COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 174, 7 May 1931, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.) METHVEN. A very enjoyable dance was held in the Methven Town Hall on Tuesday evening, in aid of the funds of the Catholic Church. Music was supplied by McDonald's' orchestra (Ashbuiton), extras being played by Mrs A. Lawrence and Mr G. Petrie. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Messrs It. Compton and J. McKendry. Heavy rain fell during iuesday nicht, 49 points being recorded lor the 24 hours ended at 9 a.m. yester- ! day. Afterwards the weather cleared and fine weather, with a sharp frost, was experienced this morning. A pleasant social evening was spent in the Anglican Hall last evening, when the scholars of the secondary department of the District High School entertained ' the teaching staff and members of the School Committee and thenwives. Dancing occupied the major portion of the programme, old-style dances being carried on with much enjoyment. In the novelty dances i\gaue Campbell won the "Musical Stick. A "Luckv-spot" waltz was won by Topsv White and Dudley Haskett. Games were also played, and items were contributed by Audrey Bremer (piano solo) and Jean Petrie (Maori song;. Vrs A. Lawrence supplied the dance music, and Colin McKee made an efficient M.C.

COLDSTREAM. . The annual meeting of the Coldstream Road Board was held on Monday, the ratepayers' meeting having lapsed, none being present, lhe cbaiiman's' report .stated that the total receipts amounted to £926- 14s M, which included the credit balance of £231 15s 8d at the beginning of the vear The expenditure was £9o -s 2d leaving a debit balance at Bank on fee? a of £3O Bs, and outstanding rates £233 0s 7d. A complaint about a race overflowing on Emerson's Road was received, and the clerk was instructed to. watewace ranger to give the mattei attention A letter was received horn ?he Countv Council asking that, pipes tranted should be installed, within a reasonable time of being girted The Valuation Department wrote that Ass essment No. 111. lias been reduced from 202 acres to 160, and that the area should read 160 acres exchidmg 145 acres washed away. A letteiwas received from the Women's Institute nsfdn- for use of the Board worn foi one afternoon a month, and tins was "ranted subject to approval bj the fire Insurance Office of Mr Bruce, seconded. by Mi Dell, the rate of one farthing in the ■£, made at last meeting, was confirmed, being a- reduction of l-16th on last years rates The question of wages and salaries was d? s cussed, and substantial reductions were made. At a subsequent meeting of the new board, Mi G. lait was re-elected chairman.

LAUTMSTON. The monthly meeting of the Farmers' TJnion was held on Monday eveiirng. Present: Mr O. Symes (president), Messrs W. Hammond, A Busaton, H. Crothers, G Franks F. Franks, W. Penney, J. Collett 1. Greenaway, V. Wilkinson, and C Fvfe Tlie correspondence included a letter from the Wheatgiowers' Association, stating that the chairman, manager, and grader would be pleased to attend the June meeting. A paper was read on hospital administration in the Dominion. Following a discussion on the subject, it was agreed to forward the following remit to the executive: "That legislation be introduced into Parliament, giving Hospital Boards preferential claims against accident insurance moneys, especially m the case of motor accidents where the iujured person or persons receive hospital treatment."

HINDS. The Loyal Hinds Lodge, M.U., 100. F., held its fortnightly dance on Saturday night, there being a good attendance. Threshing operations are still in progress in some parts of the district. RAKAIA. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Rakaia Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., was held in the Lodge room, the (Bro. W. A. Palmer) presiding over a large attendance, including visitors from Christchurch and Ashburton Lodges. Sick pay was passed to one •brother. Arrangements were made for a visit to Leeston Lodge on May 11. P.D.G.M. Bro. J. S. Donaldson gave a lecture on the emblems of the Order. Noriiination for office were received.