NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18891, 5 January 1927, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

KAIAPOI. The annual picnic of the Kaiapoi Working Men's Club, which was held on Monday, proved most enjoyable. A special train conveyed between 400 and 500 passengers to Oxford, where tho well-sheltered grounds of Pearson Park were much appreciated. Ideal picnic >veather was experienced, and excellent arrangements for the day's outing were made by the picnic committee, Mr J. Lynskey (chairman), Messrs J. C. Simpson, J. Hall, A. R. Tavendale, L. P. Hopkins, J. Brown, J. A. Meal'mgs (secretary). In addition to the sports programme, numerous events were arranged for the children, who were also supplied with toys, ice-cream, and soft drinks. During the day, a bowling match was played between tho K.W.M.C and the Oxford Club, which was won by Kaiapoi by two games to one. The sports resulted as follows: Committee race: J. P. Hopkins 1, J. A. Healing 2; married men'is race: R. Raymond 1, •?. Taplin :J; single men's race: S. Wootton 1. F. Richards 2; bandsmen's race: C. Green 1, S. Richards 2; staff race: J. A. Mealings ], J. Simpson 2; married men's race (over 30 years): J. Spencer 1. R. Raymond 2; married men's race (undor 30 years): J. Price 1. C. Green 2; sack race: J. Price 1, F. Lynskey 2; three-legged race: L. Pearce and S. Wootton 1; consolation race: L. Pearco 1, F. Lynskey 2; married ladies' race (over 30 years): Mrs L. P. Hopkins 1, Mrs J. Simpson and Mrs A. Munn (equal) 2; married ladies' race (under 30 years): Mrs C. Green 1, Mrs A. Tavendale 2; ladies' sack race: Mrs F. Coup 1, Mrs W. Nimmo 2; babv show: Mrs W. Jones 1, Mrs J. Guy'2.

KAIKOURA. On Friday afternoon Matron Green, of the Knikoura Hospital, gave a very pleasant party to a number of children in honour of the visit of her niece and nephew—Clarice and Charles Green, of Wellington—who are spending tho holidays witlrher. Games and musical items wore- indulged in and appreciated by the children. Then followed afternoon tea, while Matron Greon was relieved by tho assistance of Sister Roxburgh, Nurse Thompson, Miss Roxburgh • (Christchureh), and Mesdames H. Comer and A. B. Clark. During the afternoon pianoforte solos were contributed by Misses I'\ Hayward, B. Gibson, and Zona Willis (Wellington), who received hearty applauso from tho littlo ones). On Thursday evening a very enjoyable dance ivas given at tho Kaikoura Hospital by tho matron and nursing staff, the occasion being a farewell to Sister Roxburgh, who has been a popular member of tho staff for the past eighteen months. The guests, who came from all parts of the district, were received by the matron (Miss L. Green), who wore a becoming gown of black charmeuse, and Nurse L. Thompson, wearing an effective frock of ceriso and gold embossed satin with fuchsia trimmings.. -Dancing took plate in one of the wards, which was beautifully decorated, and supper was served in an adjoining ward. Excellent music was supplied by Mr W. Thomas. During the evening Mr \V, Harris, on behalf of the guests, expressed regret that Sister Roxburgh was leaving Kaikoura, where sho had made many friends, and wished her all happiness in her futuro life. Sister Roxburgh suitably responded.

