NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18372, 4 May 1925, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. A meeting of the committee of Merton's School Old Boys' Association was held on Saturday afternoon. There were present Messrs F. Horrell (deputypresident), C. J. "W. Foster W. •J. I. Doggett T. Shaw, H. Blackett, M. Barrell, and C. I. Jennings. The secretary (Mr- P.'ackett) presented the balance-sheet. Tlie receipts weie £l7 lis and expenditure £l2 19s Gd, leaving a credit balance of £4l Is Gd. It was decided to forward a letter ot thanks to the vestry of St. John's Church for tho free use of tlie parish hall for the annual reunion. In response to a. request from the committee. Sir Westbv Perceval, this year's president, forwarded his portrait from Sydney to bang on tho wall of the parish hall ante-room with the Association's honours board. It was decided to _ provide an In Memoriam bonrd on which to inscribe the names of deceased members. Tlie Golf Club's feason was opened on Saturday afternoon in favourable weather. There was an unusually large attendance of- members and visitors, about GO players ta.king the field. The president of the club (Mr R. Macdonald), in a brief speech, welcomed the members and visitors and wished all an cnjovable .afternoon and a successful season's r>lay. Mrs -MacdonnM drove the first ball,' and the season was then declared open.. A flag match was played tho first rtrizes !>eing won by Mrs F. G. Tolmio and E. o.Heney, and the second by Miss F, Jennings k. W. Harley. after a (very close finish. There followed, an approaching and putting competition, the winners of which were Miss M. Morrish and K. O. Heney. The company were entertained at afternoon tea' by Mrs Macdon aid. There were large congregations at the Harvest Thanksgiving Services at St. John's Anglican Church yesterday. As usual the church was- decorated with grain, flowers and greenery, and there was a good display of vegetables andfruit. At the morning service the children brought gifts for St. Saviour's Oiphanage, and these, together with the fruit, will be forwarded during tlie week. Hie choir gave speeial music, including the anthem "O Lord, How Manifold are Thy Works," and Miss R. Horrell sang the solo, "Angels, Ever Bright and Fair." KAIAPOI. At the Kaiapoi Baptist Church on Thursday evening a'public welcome was. extended to the Rev. W. H. A. Vickery, who has taken charge in succession to the Rev. J. E. Hiddlestone. The church was taxed to its utmost to accommodate the large attendance present. The Rev. J. K. Archer presided and tlio Rev. E. E. Smith, of the Canterbury Baptist Auxiliary, was alss present. Mr T. A. Morland, on behalf of the church, extended a hearty welcome to the new minister and assured him. that the church members would stand by him in his work. He trusted that his ministry would bo a pleasant arid a prosperous one. Mr T. H. Drabble and Mr Gamble, of Ouruhia, also spoke on behalf of the members of the church. The Rev. W. G. Slade (Methodist), Rev. G. K. Aitken (Presbyterian) and Captain Smith (Salvation Army) also addressed the meeting, and extended a welcomo to Mr Vickery on behalf of the other churches. During the evening au excellent programme of musical and elocutionary items; was corrfcributedVby Misses W.: Johnston; G. Wylie, M. Fowler, and N. Jones, Messrs J. H. Blackwell, J. Howarth, and Worsfold. Miss M Campbell acted as accompanist.

