GERALDINE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19163, 21 November 1927, Page 4

GERALDINE.

PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs Bernard Tripp, "Orielton," Glen-iti, who, have been in Christchurch, are now at Orari Gorge. The appointment of the Eev. H. Purchas, of Geraldine, to succeed the Ven. J. A. Julius as Archdeacon of Timaru does not necessitate the removal of Mr Purchas frorn Geraldine. The office of Archdeacon of Timaru and Westland has, for a long period, been held by the incumbent of St. Mary's Church, but the two posts are not inseparable, and the promotion of Mr Purchas to the Archdeaconry does not affect the Geraldine or Timaru appointments.

The Geraldine Territorials turned out in good numbers on Thursday for a parade and inspection by Colonel Gard'ner, Lieut.-Colonel Inglis, and Major Row, who came "to Geraldine that purpose. The official opening of the Ladies'Eest Boom will take place at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday next, by the Mayor (Mr J. Kennedy). Mrs M. Wharton, an old Geraldine resident now living at Christchurch, gave the money to put up the Best House. A pleasant function took place in St. Augusine's schoolroom on Thursday evening when the parishioners of St. Augustine 's Church gathered together to voice their appreciation of the services of Mr F. Akhurst, who is retiring from his position as vicar's warden. In his opening remarks Canon Cocks said that the function that was being held was the outcome of a desire on all. sides to express the thanks of the congregation to Mr Akhurst for the work he had so willingly done. He had been a prominent member of the Church for many years, and, during the time he had been associated with the speaker, he had been a great help to him. Once any new project was under way, there was no one more enthusiastic or who took a more thorough and personal interest in it. The speaker then went on to refer to the services of Mrs Akhurst.

On behalf of the congregation he then presented Mr Akhurst with a Bilver salver.

' Messrs W. E. Evans, E. B. Hurst, and P. W. Bradshaw also expressed their appreciation of Mr Akhurst. In reply, Mr Akhurst thanked them for their gift. Anything he could do he had always done gladly, as ho had been brought up to give service to the Church. He had tried to do his best and it had given him a great deal of pleasure to do it.

WOODBURY. The monthly meeting of the Woodbury School Committee was held this week, the following members being present—Messrs J. Fifield (chairman), B. Baker, F. Fifield, and P. McKcnzie! The chairman welcomed Mr McKenzie to the committee, he having been invited to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr H. Hammond, who has left the district. The balancesheet for the recent entertainment was presented, the net proceeds bein" £6 6s 9d. It was decided to purchase some new books for the school library. The school wijl be closed for the mas holidays on Thursday, December 15th, and it is proposed to hold a picnic at Caroline Bay, Timaru, the next day if sufficient transport oan be

arranged. The next meeting will be held on December- sth to make final arrangements. Notice has been received that the Standard VI. pupils from the Woodbury School are to go to Geraldine on December 2nd for the proficiency examination.' . There are ten candidates this year. Mr Barnes, the Education Board|s drill instructor, visited the school this week and has forwarded a report on the children's drill.

Miss Hayes, late of the Methven School staff, has taken up her duties as assistant at the Woodbury School. Miss Higgins, who was relieving at Woodbury > is at present teaching at the Timaru Main School. The school. attendance is somewhat affected at uresent by the prevalence of colds and influenza, caused no doubt, by the changeable weather which has been experienced lately. The Geraldine District Band came to Woodbury on Tuesday evening and gave a very enjoyable concert in the hall. The main object of their visit was to advertise the grand bazaar which they are holding next week in Geraldine, and to appeal to Woodbury residents for support. Mr S. McDonald was conductor. In addition to items by the band, there was an instrumental quartet by Bandsmen J. Fleming, T. Smith. H. Pratt, and J. Brett, and vocal solos by Messrs Gunson and C. C. Knight were greatly enjoyed. Miss Gimson was accompanist. At the conclusion of the concert, a dance was held, there being a fair number present. The Woodbury Public Tennis Club held a committee meeting recently, when it was reported hy the secretary that Mr R. J. McKeown had accepted office as president of the club and captain R. Burden and Mr W. Mallinson as vice-presidents. Since the advent of daylight saving, the club membership has increased greatly and every fine evening numbers of players practice till about half-past eight, the added hour of daylight being greatly appreciated. It is hoped that the courts will soon be in better condition, but repairs are held up till a supply of tar can be obtained. Mr R: J. McKeown, of "Knocklyn" and "Derry Farm," has supplied particulars of his lambing returns, and these may be taken as a fair average for the district. Th© returns 'range from 116.75 percent, to 74 per cent., the average working out at 92.3 per cent. The farmers are anxious for a spell of fine weather so that shearing may be carried on. Several farmers have already made a start, but the wet weather has caused delays. Misses Frances and Kathleen McPherson, who were the guests of Mrs Walter Scott, have returned to Pleasant Point. Messrs T. P. R. and H. Wooding have returned from Christchurch. Mr and Mrs W- North and son, who have recently returned from England, were in Woodbury visiting old friends They are now in Christchurch. Mrs Turton, "Waihi Bush," is expected back from England shortly.