NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19173, 2 December 1927, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

CHEVIOT. At the la.st meeting of St. John's Ladies' Guild, Mrs G. Widdup presided. Further arrangements were made for the bazaar which is to be held early next year, and several members handed in contributions lor the various stalls. It was decided to resume the regular meetings on February 2nd with a gift afternoon for the bran tub. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses for the afternoon. Mesdames A. Smith and E. Burgee. A tour of the district shows the. crops to be looking very well, but a spell of warm weather would be welcomed by farmers generally, as in addition to the needs of the crops, shearing operations are being considerably delaved.

Good progress is being made by the Cheviot Amateur Dramatic Society with the rehearsals of their new threeact comedy, "Bertie Gets Gay," which is to be presented at the end of this month. The proceeds are to bo devoted to the County War Memorial Garden and the Public Library.

CUST. A kitchen evening, organised by a number of her friends, was given Miss 1). Coombs in the parish hall. A very enjoyable time was spent in games, competitions, and dancing. The competitions were won by Misses D. Coombs and J. Amycs and Mr M. Forbes. Music for the dancing was supplied by Misses D. Coombs, M. Hamilton, and A. Wayland, and Mr A. Gartery. A song was contributed by Mrs Richardson. After supper had bee" served the various parcels were opened by Mr Mitchell, who responded on behalf of Miss Coombs.

SOUTHBROOK. The monthly meeting of the School Committee was held on Wednesday evening. Mr C. R. Thwaites presided. The headmaster reported that the roll number was now 100, but owing to the numerous cases of sickness, the averago for the month was 69 Arrangements were in hand for the school break-up concert on December loth. The Board had completed a number of repairs to the buildings and drainageJudges wero appointed to judge the girls' sewing and the school gardens.

WAIAU. A special general meeting of the Amuri A. and P. Association was held on Tuesday for the purpose of discussing railway facilities with Mr F. Pawson, Railway Commercial Agent. Mr G. W. Aldridge, president of the Association, occupied the chair, and there was a largo attendance. Mr Pawson went very fully into railway matters and very carefully explained the improved service that is to be inaugurated on tho sth inst. Mr McKonc, stationmaster at Waiau, also spoke and explained the timetable for the new service. Mr K. Pettigrew, in speaking tor the farmers of the district, complimented the Railwa'y Department on the improved conditions during the past few years. He pointed out that it was generally considered that the hour, 6.5 a.m., at which tho Wednesday train was timed to leave was too early, and that half an hour later would be much more suitable. It was also considered that the time spent on the "journey, 3 hours 47 minutes, was much too long, and that it should be accomplished in about three hours._ If these conditions were not fulfilled it was not likely that the train' would be well patronised. He also suggested that instead of an empty train running through from Culverden in the early hours of Wednesday morning, it should bo brought on to Waiau on the Tuesday night. Mr A. H. Baker supported Mr Pettigrew's remarks, and mentioned the loyalty with which the residents had supported the railway, all their produce being forwarded per this medium to the markets. He also made an appeal on behalf of those residing at a distance of from five to ten miles from the railway station for a later hour of departure and a quicker service. If this were brought about he thought a considerable number would gladly avail themselves of the service.

Mr J. W. Black, president of the Culverden Branch of the Farmers" Union, spoke in support of the suggestions of the previous speakers, as did Mr G. Reid, who also placed the requirements of Rotherham before Mr Pawson.

Mr Pawson, in reply, said he had taken a note of the suggestions, but as the time-tables were out for the altered service, it was now too late in the day to make alterations. Ho urged residents loyally to support the and then if business warranted it. he would be able to recommend further improvements to the controlling officers. On the motion of Mr G. White, a vote of thanks to Mr Pawson was carried by acclamation. At the conclusiou of the foregoing meeting, a meeting of the committee of the Association^was held, when the presfdent presided'over a full attendance of members. The credit lialance was declared to be £226 2s od. Collectors for special prizes for the annual show were appointed as follows: — Culverden, Mr J. W. Black and two others; Rotherham, Mr J. F. Banks; Kaikoura road. Mr A. H. Baker; Lyndon. Mr G. S. Beaven; Hawkswood road. Mr C. Higgins: Waiau township, Mr H. T. Knight. It was decided that the next meeting,' to appoint judges, should be held at Rotherham on Januarv 25 th.