..;.:; HAipiER springs. ...". .. The following arethe meteorological J Mfiords' fpr "Agfllytafeen at' the" State;. ''Forest;-Service ■.station, those for'the; same Month last year being given in.: parentheses:—Tertperature' in' shadev — Mean maximum temp. .63.3 ; degrees, Fah., (67.3), mean minimum temp. 40.3 (45), approximate mean temp, for themonth 51.8 (56.2), mean daily range of temp;. 23" (22.3), extreme •" maximum temp. ; on 2nd, 76 (76), extreme, minimum temp, on 13th 29 (32), extreme, range of temp, for month 47 (44). Exposed thermometer's—mean terrestrial radiation 32.7 (38.2), minimum terrestrial radiation on I2th inst. (frost), 22 (25). Wind. Average daily velocity for month 115.6 miles (127.6), maximum velocity for month on 12th 440 miles (520), mean amounts of cloud for month (0-clear sky, 10-overcast) 4.6, ! (55) Rain—Total fall 2.68 inches I (4 21), number of days on which rain ! fell 7 (8), maximum rainfall in-"any J 24 hours on 16th, 1.55 inches (1.40). i Bright sunshine.—lsl hours \l7di), ! maximum in 1 day 10 hours on three days (10). Days without recorded sunshine 4 (5), days with frost 19 (6). KIMBERLEY. There was a largo attendance at the foitnightlv euchre party.and dance, held in the local hall. Tlie pnze.-wm-. ners for the progressive euchre were. Mrs Beaman and Mr M. Jenkins; i while tho oonsolation awards went to i Miss Rosv Beaman and Mr P., Hewlett. ! After supper a dance was held, the | music for which was supplied by Miss Morgan, Mr L. A. Westwood and Mr G. Mahson. Mr. CampbeßMcCausland carried out the duties of M.C. last' winter a meeting was held m | the hall, at which it was decided that the trees near the hall he topped and also that the hall he painted and repaired. However, so far nothing has been done in the matter, and the residents are beginning to wonder whe.n the necessaiy repairs are to take place. SOUTHBRIDGE. A •.satisfactory-', sum was raised by means.of a combined'euchre tournament and dance-in the Southbridge Town Hall to help a" member of tho Hibernian Society who is in ill-health. There was a good attendance. Prizes for cards were won by Mrs A. J. Beamsley and Mr W;C.'Eggleton, and consolation prizes by Mrs J. S. Chapman and Master Farr. , ' At a meeting of the committee of the Ellesmere A. and P. Association ' the dato of tlie annual meeting was altered to May 15th. The Department of Agriculture wrote that in place of tlie winter school for farmers at Rarigiora it was proposed to organise a travelling school, and asked for the Association's support Lecturers would visit rural districts in Canterbury and Otago, and Leeston had been chosen as one of the centres. . ■ . KILLINCHY. ' The annual meeting of subscribers to the Killinchy Hall and Library was presided over by Mr W. Chappell. The ' balance-sheet showed a debit of £23 l°s lid, which was an improvement on last year's finances.. The following officers were elected:—President, Mr W. Chappell; treasurer, Mr M. T. O'Brien; secretary, Mr C. Tod; librarians, Messrs T Merrick and H. McLenaghen; general committee, Messrs J. Tod, D. Boal, r Tod- O. Hes, L. Allen, R. Mcllraith, 3- Frecar, K. Boon, L> Chappell, D, Marshall, J. Chappell; _ social committee, Messrs B. McHraith, G. Tod, L. Allen' D." Boal, Jv Merrick, L. Chappell, ■ ■ j Freear It was decided to hold fort--nightly socials during the winter. A-| siim of £l4 w » s voted towards the P ur " '1 chase of new- library, books.

OKAIN'S BAY. The annual householders' meeting in connexion with the election of the school committee was held on Monday evening. Mr W. Robinson presided over a fair attendance. The report showed that the children had been well catered for as far as social events, there having been a fancy dress carnival, a trip to Llttelton. a concert, and Christmas tree. Negotiations have been entered into with the Education Board in connexion with the new school and a site recommended. New desks had been supplied, taking the place of the old style forms and long desks which had been in use for many years. The teachers were congratulated on the very satisfactory nature of the Inspector's report. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £l3. The committee for the ensuing year resulted in the election of Messrs W. Robinson (chflirniitn), J- Harris, senior, H. Reid, P. Harris, and T. Priest. Seven nominations have been received for the Okain's Road Board, namely Messrs R. Bailey, E. Kay, S. Gilbert, E. Haines. W. Robinson, P. Mnore. and J. R. T u n"kor. As only five members are reonire-1, an election will take plnce on Thursday. The school reopened on Monday, but as many of the pupil* hnd not heard of the lifting of the restrictions, the attendance was poor. The following day over 90 p°r cent, attended. A meeting nf tlie T, n 'ioc' G"ild in connex : on with St. John's Church was li"'d in the Library on Thursday, when thpre was a good attendance of members. Mrs J. Bolevn presided and others rrese"t were Mrs T. Ware (vicepre Mrs vS. H. Thomas* (treasurer), Misses A. Ware and G. Box (joint secretaries), Mrs W. R"binson, Mrs A. Mason. Mrs Silas Harris, Miss Elsie Harris, Mrs Archie *Wnre, Miss Rita Mason, Mrs P. Gumming, and Mrs Percy Harris. Visitors were Mrs L. Craig (Chorlton), Mrs L. Harris (West Const), and Miss Doreen Hammond (No th