COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 10066, 12 March 1924, Page 7

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondent).

JRUAPUNA.

A large number oi local residents > met in tne liaii last F riday evening to say farewell to Miss Lane on the eve of her departure to visit Europe and the World’s Exhibition. A very pleasant time was spent with song, dance, and various games. Jtxcellent music . fori the dances was supplied by Mr and Miss Brown, while Mr G. Glassey made an efficient M.C. Songs were rendered by Miss Johnstone dnd Mr or own, a step dance by Master Simpson., several piano solos by Mr Rowantree, while Mr Beaumont delighted the company with some clever impersonations of a camp concert, responding to an encore with a. recitation. At a/ suitable interval, Mrs Boaler, in a few well-chosen words, presented Miss Lane with a ladies’ companion, containing a sum of money. Miss Lane feelingly responded. Supper was afterwards handed round, terminating a very pleasant evening. METHVEN. The Methven Methodist Church held the -annual harvest thanksgiving sale and concert in the Parish Hall on Monday evening. There was a good attendVince, and an array of farm produce, etc., was tastefully laid out around the stage. Sacks of wheat and oats were also in abundance. Mr J. Field, who oresided, expressed his appreciation of the large assemblage, and also for the kind-assistance given by ether denominations. A programme of musical and elocutionary items was then presented, the following contributing items Miss Crump, pianoforte solo; Mr K. Roy. song, “Friend of Mine”; Mrs R. Elliott, recitation, “Student and Cow ; Miss McLeod, song. “Robin Adair, and song. “Cornin’ Thro’ -the Rye”; Sirs A. S. Kennedy, uianeforte solo; Mrs Francis Tooley, song; Rakaia Methodist Choir, anthems, “He Rose” and Ihey YVo-k in My Vineyard”; All Saints Choir, Metliven, anthem, “The Long J)ay Closes” ; Mrs Shearer, song. “Song 0 f Love ” Accompanists, Rev. Francis A. Tooley and Mrs A. S. Kennedy.

After the concert the sale was held, and then an enjoyable supper was partaken During the -evening Mr H. G. Ayers referred to the approaching departure of Mr J. Field, who lias had charge of the Rakaia-Methven circuit for some years. Mr Field had worked faithfully and well, and had earned the good wishes of all with whom he had come

in contact. Although well on in years Mr Field had cycled between Ins vanods churches in his circuit, and as an organiser and canvasser on behalf of his church lie was untiring. Mr iJ. Field retires at the end of this month, and intends to reside in Christchurch. Mr H. G. Ayers called for cheers for Mr and Mrs Field, which were very heartily given.*' ' The sale resulted in gross takings or about £3O, which is considered highly satisfactory. A special feature of the sale was an ice-cream stall run by Mr Davidson, and was well patronised. The Methven Cash Cycle Club held a -27-mile road race on Saturday afternoon. T*hero woro 17 entries, 14 of whom faced the starter. The roads were very good and an absence of wind made the conditions very favourable for fast racing. The race was won by H. Cranfield (scr), who also put_un the fastest time. His trophies included two gold medals, beside a substantial cash prize. S. Oanfield (7min) was second, and A. Painten (7*min) third Mr W. B-urrows acted as starter. A colßetinr in aid of club funds netted £1 12s f 9d. , , n c , 7 The gold medals won by H Crenh-ffi in this race were presented by Mr W. Cookslev (gold medal for first place) and the Methven Cash Cvcle dub.(gold modal for fastest time). The cash emoluments amounted to £B. As a result of this race H. Cranfield has been selected tn represent Methven at the St. Patrick’s sports meeting at Christchurch.