THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18239, 25 November 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

lIANMER SPRINGS. Mrs AY. B. Scott, with lier daughters, Misses Elva and Barbara Scott, has taken a furnished house at Hanmer Springs for some months. This locality did not escape the inclement conditions prevailing last week, when 174 points of rain were registered, 110 points of which fell on Wednesday. Conditions were fairly mild and there was little or 110 snow on the high tops. The has been gunny and hot. There is now a great flush of feed and crops are looking extremely well. Lamb marking in the back country is now on and it is understood that the averages are proving ivery satisfactory in the halfbrod sheep.

A Canadian foursome was recently played by the Golf Club and resulted in a tie between "Winstone and Mrs "Williams 78—14 —64 nnd Mrs Lahmert and A. Paterson 84 —20 —64.

The W'aiau South cricket team defaulted to the local players on Saturday in the district competition, but for the sake of a game, a party of Waiau players was <;ot tr<2ot7ier and came in the former's stead. The day was sunny and the heat was tempered by a pleasant easterly breeze. Hanmer won the toss, and going in first, knocked up a score of 124 runs for 6 wickets, to which the principal contributors were Hannay 61 and S-nverhy 20. -each retired, Dawson lo and G. 0. Rutherford 13, each not out. The visitors responded with 101 runs, thus losing by 23 runs. Their principal scorers were G. Herdman 28, Higgins 16 nnd Richards 14. For the winners the best trundlers were Sowerbv 3 wickets for no runs, Chisholm 3 for 19, and Morrison 2 for 16. For th? losers Richards 3 for 22 and Higgins 2 for 31 were the best bowlers. = The "moires were Messrs J. Seekup and Morse.

'1 He school committee arranged a dance to help the fund for the school children's annual prize-giving and picnic, which was held in the Hall on Saturday night. It attracted a. large number of dancers, including a good sprinkling of visitors. A waltzing competition was held iust before supper, which drew a good entry, the winners being Miss Nora Dawson and Mr E. 'Glen. Tim iudcres were Mesdames Feisbert and McKenzie, Misses Gebbie and Hunnibell, and their decision was received with apnlause. The music was played by the Lyric Dance Orchestra, and an extra by Miss Evelvn Brown. Mr V. Frpdereeksen was M.C.

Mr Ralph Tyler, of Hanmer Springs, has returned after spending a week in Christcliureh.

AMBERLEY. A committee meeting of the North Canterbury Caledonian Society was held on Saturday evening, Mr J. Munro presiding. Mr T. Staee's offer of a cup for competition in dancing events for competitors over 18 years of age, who have been competing for two years, was accepted with thanks. The secretary was authorised to advertise in the daily papers calling tenders for the fruit and ice cream, sweets and soft drinks stalls, publicans' and luncheon booth. A number of replies accepting appointment of office were received, also a number of donations. It was decided to hold the next meeting on Monday, December Ist, to appoint stewards and officials for sports day. A letter from the North Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Pipers' and Dancing Association authorising the (Society to conduct two Canterbury Championships in the piping and dancing events was received.

SEFTON. Mr H. F. Thomson, who has heen headmaster of the Sefton Public School for many years, is retiring at .'the close of . the present school year. On Saturday a public meeting was held for the purpose'of arranging a farewell-to Mr and Mrs Thomson and family. The following, committee was elected: Messrs P. J. Thorn© (chairman), J. Ashworth,!. jun., D. Binnie, A. Ashworth, G. Clarke, G. James, F. James, G. Mitchell, C. Lewis, A. Witt© and H. P. Mclver. .It was arranged that the farewell function should take the form of a social and dance, and that the canvass for subscriptions should take place immediately.