Island). It was decided that the next guild day, Mav 14th, should be a gift afternoon for the St. Saviour's Babies' Home at Sumner. Mrs Ware and Mrs S. H. Thomas were appointed to purchase material to bo (lone up and it was decided to take- orders for garments to be made by members. The vice-president reported that the sale of articles at the parishioners' meeting amounted to £l. These articles were left over from the sale of work last year. , After the business part of the meeting a-dainty afternoon tea was handed round. Tlie opportunity was taken to congratulate the secretary, Miss Ware, v bn her coming of age that day. A dainty birthday cake was cut and her health was drunk with musical honours. Miss Ware, who was the recipient of a basket of gifts, was taken completely by surprise and thanked those present for their kind wishes and gifts. AKAROA. ''.'"Since-the, exceptionally heaw rainstorm of a fortnight ago, when'this end of the Peninsula was treated to nearly nine and a half inches within 48 hours, tho weather has been at its best until Saturday, when a light south-easterly wind again brought the ram with it.. There was not much of it, though the weather remained dull over the week At the last meeting of the executive of the Akaroa Football Club Mr H. Collins, deputy-captain, presiding, it was decided to enter only one team, senior, for the Sub-Union competitors.' The club's delegates to the annual Meeting of the Peninsula Sub-Union reported upon the business done, and stated that they had; made an offer of "two guineas on behalf of the club, towards reduction of the Sub-Union's deficit. Their action was approved. Dr. A F. Cowan wrote accepting the office of one of the vice-presidents, and enclosing one gainea .as_a~clonation.,-:w]iicn was received with thanks.. The ground committee was empowered to procure new tfa ; gs* line' sticks, and to repair ■goal posts... .. ■...:•';• :it is pleasing to note that at least two of, the bush birds, the tui and the hell-bir^V r are' again hiuclf this autumn. The tuneful notes of the latter, can "frequently be heard morning or evening' from the .patches of bush hnearby," or even from the trees in gardens ihTtjhe centre of the town itself, while the "parson bird" with his white "choker", and his dark, glossy plumage, is a constant visitor to the : shrubberies and orchards. '"*■

GREENDALE. I On Monday evening last the usual harvest tea was held in connexion with the Baptist Church and was followed by a public meeting, over which the senior deacon, Mr W. Srnplev presided. A'programme of songs, duets, .quartettes, etc., was rendered, those contributing'songs being Mrs Vickery, Mrs E. H. Frew, Miss B. F. Rudd, Misss A. Shipley, and Mr F. G. Early; duets, Mrs E. H. Frew and Mrs Vickery; quartettes,. Mesdames Frew and Vickery, and Mr,W. J. Watson and Rev. W. H. A. Vickery- Mr W. Shipley, on behalf of the church, presented Mr and Mrs Vickeiy with a Kaiapoi rug, and wished Mr Vickery success in his work in : the* Kaiapoi-Rangiora Church. Mr C. H Adams, Superintendent of the Sunday School, in a brief speech, eulogised the work of Mr and Mrs Vickery in the Sunday School. A presentation of a vase from her Sunday School class, was made to Mrs Vickery, by Miss Sheena Gillanders. Mr Vickery briefly returned thanks. The accompaniments for the singers were played by Miss B. F.- Rudd'and Miss A. Shipley, and Miss M E. Gidtlings presided at the organ at the Sunday services, and on Monday evening. On Wednesday evening a well-attend-ed meeting was held in the Hall, to discuss the question of the electric wiring of the district. It was decided that the res'dents should combine and invite tenders for the wiring of houses througout the district. A small committee, consisting of Messrs' C. H. Adams, J. W. Warren, W. Shipley, and W. A. Wilson (secretary), was set up to go into the question of the number of points to be installed in the district, to invite tenders, and to. report at a future meeting. The annual meeting of the Malvern Eadies Hockey Sub-Associatior was held at-the residence of Mrs Jarman, Darficld, Mr H. C. Townshend presiding. Delegates were present from Springfield, Sheffield, Darfield and Greendale. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: —Patron, Mr R. Reid; president, Mr H. C. Townshend: vice-presidents, Messrs J. Reid, J. Gillanders, G. H. Judd, R. R. Gillanders, H. Millar, R. Milliken, H. OHver, D. Gillanders, and F. Cullen; secretary and treasurer, Mrs F. Cullen (Greendale); selection committee, Mrs Cullen, and Messrs Featherston, and Townshend; delegate to Canterbury Association, Mr H. Throp (re-elected). It was decided to play two rounds in the competition, opening on May 9th. The following round of-.matches was drawn up, play to be on the ground of the first-men-tioned teams:—May 9th, Springfield r.Daifield; Greendale v. Sheffield; Mav 16th, Darfield r. Greendale; Sheffield v. Springfield; May 23rd, Sheffield v. Darfield;-Greendale y. Springfield. SPRINGSTON. About 9.35 p.m. on Thursday a slight shock of earthquake, accompanied by a loud rumbling noise, was felt, and a somewhat sharper shock was experienced about an hour later, but no damage was done. . Rain commenced falling early on Saturday morning, and light showers fell through tiie day.