OXFORD., TTw rainfall for December was 7.22 inches, which was almosWilouble-the average for the same month during the past 16 years, namely 4.08 inches. In 1911 the rainfall for tho month was 8.24 inches, and in 1917 7.83 inches. The total rainfall for 1926 was 41.31 inches, precipitated on 120 days. It would appear that the average rainfall is increasing, for in 1922 the average for 12 years was 36.56 inches, in 1923 for 13 years 37.05, 1924, 14 years, 37.17; in 1925, 15 years, 38.28; 1926, lft years, 38.5. The total rainfall for the last five rears was, respectively: 42.83, 38.76, 53.95, 41.31 inches. FERNSIDE. An enjoyable time was spent at the residence of Mr and Mrs Marsden, "Pine . Grove," recently. Music, games, and competitions were the order of the evening. Tho competitions were won by Mesdamos Bailey, Durie, and Prior, and Messrs W. Marsden, Bailey, and'"Prior. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought the evening to a, close. Mrs C. F. Sims OVaihi) and Miss H. Cornthwaite (Auckland) are the ?;uesta of Mr and Mrs C. H. Hinton fcSehoolhouse). Mr C. J Henry, Dunedin, has returned home after spending Christmas at Pine Farm. Mr and Mrs T. Mcintosh and the Misses R., K., and M. Molntosh are staying at their bach, Wajkuku Reach. Mr and Mrs J. S. Evans, the Misses Thelma and Olivo and Mr Given Evans motored thrdugh from Fairton and vrei6 the gneste of Mrs G. Milne, Pine Farni, for New Year. Mrs Hodgson has returned to Wellington after spending a week with friends in Femside. HORNBY-ISLINGTON A very enjoyable dance was held in tho Orange Hall, Hornby, on New Year's Eve. Excellent music was given by Miss D. Moore's Orchestra. Mr E. Pearce carried out the duties of M.C. As the Old Year was passing, all joined hands and sang "Auld Lang Syne." KIRWEE. Tho rainfall for tho month of December was 3.79 in. Rain fell on fifteen days, the maximum fall of .74in being registered on Christmas Eve. For the corresponding month of 1925 the fall was 1.67 in, 1924 4.69 in, and 1923 29.7 in. The weather was beautifully fine and clear yesterday morning, and a splendid view was obtained of the partial eclipse of the aun.

Mr J. W. Bolgrave, who was motoring to his work yesterday morning, was run into by another car which was lomjng from Christchurch. The car was driven by a young lady who was pointing out some object of interest to a friend, and thus failed to observe Mr Belgrave's. car. Fortunately when he saw that an accident was inevitable, Mr Belgravo applied his brakes, and his car was struck on the front wheel, the impact bending the axle. There were also several other minor injuries. The other car also was knocked about, but the occupants were able to proceed on their journey. lADBROOKS. Owing to the bad weather, all farm work during the last fortnight has been at a standstill. The. standing crops, more especially wheat and peas, ore looking in excellent condition, and it" is predicted the yield will exceed that of any previous year. Some of the oldest farmers in the diatriet are lookjn<» forward to a record yield in both cereal and root crops.

AKAROA. The Queen Carnival contest was concluded at 9.30 o'clock on Monday night. Thero was great excitement in the town during the day, all the different committees being busily engaged gathering in all the available money. The finafcount placed Miss Joan Masctiold, representing the bowling and boating clubs, at tho top of the list. The amount raised on her behalf was £177 12s. Miss lfay Pilkington, golf and tennis queen, was second with £lO2 12s 6d, Miss Ursula Brochcrie being third with £ll6 tis, and Miss Kthel Walker fourth with £9O lis (id. The total proceeds of tho gala week Will bo approximately £6OO, allowing each interested club to benefit to tho extent of £7o each.

OKAIN'S BAY. Among the visitors staying with friends and relatives in Okain's Bay are Mrs J. C. Hartley, Miss E. Hartley, Miss M. Hartley (Christchurch), -Miss Poeock (Littlo Biver), Mr and Mrs A. Hartley and family (Limvood), Mi - and Mrs Lawrence Harris ami family (Greymouth), Mr James flarris (Oxford), Misses Jenkins (Chrjstcluirch), Mr It. Ware (Addington), Mr V. Mason Miss G. Box and Miss L. Box (Sunnier), Mr aud Mm Heath and family (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs G. F. Head Misses M. and B. Head (St. Albans), Mr and Mrs W. Holstein and family (Limvood), Mr J. Holstein, Mr H. Holstein, Mrs C. Moore and Miss M. Moore (St. Albans) Mr H. Mason. Mr and Mrs Jones ana family (Lyttefton), Miss Newport (Oxford), Mr and Mrs It. Gallagher (Halswell), Mr Basil Ware, and Mr Waddel.

