SEDDON NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 241, 13 October 1942, Page 6

SEDDON NOTES.

A DRY SEASON. Express Special Service. The weather throughout the past two month has been very dry, and for the most part mild, with many strong north-westerly winds, which have considerably dried the countryside. Pastures, cropfe and gardens are all in need of a soaking downpoui'.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE, Mrs Robertson presided at the monthly meeting of the Seddon Women's Institute. The remits for the half-yearly council meeting were discussed and the delegate was instruoted how, to vote. The coming visit of Miss Cocks- Johnston was discussed and arrangements made. A letter was received from the coordinating committee of the Women's Institute and Women's Division of the Farmers' Union urging all New

z,eaiana women to worx ior victory. The golden thread, "New Zealand Birds," was read by Mrs F. E. G. Conway. It was very interestng and much appreciated. Competitions resulted : Cheese scones, Mrs Alan Fleming 1; hcaviest hens' eggs, Mrs Alan Fleming 1; flowering shrub, Mrs B. J. Kennington 1, Miss Lorna Hammond 2. ^.fternoon tea was served. by the hostesses, who were Mesdames B. J. Kennington and J. Clemett. The next meeting will be the annual flower show, for which twelve classes have been arranged. E.P.S. RAID TRIAL. On Saturday afternoon. the personnel of the Seddon E.P.S., together with memberes of the W.W.S.A. and Red Cross V.A.D.s took part in an air raid trial. The warning, which was the siren from the linen flax factory in conjunotion with the Angiican Church bell, was sounded »t 10 minutes to 3, and within a few minutes wardens were on their patrols and two aeroplanes were divebombing over the village. Wardens proceeded to extinguish imaginary fires, fenee off bom'o craters or unexploded bombs, and report casualties. Boys on bicycles did good work conveying messages from wardens to headquarters and the V.A.D.s rendered first aid to the injured, who were then iConveyed foy ambulance to the casualty clearing station. The police were on the scene, controlling traffic-, and, last but not least, the W.W.S.A. canteen was busy preparing refreshments for necessitous cases. At the conclusion of the trial tea was supplied to all. W.W.S.A. members also assisted the E.P.S-. wardens in patrolling. On the whole the trial was very successful, although it is uniortunate that a few wardens, and also. sorne residents, consider trials

■ of this nature just a joke. It would appear that only the dropping of real ' j bombs would awaken some people to their responsibilities. CHURCH GUILD. The monthly meeting of the Pres- • byterian ladies' guild was held recently, Mrs Dyason presiding, and leading the devotions. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the hostess, Mrs Lockhart. The hostesses next month will be Mrs H. Watson and M'rs S. A. Orehard. Arrangements were made for the annual garden party, which will this year be held in the garden at the manse on October 31. Stall arrangements are a follows: Produce stall, Mrs Jock Dick and Miss L. Hammond; cake stall, Mrs J. S. Dollar and Miss J. Dysart; miscellaneous Mesdames Gainsford, Dollar, and Dick; ice cream, Mesdames Wisdom and Wemyss; children's stall, senior girls of Sunday school; competitions, Mrs Alan Fleming; afternoon tea, Mrs Lockhart and helpers; gate, Mesdames F. E. G. Conway and R. Cameron. It was decided that Christmas cards should be purchased at once and forwarded to local men of the Church serving in the forces and to prisoners-of-war. MISSIONARY UNION.

The monthly meeting of the Presbyterian Missionary Union was held at the manse on Tuesday, Mrs Dyason presiding over the following attendance: Mesdames A. Newton, E, Snowden, E. Walker, E. Wisdom, S. A. Orehard, C. P. Gainsford, R. Lockhart, and H, Watson, and Misses Gandy and Bennett. The monthly missionary letters were read and also letters and reports of the Wellington P.A., which were much enjoyed. The branch is studying the Presbyterian Missions in India and Mrs Dyason read the first portion. PRESENTATION TO SOLDIERS. A hastily arranged but happy evening was tendered recently to 2nd Lieut. H. Boyce, who was home on leave for a few days. Music was supplied by Mrs G. Gamble and Mr Noel Gee. Mr Gamble presented the guest of the evening with the customary wallet and extended to him ihe good wishes of the residents of the district. Corporal Jack Bugler and Private E. Knight were the guests of a gathering on Saturday night, at which the presentations were made foy Mr A. J. H. Gavin. With dancing and supper the occasion was a very pteasant one. The music was supplied foy Mr and Mrs Noel G(?e and Mr Bruce Parker. SPORTS OPENING. On Saturday afternoon the Awatere Bowling Club and Lawn Tennis Club held their official openings in ideal weather. In both cases there was the largest attendance for several years, and a very bright and happy afternoon was spent by many people. It is hoped that the ensuing season will be carried 011 in the same happy spirit. PERSONAL. Mrs R, Cameron is visiting her home in Opotiki owing to the illness of her father. Miss Higgins, Havelock, has been the guest of her sister, Mrs Noel Gee. Miss Doris Moore, Christchurch, is visiting her cousin, Mrs Noel Gee. Miss Mollie Satherley is visiting Wellington. Mr and Mrs J. Roche, Takaka, are the guests of Mrs F. C. Hammond, Lion's Back.