COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 257, 11 August 1934, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.) METHVEN. The annual social ,and meeting of members of St. John's (Presbyterian) Church, held on Thursday evening, was the largest and most enthusiastic yet held. Reports were received from the sessions, board of managers. Sunday School superintendents, Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union, and leaders of four, Bible classes. These, without exception, showed that much progress had been made and steady work accomplished during the year. The minister (the Rev. Richard Morgan) reported that in his pastoral visitation he had made several hundred visits and had travelled 7500 miles. During the year there had Teen eight marriages, 10 baptisms and five funerals. Thirteen members had joined the congregation. The number on the congregational roll was 115. Much to the regret of the Board of Managers, Mr W,. A. Shemeld, who has been secretary for 18 years, has found it necessary, owing to increasing private business, to resign the position. On behalf of the congregation, Mr Morgan presented ■Mr Shemeld with a fountain pen as a small memento from members. In doing so he referred in eulogistic terms to the valuable services Mr Shemeld had rendered during his term as secretary. There were six candidates for the three vacancies on the Board of Managers, and Messrs A. L. Mangin, W. A. Shemeld and G. Olds were elected'. The balance-sheet showed that all buildings and properties were free of debt, and that the incoming year would be commenced j free, of debt. Votes,of thanks were passed to all who assisted during the year. At the conclusion of the business meeting a social hour was spent. Items were contributed by Mr Stewart (Highbank), vocal solo; Miss Sonia, poi poi recitation; and Misses Grace Fryer and Bettjy Findlay, pianoforte duet. The choir sang two anthems. Usually the ladies of the congregation provide supper, but on this occasion supper was provided and served by members of Sessions and Board of Managers.

HINDS. The monthly meeting of the Hinds School Committee was held in the school. It was reported that the attendance of pupils had of late been unsatisfactory, notwithstanding the cessation of measles. Influenza and colds appeared to be the contributory factors to contend with at present. The school had recently been visited by the inspectors. The felling and topping of trees in the school grounds was nearing completion, and soon the environs should assume a much brighter appearance. Arrangements were in train for pupils desirous of visiting the Winter Show -at Christchurch on Wednesday. August 22. Mr H.'M. Tinkler's tender for the lease of school reserve had been accepted. The interest manifested in the euchre tournament was exceptionally keen. - . Cold wintry weather was experienced at Hinds.during the week. On Wednesday rain, sleet and snow fell in heavy showers, with a cold southerly wind. On the last two mornings shary frosts have been experienced, followed by bright sunny days.

WINCHMORE. The monthly meeting of the Winchmore branch of the Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the. hall, when there was a record attendance. The president (Mrs R. Jamison) presided. Further arrangements were made for the Christchurch party, and it was decided to have races for tho children and some folk-dancing. It was also decided to hold a social evening at Christmas time. A presentation of a post office moneybox was made to Mrs W, Cairns for her little baby, Margaret', who is the first baby born to a member since the branch was formed. In the place of a demonstration, a playette was given bj members of the Lyndhurst Women's Institute. Those wiio took part were Mesdames F. A. Scott, W. Cook, R. Rule, Limbrick, Stewart, and Miss N. Brooker. A competition for an eggless cake was won by Mrs R. Jamison, with Mrs W. Anderson second. The best article made from a sugar-bag was won by Mrs F. A. Scott, with Mrs W. Anderson second. A junior division competition for a plate of biscuits was won by Miss Mildred Wakelin, with Miss M. McKendry second. The hostesses were Mrs C. Wakelin, Mrs H. M. Verrall, Miss Mildred Wakelin and Miss Phyllis Verrall. RAKAIA. A concert in aid of the funds of St. Mark's Church was held in the Town Hall. There was a large attendance. Songs were sung by Miss B. Coatsworth, Miss S. Lambie, and Miss K. Lambie; chorus, "Looking on the Bright Side," by tho concert "arty under Mrs A. 'E. Mead; nursery rhymes by a party of children in costume; song and dance, "Mr \i' Breeches," by the concert party; steel guitar solos by Mr Clancy: character dances by Master R. Dowler; piano selections by Miss Joan Breach and Dr. Bagley; mouth-organ solos by Master George Smith: Irish jig by Miss Edna Kidd; bagpipe selections by Mr T. Kirk ; vocal duet by Misses D. and N. Cromie; tableau, "Three Old Maids of Lee," by Misses L. Newman, 0. Smith, Edginton, Stevenson, J. Breach and Mrs Mead, sen. ; piano and violin selections by Dr. Bagley and Mr G. McLachlan; comic songs by Mr J. Easton ; and a one-act play, "A Needle in a Haystack," by Mesdames A. E. Mead, W. Coatsworth, S. Hardy and Misses 0. Smith, J. Breach, E. Kidd and L. Newman. The accompaniments were played by Miss F. Cornelius. Miss M. Morrison and Mrs R. A. Oakley. Tho Rev. A. H. Barnett thanked Mrs Mead, jun., for arranging the concert, and all who had' assisted to make it such a success.