NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18365, 24 April 1925, Page 11

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. On Wednesday evening the members of the Presbyterian Church choir paid a surprise visit to the residence of Mr aud Mrs C. E. Bell and there spent a very pleasant evening. I" 6 object of the surprise party was to gire expression in a tangible way to appreciation of Mr and Mrs 801 l musical assistance to the choir on ma-iy occasions. Sneaking on behalf of the choir, Mr C.'l. Jennings acknowledged in warm terms of gratitude the vocal services of Mr Bell as the principal N'Or in musical works nerformed, and also Mrs Bell's help, both in the singms and in presiding at the organ in tha absence of Mr G. Gibbs Jordan. Mr H. M. Chappell, secretary of the «'■•»'> and "Mr Jordan, choirmaster, endorsed the scii'timenls of appreciation and regard voiced bv Mr Jennings, who then presented Mr and Mrs Bell wit i an electric kettle and a piece of Doulton ware. The recepients expressed their great surprise at the visit and presents, and assured the members or tho choir that it had been a pnvile«£ and pleasure to be associated with thorn and to help with the music.

OXFORD. The following are the nominations received for the Oxford Central School Committee :-Dr. L. B. Burnett, Messrs A. E. Cooper, It. Dixon, T. Doody, G. Frampton, S. Glew, W. H. Knowles, J. T. Perham, G. A. Ryde, J. Roulston, W. J. Skurr, A. H. Scott., Mrs R. A. Reynolds, Mrs G. Thornton. The quarterly meeting of the Oxford Methodist Church was held on Monday. Mr T. W. Featherstone (Home Missionary) presided, and there was * largo attendance of officials. During the quarter five members had been admitted, making the total adult membership 81. The financial statement showed that the income was slightly in excess of the expenditure. H> } vJ " decided to hold the Harvest Festival services on May 10th, by which, time it was hoped the restrictions would no lifted. Mr C. C. Early was appointed Home Missioner and also young people's secretary. It was decided to hold a week of special services, commencing about May 31st. CUST. In the account of St. James's parish meeting, as reported in yesterday's "Press," the name of Mr Denis Chapman was inadvertently omitted. He was nominated as vicar's warden for the coming year. SEFTON. The annual meeting of the St. Michael's Anglican Church was held m the church on Wednesday evening, the Rev. J. F. Feron, vicar, presiding over a good attendance. The election of officers for the year was as follows: Vicar's warden. Mr Geo. CUir.ce. people's warden, Mr Lewis; vestry, Mesdames J. Boyce, T. Hanna.and J. Hanna and Messrs I. Champion JMathers, and J. Johnston. It was decided to re-establish the Sunday school, the opening day to he the first feunday after the present epidemic restrictions were lifted. - . . .. The monthly meeting of tlie W.C.T.U. was held in the Presbyterian Sunday school room, when the presiden% Mrs P. J. Thome, presided over a good attendance. It was decided to hold meetings at Saltwater Creek and Mt. Grcv Downs next month, Miss Henderson, of Christclmrch, having been invited to address"the gatherings. Mis Quick was appointed superintendent of the philanthropic work, and Mrs Withers was asked to report on the Band of Hope work. Mrs P. J. Thome, delegate to tho New Zealand Convention, held at Dunedin, gave a tfoport of business transacted there. Mrs Thome gave £1 Is 8d to the Sefton W.C.T.U. delegates' fund. MEDBURY. The Blisses Eileen Butler and Doris Honeybone, of Mcdbury, whose marriages take place shortly, were the guests of honour at an evening held in the Medbury Schoolroom laet Saturday, arranged by the friends of the brideselect. A pleasant evening was spent, dancing being kept up till midnight. Music was supplied l>y Miss Ruby Rivers, and extras were played by Misses' Myrtle Dalzell, Agnes Plaisted, and Mrs Honeybone. Songs were contributed by Mr W. Wright, and Mr J. Wright made an efficient M.C During an interval Mr H. Brooker, on behalf of the" Medbury people, extended to Misses Butler and Honeybone wrrmest good wishes for their future happiness, and asked their acceptance of a varied assortment of domestic utensils.' Miss Honeybone suitably returned thanks, and on behf.lf of Miss Butler Mr Fahey returned thanks. All joined .in the singing of ''For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." WAIKUKU. The Waikuku Miniature Rifle Club held its first meeting of the season on Monday night in the Waikuku Hall, there being a small attendance. Mr J. Stokes, who was elected captain, occupied the chair. Mr J. Robb was elected secretary for the ensuing year. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr A. Mac Donald, who was secretary last season. It was decided to open ttie season on May 4th. It was also, decided to enter a team in the competitions. Mr A. Bell, Waikuku, is spending a holiday with relatives in Wanganu*. AKAROA. Mr George Armstrong, Mayor of Akaroa, who lias been re-eleetcd to the Mayoralty unopposed, for another term, lias probably put up a record for the Dominion in respect to length of tenure of office. With the exception of a short interval of six months in 1922, when lie resigned as a protest against the action of the majority of the thfli Council in delaying to abide by the result of the Supreme Court case, Peninsula Power Board v. Akaroa Borough Council, Mr Armstrong has held office' since April, 1007. He had also filled the Mayoral chair for a term a few years prior to that date, so that by the end of his ensuing term he will have served 22 years as Mayor of the town in which he was born well over 70 years ago.

