NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18479, 5 September 1925, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. The fine weather experienced during the last few days has again broken, following a north-west wind. Heavy rain fell yesterday morning, continuing in showers for most of the day. Again farm work is held up, most of the land being in such a sodden state that it is impossible to get on to it with teams. 0 i.w Mrs A. P. Strang and Mr Schluter were the winners of the fat he " £e y weight-guessing competition hekl last Tuesday in aid of the Plunket Society fund. They guessed the exact weight, SSOlb'dresscd weight.

HANMER SPRINGS. The following are the meteorological records for August, taken at tho State Forest Service Station, those lor the same month last year being given parentheses: —Temperature in s ©• mean maximum temperature 49.6 a g. Fah (5° 21 mean minimum tempera ture 33.'2 (35.4), approximate mean temperature for tho month 41 - V ■ ' mean daily range of temperaiture 1 _ C 16.8). extreme maximum temperature on Ist, 68 (68). extreme temperature on 11th and l/.th 20 ( )> extreme range of temperature lo month 48 (4-5). exposed thermometers , mean terrestrial radiation 28 (-/• J, minimum terrestrial radiation on , . (frost) 12 (14). wind: average daily velocitv for month 72.2 miles (49.6). maximum velocity for month on 23rd 380 miles (260). mean amount of clou for month (0 —clear sky 5 7 03 3). Rain: total rainfall inches (2.13). number of days ™ wh '™ rain fell 17 (12), maximum fall in any 24 hours on 20th 1.16 (1-42).. Bright sunshine 119 hours (133), maximum 1 hours on 17th (91). Days without recorded sunshine 8 (7). Days with 23 (221. General remarks: Snow ten on 15th, 26th, and 27th. A was observed at 9.50 p.m. on £ > north of township. It' is understood that a sPcond motor passe riser service between Christchurch and Hamner Springs will commence running in the course of a few weets. RQTHERHAM. The fortnightly meeting of the Dehating Club was held in the hall. Mr A. Baker presided. The subject for the evening was "Will New 'Zealand ever become a great manufacturing country?" Tho affirmative was led by Mr A. Robinson, and tho negative by Mr R. Jones. After a good discussion a vote was taken, resulting in a win tor the affirmative. It was decided to invito the Culverden Society to a debate at an early date on tho subject, "Has European civilisation benefited native races?" The vice-president, Mr J. Thomson, will take the chair for this debate. It was also resolved to close the season with a social evening at the end of the month. CHEVIOT. The fourth annual reunion of the Cheviot Sub-Branch of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association, was held on Saturday evening last, Mr T. West presiding over a good attendance of members, and honorary members. Among those present were: Messrs H. Fleck, vice-president; W. E. Leadley, secretary; and W. Cummins, treasurer of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers Association. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr T. West; vice-president, Mr C. Holton; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr J., Bosomworth; committee, Messrs J. McAdam, M. Flaherty, M. B. Smithy A. Gibson, S. Gibson, D. W. Smith, N. Wilkinson, G. Abbott, G- Westenra. At the conclusion of the business meeting a social evening was held, and a lengthy toast list was disposed of. During the evening much appreciated items were given bv Messrs IX W. Smith, C. Holton; J. Robinson (Christchurch), F. Larsen (Christchurch), J. Ayer. Mr W. Ross Smith acted as accompanist. 5 OXFORD. The monthly meeting of the Oxford Central School Committee was held on Monday. There were present—Messrs A. E. Cooper (in the chair), W. J. Skurr, T. Doody, G. A. Ryde, J. H. Route ton, J. T. Perham, A. H. Scott, and Dr. Burnett. An apology was received for the absence of Mr W. H. Knowles. It was reported that the' Department had raised the school to grade SA, with Mr A. H. Denne as headmaster. Considerable discission took place in regard to the overcrowding of the buses, and the best means to avoid it, and to see that conveyance would be provided for all children eligible for such conveyance. It was stated the committee was in communication with the Board on the matter, and it was hoped that suitable arrangements might be made with the contractor. The number of children on the several routes was greater than was anticipated, and provision had not been made for the increased number. The increase in the number of children demonstrated the success and the popularity of the consolidation scheme. Mr W. J. Skurr made a donation of £3 to the school, being the sum received by Messrs S. Glew, W. J. Roberts, and himself for work they had done at the Carleton School. He received the hearty thanks of the committee, and the secretary was instructed to convey similar thanks to Messrs Glew and Roberts. BELFAST. The ping-pong and card evening arranged by the Ladies' Sewing Guild in connexion with the Orange Hall Belfast, was a very pronounced success. Ping-pong, cards, and quoits occupied the early part, of the evening. Music for the dancing which followed was provided by Mrs A. E. Clarke and Mr P. Miller. Those in charge of the games were: Ping-pong, Messrs A. E. Clarke and Stan. Wilson;, cards, Mr D. Miller; quoits, Mr J. Farquhar. The prize-winners were: Euchre, Mrs J. Arps and Mr H. Holt; ping-pong, Miss E.. Kempthorne and .Mr A. Manning; quoits, Miss J. W^ Boll and Mr A, Watson. LINCOLN. Whilst playing for the ELlesmere junior representative team at Oxford last Saturday, W. Jordan had tho misfortune to twist his knee, which will necessitate his giving up playing this year. This will moan a big loss to his club. , I" DOYLESTON. 1 In response to a petition signed by about SO residents, requesting that a stationmaster should be appointed at Doyleston, the District Traffic Manager of Railways has agreed to meet farmers and others at the station next Tuesday at 2 p.m.. when the case if ill be put before him. killinchy. At the last fortnightly social in the Killinchy Hall, prizes in a enchre tournament were won toy C. Allen and Mr H. McLenaghen, and consolation prizes went to Miss B. McLenaghen and Mr J. Merrick. A dance followed, the musicians being Mrs J. Tod, Messrs M. O'Brien, and W. Chappeli.