EANGIORA. On Sunday evening the Rangiora Brass Band gave another of their open air concerts in Victoria Park. The beautiful evening attracted quite a large attendance, and all enjoyed the very excellent programme. A meeting of the Eangiora-Waikuku Beach Domain Board was held on Saturday night in the Eangiora County Council Office, Mr F. Horrell, chairman, in the chair. There were also present the Hon. D. Buddo, M.P., Messrs C. E. Skevington, S. Griffiths, D. Morris, and W. A. Eowse. The chairman gave a lengthy verbal report of the work carried out during the last few months. A new recreation ground had been formed to the north of the old ground, extra conveniences had also been erected, and a good deal of filling in of tlio washout had been done. The beach was now niore attractive than ever for picnic parties and campers. The treasurer's statement showed: Receipts £523 14s sd, payments £3G4, leaving a credit of about £l6O. Mr T. 11. Eraser, secretary to the AVaikuku Beach Improvement Association, wrote asking the Board to grant them the exclusive right on Boxing day to the use of the Domain, as his Association intended to hold a monster gala day to raise funds for improvements to the beach. The chairman said that the Association was a live body. The Board had received over £B(f in cash from them for improvements, besides a large amount of labour, which had been voluntarily given. The application was granted. The application of Mr E. F. Wats.on for an ice-cream and sweets stand was granted. The chairman suggested that application should be made to the Government to increase the number of members on the Board from seven to nine, and that the vacancy on the Board caused by the death of the late Mr M. 11. Stokes be held in abeyance for the present. The suggestion was agreed to Mr Buddo undertaking to interview the Government on the matter. The chairman referred to the death since the last meeting of Mr M. 11. Stokes, who had been a very energetic member, and it was resolved to place on record the Board's appreciation of the good work done by Mr Stokes. In the North Canterbury Athletic Association's 50-mile race on Saturday, the Eangiora Association's special prize for the member finishing first won by 0. Alford. The Mairehau Cycling Club's special prize was won by H. G. Watson, and the Mairehau Sports Club's special prize was won by P. F. Saunders.

MOUNT 6REY DOWNS. There passed away on Friday morning one of the oldest identities of the district, Mrs John Lillev, aged 78 years. Mrs Lilley, with her husband, who survives her, came to the district about fifty years ago, and was a most respected" member of the community. Last August Mr and Mrs Lilley celebrated their diamond wedding. Lately Mrs Lilley underwent an operation from 'which she did not recover. She leaves ten children, twenty-four grandchildren, and twelve great-grand-children. The funeral took place on Saturday morning, the cortege leaving the residence of her son-in-law, Mr D. Banks, Ashley Bank, for the Anglican cemetery, Bangiora. The Kev. J. I\ Feron officiated at the graveside.

ASHLEY EfANF. On Friday evening, a concert organ- j isod by Mr J. C. Thompson, of Rangiora, was given in the Ashley Schoolroom, in aid of the School Improvement Fund. All the items were well received, and there were many recalls. After j the evening's entertainment, Mr Collie, j chairman of the School Committee, thanked those who nad come from Rangiora and given such a successful concert. The floor was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up till the small hours of the morning. The programme was as follows:—Pianoforte (luet, Miss Cassidv and Mr -T. Thompson; recitation. Miss Nora Fitzgihbon; song, Miss Smith: Highland Fling, Miss Molly Fitz^ibbon: song, Mr Thompson: Highland Reel. Misses Monica, Brady, Kitty Cole, Rita F\tzcibbon. Esther MeGrnth; vocal duet, Miss Horrell and Mr Thompson; Trisli •Tie, Misses Ella "Rrady. and Molly Fitzeibbon : recitation. Miss Nora Fitzeibbon; son or. Mrs McGillivray: Seann Triubhais, Misses Monica Brady and Kittv. Cole; song, Miss Cassidv; hornpipe, Misses Rita Fitzgihbon and Esther Mc-Grath; .songs, Mr Tliompson, Miss Horrell. Those wlio stayed for the dancing included: Mesdames Schmidt, Lindsay, Ashton, Robertson, W. Banks, W hitliam, Vallance, Collie (Z\ll. Grey Downs), McGillivray (Rangiora), L. Beattie. Lundy, Misses Croft, Brady, Fitzgihbon, Loffhagen. Steel. May Banks, Olive Stringer, Daphne Schmidt, Phyllis Schmidt, J. Baird, Florence Morgan, F. Vallance (Mt. Grey Downs), Thelma Robertson, G. Adams, Gertie Burrell, Hilda Morgan, Messrs A. Stalker (Rangiora), Vallance (3), Lundy (3), A. Petrie, Robertson, Collie (4), S. Smith, J. Stringer, Cawley, Peters <2), Kirk (Loburn), Croft (Loburn), Loffhagen (2). G. Mortland (Fernside), Ashton, Sole (Gisborne), E. Schmidt, D. Bailey (Loburn), Kinlev (Loburn), E. Pulley (Loburn), ,T. "Wallace, Orchard (Belfast), Lane (Rangiora), J. Holbrough, J. Criglington, "Whitham (3), M. Griffen (Loburn), J. Bi'adshaw, A. Townley (Fernside). The music was supplied by Mr Whitham (piano), audi Mr D. Bnilev (drums). Extras were played by Mr T. Collie. Mr W. Morgan was M.C.

