening week of the competition

Left – The Ashburton College Under 16 Coxed Quad Sculls crew of Lily Davidson (left), Sienna Skilling, Isabel Wall, Sophie Gibson and Honor Bradford claimed a bronze medal at the Maadi Cup Right – Kimberley Bird and her stunning grey mare Cera Cassina were flying high stateside, winning major equestrian events in Florida

The 2022 Combined Country rugby competition began for the season with Mid Canterbury sides hitting their straps early.

Basketball Mid Canterbury’s programme Girls got Game again saw huge numbers

on the Oxford Street basketball stadium to learn

about the game.

Big days ahead, in the cart and the car

Australia beckons for Buoyant

Buoyant is set to be given an opportunity across the Tasman after Southland’s new sprint star secured his second consecutive stakes win in the Listed Property Brokers Hazlett Stakes at Wingatui on Boxing Day.

It’s a 10-hour, 840-kilometre round trip from the depths of Central Otago to the picturesque Motukarara Racecourse, so Mid Canterbury horseman John Morrison will be hoping it’s a trip worthwhile today.

The in-form hoop, who picked up another winner at Gore on Tuesday, is based in Cromwell for the next 10 days as he targets the annual summer racing circuit around Central Otago. But there are still commitments back up in Canterbury that need to be taken care of, so he’s on the road this morning to get to Motukarara before turning around and heading back down again tonight.

With a book of eight drives today though, the trip looks well worth it as Morrison’s chances are plentiful on one of the biggest days of grass track racing in New Zealand.

Thousands flock to the Motukarara course for the day, and with forecasted high temperatures the numbers could swell to even more than usual.

Morrison kicks off his day on the Ken Barron-trained Sebastian Coe who he has driven before.

The maiden trotter has a huge motor – but a good bag of tricks – but Morrison has clicked with him in the past, so the pair will be out to get a win on the board early.

Strong maiden chances early on in the day come from Victor Lustig, who was excellent when running fourth on debut, and also Melton Militant who received no luck at his last start.

Morrison will then slide into his own colours to drive talented but enigmatic trotter Galleon’s Ambassador.

A mistake at Rangiora last time out did nothing to help the chances, but there’s undoubtedly a decent motor

there, and with manners and good fortune the duo wouldn’t be the worst chance.

“He’s got some ability, but still learning a lot about the trotting game to be honest,” Morrison said.

The day’s feature is the Motukarara Christmas Cup, and Morrison jumps back on board the talented Franco Marek, who was excellent when finishing second at Rangiora a fortnight ago.

A rapid riser in his last campaign, winning several in a row, he’s taken some time to adjust to the tougher grades this time in, but signalled things are right on track last time.

“Winning all those races really quickly didn’t help his cause much, he

went from being a maiden to taking on country cup horses pretty quickly.

“But he’s good, he’s very good in fact, and should do a really good job.”

Franco Marek takes on a great field in the Cup, with fellow Mid Cantabrian Sarah O’Reilly out to spoil Morrison’s party with Buckskin, who won the Akaroa Cup on the track last month.

A pick-up drive on Special Dream late in the day and then the always capable Best Trio round out Morrison’s day, before he jumps back in the car and heads south.

He’ll be back in Canterbury on New Years Day though, driving at the Rangiora Harness Racing Club meeting.

That’s 11 hours in the car for a round trip and close to 1000km on the road.

The Dalghar gelding had a rating of 73 at the start of the season but has made giant strides over the last four months, winning three of his five starts and stepping up on to the big stage in some of the South Island’s showpiece sprints.

After a strong-finishing third in the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) on the opening day of the Riccarton carnival in early November, the four-year-old backed up on the final day to claim his first blacktype win in the Gr.3 Stewards’ Stakes (1200m).

Wingatui on Boxing Day brought more of the same, with Buoyant tucked in along the rail in third before jockey Corey Campbell angled him into the clear at the top of the straight.

The $2.50 favourite took a few moments to work through his gears, but he lengthened stride powerfully through the final 150 metres to score a comfortable win by three-quarters of a length. Lightning Jack crossed the line in second place, a length in front of Golden Harvest.

“Today was a really lovely follow-up to what he did in the Stewards’ Stakes at Riccarton last month,” said Ascot Park trainer Sabin Kirkland, who also shares in the ownership of the talented chestnut.

“He’s managed to come out and run 1:10.31 on a soft track and win pretty impressively, so he’s done everything we could have asked for.

“He went a month between runs leading into today, but I had no trouble at all keeping him up to the mark during that time. He was absolutely fine.”

Buoyant was passed in as a weanling at the Karaka May Sale in 2019 with a reserve of only $3000, but he has now had 16 starts for six wins, four placings and $190,540 in prizemoney.

