COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 170, 2 May 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

... (From Our Own Correspondent), ,',.-, METHVEN. The vestry of the Methven parochial district met on Monday evening. There were present: The Rev. E. A. Osmers (vicar), Messrs H. E. Richards, A. W. Bremer (wardens), J. Temple, W. R. Owers, R. G. Dart, G. Dalton, E. A. J. Adams and R. G. Mauger. Mr Osmers forwarded his resignation as vicar owing to having accepted the living of Papanui. His resignation would take effect from July 7. On the motion of the wardens, the resignation was accepted with regret, and it was decided to place on record the valuable services rendered by Mr

Osmers during his term as vicar. In connection with the appointment of a new vicar, Mr Osmers stated that Archdeacon Petrie and members of the

Standing Committee would visit Methven' on May L lB to discuss matters concerning the district. It was decided that the Vestry meet the delegates. It Was decided that the men's club be started for the winter months, the opening night to be arranged later. TjhVyicar stated that Mr Stanley Smith Bad. been appointed synodsman to Represent the Methven district. In connection with the St. Saviour's •|jjighbank); Churcli silver jubilee, the vicarstated that a meeting of parishioners had been held at Highbank, and jubilee celebrations would be held on JMay 24, with a welcome, high tea, a service at St. Saviour's, and a social evening in the schoolroom. It was hoped that the E. W. C. Powell, of Sydenham, Would be the preacher at the service. It was decided that a produce stall and butcher's shop be held at the harvest sale on May 23, 'members' tp .canvass for donations for these/ , A meeting of the women's committee will, he held next Tuesday afternoon: i» arrange for stalls and stalland for an afternoon tea and supper .The evening function will take the form of a, dance in the Town -Hally interspersed with several competitions*.'"The horn secretary presented,a; balance-sheet, which showed j*;. satisfactory state of affairs. ; All outstanding accounts due up to June 3p iwere provided' for. The warden reported that the leases for the vicarage glebe' would expire in June, and two inquiries had been received concerning the leases. It was'decided to • hold any offers over until the appointment of the new vicar to see if he may require the property himself. Repairs to the Highbank Church were left to Mr Adams to attend to prior to the jubilee celebrations. Mr A. S, Richards, M.P. for Roskill, addressed a fair number of Labour sup-, porters at the Methven Town Hall last evfeniri£. Mr R. W. Wig'htman (president of the Methven branch of the La-

bour Party) presided. The speaker, who spoke on the lines of his address , .various,'other parts of, the district, was given an attentive hearing. At the V conclusion, he was_ accorded a vote of thanks, and on h'is motion, a vote of thanks wa s passed to the chairman.

EIFFELTON. The first meeting of the ' Eiffelton Social and Educational Club was held in the School on Saturday evening, when there was an attendance of over forty members and visitors. A lecture by Dr. J.,R. Wells on. 'Travel in Many'Countries*'' was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and a, hearty vote of thanks, proposed by Mr W. Campbell, was carried by acclamation. It was announced tnat the next meeting would;be occupied by a debate. The annual meeting, of householders, held on evening, attracted a very good attendance. Mr H. C. Patterson (chairman of the committee), ' who presided, read the committee's report and balance-sheet, which were adopted. The committee was instructed to get in touch with the Minister of Education with a view to expediting the erection of the new room for which the grant has been made to the Education Board. The annual reports of the Ashburton East Dental Clinic and Canterbury School Committees' Association were also read. The chairman explained ihat the committee had decided to celebrate the-' King's ■ Jubilee by holding, a -sports* meeting for children and adults i,on Friday, May 10, and that; siuTomiding .schools had been invited to- jean in. It was decided to leave the matter, of. choosing suitable .school colours in the hands of the headmaster, who would take a vote or the parents on the matter, when he had ascertained what colours were available. Votes of thanks to the staff, caretaker, and bus-drivers were passed, and the meeting closed with a Vote of thanks to the chairman.

'(M * meeting of the School Committee reference .was made to the valuable rendered by. the late Mr G. Barrett; Vho was, until, recent years, a'rnember :of the committee. A motion ofSmpa'thy with Mrs Barrett and family was carried, members standing in silence. With reference to the Silver Jubilee of the King, the wish has been expressed that the children be specially provided for, and it was decided to mark the occasion by some form of entertainment, a feature ot which will be the planting of a tree. A • book, with an appropriate engraving will be presented to each child. Arrangements are in train to hold the celebration in the school 011 Friday, May 10. Refreshments will be provided Mr G. S. Thompson's application for the lease of the school reserve was accepted. Correspondence, m connection with the proposed water race through the school grounds, was received from the Ashburton County Engineer, the matter being held m abeyance.

, RAKAiA. A meeting of householders was held in the Rakaia public school on Monday evening. Mr A. Allan presided, The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £9 3s 7<L The grounds improvement fund showed a credit balance of £9 6s 4d. Mr G. Morrison and the Rev. D. B. Ashford were elected to the committee to fill two vacancies. The report stated, that the year had been a q/niet one. The school grounds and fences had been kept in repair and trees planted in the front fence. Lawns were laid.down. Numerous changes

had' taken place in the staff. The dental clinic nurse had done good work during the year, but if finance did not improve the clinic would probably have to be closed down. At a meeting of the committee held later it was decided to plant a tree in the school grounds in commemoration' of the King's jubilee. The young ladies of the Rakaia Methodist Church met at the residence of Mr H. Hop wood to bid farewell to Miss Bowden, who is leaving to be married. The gathering took the form of a gift evening, and many useful gifts were presented to the guest of the evening. The Bible Class girls presented the guest with a bouquet of white chrysanthemums and pink sweet ,peas. Games and competitions were enjoyed. Rain fell on 13 days during April for a total of 140 points, compared with 130 points for the corresponding month last year. The heaviest fall was on March 11, when 40 points were re,corded.

RUAPUNA. A meeting of the committee of the Ruapuna Tennis Club was held in the hall on Monday evening, when Mr W. Thompson presided. It was decided to hold the annual dance on May 16. The weather during April was cool and overcast for the most part. There was a marked absence of frosts. The ftun shone on 19 days, nine of which were sunny all day.' A total of 220 points of rain, which, fell on seven days, was the heaviest fall occurring on April 10, when 67 points were registered. The rainfall for April last year was 263 points. The total rainfall for the year is now 1017 points, compared with 1744 points for the corresponding period last year. There was a poor attendance at the householders' meeting held at the school on Monday evening, when Mr R. W. Holland presided. The balancesheet showed a credit. It was decided to hold sports and to give prizes for the: jubilee celebrations. Mrs W. Thompson offered to give a scarlet oak to be planted in the grounds. Mr J. Moore will give an address.

GREENSTREET. A meeting of householders was held on Monday) eight householders being present. The chairman (Mr W. A. Lill) reported on the work of the committee during the last year. The balancesheet revealed a healthy financial position. A vote of thanks and appreciation for the interest she has taken in the welfare of the children was passed to the teacher (Miss R. Morris), also one to the committee for the work it had done during the year. At the close of the householders' meeting a meeting of the committee was held, all members being present. Arrangements were made to suitably celebrate the King's jubilee on Tuesday and Friday, May 10. The chairman and secretary (Mr A. E. G. Lill) are to make the necessary arrangements.

MAYFIELD. There was a small attendance at the meeting of householders, held at Mayfield on Monday evening. It was decided to procure souvenir books for the children attending school. Votes of thanks were accorded the committee and teachers;