NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18890, 4 January 1927, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

HANMER SPRINGS. . The weather for the Christmas holidays was as disappointing here as elsewhere. On Christmas Eve showers were experienced, and there was scarcely a gleam of sunshine for nearly a week afterwards. The wind remained obstinately in the south-east quarter, with the hills under fog, accompanied by drizzly and showery con ditions. Fortunately the weather was not uncomfortably cold at any time, but conditions must have been irksome to the many visitors who were compelled to spend a good deal of their time indoors. Camping parties, which were fairly numerous, experienced an uncomfortable time. On New Year's Eve the weather changed for the better since when it has been very warm with a persistent gentle nor'wester. On the night of Boxing Day and on New Year's night dances were held under the auspices of the Cricket Club. These drew large attendances, including many visitors, and were very enjoyable. On New Year's Eve the guests at the Lodge held a fancy dress dance preceded by a procession round the township, and their doings were a source of interest to the many who were assembled to enjoy whatever was going in the way of amusement. At Hanmer House also, there wa3 a dance, and the other accommodation houses were en fete to welcomo in the New Year. , Pl . . The- warm and humid conditions experienced were responsible for an almost phenomenal spring in field growth. Shearing in the neighbourhood was vcxatiously held up,'and one big shed which got a start on New Year's Day was four davs behind schedule. An enjovablc game of cricket was played on" New Years Day, between a 'team from the Cricket Club, and one from visitors captained by Dr. Chisholm arid lusher respectively. The visitors batted first and knocked up 57, to which Hanmer replied with 58, thus winning by 1 run None of the visitors' side made double figures, and their bowling honours fell to Lumsden, with 3 wickets for 8, Bernard Savell 3 for 22, and Fisher 1 for 9. Batting for Hanmer, Mensues scored 18, Lyons 14 not out, and Graves 12, and their most «™ce«Jul bowlers were Anderson 2 for 4, Hart i for 15, and Milliken 3 for la. It is intended next week to continue the local triangular competition when township meets Queen Mary Hospital.

KAIKOURA. Mis Abraham celebrated her 100 th Lirtbdnv on New Year's Day. She is halo and hearty and was in receipt ot many congratulatory references on attaining her century. The roads are all passable north, south, and inland. The carnival organised by the Krukoura Swimming Club was held in tine weather, when there was a large attendance on the.foreshore. The Kaikonra Brass Band played seections durin" the day and enlivened the pioVarious running and aquatic sports were indulged in, and the sidcunows were well patronised, the car nival was a great success from all points of view, and reflected credit on Mr E. Sabiston, the secretary, wlio worked hard on behalf of the club. . Kaikoura had a great influx of visitors during the holidays, and accommodation was. severely taxed, liie Christmas holidays were marred by wet weather, but for the New lear holidays splendid weather prevailed.

LEITHFIELD. .On the whole, December was unseasonably cold, especially during the earlier part of the month, when a biting southerly continued day after day, bringing in its train squalls of rain and hail on the plains and frequent snowfalls and severe frosts along the foothills and hill country. After two or 'three days of mild easterly breezes, there followed a few sultry days, culminating: in a nor'-west gale. Since the middle of the month, however, easterlies in varying degrees of chilliness have prevailed, and after almost a week' of drizzling ram, the sun shone with renewed vigour, and the year ended with a .real December day, hot hut pleasant. The minimum- rainfa 1 during the month was .01 of an uicu on December 4th, and tho maximum was SI of an inch on December 8t». Rain fell on twelve occasions, the total fall being 2.41 inches, as compared with 2.03 inches for December, 1925, ■ and 3.845 inches for December, 1924. ine total rainfall for the year amounted to 22 082 inches, while the total rainfall for 1925 was 29.38 inches, the respective monthly averages being I.°* inches for 1926,' and 2;448 inches for 1925. The lowest monthly fall tor 1926* was .59 inch in September, while that for 1925 was .675 of an inch in October, the highest registration boin<r 3.34 inches in November. 1926, and C.085 inches in August, 1925. Tho rainfall for. each of the months of June, July* August, and September last year was less than an inch, while May. October, and November were the wettest months. . The depressing weather which prevailed at Christm'astide acted as a damper to all out-door amusements, which, however, were en joyed, to the full dur ing the past week-end, when practically every available picnic spot and camping, ground was utilised. The usual ntes connected with watching tho old year merge into the new were observed in the old-time way by the tolling of bells, followed by merry pealing and the flare of rockets. The N«w Year's dance, held under the auspices of the Domain and tlie Beach Improvement JSociety, was a splendid success, the hall being filled with dancers from far and near, including many from Sefton, Kaiapoi, Kangiora, Amberley, Broomfield, Mt. Grey, and Balcairn. The mnsic was provided by Mr and Airs Sangster, the Habgood orchestra, Misses G. Hibbard, and E. Carroll (all of Balcairn). Mr E. Wright, of Kainnoi. Mrs C H. Trail, and Mr H. G. Trail, of Leithfield, all of whom responded to numerous demands for encores. The masters of ceremonies, Mr H. May and Mr F. ] Penfold, kept the dances following in quick and not a dull moment was experienced from start to finish. The return of more seasonable I weather has caused pleasure-seekers to j visit the many seaside resorts,, and on ] Sunday there was a record gathering, estimated to be rather more than fifteen hundred neople, nt the Leithfield Beach. The array of neatly parked cars on the sward was evidence not only of the growing popularitv nf the beach, hut also of the nopnlnrity of the Bangiora Silver Band, which contributed an excellent nrogramme. including "The Escort 1 ' (march): "Fair Vnul-of Perth" Mfctlon): "Oh Who' Will o'er the Hilk" (chorm) ; , "John TVel" (march): 'Silver Moonlight'' . (chorus!: "Pirates of Penzance"' (selection): "Death or Glory" (march); and the National Anthem. By means of vrious functions held this venr (1927) the sum of anproxima+ely £'2~> has i been added to the fund for beach im- j proTements. '