Now there could be even bigger and better things in store, including a potential shot at the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 11. The time-honoured Flemington feature produced a Kiwi triumph earlier this year with star mare Roch ‘n’ Horse.

“I’m absolutely stoked with the progress the horse has made this season, and he’s also caught the eye of some Australians who are coming into the ownership,” Kirkland said. “They’re really keen to get him over there and give him a chance in a race like the Newmarket Handicap, which is pretty exciting.”

John Morrison will clock up some kilometres in both the car and the sulky over the next few weeks.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Matt Markham

Methven’s near-perfect Watters Cup success

Perfection in sport can be hard to find - but Methven went close when they hoisted Mid Canterbury rugby’s most prized piece of silverware, the Watters Cup, into the air earlier this year.

In front of a huge crowd of supporters, of both themselves and rivals Southern, they played out the perfect game plan with perfect execution to net the perfect result, winning the final 45-18.

Now, Watters Cup finals are supposed to be brutal, close-fought encounters where neither side gives the other an inch.

But through no fault of Southern’s, that trend was bucked as Methven went about clinically dismantling their rivals in simplistic, yet brilliant fashion.

But at halftime, it was nervous. The match sat in the balance.

Methven had scored twice in the opening quarter of the game to race out to a 14-0 lead, but Southern – like any good rugby side – fought back and fought back hard, and when the two sides went to the sheds the score sat at 21-13 in favour of the men from under the mountain.

All season, Southern had been the team that came out of the break and hit their straps.

Their experienced forward pack

another sporting year comes to an end there’s plenty to reflect on. From victories at club level right through to international and national success Mid Canterbury has again produced the goods. Matt Markham works through 10 of his favourite story subjects in no particular order from 2022.

consistently led the charge for some spritely backs to get themselves into the game, and most in attendance expected it again.

For 15 minutes that unfolded. Southern controlled the game their way, and it felt like only a matter of time before they closed the gap.

But then Methven went into overdrive.

21 points in 20 minutes shut the match down, Methven went full-beast mode on their Southern rivals, with some brilliant individual tries mixed in with the true blue nitty gritty you expect in club rugby finals.

Hugh Griffiths’ individual effort to beat half of the Southern defensive line up and then take three or four players over the line with him, especially given

his size, would go down as one of the best tries of the season from a Mid Canterbury player.

With 10 minutes to play they led by 28, and it was a case of grinding the match down, which they did successfully.

The last act of the game was thrown to one of their unsung stars, Reuben Early who stepped up to the mark and slotted a penalty on full time to round out the win.

After a frustrating Combined Competition campaign, Methven rose to the occasion when the local competition kicked into gear, and turned around those frustrations to finish the club’s season on a high, and provide one of the best team performances seen in a Watters Cup final for many, many years.

Golfers dig deep to raise funds

Matt Markham

More than $5000 was added into the coffers of the Cancer Society by local golfers last week, when they took on the ultimate challenge of playing 72 holes across one day.

A large group of players, herded along by Ashburton Golf Club’s club captain Tom Blacklow, took to the Brandon Links for the marathon golfing session, all in the name of raising funds as part of The Longest Day challenge.

Eight players took on the full day of play, with another group playing through 36 holes.

With play starting at 6am in the morning and not finishing until 6pm in the evening, it made for a big day.

“I’m feeling pretty good right now, but it’s pretty warm so I’d expect the energy level to drop a bit later on,” Blacklow said as he turned around at the halfway point last Thursday.

While the day was about raising funds for a worthy cause, it couldn’t go by without a bit of friendly competition along the way, as those who took part in the 72 holes and 36 hole challenges played in an overall stableford competition too.

Three players finished the 72 hole challenge with a combined stableford score of 146 across the day, remarkable given the amount of golf played.

Fittingly, Blacklow was one of those three players, alongside Terry Kingsbury and Adrian Hopwood, with all three scoring consistently across the four rounds.

Young Mitchell Leath was next best in the pack with 145 stablefords, while Jeff Hewitt, who played off a 1.9 handicap, wasn’t too far away either with 142.

Hewitt managed to shoot under 300 across the four rounds too.

With money still coming, Blacklow’s total was sitting above the $5000 mark earlier this week, which had him placed in the top five contributions across New Zealand for the Longest Day Challenge.

All together more than $320,000 was raised nationally for the Cancer Society.

CLUB

Ashburton Central Friendship Club

President Merv welcomed 50 members and 2 visitors to the meeting and received 11 apologies. Our mini speaker was John Humm, who was born in Kaikoura and went to primary school up there before going to Waitaki Boys High School in 1960 for two years.

He then worked on his parents dairy farm before moving to Rangiora then on to Highbank. One of his jobs was bag sowing on a Sunshine header which was quite a skill.

