NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19145, 31 October 1927, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. The High School pupils held their annual dance in the school assembly hall on Friday evening, and a very happy time was spent. The dance was a fancy dress one, and ccstume prizes were awarded, bv vote, as follows • Most original, Phvllis Turner (Blue Diamond Taxi), Ken Bantield (Browu Paper Parcel); prettiest, Alice Wayland (Eastern Lady), and Rex Parsons (Huntsman). During the evening tlie opportunity was tnken to bid tarewell to Mr TV. H. P. McKenzie, who, after being with the teaching staff tor nearly two rears, is leaving to take up a position in South Australia. Lolana Lindsay, president of the School Council, on behalf of the teachers and pupils, presented Mr McKenzie with a leather suit-case, and May Malinger, vice-president of the council, handed him a book for 3lrs McKenne, who was unable to be present, together with a bouquet of flowers, which . * ranees Mockett presented. Mr McKenzie expressed verv warm thanks for tne gifts and good wishes expressed for "ts future welfare and the kind feeling that had been shown towards him during his connexion with'the school.

KAIKOURA. The bowling season was opened in fine weather by Dr. R. L. Withers, in the absenco of the president (Mr A. Collins), the green being in fair ° rder ; The doctor expressed the hope that members would havo an enjoyable and successful season. . . . f Mr R. Hamilton was the recipienti ot a travelling rug, at the hands of tho staff of tho Farmers' Co-op., prior to his departure for Lincoln, where he is to commence business on his onn ac count. -ii. fi lA The annual ball organised bv the Kaikoura Football Club was. a most successful and enjoyable lunction, notwithstanding the wet and cold night. The decorations were quite out ot tno ordinary, tho hall looking most artistic with its panelling of gold and pink, relieved with blue and red (the football colours). Music was supplied by buiridge's Orchestra, from Hawardeii. Notwithstanding tho tact that the Middle Creek bridge was demolished in the flood of 1923, residents formerly using tho Beach road are pub to the inconvenience of having to travel a longer route, owing to there being no bridge. The Highways Board now demand a five-span bridge, to replace the old two-span structure. . Mr Raynor White, of Christchurch, gave an organ recital in St. Paul s Church, in connexion with the Presbyterian Church jubilee. Numbers by leading composers were included in the programme. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr and Mrs W. R. Bulien, "The Elms," gave a garden party in connexion with the Presbyterian jubilee celebrations, when upwards of 160 people assembled at the beautiful homestead, where tney,^ 6 given a hearty welcome by Mr and Mrs Bulien. The Girl Guides (under Captain (Mrs) Wilkinson, and the Brownies (under Lieutenant Cates) attended in uniform and gave several exercises, which created a deal of interest. Lieutenant E. Wareham acting as accompanist to the musical exercises. Mr Raynor White, of Christchurch, contributed several pianoforte solos, songs were given by Mrs A. B. Clark, and Mr Tom Charters (Christchurch), and monologues were given by Mr F. S. H. Warner, who also acted as accompanist. The beautiful gardens were inspected, games indulged in, and a most pleasant time spent. Mrs ■W. R. Bulkn. •■- Commissioner ■of the Girl Guides, addressed the Guides and Browriies in appropriate terms, and called upon-Joyce Hoyward, the smallest Brownie, to present a bouquet to Mrs McAra, the latter returning thanks in a neat and appropriate speech. Occasion^was'taken to make a presentation to Sister Green of a handsome swede handbag, in appreciation of her interesting addresses to the Guides. Sister Green having replied in feeling terms, three cheers were given for her. Mrs G. Thompson (Christchurch), a former Scout leader, also delivered an interesting address to the Guides and Brownies. The Rev. W. McAra also addressed those present. Other speakers were the Rev. J. G. S. Dunn, Dr. R. \- Withers, Messrs James Davidson, W. R. Bulien, and F. W. Bulien. On Thursday night St. Paul's Sundav School was crowded, on the occa* sio'n of the banquet in connexion with the jubilee celebrations. Addresses were given by the Rev. W. 0. Robb (Moderator), the Rev. W. McAra (Sumner) and sever ii other visiting ministers, when reference was made to the old days and the history of the church traversed. The gathering was one of the most enthusiastic yet held in the district.

CHEVIOT. A meeting of the committee of the Cheviot Amateur Sports Club was held recently, tho president, Mr T. West, presiding over a fair attendance. The club's delegate to the Canterbury Centre forivarded correspondence on several matters requiring attention. The secretary of the Canterbury Centre advised that the date selected tho sports, Saturday, December 17th, had been approved. Tho programme for tho sports was drawn up, the main alterations from last year's programme being tho deletion of the 75 yards' young ladies' race and tho returned soldiers' race, and the addition of a 75 yards' sprinters' race, and a motor-car novelty event. It was decided to approach the local branch of the Plunket Society regarding the baby show, and to make enquiries from tho various societies regarding the catering at the sports. It was decided to hold the usual social and presentation of prizes in the eveni ing. Tho official opening of the Spotswood Tennis Club's season was held recently in fine weather, and although a. strong nor'-wester was blowing the sheltered position of the courts prevented any interference with play. There was a large attendance of members and friends, including a number of visitors from other clubs, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent. During the afternoon a number of sets were played and all present wcro entertained at afternoon tea.