PREBBLETON.

Mr Selwyn Bigham, who has disposed of his farm and is leaving Prebbleton shortly to take up a position in the North Island, was entertained on Wednesday evening by tho members of the Hall Committee, of which body he lias been secretary lor several years. The evening was spent pleasantly in cards and music, all those present contributing items, and the chairman. Mr G. Millar, in wishing Mr Bigham future success, asked him to accept a pocket wallet as a token of goodwill and esteem from his fellow committeemen.

The social committee in connexion with the Anglican Church organised an entertainment on Thursday evening in aid of St. Anne's Home. The programme was almost entirely provided by Mr T. Rowe, of Christchurch, who brought out his gramophone, and gave a wonderfully varied and wholly enjoyable selection of records, all of which met with the unreserved approval of the audience. 'Mr Bristow, also of Christchnrch, gave some items with his aeolian harp which enthosiasticallv receivea. The chairman, the Rev. F. Rawle, expressed the thanks of all to the gentlemen who were responsible for tie programme. The weather during the early part of the week was warm and pleasant, but a change occurred on Friday, when heavy rain commenced to fall in tho forenoon, but cleared later in tho day. ROLLESTON. At the weekly euchre held in aid of the school funds, on Saturday night, the prises were awarrded to the following:—Ladies: Mrs J. Blackmore (Springston) 1, Mrs S. Payne (Rolleston) 2. Men: Mr Neal Davidson (Rolleston) 1, Mr Frank Bla&emore (Springston) 2. Consolation prizes were awarded to Mrs Pearl Tvelland Mrs Point, Mr' Joe Green, Mr W. Bra- (Springston). The many friends of Sirs G. Kelland will be pleased to learn that she is making a speedy recovery from her recent illness. LEESTON. At a meeting this week, called by instruction from the Town Board, the Leeston Volunteer Fire Brigade was reorganised, and almost a full complement of volunteers was enrolled. The new engine purchased by the Town Board was delivered a few weeks ago. Tho following brigade officers were elected: Superintendent, Fireman T. J. Ramsey; deputy-superintendent, Fireman G. Harper; driver, Fireman H. D. Jones; secretary, Fireman J. Purser; engineer, Fireman W. Watson; branchmen, Firemen G. H. Ryde and H. Austin. The lists of active and honorary members are still left open. In jcply to a question the superintendent said that th<j chemical engine in the old station would still bo useful. Commissioner F. Townshend, of the Town Board, undertook to bring before the Board the question of appointing a permanent caretaker. The secretary reported that there was'a credit in hand of £l2 from the old brigade. The first try-out was held on Thursday evening, and periodic practices are to be arranged. The brigade is to recommend to the Town Board what further hose is required.

