SUMNER ITEMS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18237, 22 November 1924, Page 6

SUMNER ITEMS.

Confirmation Service. On Stmday last a confirmation ceremony was held in the Roman Catholic Church at Sumner, twenty-four children being confirmed. The ceremony was performed by Bishop Brodie, -who delivered an eloquent address to the children. He was assisted in the service by Dean Bowers and Father Healy. The church, which was filled by a large congregation, was beautifully decorated with roses and arum lilies. Appropriate music was provided by the choir. The service was followed bv benediction.

St. Leonard's Square. The Borough Council is preparing to take a poll for the raising of the £IOOO needed to enlarge and improve St. Leonard's square. This proposal has already received tlie support of the United Sports Associations, and is being encouraged by residents throughout the borough as a very necessary improvement. The rate to be levied has been struck at O.llod in the £.

Inter-Borough Contest. A large number of tickets have been Teceived from the secretary of the New Brighton United Sports Association, Mr G. W. Bishop, for the inter-borough social next week. The sister borough is making every effort again to do justice to this event, and all the local t-lubs are receiving a supply of tickets for those of their members who have made up their mind to go. The Mayor and. Mayoress, the president and the officers of the local association will be present. Personal. Mr and Mrs J. H. Thomas have returned from a trip to the "West Coast. The Eev. E. C- "W. Powell has returned from Waiau. Mr and Mrs J. A. Poulton and family have' returned to Clifton after spending the winter months at Shirley. Mr and Miss Christie, who until recently have been living at MeCormack's Bay, have taken a house in Eedcliffs.

Presbyterian Church. A largely* attended meeting of-mem-bers of the Presbyterian Church was held to consider matters in connexion with the chrysanthemum show and variety sale. It was agreed to hold a two-day show and sale next year and make certain alterations to the schedule. It was reported that a gold medal had been given for the premier bloom of the show, and that a silver vase (to be won annually) had been presented for the exhibitor gaining most points in the children's section. Several subcommittees were set up. The Eev. W. McAra was appointed chairman, Mr G. A. Alexander honorary secretary and treasurer, and Mr Moore assistant secretary.

St, Paul's Methodist Church. Very successful services in connexion ■with the Sunday School anniversary were hold on Sunday and Monday last. The Rev. A. S. Stuart conducted the morning service, the Rev. S. J. Werren the afternoon, and the Rev. W. J. Williams the evening. There were large congregations all day, and the singing of the children, under the leadership of Mr R. Woolcock, was greatly enjoyed. Mrs Heslop presided at tho organ morning and evening, and there was an orchestra, consisting of Miss R. Boulton, and Messrs G. F. Allen, H. W. Williams, and M. Bowman. Mr Huia Barnett was organist in the afternoon. _ There was a large ly-attended tea meeting on Monday evening, the fine weather permitting the young people to enjoy their share of the proceedings in the grass paddock adjoining the church. Uhe class room was well filled with grown-up people. The Rev. T. J. Waliis presided at the after-meeting in the church. The report and balance-sheet were read by the superintendent, Mr L. Toiler. Allusion was made to hopeful signs of an early start in building the much-needed Sunday SchooL At the prize-giving, tho principal recipients were Marjorie Wilson, Valencia Webb, Ariti Andrews, Rita Wilkinson, Ina Cooper, Joan Voller, Ngairo Ogier, Jean Wilson, Moyle Voller, Lloyd Jones, Claude Carter, Marshall and Reg Mills, and ' Winston Webb. Musical and elocutionary items were contributed by tho Misses Manhire, Rosevear, and Martin, Messrs Rosevear and Woodham, and Alan Herbert, Misses Dora Hasse, Kathleen Herbert, and Mona Chapman. Hearty thanks were given to all who assisted to mako tho anniversary a success, special mention being made of tho organist, Mrs Heslop, and the conductor, Mr R. Woolcock. Tho collections on Sunday and tho proceeds of the tea meeting on Monday exceeded those of any previous anniversary.

Tho explosion of a pipe into which a cartridge had found its way with the tobacco; a wound from the fin of a fish; an eye-shade catching fire; a peck from a pet rooster held in the lap; a jab in the eye from tho horn of a cow—these are some of tho causes of 279 serious eye accidents reported to the American National Committee for the Prevention, of Blindness in one month.