HORNBY-ISLINGTON. The Ir.iir.gto!! Welfare Committee held its fortnightly euchre tournament in the Islington Social Hall on Tuesday. The priees were awarded as follow:—Ladies': Mrs Freeman, 1; Mrs Davis. 2; gentlemen's: Mr T. Xoonan. I 1; Mr "Worsley. 2. The Hornby Dance Assembly held its weekly dance in the Orange Hall, Hornby, on Wednesday evening. Tho musio was supplied bv Miss Lily Freeman (piano) and Miss Jean * Webb (violin). Extras were plavcd by Messrs L. Clarke (Christchnrcli) and F. Sinitit (Riccarton). Mr C. Sutherland acsoii as M.C. Among tlvose present were: ,r i; a,v "o, Mrs Webb, Mrs Baker, Mi-3 Freeman, Mrs Whitelaw, Misses Esther Airey, Elsie Airey, Thelnia Lake, Myra Cooke, Jean Simpson, Una \\orts, Boris Griffiths, Lilv Freeman, Jeiy.i Webb, Stella Manhifc. Mrs 0. Lennox, Messrs C. Flaws (Sockburn). L. Cooke, R Woodhnm, E. Owen, J. Marsden (Chrfctchurch), R. Freeman, J. Knight, J. Carter (Tcmpleton), i±. Spicer, M. Bridges, F. AVhitelaw, 11. Horman, C. Sutherland. C. Crequor, C. Lennox, A. Scott. P. Mellwraith, H. Wright, and D. Irvine.

BURNHAM. Last Sut.day a well-attended harvest thanksgiving service was held in All Saints' Chuich. The church was beautifully decorated, with flowers, :;heaves of oats, and greenery,, and there was a stood display of fruit, vegetables and preserves, which will be sent to the Methodist Orphanage, Christclmrch. The Rev. J. Parker, of Springston, conducted the. service and Airs Twesd presided at the organ.. Mr and Mrs Sumpter returned to Timarti on Monday after spending a holiday at Burnham.

Mr S. Gill, who was the guest of Mr Stone, returned to Wanganui last week.

