COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10531, 24 October 1925, Page 7

COUNTY CENTRES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

PENDARVES. The Pendarves Girls' Auxiliary held its monthly meeting in the hall, when there was a good attendance. This branch has been working for some months past under the direction of Mrs James Lambie with such satisfactory results that it was able to contribute a useful range of articles to a sale of work held at Chertsey in connection with foreign missions. Mrs Lambie has decided to concentrate the efforts of her young people on a sale of work to be held in December in aid of the Maori missions. A pleasant gathering is held each month, when as much work as possible is done, while other articles which are made at home are; handed in. In this way a creditable collection has already been made. RAKAIA. Under the auspices of the Rakaia branch of the Methodist Church, a garden fete was held at the residence of Mrs Basher. The day was an ideal one for the function. The various stalls were well patronised during the afternoon. Afternoon tea was served on small tables on the lawns. The stalls, which were prettily decorated with streamers, were in charge of the following : —Work stall, Mesdames Cooke, Hunt, Rapley, R. Boag, and Misses Morland, Hunt, and Whiting; toys, sweets, and bran tub, Misses R. and E. Hopwood, and the members of the Girls' Club; ice cream and fruit salad, Mrs Hopwood and Mrs Sysum; refreshments, Mesdames Olliver, Kaan, and Misses Clark and A. Pluck. The proceeds, after expenses are paid, will be devoted to the funds of the Methodist Church. An address was given in the Town Hall on Thursday night by the Rev. R. McCnlly, the subject being "The Effects of Alcohol on the Body." Mr McCully illustrated his subject with an excellent set of coloured lantern slides.

MOUNT SOMERS. The Tennis Club Committee met on Wednesday night, Mr L. Hood being in the chair. A certificate of incorporation under the Incorporated Societies Act was received. This gives the club power to take a lease of the courts and to enforce membership charges. Messrs L. Hood and G. Williams were appointed a deputation to approach the Domain Board regarding several matters. Messrs L. Hood and Jones were appointed delegates to the Ashburton Sub-association in the meantime. The committee discussed travelling expenses and the number of teams the club should enter, hut no decision was made. The captain and vice-captain were appointed a sub-committee to post up a ladder and control all ladder matches. On Labour Day a whole day tournament will be held. HINDS. The monthly meeting of the Hind 6 branch of the Plunket Society was held in the Oddfellows 7 Hall on Wednesday afternoon, when the Plunket Nurso paid her monthly visit. There was a good attendance of mothers and babies. The afternoon tea was provided by Mesdames C. Cottam, C. Maidens, and D. T. Paterson. At the committee meeting the president (Mrs Cottam) occupied the chair. Others present were: Mesdames McCully (secretary), C. Maidens, R. Tarbotton, E. W M Watson, J. McDowell, H. McDowell, H. H. Johnston, D. T. Paterson, F. Hill, and W. P. Musson. It was decided to give each Plunket baby a silver spoon. Mr R. McCully was selected to represent the Hinds branch at the annual conference at Dunedin.

MAYFIELD. At the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Mayfield Lod ff e, N. 7694, M.U., 1.0.0. F., G.M. Bro. D. Elms presided over a good attendance of sisters and brothers. Bro. Elms reported that a number of sisters and brothers had attended the Loyal Methven Lodge's church parade. The secretary reported that there were five brothers on the sick list, and sick pay amounting to £5 was passed for payment. One sister was proposed for membership.

NEWLANDS. The oat crops are looking well in this district, but rain would be welcome now, as the surface is becoming crusted. The dry spell has enabled farmers to work twitch land to good advantage, and all haste is being made now to prepare land for rape. The warmer conditions have brought new growth and the lanibs are doing exceptionally well on this. The returned soldiers of this district have arranged to hold their annual ball next week.