KIRWEE. A large gathering of the residents from Kirwee, and the surrounding districts, took place in the Agricultural Hall on Wednesday evening for the purpose of giving a send-off to Mr'and Mrs B. T. Stanley, who were leaving the following morning for Arthur's Pass, where Mr Stanley has been appointed stationmaster, after serving for five years in that capacity at Kirwee. Mr D. Gallagher, president of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, spoke of the courteous manner in which Mr Stanley had carried out his duties. during the time he had bsen.at the local station, and wished him every. success in the district to which he was going. Mr F.<; McNae, on behalf of the Miniature Rifle Club, and the football club, said' that in losing Mr and Mrs Stanley, the Rifle Club was losing two of its best shots, and that their places would be very hard to fill, especially when outside matches came oft. Mr and Mrs Stanley were also football enthusiasts and were always present to support the.local club. Mr McNae wished the guests a happy time at Arthur's Pass. Mr C. Fisher, assistant stationmaster, spoke on behalf of the Railway staff, and wished Mr and Mrs Stanley long life and happiness. Mr Murchison then asked Mr Stanley to accept a cabinet of stainless cutlery, with forks, spoons, etc., of the best electro plate, as a slight token of the esteem in which he, was held by the subscribers, who also wished Mr and Mrs Stanley every happiness. Mr Stanley suitably replied, and those picsent joined in singing, "For They are Jolly Good Fellows." During the evening songs were given by Mesdames E. Browning and J. G. Hamilton. Mrs A. L. Stewart played the accompaniments. Dancing was indulged in to music supplied by Mr S. Dunn, and extras were played by Miss Bloom and Mr A. G. Hart. Messrs H. Foster and A. G. Hart were M.C.'s. A splendid supper was provided by the ladies. The annual meeting of the members of the Courtenay Social Club was held in the Courtenay Schoolroom on Monday evening. There was an attendance of twenty-two, over which Mr F. McNae presided. The following officers were elected : chairman, Mr F. McNae; secretary: Miss P. McNae; committee Mrs D. Finlav, Miss Hunter, and Messrs D'r W." Finlav, R. McClelland, and C. Page.. ~,»-, The rainfall for the month of April was 3.25 inches. Rain fell on seven days, the maximum fall being i.BO ! inches on the 16th. The fall for the corresponding month of 1924 was 2.33 inches; 1923, 2.30 inches; 1922, .87 inches, and 1921, 2.50 inches. For the four mouths ending on April- 30th, the total fall was 7.77 inches, whilst for the corresponding period of 1924, the total was 7.13 inches; 1923, 9.81 inches; 1922, 8.13 inches, and 1921, 11.02 inches.-- Since the-cold, rainy storm on the 16th and 17th y with the exception of a few slight frosts, the weather has been very mild, and there has been a fair growth in the paddocks of green feed, and young grass and clover. Farmers have been taking even- advantage of the fine weather, to" get their potatoes out, while the ground was dry. Some fair vields have. !been reported, up to thirteen tons an acre, but the average will probably not -be more than eight tons. A number of clover crops have been shelled. In some cases the yield, was good, whilst in others it was rather disappointing only just about pajing expenses. The lowesji jielda

were in the larger paddocks, owing probably to the scarcity of bees to fertilise the larger areas. ■ . . On Friday a fairly strong north-west wind blew ail dav, but in the evening it was apparent that a change was coming: and on Saturday morning the wind blew up from the south-west. Heavv rain fell ..for a. time, but soon eased" off, and the weather was dnz.zlv all the morning; 21 points being registered at.ll a.in. The, temperature has dropped considerably.: ,