WAIKUKU. Mrs Morgan took the chaTr at the usual weekly meeting of the Waikuku Mutual Imnravement Society. Miss T. Ellis was elected vice-convener. Mr D. Robinson was accorded a. vote of thanks for his excellent paper on "Sabbath Observance." which was discussed by all. The Waikuku Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Services were held on Sunday. ' The Rev. C. Blair took the afternoon service and the Rev. F. E. Foot the evening. Special hymns were sung by the children, and Joyce Maddison was the soloist at the evening service. Miss .Tudfinn presided at the organ. A social will be held on Thursday evening, when the children will give choruses, songs and recitations.

HORNBY-ISLINGTON. The Olive Branch of Druids, Hornby, held their fortnightly dance in the Orange Hall, Hornby, on Saturday evening. Mr Fred' iSlnith supplied the music. Bro. A. Tippett carried out the duties. of M.C. During • the evening, Miss Pearl Bates, of Christchurch, sang songs which were much appreciated. The "Monte Carlo'' waltz was won by Miss Lucy Garrett and: Mr O. Flaus. Among those present were: Brothers W. Eaton (Yaldhurst), A. Tippett, T. Tippett, A. S. Minards, A. Taylor, D. Irvine, R. J. Roberts, A. Scott, A. Whale, C. Flaus, Mesdames 0. Lennox R. Lodge, M. Bakerj McGirr, Misses Thelma Meale. Lucy Garrett, Myrtle Tippett, Hilda Tippett, Myra Cooke/Doris Griffiths, Lily Freeman, Tira Standeven, Jean Simpson, Pearl Bates (Christchurch) Elsie Airey, Jean Lowe, Jean Webb, Peggy McDougall, Lucy Manhire, Messrs F. Williamson, Keller, Smith, C. Standeven, J. Knight M. Bridges,- W. Pollock, E. Pollock, R. Woodham, R. Freeman, R. Still, 11. Hormari, C. Lennox; S. Gawlor, R. Busch, R. Lodge, J. Carter, W. Seibein, F. Whitelaw, C. Woods, W. Muir, Ferguson, J. Ritchie, R. McGrath, Growcott, 0. Longley, and: J. Russell.

AKAROA. Tho Ashburton Salvation Army Silver Banc! visited Akaroa over the week-end and played several programmes. On Sunday afternoon the band played a programme of sacred music on the Recreation Ground. The day being beautifully fine, there was. a large gathering present. The appeal for financial assistance to help carry on the Army's work did not pass unheeded, and the officer-in-charge thanked the residents and. visitors for the gratifying response. Mr and Mrs J. Glanville, of the China Inland Mission, are spending a month of their furlough in Akaroa. For the last three Sundays Mr Glanville has taken the services throughout the Presbyterian charge on the Peninsula, preaching to deenly interested congregations. On "Wednesday evening he haa accented the invitation of the Rev. A. C. • Purchas, Anglican vicar of Akaroa, to conduct a missionary service in St. Peter's Church.

HIGHBANK. Mr I?. J. Low, of Highbank, the wellknown and successful breeder of Border Leicester sheep, has returned home after a visit to the "Waimate" and Oamaru A. anrl P. Association's annual shows. Mr Low had a very successful' trip. At the Waimate show lie met very strong competition, 97 entries, numerically the strongest in the South Island, and was successful in winning the Waimate A. and P. Association's SO-guinea Cup for most points in the Border Leicester classes. Also, at Oamaru, Mr Low met strong competition—76 entries —and was again successful winning this Association's 25-guinea Cup for most points in these classes. At each show the judges remarked on the excellent way Mr Low's entries were brought out, and also on the first-class condition of the wool. Mr Low, who is president of the Methven A. and P. Show, is to be congratulated on his well-deserved suecess, -which also reflects great credit on the Mc'thven district.

