ALFORD FOREST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1741, 16 January 1888, Page 2

ALFORD FOREST.

[raoM oub owh oobbbspondbnt.J

The first anniversary of the Alford Forest Sunday School was held on Thursday last, by tb.9 kind permission of Mr A. MoFarlane, at the back of his residence, a moit delightful spot, sheltered from the ■on by capital bash on ono side, and on the other affording pleaty of apaoa for the sports inseparable from suoh outdoor enjoyments. The ohildren were taken to the spot by friends m conveyances about eleven o'clock, and two capital •wings were soon m foil operation. Raoes for children of aU ages and sizes with the usual exoltlog finishes were held, and the pr!z3B not only satisfied the numerous competitors but reflected the highest credit on the ladles' oommittee of management, viz, Mesdames Wallace, Knight, Botton, Grieves and Carry, the last named being of great service In collecting the neceaaary funds, while each of the oommi t tea provided suitable refreshments not only for the children bnt for all friends who were pleased to attend. A glorious day made the occasion still more enjoyable and at Its conclusion the little ones left for home heartily tired, bnt laden with, handsome presents. Mr McFarlane offered, as a prize for the married ladies raoe, a lamb which was won easily by Mrs Lylian. Along the hilla the oat orop is very short In the straw, and unless we get more rain there will be a loaroity of ohaff for the winter. Grass and clover are splendid as usual. Turnips have suffered from flies. The yield of wool Is much lighter this year, but the- condition superior to the general average.. Sbearlcg is over m this district. Bhckford is about half through and Lake Heron commences on Monday 16th.

The late bush fire proved a heavy loss to Eome of the settlers m firewood, Btakea ana posta ; indeed, it is to be hoped that more care mil be exercised m the future, as many of the houses were m the greatest danger for some time, and only by the most strenuous efforts were saved from d< structioo. A* it is, every hand is busy cutting to supply preßsing orders, for drays come long distances just before harvest commences, to get m their annual stock.

The funeral of the late Mrs Muirhead proved the high esteem m which she was held by her friends, between thirty and forty conveyances and fifty horsemen joined the funeral cortege. Mr E Herring, and Mrs Herring joined the assembly at the Cemetery, and with many others dropped epiendid floral wreaths into the grave. The service wag oonducted by Rev. A. M. Beattie, of Ashburton, m a most impressive manner, special reference being made to the full hope calmly expressed by the deceased.