COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 15, 28 October 1932, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

methven; After four days of almost incessant rain the weather at Methven took a change for the better yesterday morning, when the sun once more put in an appearance. After the thorough soaking of the last. 10 days the whole countryside is looking a picture and a spell of warm Aveather is now wanted. For the 24 hours' ended at 9 a.m. yesterday 1.28 inches were recorded. The total for the month to date is .7.62 inches. HINDS. In spite of ,tha inclement weather the monthly meeting cf the Hinds Women's Institute, held in the Hall on Wednesday afternoon, and presided over by tli'e President (Mrs IP. A. Turner), was well attended, some visitors beiii"- present. A motion of sympathy with Mrs G. A. McDonald (Orari) in her recent bereavement, was passed. Mrs Anstey (Lowcliffe), gave a demonstration of smocking, which was appreciated by these present. She had on view some ' beautiful samples of her skill. Mrs Anstey was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The delegates (Mrs Turner and Mrs Joiner} presented the Federation report. The competition was "Best home-made birthday gift cost not to exceed 25," and Miss Rose Frampton's entry was adjudged first, Mrs Frampton and Miss Rickard being second equal. 'Hidden song titles" caused much amusement, Mrs McQuilkin winning the competition. Folk, dancing was indulged in by the younger members. The hostesses were Mrs McDowell, Mrs Rickard and Miss Morris. A pleasant afternoon was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. • The weekly Bible Class held in the vicarage last evening was well attended by the young people. After the singing of several choruses tfhe Rev. B. Tavler continued his interesting study of'the Bible. Owing to the heavy rain which fell continuously throughout the week-end, the Hinds River, which has been dry for some time, is now in flood, carrying the most water that has been in it since January, 1930. A change in the weather took place yesterday, being fine and warm-

LAURISTON. i Twenty-two teams competed in the Lauriston tug-of-war contest. The schoo::! funds will benefit by a substantial amount. Messrs Crum, G. Cromie, and L. Cordner were the chief officials. The light-weight contest was won by Davis Gelatine (Christchurch). Other teams competing were:—Hardie and Thompson (Christchurch), R.N.V.R, (A. and B.) Lyttelton, Methven, Hikers, Rakaia (A. and B.), Mead, Mead Brothers, Smithfield, Lauriston (A. and B). The heavy-weight class was won by Mead. Other competitors were: — Woolston Tanneries (Christchurch), R.N.V.R. (Lyttelton), Rangitira, Methven, Rakaia, Mead Bros. (Lauriston (A. and B.).

SEAFIELD. i

The monthly meeting of the Seafield Women's Division of. the Farmers' Union was held in the Rifle Club's rooms on Wednesday afternoon. The president (Mrs F. Johnston) was in the chair and there was a good attendance. An interesting demonstration of tray making from Chinese matting and raffia was given by Mrs H. R, Wilkinson, who was accorded a vote of thanks. It was decided to hold a bring and buy sale at the next meeting on December 7, the stall to be in charge of Misses M. Martin and I. Bruce. There will also be a competition for a dress not to cost more than five shillings, same to be worn by the competitors. A vote of thanks was accorded the hostesses, Mesdames J. McDonald, F. Johnson and G. Moorhead.

RUAPUNA. The Ruapuna branch of the Women's Division of the Fanners' Union held an open meeting in the hall on Wednesday afternoon, when a large number of members, both local and from surrounding districts, attended to hear a talk on wool by Mrs Oliver (Temuka) and demonstrations by Mrs H. Sewell (Waitohi), Mrs Hanson and Mrs Johnston (Temuka). Mrs W. Allan (president) introduced Mrs Oliver, who spoke en the various uses of wool and the difference in the price of the raw wool and the finished article, and asked members to buy the New Zealand goods and so assist the woollen industries. Mrs H. Sewell explained the method of washing wool and making quilts, and Mrs Hanson gave a demonstration of skin curing and dyeing and of making moccasins and soft toys. Mrs Johnston, with a spinning wheel, showed an interested audience the method of carding and spinning avool, and exhibited rugs, jerseys, pullovers and shawls made by herself from the ir wool. During the afternoon the school children attended and took a keen interest in the various operations of spinning. Numerous articles made by members of the division were on view. Tea was handed round and songs were given by Miss Fleming (Lismore) and Miss May Allan. The demonstrators were accorded a vote of thanks.

ALFORD FOREST. The Alford Forest Tennis Club held its first fArtnightJy dance on Saturday evening in aid of the tennis funds. Owing to the wet weather the attendance was small. The music was supplied by Mr E. Wolf rev and extras were played by Messrs W. Wolfrey and M. Johnstone. 1 Mr W. Clifton was M.C.