COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10456, 24 July 1925, Page 7

COUNTY CENTRES.

(From Our Own Correspondents.) METHVEN. A well-attended meeting of spinsters was held in Mr A. E. Henderson's rooms on Wednesday evening to discuss the question or the annual ball. Miss M. Briden and Miss E. Burns were appointed joint secretaries, and the following were elected a committee to take charge of the arrangements: —Misses F. Scoon, I. Anderson, D. Hayes, M. Pawson, Fleming, Dalton (2), J. Petrie, M. Beaton, E. Grieve, F. McKay, L. Davidson, and M. Robinson. It was decided to hold the ball next month.

The growing popularity of the progressive euchre tournaments promoted by the Hockey and Cycle Clubs was evidenced on Wednesday evening by the largely-increased attendance at the third tournament of the series held in the Anglican Hall. The gentleman's prize (a gold-mounted fountain pen) was won by Mr F. McKendry (Lyndhurst). For the ladies' prize, a handsome bedroom clock, Mesdames C. J. Crooks, A. Grieves, Mies I. Anderson, and Miss Edna Stone tied. In the final play-off Mrs Crooks won by one point from Miss Anderson. Consolation prizes were awarded Miss Mary Crooks and Mr P. Middleton. After a dainty supper had been handed round the hall was cleared for dancing, and a very enjoyable time was spent. Music for the dance was supplied by Mrs Alex. Lawrence and Mrs G. Anderson. Mr Len Dalton was M.C.

The Golf dub will play a men's 18hole stroke competition on the local links- to-morrow for a trophy donated by Mr J. F. Stone. On the following Saturday a return match will be played against the Geraldine Club, at Methven. LYNDHURST. A successful concert and dance was held in the Hall on Wednesday night in aid of the Catholic Bazaar Fund. A large and representative gathering was recorded. The programme, which was contributed by a party from Ashburton, was of a very high standard, every item receiving an encore, while some of the performers had to appear for the third time. Overtures were played by the McKendry's Orchestra, and songs were given by Mrs Cullen and Messrs McKay*, Stevens, and l V. Cullen. Miss Bushell won the admiration of the audience with her Irish jigs and clog dances, and Messrs Tasker and-L. Ryan received great praise for their character sketches and monologues. A 'cello solo was played by Mr Paul Cullen and a- piano duet by Messrs Tasker and Cullen. Mrs J. B. Cullen and Mr Paul Cullen were heard to advantage in a vocal duet. Mr L. Ryan, on behalf of te committee, thanked all who had helped to make the concert a success. After the National Anthem had been sung, supper was handed round by the committee. The room was then cleared for dancing, for which music was supplied by Miss Ibell, while Mr L. Ryan was M*C.

Great interest is being shown in the Methven Ploughing Match to be held in Mr A. T. Lilley's paddock next Wednesday. Several local young men will try their hand. HINDS. The monthly meeting of the Hinds branch of the Plunket Society was held in the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday afternoon. Those present were: Mesdames Cottam (in the chair), Hay, McCully, R. Tarbotton, E. Watson, D. T. Paterson, G. Chisnall, H. McDowell, and T. Smith. The afternoon tea was provided by Mesdames Hay, R. Tarbotton, McCully, and E. W. M. Watson. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames C. Maidens, H. Johnston, J. McDowell,! and F. Hill. The "Paddy's Market" recently held realised, over £6O. It was decided to lay aside a small sum each year to the benefit of sick children. It was decided that a little present be handed to each infant whose parents were members of the Hinds branch. It was decided to send £lO to help furnish the mothers' cottage in Christchurch, £8 for Ashburton Daffodil Day. The Miniature Rifle Club held its shoot on Monday evening, when Hotty Button was won by D. T. Paterson, and by J. Gould the previous week. It was also the first of the three-night shoot for a trophy donated by D. T. Paterson. Mr Kenneth Mann, of the Post Office, has returned from his holidays.