Mrs and Miss Nicholl left on Tuesday for Rangiora to attend the wedding of Mr A. Payne, of Burnham. The. annual meeting of householders in connexion with the election of a, school committee will be h«Jd at the school next Monday. Five members are required to form r the committee. It is to be hoped that the same enthusiasm as was shown last year will be displayed this year. The monthly" meeting of the echobt committee was held at the residence of Mr Leurs. There were present: Messrs C. Stono (chairman), P. Enlam, D. Leurs, W. Popple, and W. Shaw. Tho secretary reported that it had taken the Education Department seven weeks to grant the committee a £ for £ subsidy for a school library. Tho Public Trustee advised that the residuary bequest of the estate of Robert Jarvie, deceased, was in the hands of the Education Board. The chairman and secretary were asked to present a report of the year's work at the householders' meeting. A letter was received from the Canterbury School Committees' Association, stating the objects of the Association. It was decided to bring the matter before the householders. Mr Popple said that he would not bo seeking re-election on.the committee next year. A wedding of interest to the residents of Burnham was that of Mr A. Payne, of Burnham, to Miss Wood, of Rangiora, which took place at. St. John's Church, Rangiora, on Wednesday. Miss Dorothy Nieholls was bridesmaid. Mr.and Mrs Payne will reside at Southbridge. A new arrival in the district is Mr D. Fogarty, who is employed as nightwatchman at tho camp. Burnham, like otlier districts, experienced the heavy rain of last week.. Owing to the light nature of • the ground, water did not lie about. Mild weather has since been experienced; which is creating a growth in the grass and green feed. Miss B. Heeney, of Lyttelton, is spending a holiday at Burnham, and is staying with her sister. Miss Colman.

SPRINGFIELD. The weather during the week has been warm and fine, with occasional light fogs. The snow which fell on the mountains last week has nearly 'disappeared. The turnip crops, which were being attacked by blight, have greatly benefited by the heavy rains of last week.

The Springfield Town Hall was the scene of much gaiety on Saturday evening, when at the invitation of Mr and Mrs J. Taylor (Russell's Flat) a large number of friends gathered to celebrate the coming-of-age of their son William. Dancing was much enjoyed, the music being supplied by Miss Dalby and Mrs Donovan (piano) and E. Odgers (violin). A song was given by Miss D. Innes. During supper, a congratulatory speech was made by Mr W. Donovan, Mr Taylor responding on behalf of his son. The party dispersed at midnight, the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" bringing a very pleasant evening to a close. On Wednesday afternoon the local hockey, and football teams opened the season, the hockey team playing a friendly game with Sheffield. Mr R. Gillanders declared the season open. The match resulted in a win for the visiting team by three goals to one. A well-stocked variety stall, erected alongside the pavilion, did brisk business, those in charge being Mcsdames C. Atkinson, J. Greenfield, and R. Milliken. The sum raised by the sale of goods will enable the Hockey Club to purchase new sticks and other necessary equipment. A start is shortly to be made with the new bridge over the Little Kowai river.

Mr R. Evans, an old and highlyrespected resident of Kowai Bush, passed away last Thursday. A large number of residents followed the cortege to the graveside, the service being conducted by the Rev. C. Sparrow.

BROOMFIELD. A schoolboy, Thomas Dwan, second son of Mr W. Divan, Greney's road, met with a painful accident on Wednesday afternoon in the Amberley station yard. The lad, who had been helping to truck sheep, was in the act of pushing one truck along when another was pushed, badly crashing the fingeiß of the right hand. He was attended to by Dr. T. T. Thompson. The countryside has been freshened by the rains of last week, and oat and grass crops arc growing apace. The snow is fast disappearing from Mt. Grey and the other back hills. On Tuesday morning a very heavy fog hung around, bringing plenty of moisture. ' Feed generally is scarce for cattie.

Miss M. McDonald has returned home after spending a short holiday in Broomfield.

Mr H. Boyce, who has resided in the district for some years, has-left to reside in Hawardcn. Mr M. Ashby, after several months' absence, has returned to Broomfield. Mrs J. Arnold, has returned to Christchurch.

Tho King is giving, up breeding Yorkshire coach hors9s at Hampton Court. At tho annual meeting of the Yorkshire Coach Horso iSociety, at York, a letter was read from Colonel Erskine, Equorry to his Majesty, asking if the society would accept tue horse Beadlam Briscoe, now at Hampton Court stud, as a gift from the King. A condition was that the horse should travel in a suitable district for a number of years and that it should not be sent abroad. The meeting a<* cepted the gift with thankß.