COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVIII, Issue 10944, 16 June 1927, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.) METHVEN. The Methveoi Ladies' Hockey Club held another oi' the series of progressive euchre tournaments in the Anglican Hall, on Tuesday evening, and this proved one of the most successful yet held. Included among the players were a number of visitors from Highbauk. The ladv's urize was won by Mrs Hector Beid, and the men's prize by Mr A. Grieve, after a play-off with Mr P. iVlilligan. Consolation prizes were awarded to Mrs W. S. Joiws and Mr G. Grieve. A dainty supper was provided by the ladies, after which the hall was cleared and ah enjoyable dance followed. Music was supplied by Mrs Alex. Lawrence, Misses Simpson (2>i and S. Reid, while Mr D. Anderson acted as Master or Ceremonies. The montldy meeting of the committee of the Methwrn Public Library was held on Tuesday evening. Mr \V. J. Owen presided, arid there were present: Messrs J. Tempie, P. A. Campbell, and B. H. Allen (hon. sec.), Dr. W. H. McKee and Mesdames G. Burrows and A. Bonnington. The 'secretary reported that £lO worth of new Ibooks had been placed on the shelves, including a number of books of educational value. It was decided to expend a further £5 in the purchase of new books immediately. A special meeting of the Methven Ladies' Hockey Club Committee was held in the Anglican Hall on Tuesday evening, Mrs Alex. Lawrence presiding over a good attendance. It_ wa6 decided to cancel a dance arranged for June 28, owing to it clashing with another function, and to hold a progressive euchre tournament on June 21 instead. The sub-committee reported that the arrangements were well in hand for the social evening to be tendered to the Old Girls' (Ashburton) Club members on Saturday. HIGH BANK. Another of a series of progressive euchre tournamienfe and dances in aid of the funds of Highbank School and St. Saviour's Anglican Sunday School prize funds was held in the Highbank schoolroom. There was a large number of residents present, and after a series of games, the ladies' .prize was won by Mrs A. S. Findlay, the men's prize being won by Mr M. MeKenzie. Consolation trophies were. presented to Miss Smith and Mr Bishop. At the close of the euchre, supper, provided by the ladies, was partaken of, and the room cleared for dancing. Music was sup- .;. plied by Mr A. J. Seretz, Misses Woods, r Simpson, and Middleton, Mesdames A. jP v S. Findlay and R. J. Adams. Mr A. J. Stretz made an efficient Master of Ceremonies. RUAPUNA. The annual meeting of the Domain Board was held on Monday evening, Mr J. H. Boaler presiding. The board was re-elected without change, namely: Messrs J. H. Boaler (chairman, secretary and treasurer)) B. A. McLay.. R. Lane, H, Moore, W. K. Holland, W. B. Morris, and T. Bennett. As the cost of the pavilion now in course of erection will be in excess of the credit balance, an early application for a grant from the County Council is to be made. The Scliool Committee met on Monday evening, Mr B. A. McLay presiding over a full attendance. A letter was received from tho Education Board to the effect that the board's painters would be instructed to paint the shed at the schoolhouse and the shelter/ shed when they were in this district. It was decided to award /prizes, one to each "class, on the sewing done during the yiear as this amounted to the same thing as the recommendation of the householders' meeting in the matter. To augment the funds, a hare drive is being organised for June 23. lit anticipated that the drive will be well attended. The organising is in the capable hands of Mosrs Lane and Harvey. A holiday is to be granted the school so that all hands can turn to the work. Seventy-five points of rain fell on Saturday and Sunday- Frosts have not been very sever© since owing to the light northwesters Wowing during the evenings. Nevertheless, the ice on the pond is bearing now, and on these bright moonlight nights fun can be fast and furious.

STAVELEY. The monthly moating of the committee of the HaU Society was held on Tuesday evening. There were present: Messrs'D. E. Sawen> (chairman), G. L. Bufton (secretary), T. Burgess, W. Eagle, and J). A. Syrne. It was decided to rescind the previous decision making the contest for the aggregate euchre prizes cove]' twelve evenings, and to make the play oover eight evenings, four of which have been held. It was reported that the kail was beuig let freely and that the public was supporting the funds very well, so that the finances were considered satisfactory. Messrs Sawere and' iUurgess were appointed a deputation to meet the Football Club and coin© to an agreement over the use of fchw kail tor tea to footballers when team* visit Staveley. Correspondence waft received from the Chief Inspector of explosives, drawing attention to details in the cinema room not complying wifih the regulations. The secretary reported that the alterations had to he completed by a certain date so, with the oonsent of one other member of the oommittee, he had had the matter attended bo. His action was approved. Ooriiespoadeace was read from tlie Australasian Performing Right Association Ltd., which represents the Performing Right Society, Ltd. (England), drawing attention to non-compli-ance with the Copyright Act regarding the matter of rju<blic performance of copyright music. Though the letter stated that it had been preceded by others, the secretary reported that he had received none other. Members said they were somewhat hazy about the matter, but several i»ok strong exception to the latter part of the letter. The chairman then re-read the part objected to as follow,! "It is not our desire to put you. bo she expense of a legal action, but we wish to make it clear that our pafci/mce is not inexhaustible, and if you persist in ignoring our notices wo shall have no other option but to compel your attention by means of an injunction.'' The chairman : It woudl have been much nicer if that portion had been omitted. A member: Send that piece back and tell