Last week fine weather was experienced and shearing operations were pushed on vigorously. On Monday morning, however, a blustering sou-'wester came up bringing a driving rain, which continued throughout the day. The temperature was low and the storm wouM bo severe on newly-shorn sheep. For the twenty-four hours ending 9 n.m. on Tuesday a fall of 61 points had been registered. Tuesday was delightfully fine, as was Wednesday upto 2 p.m., when heavy rain again set in. Heavy showers fell at frequent intervals during the night, a fall of 91 points being registered up to 9 a.m. yesterday. Tin's brought the total rainfall for the month up to 4.11 inches. Fanners would now welcome a few weeks' fine weather.

SPRINGSTON SOUTH. At the weekly euchre and dance held in the hall in aid of the hall improvement fund there was a good attendance. Tlie prize-winners were Miss Rhona Greaves (Lincoln) and Mr C. Bennett. Mr L. Everest supplied the dance music, and Mr E. Hoskins was M.C.

A meeting of the Springston and Spriugston South Flower Show Committee was held in the school on Wednesday evening. The Rev. C. L. Wilson presided over a good attendance. The secretaries reported that all judges who had been appointed had agreed to act. Several matters in connexion with stalls were attended to. Mrs J. R. Tyson for the sweets stall, reported that arrangements had been made to hold a euchre and dance in aid of this stall in December.

The' local school picnic to Pleasant Point is to be held to-day.

CULVERDEN. Arrangements are now wol| in hand for the Christinas Fair, which is being promoted by the local Tennis Club. It is the club's intention to raise enough funds to complete the payments owing on the courts, and at the present tinutile prospects of raising the required amount are very bright. SWANNANOA. The funeral of Mis Robinson Atkinson, who died on Monday morning after a brief illness, took place on Wednesday, the Rev. 11. Cottam officiating. Before the cortege left the huuse, a .short service was held, at which there was a very large attendance. Mrs Atkin.-on was one of the oldest residents of the district and was well known and iiighly respected. She had been a member of the Methodist Church for many years. The deceased had been 7-3 years in New Zealand, arriving with her parents. Mr and Mrs Bradley, from Lincolnshire in IS-VJ, "lieu ,sho was only three years old. With her parents' sho removed to Olioka in ISG-j, and her marriage to thy late Mr 'Robinson Atkinson in 1860 was thw first wedding celebrated in the Olioka Methodist Church. Mr and Mrs Atkinson went to live at Cnvanuanoa, and she resided in the .same home until her death. Mr Atkinson died in 1914 She is survived bv sis children—.Messrs W. Atkinson (Ohoka), T. Atkinson (Waikari), A. Atkinson (Swannanoa). Mrs Hunt (Rakaia), Mrs Young (Southbrook), and Mrs 11. A. Bennett (Eyreton). Wreaths were sent by Mrs Winter, sen., Mrs G. W. Winter and family, Mrs Hvde. sen., and family, Mr and Mrs A. T. Giles, Mr and Mrs Piper, Mr and Mrs F. Jennings. Mr and Mrs H. A. Bennett and family, Mr and Mrs G. Bevington, Mr and Mrs A. Green, Mr and Mrs Alt' Giles, Mr and Mrs Harvcv TJurgin. Mr and Mrs H. E. Evans, Mr and Mrs J. White. Mr E Ward, Mr and Mrs W. Kelly and family. Mr and Mrs 11. Read Mi and Mrs L. Wilson, Mrs T. Burgin, Mrs and Misses Wornall, Mr, Mrs, and Miss Skevington, Mr and Mrs R. Jackson, Mr and Mrs IT. T. Wyatt and family, Mr and Mrs A. Orchard, Mr and Mrs M Smith, Miss J. Winter, Rev. 11. and Mrs' Cottam. Misses J. and F. Winter. Miss F. Shepherd, and the- Atkinson" family.

HALKETT.

Wednesday night was ono of the roughest nights on stock that has been experienced for a long time. Very heavy rain fell, accompanied by a bitterly cold sou'-wester. For the twelve hours ended 9 a.m. on Thursday, .54 inches of rain was recorded, with rain still falling. The month of November has been the wettest month of the year, 3.60 inches of rain being recorded. Rain fell on eighteen days the heaviest fall being registered on the 16th, when .72 inches foil. The weather for the greater part has been fairly cold, several frosts being 'experienced, the severest being on the 12th. With so much rain there is an abundance of feed about, and crops are all looking well. The bursts of heavy rain have been responsible for several failures in swedes and rape, tho ground becoming caked before the tiny shoots get through the ground. Farmers in the district are not paying much attention to summer time, as it is almost a failure so far as the farming industry is concerned.