KIRWEE. Playing in the Mahern Cricket Association's competition, Greendale A met Kirwee A in the Kirwee Domain on Saturday, the visitors being victorious by 9 runs. Kinvee scored 52 (A. Roper It)). Greendale replied with 61 (E. Frew 19, W. Dean 14, and T. Kay 1-v-Bowling for Kinvee, A. Anderson four for 22, J. Vaughan three for 13, r. Boulnois one for 4, and A. lloper one for 10. took the wickets, whilst tor Greendale, N. Kay six for 21, and) C. Ridgen four for il, 'were the successful bowlers. The weather conditions last \\eek were rather trying for newly-shorn sheep. Two days of very hoc northwest wind were followed by a very cold south-west wind, which was accompanied bv heavy rain, 1.12 in being registered. Some 'of the crops on the heavy land were laid low, but given brio-lit sunny days, they will probablj rise ao-ain. If heavy Tain should come on they will probably go down permanently as the straw is very soft and <m-,jpv There are some splendid crops to be seen everywhere, and given favourable weather there should be Sme toe vieids The «rly oat, crops are receiving the attention ot the small birds, and some of the crops look nuite white for that reason. Rape and kale are coming on well, and grass is verv plentiful. The trouble will be in getting stock to feed it off.

BROOMFIEIyD. The rainfall last week was much heavier iu some parts of the district than others. The crops throughout the district have never looked more promising at this time of the year, and if weather conditions continue favourable a record harvest will be garnered. This, combined with an abundance of pasture for flocks and dairy herds, large percentages of strong, healthy lambs, and high prices for wool, makes the prospects of the farmers very bright indeed. Shearing has become general, though fortunately only small lots of sheep had been shorn previous to the break in the weather, and these were sheltered without loss. A meeting of residents was held at Broomfield on Saturday evening, when business affecting the rural mail delivery was discussed. Mr F. P. Coleman was in the chair. The subscribers, of whom there was a large gathering, were all willing to have it carried on the same as previous years. Messrs S. Frew and A. Gray's contract having expired, Mr J. E. Cook, of Amberley, has been appointed for tho ensuing year. Mr W. Browne, postmaster at Amberley, was also present, and spoke on subjects concerning the rural mail delivery. He asked those present that tlicy would all have their mail boxes in a convenient position for the mail deliverer.

SPRINGBURN. Although the subject of rural mails has been almost forgotten by the residents, the Department is still working and trying to educe a good working scheme. In talking £o Mr J. JE. Broadfoot, it was mentioned that there were high hopes of the local service being carried through. Mr Broadfoot was on his way out last Thursday to visit the areas of Greenstreet and Alford Forest, and to discuss with several residents further information in regard to the subject. The prospects of the service being provided appear to be very bright.

RAKAIA. A meeting of the committee of the Rakaia Swimming Club was held in the library on iSaturd'ay evening, Mr R. Breach presiding. It was decided to open the swimming season at the Domain on December 6th by holding sports. The programme consists of swimming races of 25 yards for primary school boys and girls; 2o yards for ladies; 50 .yards for youths under 18 and for men. There are also diving competitions, relay races and novelty races. A silver cup will bo awarded to the primary school boy obtaining most points'during the season. Messrs A. Oliver and E. Alexander were appointed! a deputation to wait on tfie Domain Board regarding ewimming matters. The names of the ladies in charge of the produce stall at the recent parish fete were omitted from the report. The names were Mcsdames 'Watts, McCoy, F. Cornelius and A. Mead.

PENDARVES. The School Committee held a social and dance in the Hall on Friday evening for the purpose of raising funds for prizes. The attendance was good, and a pleasant evening was spent, Messrs C. Hampton and F. Ironside carried out the duties of M.C., and the music was provided by Mr W. Rankin. Extras were played by Miss A. Watson and Miss E. Malcolm, !}nd during the evening songs were sung by Mr Guy Struthers and Mr F. ironside. Among those present were:—Mesdames P. Doig, J. Watson, A. C. Cameron, J. Malcolm, J. McCrory, J. Sprott, "VV. Wright, E. Babbage, W. Tyler, W. Hurst, Misses A. Watson, E. Malcolm, O. Doig, Hurst, F. Ironside, D. Tyler, A. Keene, A. Taylor, D. Watson, A. Malcolm, E. Doig, E. Tait, L.. Stevens, E. Hampton, and Messrs P. Doig, J. Watson, J. Malcolm, A. C. Cameron, C. and: R. Hampton, W. Wright, W. Tyler, J, Sprott, W. ,E. Babbage, W; . and E. Banks, G. Struthers, J. McCrory, J. K. and N. Malcolm, C. Johnson, E. Hood, W. Robertson, C. and E. Sprott, A. and 'R. Cameron, ■ J. Hayksr, E. Hampton, A. Struthers, E. Sadler, W. Cain, N. Gould, E. Eade, L. MeNichol, H. and J. Watson.