COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 167, 27 April 1928, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

flFrom'Our Own Correspondents.) :, JWETHVEN. A' pleasant social evening was spent in the Methven Anglican Sunday school room on Thursday evening, when about 80 people were present as guestsi of the vicar (Rev. F. A. Tooley), churchwardens and vestry of the Parochial District. The hall was tastefully decorated with autumn foliage and yellow and white chrysanthemums, with pale ' pink shaded lights, which made a very pleasing effect. The evening was spent in dancing, interspersed with musical and eloeutionarv items', those contributing being the Rev. F. A. Tooley and Mr W. Owers, the latter also giving a recitation. Miss R. Adams acted as accompanist. Music for the dance was supplied by Mi* L. Allred, and an extra was contributed by Mrs A. Lawrence. Mr Tooley briefly welcomed those present and explained that the junction was in & measure for the purpose of showing the vestry's appreciation to members of the parish ladies' ■committee and others who had assisted them during the past year. Mrs K. Dickie replied on behalf of the ladies .and thanked the "vestry for the pleasant evening. . The supper -arrangements were in the hands of the vestry, assisted bv Mesdames H. E. Richards and H.! Green, and Miss N. Owers,

HINDS. " There was a good attendance at the: combined service held in the Hinds Hall on Anzac' Day. The Rev. W. Griga . who presided, announced the hymns, 'led the prayer, and read the psalm. Mr J. Freeman read the lesson, Jind the Rev. E. Hanna delivered an inspiring address The music was in the hands of Mr B. Frampton (piano), Miss I Hampton and Mr D. T. Patterson (violins). Trie offertory, which amounted to £3 Os 10d, was in aid of the Returned Soldiers'. Association's funds. Mr Hanna based his remarks on the -words, "He that findeth his life shall ' Jose it; and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it." RIIAPUNA. The fortnightly euchre party was = held on Tuesday night, and there was a good attendance. Supper was served and dancing was kept up till midnight. The euchre parties are being run for the benefit of the Tennis dub, which is desirous of' laying down _ an asphalt court. v ■ - . . The Anzac Day service was held in the hall, the ministers being the Rev. A. D. Kirkland and J. W- P. Dyer. A large number of people attended and there were a number of beautiful wreaths displayed. . RAKAIA. ' There was a good attendance at the meeting of Rakaia Lodge, No. 85, 1.0.0. F., the N.G. (Bro. C. M. Skeyington) presiding. Visitors were present in large numbers from Hakatere Lodge Ashburton and the Ohertsey Lodge. The following officers were elected:—N.G., Bro. S. Hardy; V.G., Bro. A. S. Morrison; ' financial secretary, Bro. D. Newman; treasurer, Bro. C Shannon; warden, Bro. A. F. Bennett; conductor, Bro. M. Brown; R.S.N.G., Bro J. C Hawksworth; L.S.N.G., Bro. I. Moodie; R.S.V.G., Bro C. Swaney; L.S.V.G., Bro. J. B. Greenaway; inside Bro. L. Cox. Bro. D. Newman, D.D.G.M., assisted by Bro. H. Slade, D.G3I-, Bro. FAIRTON. The residents of -Fairton are busy preparing for the bazaar to be held in i the hall to-morrow afternoon and evening for the purpose of reducing the debt on the hall, which stands ait .£275. The-stalls comprise: Produce, work, sweets, home goods, bran tub, and refreshments, besides chocolate and other ' competitions. Prizes are to be given for the best article made from sugar bags. A dance will be held in the latter part of the evening. : The Tennis Club a few weeks ago let a contract for /putting down two courts . adjoining the hall. The contractor (Mr F. Clark, of Ashburton) has made an excellent job. The metal was procured from Christchurch and the preparation used was Colfix. The courts are now ready for play and it is the intention of the club to have the official opening when the tennis opens . next spring. ..• ■ Tom Heeney's chances m the coming contest for the world's heavy-weight championship has put inspiration mto the hearts of manv of the youthful followers here. A few preliminaries have already taken place, and when the Ashburton Sports Club opens its boxing season this winter it can look forward for a few aspirants from this district.

WAKANUL A very successful concert was held in the Wakanui Hall on Wednesday evening in aid of the funds of the Sunday School There was a fair attendance of parents and friends, and the excellent programme was much appreciated by all " Mr N. Rodgers was m the chair. Tha following items were given: Musical overtures by Mrs McDonald, Miss Galbraith, Mr W. G. McDonald, and Mr J W. Wood; musical trio Mrs McDonald, Miss Galbraith, and Mr Wood; violin solo, Mrs McDonald; songs, Mrs H. Naylor,. Messrs J. C. Thompson and K. Norrish; duets Mrs Naylor and Mr Thompson; monologue Miss Galbraith; piano solo, Lois Giles recitations, Anna Hendrie and Molly Bonifant. A short address was given by the Rev. G. D. Vercoe on the aims of the Bibte-in-Schools. A report on the year's work in the Sunday School, and the balance-sheet were read. A vote- of thanks was accorded the performers and Mr W. J. Doak. After the singing of the National Anthem,. Mr Rodders pronounced the Benediction and a bounteous supper served by tne ladies brought the gathering to a close. E. New. D.G.W., Brc > G lowke, DGT Bro. A. Moore, D.G.C., Bro. B. Osborne, D.G.1.G.. installed the officers After the lodge business was finished an enjovable evening was spent. « Tbo weather still holds good, and al-

though the nights are colder,, the days are line and sunny. The bowling season'will close on the Rakaia green Lo morrow. Am effort will be made to form a croquet club, so that a good start will be made to gt-t the greens in order for next season's play. The Rakaia Town Hall was well filled on Wednesday afternoon, when the various churches combined to hold a memorial Anzac service. The Revs. J. C. Hawksworth, A. S. Morrison and J. Boothroyd were on the platform, end each read a portion of Scripture and gave an address. Mr C. Liddington presided at the organ, and appropriate hymns were sung. A collection was taken up, and the proceeds will be devoted to the Rannerdale Home. St the conclusion of the service the 'Last Post" was sounded by Mr G. Jackaon. Afterwards many beautiful wreaths were placed on the monument.