them to put it in their pipe and smoke it. The secretary, however, reported that in anticipation of the meeting he had written for further information stating the date of the meeting but no reply has so far been forthcoming. With splendid foresight the Church of England bazaar committees, when months ago they were arranging a suitable date for their bazaar, were careful to select a moonlight night for the unwary to walk into their parlour. The night chosen was last night, but to the committees' chagrin, the sun, the earth, and the moon impishly arranged to stage an eclipse. "What a night for an eclipse," was a sentiment expressed. From a spectacular viewpoint, however, the eclipse was spoilt by the sky clouding over at dusk, and during the period of totality the night was very dark.

A bazaar organised by the Staveley parishoners of the. Church of England was held in the Staveley Hal yesterday. The day was fine. The bazaar was opened*in the afternoon by Mrs F. Peter, who said she felt honoured to come so far to open the bazaar, and hoped people would liberally support the sale as the Church funds were in need of help. ' Prettily decorated stalls were arranged round the hall and iby night a good clearance had been effected. As far as could be ascertained last night the proceeds from the various stalls are as follows: Tea rooms and cake stall (Mrs Ellen and Miss Jones), £6 lis 3d; sweets (Mrs G. L. Bufton), £6 10s; produce (Mrs Gundry), £3 14s lOd; fish pond (Miss Ellen), £2 13s; work stall (Mrs A. R. Andrews), £l2 10s; hoop-la (Mr Bufton), £lO 12s. These amounts are not clear profit, but on the other hand there is still a fair amount yet to come in. The Rev. J. W. P. Dyer, on ibehalf of the vestry and himself, thanked all who. had helped with the sale, and also thanked the public for their support. Later the floor was partially cleared and a short dance was held. Some of the goods which are over are to be sent to the orphanage.

RAKAIA. At the Methodist Church on Monday evening a large gathering assembled to bid farewell to Mrs H. Hopwood, who T .eft on Tuesday on a holiday visit to her mother in England. The Rev. J. Boothroyd presided over the gathering, and referred to the excellent work done by Mrs Hopwood in connection with the* various activities of the church. As president of the Methodist Ladies' Guild, Mrs Hopwood had been a host in herself in carrying through their annual sales of work, tea meetings and other functions. On behalf of the Guild, Mrs Basher presented Mrs Hopwood with a substantial cheque, and wished her a -pleasant journey and a happy time with her mother in the Homeland. Songs were contributed by Mesdames A. E. Mead, H. Butters, and Miss Nicholls; a recitation by Mrs Mead, and a reading by the Rev. J. Boothroyd. Supper was provided by the Ladies' Guild. HINDS. i Owing to another important meeting the monthly meeting of the Hinds branch of the Farmers' Union had only a fair attendance on Tuesday evening, when Mr J. R. Bagrie occupied the chair. Some discussion took place on the insurance of motor-cars to include the third party risk. Most members expressed themselves in favour of the proposition. Mr E. W. M. Watson gave a very interesting address on his experiences during the recent trip of Canterbury farmers to Dunedin. There was a good attendance in the Hinds Methodist Church on Tuesday evening, the Rev. J. Hay (vicar of St. Luke's), occupying the chair, when Dr. Howard Taylor spoke on the conditions in China and related his experiences in a very interesting address. Supper, provided by members of the British and Foreign Bible Society, was dispensed at the vicar-age. Mrs H. J. Chapman and party gave an excellent concert in the Hall last evening on behalf of the Hinds Ladies' Hockey Club. The hall was comfortably filled and a pleasant evening was spent. Songs were sung by Miss F. Bushell, Mrs Chapman, Mrs G. Clark and Mr E; Zohrab. Dames were given by Misses F. and G. Bushell, E. Clayton and M. Chapman. Misses F. Bushell and M. Chapman gave monologues. After a vote of thanks, proposed by Mr J. Cook (vice-president of the club), an excellent supper was handed round. The floor was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up to music supplied by Mrs Mitchell. Mr C. P. Reid acted as M.C.