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to turn his mill wheel and the two pairs of stones. As a result the Wakanui Creek again carried an almost continuous supply of water for the farms, including Hunt’s, soon situated on its banks. The great building, too, formed a landmark for many years until trees grew on the plains. Saunders is not included with the others only because he remained less than ten years; but during the mid-1870s he contributed more than anyone else to the cultural and political life of the district and played a part in that of the province.

Although these men and their fellows were prepared to accept the crudities of life in a shanty township because of the prospect of business or professional advancement, they showed enterprise in other directions. As already mentioned, they were quick to secure a district school under the provincial Education Board. When in 1873, the Provincial Council offered to subsidize district efforts to build and equip libraries, Ashburton made one of the first applications. At the preliminary meeting to discuss raising the necessary money, H. T. Winter manager of the Ashburton run was chairman, and Trevor, Friedlander, Edward Saunders (son of Alfred), John Hunt, Charles Doherty, and Joseph Ward were among the speakers. Alfred Saunders and Bullock were members of the first committee. The success of the library, when it was established, depended on the unpaid labours of Joseph Ward. He was the first district schoolmaster, and although not a success in his profession, he deserves recognition for what he did for early Ashburton, especially as librarian and as lay reader for the Anglican services held in his schoolroom.

Other social institutions were established. Horse races had been held perhaps once a year in the vicinity since 1867 or 1868. By 1874 the local club was strong enough to secure a reserve for a racecourse from the Provincial Government. Its stewards included such notabilities as Sir John Cracroft Wilson, John Studholme and W. C. Walker, all three large sheepowners and at one time or another members of the Provincial Council and of Parliament. A cricket club was founded at Turton’s in 1871 and played matches against Ellesmere. Lodges were started—the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, the Good Templars and the Freemasons. A dramatic club began to give entertainments. Well attended dances were held in the library. Bishop Harper appointed the Rev J. Harris Wills as the town’s first minister of religion; the Primitive Methodists built the first church; the Presbyterians held meetings.