COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 149, 5 April 1930, Page 9

COUNTY CENTRES.

,—^ (From Our Own Correspondents). METHVEN. Mr and Mrs R. W. Wightman, of Mount Hutt, and Mr J. Wightman, of Methven, left on Thursday en route to Wellington, where they joined the Sydney steamer. They are proceeding on an extended trip to Britain. MAYFIELD. The esteem iff which Mr and Mrs W. Miller, of Anama, are held was demonstrated by the large attendance at a farewell social held in the Band Hall on Thursday evening. Mr R. Oakley occupied the chair. Mr Miller has resided in Anama all his life, and has been a valuable member of the community. Mr W. J. Robertson, in making the presentation, on behalf of the residents, of a handsome rug to MiMiller and a substantial cheque to Mrs Miller, referred to the sterling qualities of the guests of the evening. Mr Miller was always ready to assist neighbours in any way he could, and was especially valuable in administering to sick animals. Mr and Mrs Miller had earned the highest respect and esteem. Messrs R. Oaklev, J. Brown, H. C. Barton. R, McDowell, F. McKeown. B. McKay, ;:nd the Rev. A. D. Kirkland eulogised the departing gfeests as neighbours and friends. Mrs C. Sewell, on behalf of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, presented Mrs Miller with a bouquet. Mrs Miller, who had been president for several years, would be greatly missed, as she had taken a keen interest in the organisation. Mr Miller, who was greeted with prolonged applause, thanked the residents for their gifts

and for the manvi kindnesses Mrs Miller and he had received. Mrs Miller, who also spoke,, was enthusiastically received. The programme was as follows :—Songs, Misses Fleming, Anderson, and Donnan, and the Rev. A. D. Kirkland; violin solo, Mr George Robinson,; mouth organ solo, Mr W. Mclver. A dance was held afterwards, the music being supplied by Mrs Shimmin. The monthlv meeting of the Mayfield branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held at the residence of Mrs J. D. Murdoch on Thursday afternoon. The president (Mrs Edmonds) nresided ever a good attendance. Mrs Edmonds, on behalf of those present, welcomed Mrs W. Grigg (President of the Ashburton Branch), Mrs Robinson (President of the Tinwald Branch), and Miss Watson (delegate to the Dominion Convention). Miss Watson gave an interesting address on the Convention business, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded her. Miss Rilev and Miss Patterson were in charge of the variety stall, and good business ivas done during the afternoon. The weather continues to be dry, with hot days. Rain is urgently needed as pasture and turnip crops are fast going off. RAKAIA. The monthly meeting of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union was