He joined his parents when they bought a farm at Mt Somers and in 1965 he married Clare and they lived in an old house on the farm. As a sideline he became a game buyer for Allied Packers and bought deer from the local hunters. He was paid 2c/lb and had to transport the carcases to Christchurch. The biggest carcass weighed 420lb. A profitable sideline.

In 1977 the farm was split between his brother and him when their parents retired He made many of the farm implements.

Years later he sold the farm and bought a boat charter business in the Marlborough Sounds at Havelock. The boat was licensed for 40 passengers and he had lots of fishing charters as well as private trips including overnight trips. His wife Clare also had a job as the Harbour Master at Havelock for 25 years.

Eventually they sold the business but kept the boat, and Clare resigned from her job as well.

Later in life Clare developed Alzheimer’s and John had his health problems as well. They now live in Ashburton and are closer to family members.

After adjourning for morning tea and coffee (which included Christmas cake) we were entertained by Manny Sim and his guitar.

He sang a variety of old popular songs that many of us hummed to including a selection of Christmas tunes. Manny was thanked by president Merv

He then also thanked the members for attending and wished us all well for the festive Season.

Ashburton Pakeke Lions

President Jim Young welcomed Members, Partners and New Members to the December meeting and Lion Peter O’Neill read the apologies and welcomed the Social Ladies.

Lion Malcolm McCormick reported on the moving of the Club’s Container to a new location at the racecourse and also that a venue is still to be found to accommodate the Charity Market.

Lion Robert Spencer reported on the success of the Christmas Raffle and thanked all members for their help. President Jim thanked Robert for a wonderful job he had done in organising this year’s raffle.

Lion Jim Martin spoke on the great importance of obtaining new members and a membership drive is under way. Flyers are to go out to all organisations. He also spoke on the importance of the Charity Market, New Projects etc. Lion Milner Jacob thanked those members who had recently collected for Dementia.

Lion Jeanette Tarbotton introduced a group of local ladies called “The Decibelles” who were the entertainment for the evening. They sang a bracket of Christmas Songs and their singing and harmonising was just beautiful. They were accompanied on the piano by Jo Castelo. Members thoroughly enjoyed this great local entertainment and they were thanked by Diane Young who wished the group all the best for their future.

Members then had the task of answering questions to a Christmas Quiz organised by Lion Dave Bennett. Now we know what gender Santa’s Reindeer are (female) and 40 million turkeys are eaten at Christmas around the world!

Raffles were drawn and Tailtwister Robert Spencer entertained and extracted fines from members.

Lion Jim thanked members for their attendance and wished members a very happy Christmas and Best Wishes for a joyful holiday season. The meeting  closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

RESULTS

■ Golf

Tinwald Golf Club

Twilight Thursday December 22nd

Leading scores in Thursday’s twilight stableford off alternate tees-6 Pete Marshall, Rhys McPherson 24, Craig Meyrick 21, John Smitheram, Steve Moorhead, Neil Rayner 20, Dave Morrison 19 c/b. 7-10 Callum Smith 25, Andy Rattray 23, Todd Dolan 21, Geoff Soal, Mitchell McLauchlan 19. 11Plus Murray Beach 22, Dan Dwyer 17 c/b.

Women 0-14 Dinielle King 22. 15 plus Madeline Smith 17. Nearest pin; #2 Johnny Moore. #16 Andy Moore. Twos; Craig Meyrick, Dave Quigley, Callum Smith. Hokonui Hacker; Vic Hylands 14 points.

Saturday December 24:

Leading scores in the South African pairs stableford played on Saturday; Steve Kircher & Kerry Whiting 91, Murray Young & Wayne Ross 84, Lindsay Jackson & Belinda Kirdy 79, Andrew Hill & Mitchell McLauchlan 78, Struan Scott & Nigel King 77, John Smitheram & Kellie Kenton 77. Nearest the Pin: Tinwald Liquorland #2 Gordy Kenton. Gluyas Ford #6 Nigel King. The Fine Lion #12 Shaun Hurley. Ace Automotive #16 Dave Allan.

Twos; Nigel King (2), John Smitheram, Kerry Whiting, Wayne Ross, Johnny Moore, Neill Connelly, Shaun Hurley. Net Eagles; #11 Wayne Ross, Emily Wilson.

Methven celebrate winning the 2022 Watters Cup.

PHOTO MATT MARKHAM 300722-MM-009

As

The working together of cat-door in commotion one has on (12)

How to cook fast, replenishing your starters (3)

Room where game is informal indoors (7)

It's not the right race for a distinguished airman (3)

Pattern of lines most Anzacs employed (6)

River, in the Keats version, will barely run (6)

words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word.

