NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20168, 21 February 1931, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

-I. RANGIORA.

Swimming enthusiasts from all over North Canterbury assembled ia force at the Parish Hall, on Wednesday evening to honour Mr Walter Johnson ou attaining the jubilee of his active association with, swimming. The function took £he form of a social evening ax- , ranged by the committee of the North Canterbury Swimming Clubhand waa a ; great success. The Mayor, Mr C. S. Ayers, presided, aQ d welcomed the visitors. Among those present were Mr E. D. Bishop, (president of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association), Mr S. Hollander (president of the Canterbury Centre. New Zealand Swimming Association), Mr G. Billson (president of the Royal Life-Saving Society, New ■Zealand), Mr V. Spiller (secretary Canterbury Centre). # , , The following, swimmmg clubs were also represented:—East Chnstchurch .(Mr C. Bryant), Aldington (Mr H. Sewell),' Christchurch r /> Waltham (Mr C. Kent), PhilUpstown (Mr Rich), Elmwood (Mr Donnelly), Richmond (Mr G. Ellridge). A large number of members of the different clubs were also present, including Mr ' E. A. 1 Johnson, a member of the old Penrose, Club. ' Before the opening of the proceedings Miss Eva Wilson presented Mrs Johnson with a bouquet of autumn-tinted flowers on behalf of the North Canterbury Swimming Club, after which a programme of dances, vocal solos, monologues, etc., was given by Mr . A. Woodward, Mr C. E. Bill, Miss Taylor, and ' 'Mr Johnson. - Many of the visitors spoke of Mr Johnion's long , and active service in the interests of ;; swimming, and eulogised his efforts to encourage swimming, especially among the young people. Mr Bishop said > he had been associated with Mr Johnson in connexion with swimming,- more especially in his younger life, and Mr Johnson's's records were particularly good; in later life he risked his life for others, and vas presented with the Royal Life-Saving So- - ciety's bronze medal. On the administration side of" the sport he served on '• the Centre,, and was president for three or four years, and was also a member of the Council. In later life Mr W. Johnson devoted himself to teaching the young to swim. After 50. years of active participation. • in the interests of ~ swimming, it was a happy thought of the | Rangiora Club to arrange the .function, where all tiipi old friends'- could come i and show their appreciation. Mr Bishop closed his remarks by expressing the hope that Mr and Mrs Johnson would ' yet continue for many years to, enjoy the sport they loved so well. Short addresses were Also given by Mr S. Hollander and Mr G. Billson, who; stated that it was twenty-one . years ago that Mr Johnson took attractive ~ * part in forming the branch of the-Royal Life-Saving Societjr in Christchurch.V ' '(-The representative of the clubs present being present, and pay tribute to the work of Mr 'Johnson, especially as a handicapper, in which office he did great work extending over a period of fifty years. . The Mayor presented Mr Johnson with 1 a mounted chiiping clock from apwpreciative members of the various swim- ' ' nsng associations. P. T. Ager presented to Mrs • Johnson a work basket'on behalf of , ;£aThe guest said it was very difficult to .1' ~ra|iresa himself sufficiently to convey ns> feelings to all 'the kfafd things- said.' ' M&ny . speakers -had reminded him of I jjg&st friends, and it had come as a y gsat surprise to him to see so many ' of his ■ past associates present, and to . such .eulogistic 'reference made I aßout 1 his' past activities, in connexion " ■ W&h swimming. .He appreciated every? thing, that had been said.'Swimming had >' be'en his hojiby.'Mr Johnson referred to ■* earlier history of swimming in ■ s4nterbury, -when, in, the year 1880, Mr . 