COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 169, 1 May 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondent), METHVEN. The following are the meteorological observations for April recorded! by Mr James Carr, “Rudstone,” Methven: — Rain fell on 13 days, the minimum on any one day being 102 points, on the 11th. The total for the month was 2.63 inches, compared with 2.78 inches in April last year. The average fall in April for the last 26 years is 2.85 inches. The wettest April during that period was in 1914, when 5.76 inches fell, and the driest was in 1913 and 1915, when only .81 inches was recorded. There is an old record which shows that in 1896, when the gauge was kept at “Drayton,” 7.76 inches were recorded in April. The total rainfall for the year to date is 11.91 inches, against 16.23 inches in the same period of last year. The highest reading of the barometer was 30.26 on the 12th,. and the lowest 29.64 on the 11th. The’highest reading of the maximum thermometer was 77 on the Bth, and the lowest minimum 35 on the 28th. The lowest reading on the grass was 27 on the 28th. The range of temperature for the month was 16.1, and the mean temperature 52.25. The number of days on which there was a clear sky at 9 a.m. was five, and the days overcast at 9 a.m. 18- Frosts were recorded on four nights. In addition to the celebrations arranged by the Methven School Committee for the King’s jubilee celebrations, the Methven Boy Scouts have arranged to light a bonfire in the Methven Domain in the evening. A number of citizens have donated a quantity of fireworks, and these will lie let off at 8 p.ni. An initiation ceremony will 'also be held. The gathering will be under the control of the Rev. E. A. Osmers, Commissioner for the MidCanterbury District. At the Anglican Hall on Monday evening a progressive euchre tournament was held, when opportunity was taken to say farewell to Mrs Andrew Thompson, who wilt leave Methven soon to reside at Hinds. Dr. J. Wootan presented Mrs Thompson with a cheque as a token of goodwill. The winners of the cards tournament were Messrs S. Hands, Compton and Grieve, and Mrs Middleton.

RAKAIA. A meeting was field at lUikaia to make arrangements for the King’s silver jubilee celebrations on Monday. Mr H. Harrison was elected chairman and Mr H. C. Nelson secretary. The following programme was drawn up:— A procession to the domain, seven-a-side football games between schools, address by the Rev. D. B. Ashford, hockey match between the Rakaia ladies and Kereone hockey clubs, and sports for the children. A meeting of liouseholder.s was held in the Rakaia Public School on Monday evening. Mr A. Allan presided. The report stated that the Dental Clinic nurse had done good work during the last year, but if finance did not improve the-clinic would probably have to be closed down. The balancesheet showed a credit balance of £9 3s 7d. The grounds improvement fund showed a credit balance of £9 6s 4d. -The Rev. D. B. Ashford and Mr G. Morrison were elected members in place of . Messrs C. Evison and T. Kirk, who had left the district.

SEAFIELt). The fortnightly euchre tournament was held in the rifle club rooms. Mr R. Baynes controlled the games. The women’s prizes were won by Mrs G. Moorhead 93, Mrs R. Grice 92, and Mrs J. McDonald 91, and the me’n’s prizes by Mr W. Johnson 104, Mr It. Grice 100, and Mr L. Scott 98. -A dance followed. Mr J. Bruce was master of ceremonies. i WILLOWBY. Members of the committee of the Willowby-Eiffelton Women’s Institute met at the home of Mrs B. T. Clothier to wish her happiness and prosperity in her new home and to thank her for her efficient work for the institute, of which she had been secretary for 13 months. On arrival Mrs Pearce (president of the institute) handed to Mrs Clothier a bouquet of flowers. During the afternoon competitions were won by Mrs Clothier and by Miss D. Dollman. Miss Mary Taylor contributed a monologue. On behalf of tne committee Mrs J. R. Lattimore (vice-presi-dent) made a presentation of a crystal vase to Airs Clothier, who will leave for Wellington this week. LISMORE.

The householders’ meeting was held at the Lismore School on Monday evening. Mr T. Mulligan (chairman) presided. Mr J. A. Addis (secretary) read the report and balance-sheet for the year, which was very satisfactory. Mr C. Corbett (teacher) also gave a report of the school activities during the year and thanked the committee for its support and willingness to comply with anything for the benefit of the school. The matter of deepening and concreting the swimming pond was discussed, the Education Board having promised to supply some cement. It was decided to hold a working bee at a date to be arranged. It was suggested that a club be formed to assist the committee to complete the work, and that a meeting in connection with the matter be held later. The Lismore School Committee met -on Monday evening to discuss the King’s jubilee celebrations, for which the Education Board and the County Council have granted 10s each. It was agreed that Mr Corbett procure a suitable picture for the school with the council’s grant. Mr Corbett reported' that souvenir books for the children had been ordered. Arrangements for the celebration was left in the bands of the chairman (Mr Mulligan). It was agreed that the schoo-l be em oiled with the Dental Clinic. Mr. Heron presented a report of the School Committees’ Association’s meeting held in

Ashburton. He was accorded a vote of thanks for acting as delegate. The weather during the week-end was- cold and dull. A good shower of rain fell oil Sunday night. There are some splendid turnips and green feed about the district, and fears as far as winter feed for stock is concerned have been allayed.

HINDS. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Hinds Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was held on Saturday, the N.G. (Bro. M. Mclnnes) presiding. Sick pay amounting to £2 13s 4d was passed for payment. Nominations for the. offices of N.G., V.G. and E.S. were opened. A light frost was experienced yesterday, followed by brilliant sunshine.