MOUNT SOWERS. At the Men's Club the following were selected to represent the cluh against St. Stephen's Club in the impromptu debate next Tuesday evening at Ashburton: —Messrs Rutherford, Gifkins, and Jones. Mr Johnston donated 5s to the runners-up in the card evening. The rest of the evening was occupied by a question-box, during which Mr Johnston was chairman. First place was gained by: "Is the present immigration scheme a good one?" (Mr Bull), and the second was a tie between "Are the Chinese justified in striking?" (Mr Jones) and "Is division of labour an advantage?" (Mr Croft). Third Avas awarded to "Are world cruises beneficial'to peace?" (Mr Withell). Twenty guns took part in a hareshoot last week, and an enjoyable day's sport ensued, the funds of the Tennis Club benefiting. Messrs Hood and Gorrie are busily engaged letting the sunlight into the precincts of the library building and tennis courts by felling all the bluegums on the section. It is intended to plant ornamental trees in their place, shelter trees not being required. There are still some lofty pines on the Road Board section casting long shadows. The shoot-off between Messrs H. Gifkins and Clinch for Mr Peter's trophy resulted in a tie, and in the second, shoot-off Mr H. Gifkins secured the trophy with 34 points against 27. Best scores for the evening were: E. Gifkins possible, H. Gifkins 34, F. Gifkins 34, N. Hood 33, Gorrie 32, Grieve 31.

RAKAIA. A meeting of ladies was held in St Mark's schoolroom to form a brand of the Plunket Society. Mrs W. Bc:;< presided over a good attendance. Mri Laiiig (president of the Ashburtor

branch) gave a short address on the work of the Society. It was. decided to form a branch, and Mrs J. D. O'Connor was elected president, and Mrs M. P. Cooke secretary. A strong committee 'was appointed with power to add to their number. On the motion oi Mrs Boag, ai hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Laing was carried by acclamation. A dainty afternoon-tea. was served by the Rakaia ladies. The fortnightly meeting of Court Star of Rakaia, A.0.F.,, wa«. held on Wednesday, Bro. F. Behrnea, acting C.R., presiding. Bro. Lightfoot reported that the net proceeds of the fancy dress ball were £lO 0s Bd. A vote of thanks was passed to the committee and the ladies' who* had assisted. It was decided to celebrate the anniversary of the Lodge by holding a ball. There was a large attendance at the weekly card party of the Rakaia Football Club. The prizes were won by Mrs G. Pluck and Mr L. Goulds. Consolation prizes were awarded to Mass M. McNamara and Mi- C. Glanville. The weekly euchre tournament of the Foresters' Lodge was held in St. Mark's schoolroom. There was a large attendance. Miss MaJt-i Tatterson won the ladies' prize, with Mrs J. Stevenson second. The gentlemen's prizes were won by Mr Jamieson and Mr AV. Irvin.

ALFORD FOREST. A successful smoke concert was held at Alford Forest recenitly, when the Methven Collie Club entertained its secretary-, Mr F. W. Fagan, who has been associated with the club for about '2O years. Most of the committee and officials of the club were present, and Mr L. Nell, Mount Somers, was in the chair. The following toasts were honoured: "The King," "The Guest of the Evening" (proposed by Mr Nell); "The Collie Club," proposed by MiNell; "The Gun Clubs," Mr McLeod, responded to by Mr Stewart for the Alford Forest Club and Mr Cooksley for the Methven Club; "Football" (Mr Chapman), responded to by Mr Naumann for the Spriingburn-Mount Somers Club and Mr Richards for the Methven Club; "The Methven Racing Club" (Mr McLeod), responded to by Mr Harrison; "The Methven A. and P." (Mr Fagan), responded to by Mr Richards; "Treasurer and Head Shepherds" (Mr Fagan), responded to by Messrs Hicks and W. Grieve; "The Ladies'.' (Mr Hutt), responded to by Mr Naumamn and Mr McNeil. Mr Nell then made the presentation of a suitablyinscribed gold watch to the guest. In doing so, Mr Nell stressed the splendid services which Mr Fagan had rendered to the Club, and asked him to accept! the watch with the very best wishes of the Methven Collie Club. Other speakers, all of whom spoke verv highly of the services of Mr Fagan, weie Messrs Harrison, Carney} Stuart, Richards, McLeod and Chapman. Mr Fagan, on rising to speak, received an ovation. He .very suitably thanked the club members for their gift, and said that he especially wanted to thank th© committee and officials for the assistance they had given him. During the evening items were contributed by Messrs Crawford, Sullivan, Naumann, Hicks, and J. and W. Chapman. Mr Baucher was thanked for the use of one of his rooms in which to hold the social.