3*saneis called the first meeting, and tot years there followed the palmy, days of, swimming, when 21 clubs were in fie" was confronted 4, with 350 names to ba<~ handicapped, and he assured them ifccwas' no light - task. ;Zn twelve years hd had' handicapped 22,000..Mr Johnson expressed his appreciation „of the jjsstß and also of the kijidiy thought in presenting Mrs Johnson .with a memento the occasion. He -was still well, and ' 'Jiqpe4 to continue to give his services " ih the interests of swimming, especially to the young, for many yeaja yet. At th'e-conclusion of his remarks supper was served, followed by a dance, \musio being' supplied by 'Cecil, Hunnibell's Orchestra. The success of the, ' social waß due to the energetic secre- ' tstry. M* D. Blake, Mr W. C. McCracken, and the Mjftinmitfee 6f the Rangiora Swimming, Club. ' , ' The monthly meeting of the Soutttfirqok branch of the W.C.T.U. was held on" Thursday evening in the Methodist School Mrs. C, R. Thwaites. pre'sided over a^good attendance of members., During the evening opportunity wa,B taken -to present the, retiring secE. who is loav- / ihg ,tho district, with a crystal cream' ,jug'Bllgar basin/ and, honey oar. Mrs " Williamson thanked the members for .the tiifts; Mrs Stan Watkins was appointed secretary in her place. The president. Mrs Thwaites, was also the recipent of a beautify bouquet fromHhe ■ members expressive gfthcirappreeia*. tion of her, interest taken during the A naper was read 'dealing, with the life work of Miss Francis,. Willard, w 9 rW Cpder of the W.C.T.U. -move«ient. Supper' was seryeai s - KT •' ROTHBKHAM. '>'{, '\ , A meeting of the residents of Rotherham was held recently in the llotherliam Hall to consider ways and~means , of raising funds for earthquake relief, ' iMra T. C.< Robinson .was in tha chair. 'lt was that a dance be held, on Friday, February 27th. refreshments fto be supplied by local ladies, a committee of whom was appointed to make ariangementt. ' Gueseing . competitions "were also arranged, and it was decided to bjave tf a copwsr- trail m the ball; Two, member* of, Surrxdge 6 Orchestra are to, provide the dance music, and there-'Willt be-musical, and el(>cu~, tionary hems. " , i'Mrs, JJolnnson mentioned that tnere liad been a' generbus resfwnse' to ' ner reauest for clothing. / - 1 , >. , - " Four, refugees from, the earthquake ■ area We'staying at the << Hermitage." • Ine local' sonool-children have contributed parcels of clothing. - rDr.. ana Mrs* Furkert returned. to , Eotherhamion Thursday. • ; la spite of the dry spell crops are' 1 tbres>hing *out much better than antiwpatpd, the average; yield/being 40 to bushels.. Large quantities of grain ajre being carted to the. railway station. '■ Alter" a T week' of chilly, weather conditions hot nor'-west days' ; set Yri. Yesterday the .temperature regiet«*red 94 degrees in the shade.' j| > f ! 1 k j , , . »

KAIKOURA. Mr E. F. Healy, 'M.P., and. Mrs Healy are spending a few days in Kaikoura. - Mr C. Clarke and party had a good catch of butterfish on Wednesday evening, netting sixty fish with spear and rod and net. I' Mr N. G. Gribble, organising secretary [of the New Zealand Land Settlement and Development League, arrived in 'Kaikoura on Thursday night after having made a thorough inspection of the .'district to be served by the South •Island Main Trunk Railway. His party included Mr E. F. Healy, M.P. Leaving Blenheim just after 9 o'clock, the jparty had a very full day, Kaikoura foot being reached until 9.30 at night. Some time was spent in a run Around ithe Awatere district, including" Richmond Brook and the seaview country, and i# spite of its parched appearance fas a result of the extended drought, !Mr Gribble was obviously impressed. All 'the side valleys south of Seddon, includ;ing the Grassmere country, were explored, and the party began their investigation proper at the Ure river, •which was traversed for about five miles, 'to afford Mr Gribble a panorama of *he 'country of the stations which front ■it. The Kekerangu Valley presented an "attractive picture in spite of the 'drought. At Woodbank. Mr Murray provided the party with horses, and they ■rode to vantage points which afforded ;a fine view of the station and the surrounding country. Mr Murray also had ; ready for the investigator