COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 179, 13 May 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

METHVEN.

The jubilee celebrations were continued at the Methven District High School on Friday. After the singing of the National' Anthem, Mr Stanley Smith (chairman of the school committee) addressed the scholars and presented the silver jubilee books purchased with the Education Department's grant.

The opportunity was taken while the school children were assembled to make a presentation to Miss Wade, who is severing her connection with the school. Mr Smith spoke of the high esteem in which the parents and committee held Miss Wade, and of their regret at her departure. In presenting her with a set of crystal, the headmaster, on behalf, of the staff and scholars, wished Miss Wade every happiness in her ne\y sphere. The staff and pupils would always remember her with affection, and he hoped Miss Wade would retain similar pleasant memories of her five years' association with Methven. The staff then entertained her at morning tea..

In. the afternoon, after assembling at the school grounds the High School and primary pupils marched to the A. and tP. Association's grounds, where variety sports were held. At the conclusion the children were marched into the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's dining rooms, where the ladies had set out a tempting array of eatables en tables decorated with red, white and blue. The toast of the King, proposed by Mr Stanley Smith:, was honoured, and full ujstice was then done to the good things provided. Votes of thanks were carried and cheers given for the County Council and the Mount Hutt Road Board, which had made the entertainment possible. • Mr J. Carr, on behalf of .the County Council members present and Mr A. Marr, on behalf of the Road Board members, made appropriate speeches. The scholars sang "Here's a health unto his Majesty," and an enjoyable and memorable function closed with cheers for the King and Queen, The first of a series of social evenings and dances to be held by the Anglican Girls' Bible Class was held in the Anglican Hall on Friday evening. There w r as a very good attendance, including members from Mount Somers and Alford Forest. Music was supplied by Cook's Orchestra, and Miss Nora Owers played an extra. Mr C. Petrie was M.O. Miss Mona Hampton and Mr W. J. Wood 3 were the winners of a Monte Carlo fox trot. Mrs E. >A. Mangin contributed two vocal solos. Th, e hall was i tastefully decorated with bowls of chrysanthemums and autumn foliage by members of the class, who also provided the supper.

WILLOWBY.

In keeping with the spirit of the times, parents, teachers and scholars joined on Friday in celebrating the silver jubilee of his Majesty King George V. The sylvan surroundings and.the bright sunshine made a splendid getting for a celebration that will be long remembered. Proceedings were opened by the joyous singing of the National Anthem, the March Past and the Salute. An instructive address on the developments and difficulties of the last 25 years, and of £ue manner in which our King had guided the affairs of State, was given by the Rev. R. McGregor,, who is well known for his talks to children. A tree presented by Mr N.-H. Griffith (chairman of the school committee), who presided, was planted by several infant pupils under the guidance of Mr R. J. Chapman, who emphasised the reason for planting the tree as a memorial. Souvenir books, beautifully inscribed, were presented by Mrs N. H. Griffiths. The distribution of delicious apples, novelty sports and games were entered into heartily by old and young until it was time to do justice to the sumptuous tea served by the ladies, which brought to a close a happy and memorable afternoon. During the week an enjoyable afternoon party was held in the Willowby Church Parlour, when members of the Willowby Methodist Ladies' Guild entertained their friends. A programme of competitions, vocal and elocutionary items was greatly enjoyed. Solos were sung by Mrs R. J. Chapman and Miss Ethelwynne Hayman, and duets by Mrs S. H. Lill and Mrs F. H- Chapman, and elocutionary items were given by Mrs S. H. Lill. Many gifts of beautiful materials were accepted for the Guild stall to be conducted at the annual garden party in the spring. Mr N. H. Griffith (chairman) presided at tbe May meeting of the Willowby School Committee, others present being Messrs W. Harvey, R. J. Knox, A. W. Whiting and R- J- Chapman (secretary). It was reported that the attendances had been well maintained, 97 per cent, of the possible having been recorded. It was also reported that a very satisfactory sum would be realised from the autumn show. '

"Those who gained most points in the various sections of tbe show are: Mrs H. B. Day, pot plants; Miss M. M. Lill, decorative and cut blooms; Jimmie 'Patterson, vegetables; Miss Elsie Pratley, needlework and cookery ; R. J. Chapman, farm produce; Mae Chapman and Laurene Grice, equal for juveniles.

HIGHBANK.

Mrs A. H. Sandrey presided over the monthly meeting of the Highbank Women's Institute, there being an attendance of 48. It was decided, after considerable discussion, not to send a delegate to the Dominion. Conference at Auckland. A sales table was introduced, and proved a successful innovation, all goods being disposed of. One new member was elected. Miss E. J.

Watt (Ashhurton) gave a most interesting and instructive talk on "Hydatids: Its source, how to treat it, and how to avoid contagion." She also enumerated the articles that go to make up the home medicine chest, and how to apply these in cases of minor ailments. Miss Watt was accorded a very hearty vote, of thanks. Mrs W. K. Wilson gave an instructive demonstration of making seagrass stools. A competition for the best jam sponge sandwich (judged by Mrs Lamb ' and Miss Watt) resulted as follows: — Senior, Mrs Mehrtens 1, Mrs Wilson 2, Mrs Milne 3; junior, Miss B. Findlay

1, Miss R. Sandrey 2. A tatting competition was won as follows: —Senior, Mrs Milne 1, Miss K. Rouse 2, Mrs TitheridgeS; junior, Miss D. Rouse 1, Miss R. Sandrey 2, Miss B. Findlay 3. A dainty afternoon tea was served, the hostesses being Mesdhmes J. Adams, E. J. Bland and T. W. Cleeve, Misses Bland, Carr and Daley.