LE BON'S BAY. Mr and Mrs Fox, of Oiristchurch. are the guests of Mr and Mm D. Mackay, of Le Bon's Bay. lira A. Thelning and Mr H. Thelning are spending a short holiday with relatives in Lc Bon's Bay. Tho many friends of Mr L. A. Gilbert will iio pleased to learn that he has recovered sufficiently to return to his homo in Lo Bon's Bay after spending nine weeks in the Christchurch Hospital. Mr W. Franklin arid Miss Maine, both of Christchurch, are the guests of Mr and Mrs Percy Barnett, of Lo Bon's Bay. Mrs Edwards, a.nd Miss 1.. Symes, of Napier, aro the guests of Mr and Mrs Symes, of Lo Bon's Bay. Miss M. Crotty has returned to her homo in Lo Bon s Bay alter spending a fortnight's holidsiy with her mother, Mrs W. Crotty, of Gcraldine. Other visitors to the bay are Misses F. Leonardo, p. McKay, V. MoKay, T. Woodill, Mrs Newman, and Mr T. Crotty. On New Year's I>ay a number of residents held a picnic on the beach. l r oot races were held and somo of them were very evenly contested. Tho monthly meeting of tho Lo Bon's Bay Road Board was held in the Board's office. Present: Messrs G. Mould (chairman), W. G. Dalglisli, A. A. Macphail, and J. Giiruey. The secretary Labour Department, Wellington, wrote calling the Board's attention to Section 15 of the Shops and Offices Act., 1021-22,.by which the Board was called upon to hold a special meeting in the month of January for the purposo of deciding which working day of the week shall be the statutory half-holiday for shops in the road district, and to notify the Minister for Labour of tho day decided upon, The letter was received.

CHORLTONLITTLE AKALOA

A unique entertainment and one that was probably the- fifst of its kind on Banks Peninsula, took placo in the Chorlton Hall on Boxing Night, when a large crowd danced to the musio broadcast • from 3"A Christchureh. This was made, possible by Mr Arthur Priest, who installed a flue eight-valve set on the stage. Quite a number of non-dancers also enjoyed the programme.

Mr nnd Mrs Miller, West Lyttelton, with Miss Merle Miller, nnd Mr Malcolm Miller, spent the Christmas and New Year holidays at their cottage. Mr and Mrs Flinders and Mr and Mrs J. Flinders. Dunedin, are visiting Mrs Ralph Wnghorn. Staying with Mrs Mcintosh, "The* Willows," are Mrs Lowry t Miss Murgatroyd, Mrs and Miss Aitohcson, nnd Miss Hooker. Miss Sliand and Miss Q. Shand are with Mrs A. Waghorn. Mrs C, Priest, who has been spending u long holiday with her dnughter, Mrs L. Crnw, Ijinton, returned homo on Christmas Eve.

Mrs Howell, Lincoln, is also staying with her sistor, Mrs W. Craw, and Messrs C. and H Howell are with Mrs L. Waghoni, "Greendalo."Messrs D. nnd G. Hussey arc spending the holidays with Mrs J. Crnw. Nurse A. Craw. Sanatorium, Cnshmere. was home for the weekend. Mr and Mrs and Mis* Priest are with Mrs E. "Hilcrest." Mr nnd Mrs V. Craw nnd family and Mr nnd Mrs Oscnr Wnerwn nnd famih' spent the holidays nt "Eagle's Nest."

MP" and Mrs Reg Waghorn. of Kelburn. Wellington, were staying with Mrs T). .T. Wnehorn. nnd hove now left for the Lnk<"< nnd M'lfnrd Sound. On New Yenr'i Eve n dniiee took plnee in the Chnvlton Hall, nnd a nicmV vns held at Ranpo Bay on New Year's t>Aj. HALKETT.