a set . of valuable figures dealing with the effect .which the completion of the line would 'have on . the development of Marlborough from the point of viow of sheep- ; farmers. The party will devote a day '{to a tour of the district fronr Kaifkoura to Parnassus, including a visit ;to the three extensive properties a,t the ■Conway recently offered to the Government for subdivision." i WOODEND. ! The Woodend Old Scholars' Associa- J tion held its annual meeting in the ; Public Hall. There was a fair attendance of members. A motion of, sympathy with all those who had suffered ; in the Hawke's Bay earthquake was Sympathy was also extended to relatives of the following members: •Mesdames J. Dutton, and McLeod, : Messrs" A. Judson, J, Hewitt, W. Cass sidy, and P. Whitlow. It was decided to hold the annual picnic at the i Woodend * Beach on Easter Saturday, j. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron, the Rt. Hon. G. ;W. Forbes; president. Mr W. Stalker; < vice-presidents, Mrs Leach, and Mr J. Little; secretary and treasurer, J. •R. Keeper; committee* Mesdames H. iLittle. J. Ballinger. and J. R. Keeper, SMiss A. Stalker. Messrs A. Smith. R. 'Smith. F. Chinnery, 'A. Petrie, and fF. Sheppard. Tile balance-sheet showed *a credit of £l6 Is 6d. \ It was decided to hold another i meeting on March 23rd to make final for the picnic. GREENPARK. i A . meeting of St; Mark's Church was lielcl on Tuesday evening, the Vicar (the Rev. A. H. Acheson) presiding. The treasurer reported that, assuming the annpal donations were the same as former there woufd be a deficit at the end of the year. It had been proposed to organise a garden fete, but the- cpmmitteo felt that, because of the V depression, the time, was not opportune.. It was decided instead to appeal for larjger - donations;- - ' and * to - every effort' to balance " the books at the end of the year. It was also decided to, recommend that a parish-picnic-be. held on the same lines as lasjb year on a Saturday in March. It'waß reported that the harvest festival service", would ,be held on March Bth. in tho evening, and the United Parish Service at Greenpark on March 29th. at 11 a.m. Somealterations in tlie scheme of services were discussed, and the matter _of. rer •; arrangement left in the vicar's hands. It was decided to continue the after-, noon service at 2.45. . AKAROA. The Akaroa Boating Club held its i half-yearly meeting on Thursday. The , president, Mr B, W. Henning, occu- , pied the chair, and 17 members ' at* tended. The report showed that ths club had made considerable progress during the past six months, membership having increased, and the finances .being sound. Pleasure was, expressed i at tne success of the crews at the reoent regattas, b.ut the club regretted that' tho Kaiapoi fixture had been abandoned. A new member was elected. The secretary was authorised to ijialte enquiries regarding extra insurance on the plant. » • The matter of sending' crews to tne , chainpionship .regatta* at' Wellington on February '2Btli was discussed, and it was reported that about two-thirds ot | the' amount roquired for their transport had been contributed. Jit decided' to malte three entries as t««lows:—Maiden four. W. W. D. Reid, D. F. Fvfe,' R. C. maiden pairs'. I>. F. Fyfe. R. C. Kee- • gan; junior singles. D, Reid. LEESTON. The committee of the Leeston Swimming Club decided at a meeting -this .week' to hold the annual carnival on Saturday. March 7;th. . The programme is td* be similar to tliat of last year, 'and< only members of the club may compete. In rcspept of the events, for adults, it was proposed to issue orders on local firms instead of giving prizes. , •■ The following officials were elected. 