TAI T£PU. There was a good attendance of members at the weekly practice of the Tai Tapu Musical Society. Great enthusiasm is being infused into the work for the annual concert, for which a most attractive programme has been arranged. At a meeting convened by the Tai Tapu School Committee on Wednesday evening, a vote was taken upon the proposed location of the annual picnic. The voting resulted as follows: —Little River 10, Sumner 8, Pleasant Point 1. If was left in the hands of tlie committee to make enquiries and report at a future meeting. The annual meeting of the Flower Show Committee was then held. Mr T. 0. Morgan presided Mr A. Larcombe read the report and balance-sheet. It was decided to hold the flower show on January 6th, 1028. Mr A. Larcombe was re-elected hoii. secretary. The proceeds this year a/ 0 to be. devoted to the school, tennis, and cricket club's funds.

OMIHI. At the Omihi Sports on Labour Day, the sheep-guessing competition was won by A. Stackhouse,' who guessed 124J1b, the correct weight being 1261b. The cork-spearine competition was won by R. Inch, ana the nail-driving by Mrs E. Burrows, Culverden. The result of the 120 yards' handicap, open to men of the Glenmark football team, was: J. Stackhouse 1, H. Croft 2; putting the shot: N. C. Mowatt 1. The single ladies' race was won by Miss X. Alexander, with Miss E. Brien second.

OXFORD. The Oxford W.C.T.U. met in the Coronation Hall on "Wednesday afternoon. A resolution was passed expressing sympathy with the president in her bereavement. Sympathv was expressed with Mrs E. Magrath and Mrs Nelson in their illness aud with Mesdames Comyns and Fenwick on account of sickness in their families. It was decided to hold the final Band of Hope meeting on a suitable night in November. Mrs Scarffe gave a very interesting report on the convention held at Ashburton.

AKAROA. A social evening was held in the Parish Hall on Friday by the members of St. Peter's Choir and Girls' Guild. The function was for the purpose , of bidding farewell to three of the members who are leaving the district for Ohi'istchurch, Misses S. Woodill, J. Narbey, and It. Green. There was a very large attendance and . a most enjoyable time was spent in competitions, games, and dancing. The Rev A. C. Purchas, in making suitable presentations to the departing members, spoko of the great help they had been and of the live interest they had taken in both organisations, and whilst regretting their departure, wished thorn all success ip their new ventures. Tho winners of the various competitions were: Impromptu "speeches: Miss D. Barnham and Mrs A. C. Purchas; musical guessing, Miss B. MacFarlano; jumbled words, Miss A. Hopkins; choir, Miss M. Cradock.

The monthly meeting of the Akaxoa County Council was held at Duvauchelle on Saturday. Present: Councillors E. Hav (chairman), C. B. Thacker, A. A. MacPiiail, R. A. Mould, and W. H. Taylor. The lease of the Pigeon Bay reserve, recently acquired by J. M. Duxbury, was signed. A quotation for either hiring or selling a road scarifier was received from Messrs Booth and Macdonald. and it was decided to hiro one for a fortnight's trial. The sum of £5 was voted to the Banks Peninsula A. and P. Association towards the expenses of the Peninsula Bay at the Winter Show. Mr A. M. Helps, Akaroa, was appointed the Council's representative on the Peninsula Power Board for the vacancy caused by the death of the late Mr J. D. Bruce. Representatives of Andersons, Ltd., and Booth and Macdonald waited on the meeting in reference to the purchase of a new stone crusher, and it was decided to hold over the matter until further information had been received. Messrs P. R. Climie and E. H. Judd, of the Canterbury Progress League, were in attendance and explained the activities of the League and asked for the Council's support. Consideration of the request was deferred until next meeting. A tender of 4s per yard for quarrying metal at Waterfall Gully was received, and it was decided to offer the tenderer 3s <3d per yard. Plans of recent survey of the Quarry site at Waterfall Gully were received from Mr F. W. Freeman. The Prime Minister wrote asking the Council to observe tho usual arrangements on Armistice Day, and the request was acceded to. A transfer of a slaughter-house license from A. V. Lelievre to R. C. Jarden was approved of. Thirty-six applications were received for the position of motor truck driver, and E. May was appointed.

Mr and Mrs H. J. Barnham had an unenviable experience during the recent stormy weather. They left the wharf in a small motor launch for Lushington's Bay at 10 p.m.. and through a troublesome valvo the engine refused to function. After drifting for nearly two hours they were able to make the bay, but grounded on some rocks a fair distance from the shore. Their second daughter, Miss Madge Barnham, heard their call for help and pluckily swam out to where the dinghy was j moored, a distance of about 50 yards, and was thus able to rescue her par-, ents. It was no mean feat battling against the elements at midnight in icy cold water, and fortunately Miss Barnham was none the worse for her experience. '

Although the rowing season has not officially commenced hero yet, tho opening day having to be postponed on two occasions, the local rowers are_ in steady training in view of the coming Lyttelton regatta, to be held in connexion with the Harbour Board celebrations in December.