RAKAIA.

The Rakaia Football Club held its weekly social and card evening in St. Mark's Schoolroom on Saturday evening. The winners at euchre were Miss L. Toner and Mr H. Hurst. Music for the dance was played by Mr T. Lawler, with extras by Miss A. Keane. Mr F. Cornelius was master of ceremonies. The monthly meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held in St. Andrew's Sunday School. Mrs Boag presided. Miss S. Oakley read a paper on the life and work of Elizabeth Fry. It was decided to hold a bring and buy afternoon at the next meeting in aid of the South Canterbury executive funds. The hostesses were Mesdames Hopwood and Lee.

ASHTON-WATERTON.

The Ashton-Waterton Women's Institute held a meeting in the Waterton Hall on Friday evening to consider forming a drama circle, there being a large attendance. Mrs Pearce (Willowby) presided, and the following officers were elected:—(Producer, Mrs Gore; secretary and treasurer, Miss V. Bellj committee, Miss M. Blee, Mesdames Gore and Allan, Messrs R. Blee, G. Soal and S. McElhinney; easting cornmi tteee Mesdames Allan and Gore, Messrs G. Soal and S. McElhinney. It was decided to hold another meeting in the Waterton Hall to-morrow.

DROMORE.

There was a good attendance of parens at the Dromore School on Friday afternoon to celebrate the King's Silver Jubilee. The celebration took the form of an annual break-up. All the school children took part in the sports programme in the grounds, with "the following results:—Boys' senior race— Ray Copland 1, Ronald Copland 2; boys.' junior race, R. Blackburn 1, Kelvin Copland 2; girls' race, Amy Jamieson 1, Annie Mansfield 2; 3-legged race, Noel Copland and Bruce Jamieson 1, Ronald Copland and Rita Jamieson 2, Jack Jamieson and Ray Copland 3; hopping race (senior) John Jamieson 1, Ray Copland 2; hopping race, juniors, Robert Blackburn 1, Kelvin Copland 2; hopping race, girls, Annie Mansfield 1, Rita Jamieson 2; tots' race, Valerie Mansfield 1, Judith Copland 2; consolation race, Amy Jamieson 1. The children sang the National Anthem before afternoon tea was served, and each, child received a liberal supply of frtfit and lollies, together with a souvenir book. Miss Povnton (the teacher) was judge of the races, and Mr H. M. Copland starter.

HINDS

The King's jubilee service was held in St. Luke's Church yesterday morning, when there was a very large congregation. The Rev. B. Taylor preached. After the service each child was presented with a small souvenir. A tree was planted in the churchyard by Mr D. Studholjne to celebrate the occasion. A cold easterly, wind blew during the week-end. This morning a • sharp frost was experienced.

ANAMA

The annual meeting of the Anama Sports Committee was held in the school on Saturday evening. There was a fair attendance of financial members. The chairman (Mr A. Rushton) gave an account of the year's activities. Two grass tennis courts were available during the season, and several matches had been played with adjoining district clubs. The series of euchre evenings held during the winter had proved very enjoyable. The secretary (Mr A. Brown) presented a balance-sheet, which showed the finances to be in a healthy condition. The following committee were elected:—Mr A. Rushton (chairman), Mr A. Brown (secretary), Miss N. Ivey, Messrs E. Bennett, D. Ivey and Mesdames A. Brown and A. Rushton. A good number of residents gathered at the school on Friday afternoon to join the children in the King's jubilee celebrations. The weather was good, although a keen wind was blowing oft the snow-covered ranges. Mr D. J. Morrow (County Council chairman) addressed the children, giving some interesting accounts of seeing the crowds in London cheering at the King's first public appearance after his severe illness. Mr Morrow commented on the King's message to his subjects, especially with reference to the children oi to-day. The address was listened to very attentively. At the close the scholars saluted the flag and the National Anthem was sung. Two scholars, Lucy Greenslade and Beryl Currie, presented Mrs Morrow and Miss Farrell (the teacher) with bouquets. Races were run for the children and afternoon tea was provided by the ladies. A special jubilee cake, provided by the school committee, was cut, each scholar and parent receiving a piece. The cake was adorned with 25 candles. Mr J. Melver "moved, and Mr Currie seconded, a verv, hearty vote of thanks to Mr Morrow for his appropriate address. The chairman (Mr F."G. Greenslade) thanked those present for their assistance, the ladies for the afternoon tea, and the teacher for her able assistance. The anniversary services in connection with the Anama Sunday School were held in the school yesterday. The children sang special hymns. Miss Z. Robertson presided at the piano. Mr Bishop (Ashburton) addressed the children, after which he presented a book to each child. The members of the Anama Bible Class presented a book to Mr A. Painter in appreciation of his work as leader of the class. Mr Painter thanked Mr Bishop for coming and so ably addressing the scholars and parents. When the Anama School was ro-built after the previous building had been destroyed by fire, the Education Board refused to supply a flag to replace that destroyed. On ceremonial occasions a flag has been borrowed from a local resident. On learning this at the King's jubilee celebrations, Mr Morrow offered to present a flag to the school. His action was loudly applauded by those present.