1 —Starter, Mr H. D. Jones; judges, Messrs "VV. H. .Cartwright and T OHarper; programme committee, Jviisa M. Chisholm, Messrs R. A. Burgess, and T.' Grant. , „ T „ , The president, Mr W. H. Car wright. offered to try to obtain the services of a .party from, Christcliurch to give .demonstrations of swimming and diving, and to secure inf , orn J£.y , , relative to the formalities of affiliating with the Christcliureh Centre. TAI TAPU. At the committee meeting of the Tai, Tapu ,Lawn Tennis Club, held in the • Library on • Tuesday evening,, the fo.lowing were present: Mr' , (president), - Messrs Walls, McLachlan, 'C. Barnett, Misses Steinmetz and N. Ryan, and Mrs, Suckling (secretary). It was decided that the silver cup presented by Mr H. A., Wheeler, I'rebbleton, should "be tho prize in the annual competition of senior wmneas -singles. , Mr . Wheeler "was accorded * hearty vote of thanks - for his gut. The entries .for the tourfiament close oh' February ' 24th. The ?°. m " bined doubles and junioi' competition . were arranged to take place at a later The secretary reported that several gifts had been received for the brmsc aud' buy" afternoon which is tow held to augment the funds' of the club. • -The sum of £2 2s was contributed by the club to th& Hawke's Bay Earth' quake Relief, Fund , Since' the rainfall of last week the weather has- been fine and vtery hot davs haVp be® ll thus enabling farmers to proceed their, -worli. St. i-. reported; thatsbme of .the t crops hi\ve resulted in ,a ; l«3,iter yield, than wad anticipated. , ( (

BURWOOD NOTES. — A meeting of the Burwood Progressive Association was held during the week, the/ following- members being present: —Mr Cusack (in the chair),and Messrs Peters, VVeatherall, F. Reaby, Turner, Robinson, McNabb, Walker, Liggins, and 12croyd (.secretary). ; A letter was received from the president resigning the position, because of his leaving the district. The resig- . nation was accepted with regret. The secretary was instructed to write him a letter of thanks for past services, and to wish him every success in the future.- Mr F. Reaby was elected to fill the chair for the' remainder of the year. It was decided to make a presentation to the retiring president at the School Committee's euchre party, to be 1 held on March 7th. It was resolved to support the St. Mar«Jis Association's remit regarding the formation of the Rapaki road. It was also decided to contribute £2 2s in aid of the sufferers from the earthquake at Napier and Hastings, the secretary being instructed to send the amount direct to the Salvation Army authorities in the Hawke's JBay district. The secretary was also instructed to forward a letter of appreciation to the Drainage Board in regard to the work • done at the outlet from the Horseshoe Lake. Their scheme, after years' of agitation, has at length been accomplished, and so far has been a sue- . cess. It was resolved to send a letter eongatulating Mr W- J. Walter on his eleotion to the chairmanship of the Drainage Board Several other matters of minor importance were dealt with during the evening. School Picnic. Ovor 200 children from the Burwood School held their annual picnic Stewart's Gully last Thursday. Th? weather was perfect. Many parents and friends attended the picnic. Following are the Results of the sports :r I Boys, 13 years and over—Cyril Messervy I 1, Gerald Driver 2, Hector Arnold 3 Boys, ,12 years—Ronald Kerr 1, Ned Walker 2, Keg. Oar son 3. Boys, il years—Bnssell Liggins 1, Gordon Badger 2, Charles Stackhouse 8. Boys, 10 years—Bill Kerr 1, Harry Kowse 2, Oolin Badger 8. Boys, 9 years—Tom Wilklns 1, Norman Walker 2, James Graham 3. Girls, 13 years and overr-rSybll Davenport 1, Thelma Murfltt -2, Yelia Reaby 8. Girls, 12 years—June Ulrich 1, Muriel Smith 2, Marjory Withnell •8. - Girls, 11 years-—Elaine Harris 1, Eileen Higham and .Edith Sinclair (equal) 2. Girls, 10 years—Mpira Snjythe 1, Mairie Weatberall 2, Iris Keatley 8»" . Girls, 9 years—-paphne Reaby 1,: Bhona Smith 2, Jessie Martin 3. - Fourth Division—Gilbert Gordon 1, Donald McNabb 2. Billy Baxter 3. . Married .Women's Race—Mrs Vincent 1, Mrs Aschoff 2, / Single Women's Race—Miss Wilson 1, ' Miss S. Lambie 2. Ladies' Lucky Number Competition—Mrs Rew 1, Mrs H. Rowse 3. - Married Men's Race—Kerr IT Scott 2. Single Men's Race—H. Kerr 1, R. Davl- . son 2. Committeemen's Race—F. Reaby, 1, H. Reaby 2. Old Buffers' Race—H, Harvey 1, T. H. Walker 2.