COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 207, 14 June 1932, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

'From Our Own Correspondents). ~ .' STAVELEY. The adjourned quarterly summoned meeting of the Loyal Pioneer Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F.., was held on Saturday evening, P.G. Bro. C. A. McNeil presiding . x An invitation to attend their anniversary ball was received from the Methven Lodge. The election of officers resulted:—N.G., Bro. R. Nell; V.G., Bro. L. King; E.S., Bro. E. Pawsey.LAURISTON, The social club held its fortnightly social in the hall on Saturday evening. Competitions were won by Misses V. Lemon and L. Letham, and Messrs R. Maidens and G. Doherty. Music for the dancing was supplied by Mr and Mrs W. Cook (Lyndhurst), and Mr 0. Pelvin. Mr E. Ashby was M.C. At the Sunday morning service of the Lauriston Presbyterian Church, the Rev. A. S. Morrison made a reference to the death of Mr Prebble, a past resident of the district, and supporter of the church. At the monthly meeting of the Lauriston branch of the Women's Institute, Mrs H. J. Crothers presided over a good attendance. Mr.s Brunsden gave a demonstration of wool rug craft, and Mrs Gimson demonstrated brush-making. Mrs Gimson was elected a member of the committee. Members were asked to bring a gift of produce or clothing obo the next meeting for the purpose of helping relief of distress. To celebrate the first birthday anniversary of the branch in August, it was decided to hold am evening social and the following social committee was elected to make ararngemente:—Mesdames T. Church, V. Boag, and C. Fyfe, Misses E. Lemon, R. Murray, and M. Letham. Mrs R>. Bebbington agreed to present a playette. Hostesses for the afternoon were Misses L. Letham, and E. and V. Lemon. - RAKAIA,

A social was held' by the Ladies' Guild in St. Mark's Schoolroom on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance. Competitions were won by Mrs J. Stevenson and Mr L. Babbage. Music for the dancing was supplied by Mr A. Pluck, and extras were played by Miss F. Cornelius and Miss O. Smith. Mr E. Weaver was M.C. MOUNT SOMERS. On Saturday afternoon a large muster of Girl Guides and Brownies assembled in the Memorial Hall grounds for inspection by: Miss Bromley Cocks (Divisional Commissioner) and Mrs J. G. Grigg (District Commissioner). At the weekly study circle of the Mount Somers Workers' Educational Association class, held at the residence of Mrs W. A. H. Hiarpe a study of the play, "Major Barbara," by Bernard Shaw, was made. There has been quite a "general post" among residents of late, no fewer than ten families having removed intoi different residences in the township. . As there have been no heavy rains for some weeks, most household water supplies are depleted, and already some households have to rely on the County races for their supplies. Local potato growers have been taking advantage of the fine weather to lift their crops. The yields in most cases equal those of former seasons, especially whites. A good deal of second growth is reported. A mild winter has so far been experienced, which is very fortunate for stock, as winter feed, with the exception of turnips, is very scarce, Turnips, however, have filled out well, and some excellent crops are to be noted. A runholder in the Ashburton Gorge had rather an unenviable experience recently. Wishing to deliver a message to a neighbour on the opposite side of the river, he made off in thigh gum boots to wade the river. Before reaching the other side, he got '■ into difficulties, and was carried some distance before getting out. There has been a succession of i frosts of late, 13 degrees and 15 degrees being registered yesterday and this morning respectively. To-day/'s frost equalled the highest of the past winter. i BARRHILL. The monthly meeting of the Barrhill branch of ±he Women's Institute was held in the Schoolroom, with Mrs Doak presiding over a good attendance. The roll call was "The Uses of Newspapers." The competition was won by Mrs E. Hurst. A demonstration of wool rug-making was given by Miss Hiayward, who was accorded a vote of thanks. Hostesses/were Mesdames Tizzard and Doak.

MAYFIELD. A meeting of the Mayfield branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union was held in the A. and P. Rooms on Saturday afternoon. There Avere i present—Mesdames C. W. Withcll (president, G. Johnston, J. H. Boaler, and A. D. Kirkland (hon. secretary). The meeting opened by the reading of the creed. It was decided not to send a delegate to the conference in Wellington, owing to the need to curtail expenditure. It was decided that the next meeting be held on Saturday, August 13, and to hold a competition for the best article made from two yards of cretonne. Afternoon tea ended a pleasant meeting. The weekly meeting of the Workers' Educational Associaticn was held in the School, under the leadership of Miss

Howden. The study consisted of the reading of a play by Bernard Shaw, entitled "The Man of Destiny." Although the paddocks have been carrying little" or no surplus feed during the autumn, the recent spell of mild weather has enabled farmers to postpone the feeding of turnips ; longer than was anticipated earlier in the season. However, such feeding is fairly general now. Most crops give promise of standing a good deal of feeding, although some paddocks are disappointing. WILLOWBY. There was a large attendance at the fortnightly euchre and dance held by the Willowby Miniature Rifle Club on Saturday evening. Prizes for the competitions, which were donated by Mrs L. Maginness, were Avon by Mrs J. laylor and Mrs R. Pearson, Mr J. Walks and Mr H. White. Music was supplied by Miss It. Arnst and an extra by Mr Hawkins. Mr J. Sutherland was M.O.