The month of December has been the wettest of the year. Rain fell on no fewr than 14 days, the heaviest fall being on Chrsitmas Day, when .01 inches were recorded. The total for the mo.uh v/fis 8.81 inches, which must be considered an unusually heavy fall for December. February came next with 3.7 H inches. The total rainfall for 192G, was -5.72 inches. Giving a summary of the year's rainfall, it is interesting to note that the heaviest took ■place curing the warmest months, namely. Feoruarv. October, November, -intl December. The three winter months were exceptionally dry, only 3.51 inches cf lain being recorded for that period. August was tho driest month of the year, only .95 inches of rain falling. \lthough the winter was dry it was not free from floats, as some exceptionally severe ones wero experienced even when the giound was very dry. In recent months iwme heavy thunderstorms have passed over the district, but, fortunately these have not been accompanied by liail in sufficient quantity to do much harm. At tho prosont time thore is every indication of a record harvest, both of oats and wheat, and it is to bo hoped that favourable weather conditions will prevail in order that farmers may get the results of thoir year's work safely gathered in. SPRINGSTON SOUTH. On New Year's night, a dance in aid of Lady .Truby King Fellowship was. held iu the Memorial Hall. There was an attendance of about fifty couples. The music was supplied by Sir H. Terry (Lincoln), whilst extras played by Messrs K. and D. Suckling on-the guitar and ukele-le were very much appreciated. Misses Wittan TDunedin) and Withell t'Motukarara), Messrs K. Laurie and W. Matson also contributed estras. Messrs A. Payne and V. Harris were M.C.'s. i A euchre and dance in aid of the sweets stall at the forthcoming flower

show will bo held on Saturday evening. .Whilo cranking a tractor, Mr Maurice Ryan had tho misfortune to break a. bono in his wrist. The tractor backfired. Very tittle fishing bus been done in the Sehvyn River during the past week as the river has been in flood and is still dirty. Good bags of twelve and fourteen fish, averaging 51b weight, are reported to have been caught inthe lake. The sunshine on Sunday enticed n number ,of people out fishing,, and Coe's Ford and Sehvyn Huts were well patronised. The recent flood has washed away the foot bridge- at Coe's Ford, and people are unable to cross it unless in carts or cars..

ROLLESTON. ■Gil'New YeaF's Eve a very successful dance was" held in the Memorial Hall. There was a large attendance, including a'number of visitors- from other' districts. The music was supplied by Mr H. Terry, attd Mr It. Wall contributed extras. Mr P. Finnegan was M.C. HORORATA. For more than a week the weather has been most unsettled, and until Thursday it was a rare thing to catch a glimpse of the sun. Camping parties must have experienced an uiicomfortnblo time. The field growth in the past week has been almost phenomenal. Owing- to so much rain, rust has made its appearance, in some of the crops. The Hall Committeo held a'dance in the hall on New Year's Eve. which was very much enjoyed bv tlio very largo number who attended. Visitors were present from most of the surrounding districts. A splendid orchestra and a daintv supper left nothing to be desired, and added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening. The New Year was ushered in very quietly. Several of the residents took advantage of the excursion to Otira whilo others found attraction at the Dunsandcl sports. Miss Hawtin, of Christchureh, is visiting Hororata, and is the guest of Mrs A. L. Parker. Mr J. Payne (Christchureh) is spending the holidays with Mr and Mrs Harris, "Silverstream." ~ Mrs Mcintosh and Mispes Mcintosh (New Brighton) are staying with Mr and Mrs Ironside, "Hororata Pastures," for the holidays. Miss Wright (Tttnaru) is spending the New Year holidays in Hororata. Mrs Felton (New Brighton) is visiting Mr and Mrs R. Felton. .Mrs McKee and Miss McKee, of Wellington, who have been spending tlw holidays with Mr and Mrs H. Ballagh, returned homo this week.