KIMBERLEY. The Anglican parishioners of the local church paid a surprise visit to the vicarage on Wednesday evening to bid farewell to the Rev. Sparrow and Mrs Sparrow. A most enjoyable evening passed quickly with games and competitions, and Master D. Lodge contributed a vocal item. After supper, Mr G. Gartery, on behalf of those present, presented Mr Sparrow with an envelope containing notes, and in doing so spoke in eulogistic terms of his services, rendered during the past four years. He concluded by wishing both Mr and Mrs Sparrow every happiness in their new charge. Mr Sparrow suitably responded on behalf of Mrs Sparrow and himself. LADBROOKS. The changeable weather lias interfered with hay-making and much more rain will mean that crops which have been cut for some time will be' useless. At a special meeting of the School Committee there were present:— Messrs F. Coles, F. Meyer, J. Taylor, (secretary), J. Yeatman, A. Sheard (chairman), and W. Yates (schoolmaster). It was reported that arrangements were well in hand for the picnic, which is to be held at Pleasant Point, New Brighton, on December Bth. The chairman reported that a further sum had been handed in from the Ladies' Social Committee, being proceeds from the ice-cream and sweets stall at the recent fancy dress ball. The stall was in charge of Mrs F. Meyerhoff, with Miss Rita Sparks aiid Miss Annie McDrury as, assistants. The sum of £l9 has been received from the Ladies' Committee. The distribution of prizes will be held in the Hall on December loth. The cake, which was made and presented by Mrs H Meyer (president of the Ladies' Social Committee) for competition, was won by Mrs F. Meyerhoff and Mrs J. Meyer, both finessing the exact weight, 61b'. The proceeds, .£1 15s. were handed to the School Committee. Mrs T. Foster lias returned from a visit to the North Island. Six pupils from the school sat for the Proficiency examination, five. being successful. Miss Gladys Sparks arrived from Waipara on'"Wednesday and is spending a few davs with her parents, Mr and Mrs C. Sparks, "Wedmorc," Drain road.

KIRWEE. The rainfall for the, month of November was 3.67 inches. Rain fell on seventeen days, the maximum fall being 84 points on the 16th. For the corresponding month of 1926, the fall was 3.77 inches, which fell on fifteen davs. For the eleven months ending November 30th. the total fall was 21.77 inches whilst for the same period of 192(3, the total was 24.54 indies. The month was very cold and stormy, with verv few fine days. South-west gales blew at times with great violence, making the weather more like winter than summer. There were also several frosts, which did a considerable amount of damage to gardens and orchards. Shearing is being held up, and fine weather would be welcomed to enable farmers to get this work completed before Christmas. Farmers are finding it a difficult matter to get thei' land worked up in readiness tor the drdling of rape and turnips, the continual rain keeping the ground wet. Rain came on again on Wednesday afternoon, and at 8 a.m. yesterday 42 points had fallen, with the weather still showery.' The cereal crops are looking remarkably well, but if the damp weather continues, rust may develop. Given favourable weather conditions there should be some good yields, judging from present appearances. SPRINGSTON. On Tuesday evening a very successfnl euchre tournament and dance in aid of the ice-cream stall at the forthcoming gymkhana -were held in the

Public Hall. There was a good attendance and the prize-winners were:— Ladies: Mrs H. E. Chapman 1, Mrs P. Riordan 2; men: Mr L. Reid 1, Mr W. J. Wilson 2. Supper was provided by the ladies, after which the hall was cleared for dancing, Miss M. Elford supplying the music. Mrs P. Riordan, Mrs W. Greenslade, Miss M. Williams, and Mr R. Wall, jun., gave extras. Two Monte Carlo waltzes were held, these being won by Miss E. Hines and Mr Reesby and Miss M. Riordan and Mr Deveraux, respectively. Mr P. Wilson was M.C. A meeting of the Springston branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held in the Methodist Sunday School recently, the president, Mrs j J. W. Kime, occupying the chair. There j was only a small attendance. An in- j teresting address was delivered by Mr | Paterson. area organiser of the men's j branch of the Christian Temperance ' Union. On Mrs Kime's motion, he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. In the garden' of Mrs A. Hughes. "Beacon Point." Springston. a very successful garden party was held on Tuesday afternoon in aid of the St. Saviour's Orphanages. The function was organised by the members of the Lincoln" parish. Each person present brought a gift for the orphanages and quite a large and varied assortment of useful things was received. The afternoon passed pleasantly with gamns. competitions, and items by wireless. The competition was won by Mrs Gray. i