WAIPARA. The weather here for the New Year holidays has been exceptionally fine, and very warm. Owing to the very miserable weather experienced during Christmas, the public, on the whole, took advantage of the fine week-end to attend the various functions, espeeially the popular Caledonian Sports at Amberley. On Sunday there were a good many paid a visit to the Leithfield Beach. The harvest here is fairly general, and some exceptionall-v good crops of oats and barlev have been cut. Wheat crops arc promising beyond the average, and are remarkablv free from smut and rust. Several good consignments of fat lambs have already been sent away to the various works, and provided there is not too much rain,«uere will be a further big percentage change hands betore weaning takes place. PREBBLETON. Miss G. Scarlett, oi' Linwood, is staying in Piebbleton as the guest oi Mrs C. Chesmar. Mrs G. Chesmar, who has been seriously ill for some weeks, is now staying at the Convalescent Home at CasliD 1 Mr' and Mrs A. McNally arci spending the New Year holidays in Prebblcton with Mrs J. McNally. While cycling on the Lincoln road towards Christchurch on-New iears Day. Mr Bob Walker collided with a motor-ear and received injuries to Ins face and head. He was at once taken to the Christchurch Hospiatl, where he was treated as an out-patient. More favourable weather prevailed for the New Year holidays than was experienced during the previous weekend, and many people joined in ■ the various picnics and excursions in tne neighbourhood.

TAI TAPU. Extremelv hot weather was experienced for the New Year holidays, and many picnickers took advantage of the fine 'weather. A change took place oil Sunday evening, when heavy rain fell, but it cleared again on Monday. Final arrangements have been made in connexion with the flower show, which takes place on Friday. Uio season has been very favourable lor gardening, and good entries are anticipated. Mr A. Larcombe has been appointed secretary. The funds are to benefit the school, hall, and tennis cluh. Sir Heaton Rhodes is presenting another champion cup, for competition, Mr Wheeler, of Prebbleton, having won the last cup outright. Mr John Mnlier, an old and highlyesteemed resident of Tai Tapu, passed away at his home during the week. He leaves a son and two daughters to mourn their loss. The late Mr Milher did not take part in public affairs, butwas well-known foi his'kindly disposition. His wife predeceased hm a few months ago.

HALKETT. Warm weather prevailed for the New Year holidays and quite a number of people made their way to the- various picnic resorts. A large party of motorists travelled to Kairaki Beach and tpent a most enjoyable day. During the afternoon a friendly cricket match was played on the sand between Mr Lyons's ' team and the visitors. in Lyons's team won, after a most enjoyable game by 25 runs, the scores Wing 80 to (54. The Rev. R. Kelham, vicar of the Courtenay diocese, left, by the Tees on Friday for the Chathams, to mafie final preparations before the Bishop s risit. I)uring his absence the Rev. Britton will conduct the The Rev. Kelham will bo absent from the Dominion for. about two months.'

Mrs and Miss Lyons returned to I heir borne at .Christchureh on Monday after spending the Christmas and NewYear holidays at Halkett, where they have been the guests of Mrs M. Wilson.