held in St. Andrew's Church on Thursday afternoon. . Mrs Morrison presided over a large attendance. Miss Jessie Hardy, who is present in New Zealand on furlough, after having spent six years as a teacher-missionary in Jagadhri, India, gaye an interesting account of the life- and daily work of the missionaries, also the habits and customs of the natives. Miss Hardy was accorded a vote of thanks. On behalf of the P.W.M.U. and Ladies' Guild, Mrs Morrison presented Miss Grace Boag, on the eve of her approaching marriage, with a crystal jug and tumblers and fruit dish. In making the presentation Mrs Morrison referred to the help Miss Boag had always been so willing to give in every good work in connection with the church. "Mrs R. Oakley and Mrs M. P. Cooke also endorsed Mrs Morrison's remarks. Afternoon tea was served. On Thursday evening in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Miss Hardy showed some interesting lantern slides illustrating school work, hospital work, etc., in Jagadhri. The Rev. A. S. Morrison presided. Some hymns were sung, and Mr Liddington, on behalf of those present, thanked Miss Hardy for the interesting evening's entertainment. Miss Hardy thanked Mr F. Wilson for assisting .with the lantern slides. Supper was served. CHERTSEY. Mr Albert Ironside is leaving on a trip to Britain in the Orama from Sydney. It is his intention to join the dairy farmers' party on a' visit to the Continent. Mr Ironside, who lias resigned from the secretaryship of the Chertsey Saleyards Company, was met by the directors on Monday afternoon in the Chertsey Library. Mr W. H. Wilkinson thanked Mr Ironside for the capable manner in which he had carried out his duties during the 16 years he had been secretary for the company. The chairman (Mr A. Doig), on behalf of the directors, presented Mr Ironside with a, case of pipes, and expressed the satisfaction which his secretarial work had given during his long period of service. He wished him a pleasant trip and a safe return. WILLOWBY. The meteorological report for March is as follows: Rain fell on eight occasions, the maximum fall occurring on Friday, March 21, when .35in. was registered, while the minimum fall of .lin. occurred a few days later (March 26). The total rainfall for the month was 1.115 m., that of March, 1929, being 2.225 in. The total rainfall for this year is 7.7 Gin., an increase of 2.89 in. on the registration for the corresponding, period of 1929. Three mild frosts of 4.sdeg, odeg. and 3deg. were recorded on March 11, 26 and 29 respectively. The prevailing wind was from the north-west, occasional cold southerlies accounting for appreciable drops in the temperature. The severe electrical disturbance which resulted in hail falling heavily along the coastal districts at Lowcliffe and Longbeach on March 26 did not reach as far as Willowby. In common with many other parts of Canterbury, a day's rainfall would be welcome. A novel and instructive entertainment was given in the hall on Monday by .i Maori party under the escort of the Rev. A. J. Seamer (general superintendent of the New Zealand Home Missions of the Methodist Church). On behalf of the district. Mr T. H. Chapman welcomed the visitors. At the monthly meeting of the School Committee there were present the chairman (Mr H. Watts), and I Messrs D. R. Mackay (secretary), J.

Campbell, L. J. Pratley and J. Taylor. The head teacher's report showed that the attendances for March was 95.8 per cent, of the possible. It was reported that the pupils had been successful in gaining several awards at the Mayfield and Methven Shows. The offer of the Tinwald Players Company to give an entertainment in the Willowby Hall, half the proceeds to be given to the school funds, was accepted, and final arrangements were made for the concert, which is to be given next week. Mention was made of the large number of children who cycle to school, and it was decided to erect a sheltered stand for the machines. There was a record attendance at the harvest home ball, held in the hall on Wednesday evening. The music was supplied by MacDonald's orchestra, extras being contributed by Miss E. Soal and Mr J. Sutherland (bagpipes). A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mr F. Holland and partner. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Messrs J. Sutherland and T. McKay. HINDS. At the annual meeting of the Hockey Club, Mr Hanna presided over a fair attendance. The balance-sheet showed

a credit of £5 3s sd. The election of officers resulted: President, Mrs Hampton; vice-presidents, Mesdames Watson, Lowe and Thompson, Messrs Donaldson, Cain, Hanna, R. Maidens and Morrin; captain, Miss A. Donaldson; vice-captain, Miss B. Watson; secretary, Miss M. Lowe; committee, secretary, captain, vice-captain, Mrs Hanna," Misses S. Hampton, E. Hampton, M. Donaldson, E. Clark and B. Sim; selection committee, captain, vice-cap-tain and Mrs Hanna; coach, Mr Hanna; auditor, Mr Watson. The first practice was arranged for Thursday, April 10, Reference was made to the long service which Mr J. Cook had rendered, and he was elected a life member of the club. Votes of thanks were accorded the secretary and Mr Elms for services rendered. Members of the Mothers' Union attended a short service, and an address was given by the vicar (the Rev. E. Hanna), in St. Luke's Church. On adjournment to the vicarage, the annual meeting was held, Mrs Hanna presiding. Officers were elected as follows : President, Mrs Hanna; vice-pre-sident, Mrs Sim; committee, president, vice-president, secretary, Mrs Hockley and Mrs Rickard.