COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 193, 29 May 1934, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

METHVEN. The monthly meeting of the vestry of the Methven Parochial District was held last evening. There were present: Rev. E. A; Osmers (chairman), Messrs A. W. Bremer (warden), J. Temple, W. 11. Owers, E. A. Bland, J. Adams, R. Dart and G. Dalton. Miss N. Wallace forwarded her resignation as caretaker of St. Saviour's, Highbank, owing to her approaching marriage. It wasjdecided to express appreciation, of her services, and Mrs J. W. Wallace was appointed to the vacancy. The Diocesan office wrote in regard to the quota for the Board of Missions. It was agreed to forward the amount required before the duo date,"June 30. The hon. sec. presented a balance-sheet of the recent harvest sale, which showed a credit balance of £lO2, with several amounts still to come in. Tibe vicar expressed appreciation of the keen interest taken by parishioners. Votes of thanks were accorded all helpers at the function. It was decided that the usual spring flower show be held under the auspices of the Vestry. In advising that the Board of Managers of St. John's (Presbyterian) Church had offered the Vestry the opportunity of running the luncheon booth at the next ewe fair at Methven, the vicar expressed appreciation of their generosity. It was decided to bring the matter forward in September for further discussion. It was decided to obtain quotations for rubber kneelers for both All Saints' and St. Saviour's churches. Mr Bland spoke of the necessity of oiling the interior of St. Saviours' Church. He said that Mrs Suckling had been responsible for collecting sufficient to provide material for the work. _ Further arrangements were left in Mr 1 Bland's hands, and a vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Suckling and helpers. It was decided to ask the boys' and girls' Bible classes to organise social functions, the proceeds to go toward the fund for the renovation of. All Saints' Sunday Schoolroom. It was ugreed to procure shingle screenings and repair footpaths at All Saints'. Mr Osmers stated that Mount Somers parish had offered to arrange a hare drive at Ashburton Gorge, the proceeds to be divided equally with Methven. The offer was accepted, and a vote of thanks was passed to the Mount Somer* Vestry. Pupils of the Methven District High School /(secondary department) held their term social evening in the new High SchooJ_buildings, when there was a large attendance. Members of the committee and their wiyes and the teaching staff were present as guests. The evening was pleasantly spent in games, competitions and dancing. Winners of the competitions were Hazel Campbell, Margaret Quinn, Peggy Green, John Battson and Mr A. G. Foreman. Items were contributed by Margaret Campion, M. Quinn and Mary Battson. Mrs A. Lawrence provided the music for the dancing. Supper was provided by the pupils. Messrs J. R. Dalton, D. Clceve and H. Reid returned thanks on behalf of the guests. A pleasant time was spent at St. John's Sunday Schoolroom, Methven, on Saturday afternoon, when parents and friends were entertained at a pianoforte recital by Miss Farquhar and her pupils. Miss Daphne Adams presented Miss Farquhar with a bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums, accompanied with the best wishes of her pupils. Afternoon tea was enjoyed, and before dispersing Mr Adams, on behalf of those present, congratulated Miss Farquhar on her pleasing entertainment. The programme consisted of pianoforte duets, solos and songs by Misses Lorna.and Barbara Stone, Molly and Hazel Grigg, Bona Featherstone, Daphne Adams, Grace Fryer, Shirley Amberger, June Aitken, Bessie Tizzard, Betty Findlay and Miss Farquhar. Mr A". Adryns, of the staff of the Bank of New Zealand, has resumed duty after his annual leave. Mr A. D. Ncrris h now absent on annual leave. Mr R. Frew, of the Christ' church staff, is relieving. 9 ' — ! LAURISTON. The chairman (Mr W. P. Spencer) and Messrs S. Smith, G. AV. Armitage and H. J. Bignell, members of the Canterbury Education Board, inspected the Lauriston School buildings on Friday. They were conducted over the buildings by the headmaster (Mr J. A. Mackie) and the chairman of the school committee (Mr C. A. Fyie), and afterwards were entertained, at afternoon tea by Mrs Mackie. Messrs R. Shaw and J. Olliver eonducted the morning service on Sunday at the Lauriston Presbyterian Church. Miss A. Farquhar was the organist. WINCHMORE. A social was held in the Winchmore Hall on Saturday night in aid of the funds for the relief of unemployment, £o being raised. The winners of the prizes were Miss D. McKay and Mr W. Withell. The consolation prizes wore won by Mrs W. Withell and Mr F. A. Scott." Music was played by the Starita Band. A lucky-spot waltz was won by Miss E. Sullivan and Mr B. Chambers. Messrs L. Maginness and J. Bland were masters of ceremonies. ROKEBY. The monthly meeting of the Rckeby branch of the Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held at Mrs C. Gardiner's residence, Mitcham. Mis W. Penney presided. An interesting demonstration was given by Miss B. Burgess. The competitions resulted:—Best plat of shortbread: Mrs V. Wilkinson 1, Mrs Aschen 2, Mrs W. Penney 3. Best folded paper serviette: Miss E. Fittock 1, Mrs Burgess 2, Mrs V. Wilkinson 3. * Mesdames Copland and Everett were judges. Mrs C. Gardiner as hostess. MOUNT SOMERS. Over -20 people attended a meeting held at Hakatere in the Ashburton Gorge last week, when arrangements were made to hold the annual ball at Mount Somers on Friday, June 29. A strong committee, with Mr G. J. Foreman as chairman, and Mrs G. Porteous as honorary secretary, was formed to make arrangements. A successful dance was held in the

Mount Somers Memorial Hall on Saturday evening in aid of the Swimming Club funds. There was a kood attendance, including patrons from Methven and surrounding centres. Music Avas supplied by Cook's orchestra. (Methven) and extras were given by Mrs M. L. Goodrich. Mr W. A. Sharp© was M.C. Supper was dispensed by lady helpers. The spell of stormy weather that has prevailed for some time gave place to ideal conditions over the week-end, frosts of 11 degrees on Saturday and 10 degrees on Sunday being followed by bright, warm, sunny days.

MAYFIELD The Mayfield School Committee met in the schoolroom last evening. There were present: Messrs Raymond Oakley (chairman), J. W, Riley, D. Edmond, L. C. Mcllroy, and B. Mcay (secretary). It Avas decided to leave the matter of purchasing coal and firewood in the hands of the chairman and secretary. It was decided to apply to the Education Board for 100 Douglas fir trees that are being supplied free by the Forestry Department. A motion of sympathy with the Mably family in their bereavement, was carried in silence, and the secretary was instructed to convey the committee's sympathy by writing. The headmaster reported the roll number to be 68. RAKAIA. At a meeting of the Rakaia Foresters' Lodge, Bro. N. Breading presided over a good attendance. Sick pay was passed to two members. One candidate was initiated into the Order and two candidates were proposed for membership. Bro. W. A. Smith. (District Chief Ranger) has left for Wellington to _ attend the Dominion Friendly Societies' Conference.