Local And General. (Ashburton Guardian, 9 November 1912)

The Longbeach Road Board's ordinary monthly meeting was canceled on 9 November 1912 due to Carnival Week. In a related matter, Prime Minister G. M. Thomson announced that the Government is considering establishing a Commission to investigate the management of State forests, highlighting dissatisfaction with the current situation.

An alarming incident occurred on Ashburton Traffic Bridge the previous evening, where vehicles operating without lights nearly caused a serious accident involving a heavily-laden drag and a gig pulled by a young horse. The gig, lacking lights, had a close call as it backed frantically into the path of the drag, leading to damages but no injuries reported. Additionally, on the day of the carnival, an observer noted the unusual desolation of Ashburton's streets, contrasting the scene to other towns, suggesting that residents may have been preoccupied with gardening rather than leisure activities in the Domain.

On a different note, military training camps are set to involve brigades this year, with Wellington's base located at Oringi, a shift from the previous year's battalion-only setup. A recent message in a bottle allegedly from a missing dredge crew member was sent to the Marine Department for verification against known signatures.

Colonel Heard spoke at a YMCA gathering in Wellington, highlighting lessons from the Eastern war and the need for improved military training and organization. Meanwhile, the Carthage Gold Mines, a Westport enterprise, announced a successful operation yielding a steady daily profit, suggesting a promising future for similar beach-based mining ventures along the West Coast.

In legal news, Mr. J. H. Hannan faced contempt of court charges in Auckland for instructing an employee not to comply with a magistrate's order. The court imposed a £5 fine, which Hannan paid promptly.

A report by Rev. A. Don indicated a demographic shift among the Chinese population in New Zealand, noting a continued imbalance favoring the North Island. He expressed optimism for the growing community in Auckland, where they hope to attain their own place of worship.

In more tragic news, the Dunedin "Star" reported on the case of Annie Reid, a young woman who perished after childbirth. The report revealed her unconventional lifestyle, where she often masqueraded as a man, and raised questions about societal attitudes toward women's freedom and responsibilities.

Police actions included a raid on a bookmaker's office in Christchurch, resulting in arrests for violations of the Gaming Act, with cases scheduled for hearing. Additionally, a judicial separation was granted in Blenheim due to adultery.

Lastly, military representatives from Canada and New Zealand participated in a significant event in Wellington, impressing spectators with their displays of discipline and efficiency, encouraging local defense authorities to prioritize similar initiatives to inspire youth engagement in military pursuits.

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annie read, thomas parkes