COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 139, 25 March 1930, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES.

(From Our Own Correspondents). CHERTSEY. i On Sunday afternoon, the Rev. A. S. Alorxison held a harvest thanksgiving service in the Chertsey Presbyterian Church. There was a large offering of farm produce, fruit and vegetables, which were afterwards packed up ready to be forward-kl to the Presbyterian Orphanage, Christchurch. On Saturday evening the Chertsey Social Club held its first gathering of the year* a large number being present. Competitions were won by Alesdames AV. Cain and H. Murchie, Messrs Allan Boig and C. McSweeney. Air Andrew Doig controlled the games. The music for the dance which followed was contributed by Airs AV. Cain ATiss Rita Ironside (Pendarves) and Alessrs AY. Johnson and J. Cronin. Air Hayman, of the station staff, was presented with a gold wristlet watch from his many friends in Chertsey. Mr S. Symister (stationmaster), who made the presentation, referred to the popularity All’ Hayman had won among the other members of the staff and residents during the 24 years he had been in Chertsey. AH wished him success in the future. Air Ashby (Dromore) also spoke, and Air Hayman suitably responded. A special meeting of the committee of the Alethven Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held last evening. The president (Air E. A. Bland) occupied the chair, and there were also present Alessrs F. S. McDonald, R. J. Low, H. J. Freeman, AV. C. Lowery, A. Geddes, R. D. Arillar, A. F. Marr, S. Campbell, AV. C. Spray, \V. S. Jones, AA T . Watson, J. AA r atson, C. Hale, G. A. Franks, E. G. Body and R. C. Todhunter. The question of providing accommodation for visiting stock was discussed at length, and the president, vice-presider.J,, and Messrs Watson jnd Low were appointed a sub-committee to complete the arrangements. The secretary was instructed to forward a letter of sympathy to Air H. E. H. Richards wishing him n speedy recovery from his recent accident. It was decided to hold a working bee on the Showground to complete the preparations for Die Show. Strong dissatisfaction was expressed at the action of the Railway Department in refusing to grant holiday excursion fares for the Show, and the secretary was instructed to write tc this effect to the authorities. RAKAIA.

Harvest thanksgiving services were held in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening, when the Rev. A. S. Morrison preached to a large congregation. The church was prettily decorated with greenery, and there was a good display of fruit, vegetables and produce. Special hymns were sung, and the choir contributed a special anthem. The produce will be sent to the various Presbyterian homes m Christchurch.

In St. Mark’s Anglican Church, harvest festival services were held on Sunday morning. The Rev. A. J. Petrie, of Ashburton, conducted the service. There was a large congregation. There was a large offering of fruit, vegetables and produce. The church was beautifully decorated with greenery and flowers. Special hymns and anthems were sung by the choir. In the evening the thanksgiving services were continued. There was again: a large congregation. The Rev. C. AA T . Haskell, of Ashburton, occupied the pulpit. The gift offerings will be sent to St. Saviour’s Homes After a week of warm, north-west weather, there was a sudden; change on Friday afternoon, when the wind changed to the south-west and several showers of rain fell. The weather cleared during tlie night. Saturday was cloudy but fine, and a cold breeze was blowing. Sunday was fine till the evening, when rain came on, and continued showery till early morning. The wind increased to a heavy gale during the night, and /some minor damage was done to electric light poles. The northwester continued yesterday. To ascertain the amount of vehicular traffic passing over the Rakaia railway bridge, a tally was taken oyer a period of two weeks. The following number of vehicles passed over the bridge during the period named : —Motor-cars 4085, motor-lorries 350, motor-cycles 50, gigs 100. At the annual meeting of the Rakaia Golf Club, the report presented by the president (Air G. S. Hardy) showed that good progress had been made during the paijt season. The players had shown great improvement. The thanks of the club were due to the ladies who, by their efforts in arranging afternoon teas, had assisted the club’s finances considerably. The b,alence sheet showed a credit balance which was considered satisfactory. Seven members resigned from the club, and three new members were elected. It was decided' that no caddies except those appointed by the club be permitted on the links. It was agreed that the date of the opening of the season be left to the ground committee. The following officers were elected: Patrons, Messrs L. AVbite and J. Connolly; vice-president, Air H. A. Harrison; captain, Air G. S. Hardy; vice-captain, Air C. AV. Browne : secretary and treasurer. Air L. Cordner ; ctiditor, Air A. Corbitt; committee, Alessrs C. Holmes, P. Hanrahnn, J. Langley, D. Finlay and A. Corbitt.