COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 9392, 14 December 1920, Page 2

COUNTY CENTRES.

METHVEN

After quite a- dry spell we have had a nice rain. It commenced to fall on Saturday at 4 p.m., and continued till * after midnight, the gauge measuring l 76 points. The fall will be of immense *■ benefit to crops, especially late ones, ° and will also freshen up the pastures, 1] which were beginning to go off some- a what. . .'■ . a As in other districts, the pnce of s wool is worrying many farmers in this i district. Unfortunately a great deal -J of our wool is crossbred, but, on the 1 other hand, not many farmers here rely J wholly on sheep. Those who discarded sheep for cows are not regretting, the 1 change. _ ' ' ,; -, ■ - ' W© had quite a big day arranged for ] Saturday on the Domain. The newly- ] formed Croquet Club held its" opening : ceremony. The Cricket Club was playing Fairfield in the Studholme Shield competition, and the Bowling Club was down to play Oxford. Unfortunately the latter notified us late on Friday that they were unable to make the trip. The green was nevertheless crowded with local enthusiasts, and a lot of games in the club competitions were played till rain set in shortly after 4 p.m. and terminated all the festivities. '] The cricket match was drawn, and croquet also came to an end. The ladies of the Croquet Club provided afternoon tea for all-comers, and their hospitality was much appreciated. In opening the croquet season for the first time in Methven's history, Mr T. S. J. Doherty, the president, congratulated the district on. the formation of the club, and prophesied that, like most of the other clubs in' the district, it would prove an unqualified i success. The* club has a very strong ( committee and an enthusiastic secretary in Mrs R. N. Elliott. The president's ■wife'made the.initial hit-off, and play then became general. Local penplc will be interested to know that Estelle Seelen, who was dux of the school last year, and who left immediately afterwards for Dunedin, has this year taken five first and two second prizes in her class at the Dunedin Girls' High School. She received practically all her education at Methven School, and her. success reflects., some credit on our local headmaster, Mr Irwin, and his staff. The quarterly meeting of the Loyal Methven Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0.P., was held in the Anglican Sunday School Hall. Mr R. Duff. N.T., presided over •an attendance of 33 members. Twp members were reported on the sick list,aijd sick pay was passed to one member. One candidate was proposed for initiation. After the business was done a social hour was spent, and several Past Grand certificates were presented. Opportunity was also taken to present tokens of esteem to two brothers who were recently marrjed.