Previous

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): This conundrum will confront you today: Struggling to prove your worth demonstrates a belief of unworthiness. As soon as you realise you're deserving, there is nothing to prove and the struggle ends.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Do not be in a rush to give or receive information. There are reasons to hold back. Mystery is the beating heart of a relationship, so keep things unknown. If you reveal or discover everything, the story ends.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): You make others feel important, interesting and singular -- perhaps because it's what you believe about them. Reflected in your gaze, a person becomes the most fascinating individual in the world.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): You can handle conflict, but it won't come up. You'll be too busy applying and refining your many skills for navigating the world in a mutually respectful way. Today, someone will watch and learn from you.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): You're honest with your feelings and sometimes show them. But today, you'll sense this is not to your advantage. If you bottle your emotions up, don't forget to circle back and unbottle them later.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): While it is in your character to be supportive, your sole purpose is not to play second fiddle to someone else's drama. You'll need to draw a boundary or set a limit in order to get back in charge of your story.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): You'll deal in a realm where the rules are enforced and the limitations are real. Even so, with creativity, persistence and a little luck, you will find your workaround. The fortunes favour you today.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): You'll manage to keep the tone light, congenial and good-natured without being the least bit superficial. It's because there is an unshakable depth to your humanity, and the world can feel it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): The air crackles with curiosity. Distractions abound, the most interesting ones being far away. "Over there" may seem like the place to be, except it's also a place one never can quite arrive at.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Existence may be multidimensional, but this is the experience that matters now. You'll take charge of the day accordingly by focusing on what you can affect right now and leaving the rest alone.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Statistics have been manipulated to encourage you toward the action someone else wants you to take. Ask for personal testimony before trusting the marketing materials set before you.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Applying your charm in the right moment will earn you a prize akin to the emotional jackpot. Since the right moment is unknowable, just be charming all the time.

HIRE

GENERAL hire. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, trailers, and more. All your DIY / party hire, call and see Ashburton U-Hire. 588 East Street.

Open Monday-Friday 7.00am - 5.30PM; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

MOTORING

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Wednesday Midnight Thursday Thursday Mountain weather

hazard: Wind. Fine. Wind at 1000m: NW rising to gale 70 km/h Wind at 2000m: NW rising to gale 65 km/h. Freezing level: Above 3000m. Friday

Mountain weather hazards: None issued. Showers developing in the morning, then clearing in the evening.

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For the very latest weather information, including

Wind at 1000m: Light, but SE 30 km/h developing in the N for a time in the morning and afternoon.

Wind at 2000m: Light, but SW 35 km/h in the N dying out late morning.

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23.8 9.4 8.0 65.6 0.0 0.7 159.9 NE 39 2:45pm 22.3 8.6 –21.6 11.3 6.9 65.6 0.0 0.3 181.6 E 44 3:25pm 23.0 9.8 –85.8 0.0 ––E 31 1:16pm Tue SUN PROTECTION ALERT Data provided by NIWA PROTECTION REQUIRED Seek shade, reapply sunscreen – 9:00 6:00 ampm A ridge of high pressure dominates much of Aotearoa New Zealand though the weekend. A cold front moves up the country tomorrow and early Saturday, weakening rapidly as it does so. FUNERALS Complete Local Care Since 1982 We are the only Mid Canterbury funeral home providing local, caring and dignified cremations. FUNERAL FURNISHERS MASTER MONUMENTAL MASON E.B. CARTER LTD For all your memorial requirements New headstones and designs Renovations, Additional inscriptions, Cleaning and Concrete work Carried out by qualified tradesmen. 620 East Street Ashburton Ph/Fax 308 5369 or 0274 357 974 ebcarter@xtra.co.nz NZMMMA Member ADULT ENTERTAINMENT NEW Asian Lady – 36D Cup, Busty, Massage. Phone 0225323904. I’m-Outcall.MISSED PAPER? 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Dearns, the Mid Canterbury rugby boss and former Silver Ferns netballer, was barracking for her boy Warner, who scored a try for Japan’s Brave Blossoms. P22 UARDIAN WEEKEND OCT 29 2022 G h HO 0 HOME & GARDEN EVENING p HU DAY RD N VEM R 20 -8 M Voluntary coindonationswill donated ourchosen charityCancer ofAshburton. Register mitre10.co.nz/gardenevening talks supersized US P12-15 Talk about a high-flying kea making its mark. Meet Kelly the Kea and find out how this soft toy is part of a plan to develop a ground-breaking stratospheric aircraft. READ MORE P2 ONE SMALL STEP FOR KEA-KIND Protect Your Livelihood RURAL AND FARM INSURANCE 03 3071990 Burnett Ashburton Qualified, experienced brokers who work for to get more out your insurer. You benefit from NZbrokers membership, provide broader cover and policies to cover your whole business operation. 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Golfers boost cancer funds