NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18419, 27 June 1925, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. At a meeting of the Methodist Church parsonage trustees, the tender of Mr C. S. Avers at £1523 for the new parsonage was accepted. Under the auspices of tho Rangiora District Fruitgrowers' Association, a demonstration of fruit-tree pruning was given by Mr L. W. Paynter, Government Orchardist, in Mr G. Webb's orchard at Loburn. Mr Paynter first demonstrated on nectarine trees, show, ing the different styles of pruning. Afterwards he explained the difference in pruning needed with the various varieties of apples. There was an attendance of over 40. At the close of the demonstration an adjournment was made to the house, where afternoon tea was provided by Mr and Mrs Webb, for whicli they were thapked .by Mr J. MacLeod. In'*the evening a meeting of the Rangiora District Fruitgrowers' Association was held in the Loburn Hall, Mr J. MacLeod being in the chair. Mr F nlor gave a resume of the doings of the recent conference of fruitgrowers held in Wellington, for which he was accorded a vote of thanks. In the Primary School football competition for schools north of the Waimakariri, Rangiora played their first match yesterday against WoodendWaikuku combined, and won by 6 points to 3. Mr S. Borland was reWhile a car was heing driven from King street into High street yesterday, two little girls, who were sitting in "the back seat, were, through the door swinging open, thrown out on to the road, but fortunately escaped with a fright and a shaking.

CHEVIOT. Mr W. G. Carson, who. after a very lengthy period of residence in the district, is removing to Rangfora* wasi entertained at a smoke concert in the Public Hall. The popularity <zf the departing guest was etvidencad by the very large attendance, over which Mr T. "West presided. A slic/.t toast list was honoured and a number of musical items was given. During the evening the chairman, on behalf of the residents, presented Mr Carson with a suitcase and a roll of banknotes and •with a travelling r.ng for Mrs Carson and wished them <&]) success in their new home. Mr Cp.rson briefly replied. Mrs W. G. Carson and family weru entertained at a, farewell social by the members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr G. Telfer presided over a large attendance. Musical items were giveg by the Rev- E. Swinerd and Miss h. Telfer and a number of amusing games and competitions contributed to a, very pleasant* evening. The Rev. E. Swinerd expressed the regret of the congregation at the departure of Mr and Mrs Carson and family and wished them all happiness and prosperity in their new sphere. WAIKUKU. A public meeting, organised by the Rangiora Branch of the W.C.T.U., was held in the Waikutu Hall on Wednesday evening. A large audience greeted the speaker, Mrs T. E.Taylor, of Christchurch. During the evening songs were sung by Mrs Trollope (Rangiora) and Mrs J. Morriss. Miss Orchard gave a recitation. At the conclusion a vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Taylor. On Thursday evening the Waikufcu Mutual Improvement Society met in . the Methodist Church. A paper was read by Miss M. Orchard on "The Influence of Jesus in His Day," after which an interesting discussion took place.

TAI TAPU. On Wednesday evening the Town HaD was crowded when a valedictory social was tendered to Mr John Cossar, who has been a resident of the Tai Tapu district for 32 years. Friends were present from Christchurch, Darfield. Duvauehelle Bay, and the surrounding districts. Mr Cossar having sold his farm, will make his home in Christchurch. Mr James Macartney, who was in the chair, spoke of Mr Cossar's popularity in the sporting sphere, and related some amusing anecdotes of their experiences out duck shooting. Mr E. Macartney, who spoke on behalf of the residents, expressed regret at losing the last representative of the Cossar family from the. district. A family who had helped in promoting tho social life of the district would bo sadly missed, and the district would bo the poorer. Mr Macartney wished him long life and happiness to enjoy a wellearned rest. Mrs Suckling, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, thanked him on behalf of the Sunday School and Church for the help he had always willingly given, and eulogised him as a resident. Mr James Macartney presented Mr Cossar with a gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed, as a gift from the residents. After Mr Cossar had responded, musical honours were accorded him. The following contributed an enjoyable programme of songs, etc:— Mrs Mackenzie, Miss Helen Jones, Messrs K, Lake and D. Suckling; pianoforte solo, Miss Suckling; ukulele duets, Messrs K. and D. Suckling. Supper was handed round, and a jolly time spent in dancing. Miss Suckling and Mr Koesler provided the music (piano and violin). Much regret was expressed throughout the district at the news of the death of Mr W. Mehlhopt, who had lived nearly all his life in Tai Tapu. He leaves a widow and a large family of little children to mourn their loss.

SPRINGSTON SOUTH. At the Social Committee's weekly euchre and dance tho winners proved to be Mrs J. E. Tyson and Mr Norman Musson. After supper a\aneing was indulged in, tho music being supplied by Mr and Mrs Quaii'e, Mr A. Payne acting as M.C. The bachelors of the district held a meeting to arrange for a ball, and- it was decided to hold one next month. A strong committee was elected,, with Mr B. Hutchinson as chairman and Mr D. Eyan as secretary. Tho owners of properties at road corners have cut back the hedges, which enables car drivers to see another car approaching on tho other road. LEESTON. The Leestou session of the travelling winter farm school, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, was closed on Thursday evening. Thursday's lectures were on diseases of wheat, top-dressing, points of the daiiy cow, and diseases of tho cow, with demonstrations. The evening lecture was ou pig-keepiug, and the pork export trade. After the final lecture, appreciation of the visit was expressed by Messrs F. A. Wagner, president of the Ellesjnere branch of fhe .Farmers' Union and A. McPheison, vice-presi-dent of the Ejlesinere A. and P. Association.