The Leeston Methodist Church Jubilee was continued on Thursday evening, -when a high tea was held in the Town Hall, during which music was played by an orchestra comprising Miss R. Austin, and Messrs L. C. Vicary, H. Austin, and T. F. Owens. After the tea, the hall was-arranged- for a conversazione, and a musical programme was given by. . Misses Rhoda Down, Dorothy Spiller, Gladys Brooks, Mrs Brown, and Mr Collins (songs and recitations); Messrs Eobb, Vicary, and Misse.s Austin and Weir (pianoforte and violin items). This cireuit minister, the Rev. A. O. Harris, extended a welcome to all present, particularly to the visitors. The Rev. S. Lawry, in the course of an address, recalled some of the early history of the circuit and the beginnings of the Methodist Church in the district over 50 years ago. He paid a tribute to the worth and fidelity of the ministers and lay officers who had held appointments in the church. The -Rev. H. M. Hay, Christchurch, urged that the second half century of the church's life should be entered into in tl\e same spirit as that whieh animate 1 the church workers 50 years ago. Hearty. congratulations from the Chnrch of England were conveyed by the Rev. W. Uphill) vicar of Leeston. In the absence of the Rev. T. G. Butler, through illness, Mr A. McPherson conveyed the good wishes of the Southbridge Presbyterians, and Mr R. M. Robertson, of the Leeston Presbyterian congregation. The Rev. J. W. Parker spoke on behalf of the Springston Methodist circuit. .Mr G. Sheat moved a vote of thanks to all who had contributed towards the success of the celebrations.

SOUTHBRIDGE. , The monthly meeting of the Southbridge Tovrn Board was held on Thursday evening, there being present: Commissioners R. J. Parkin (chairman), A. Tong, J. H. Hampton, R. A. Maw, W. J. Woods, and W. J. McEvedy. The Swimming Club asked the Board 'to proceed with the erection of a fence around the bath aa early as possible. It was decided to erect a 6ft iron fence. The tenant of the Barracks paddock applied for a cancellation of the lease, which the Board agreed to, deciding to call tenders for a twelve months' lease. The Board's representative on the Fire Brigade, Mr J. C. Free, tendered his resignation, he having moved from Southbridge. He recommended the Board to purchase new hose for the engine. The resignation was and a vote of thanks for past services was passed to Mr Free. it was stated that complaints had been received that ducks were infesting some of tho township waterraces. The Board decided to destroy the ducks if they were not kept from the races. It was decided to apply to the ■EUcfflnere County Council for assistance in forming and shingling a road to Mrs P. Dugan's property, road leading to Mrs T. B. HowSOn 8 property was noted as requiring ■fling. It was decided to hold a meeting to proceed with the Grafting of a new set of by-laws. Local observations record that the ,°'®l rainfall for last month was 5.38 as against .75 inches for the » a ? e month last year. The total rain- ' i. -up till August 31 was 26 which is within an inch of the *al fall for 1924. Frosts were rea?ti? e< * 0n during August, and on gh-fewer in number, they were l*?* 6 severe than those in August of last year. ann nal jprize-giving concert of „ "outhbridge Presbyterian Sunday the * as Church Hall, in .y Presence of a large number of ~ ra ~ ,ca and parents. A gopd proaa given by the pupils. The j stations were made bv the Bcv. chiM of Spreydon, every wm 'giving a book. A short address PrtjuJ>* Ven by Mr Hayward, who exregret that the minister of the ~~?BVthe Rev. -T. G. Butler, was pre- ® through illness from attending.