COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 242, 26 July 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES.

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

METHVEN; A pleasant ceremony took place at the Methven District High School on Wednesday, when Miss Freda. Dalton, on behalf of the secondary pupils, presented Miss Vestey (home science mistress) with a small gift as a token of appreciation of her services for a number of years. Miss Vestey is severing her connection with the Methven District High School to take up a position in Ashburton.

The pupils of the secondary department of the Methven District High School held a m6st enjoyable social in the school on Wednesday evening, when they entertained members of the school committee and thgir wives, also members of the school staff -and representatives of the Ex-Pupils’ Association. The schoolroom was gaily decorated with coloured streamers. The evening was pleasantly spent in dancing, interspersed with musical items and competitions. A violin duet was played by Misses Vert Beattie and Jean Campion, and pianoforte duets by Misses Margaret Campion and Mary Battson. A' Mont© Carlo waltz was won by Aliss Clarice Fleming and Herbert Grigg. Music for the dance was played by Mrs A. Lawrence, and Mrs A. S. Kennedy played extras. Mr H. Reid was M.O.

A basketball match was played on the High School grounds between teams representing the Methven Anglican Bible Class and the Presbyterian Bible Class, the latter winning by 11 points to 7. Miss Freda Dalton was referee. Afterwards the winners entertained tlie Anglican team at afternoon tea. Miss N. Dalton returned thanks _Qn behalf of the Anglican team.

Mr N. Dewe, of the staff of the Methven Post Office, is on annual leave, and Mr F. May has resumed duty.

FAIRTON. There was a splendid attendance at the fourth birthday party of the Fairton Women’s Institute held in the hall recently. The guests were welcomed by the vice-presidents, Mesdames Oram and Thompson. The afternoon’s }programme included the following items: Pianoforte duet, Mrs and. Miss Anderson ; song, Miss Morrison; pianoforte solo, Miss M. Oram; song, Miss Isabel Taylor. An advertisement competition was won by Mrs Mclnnes (Allenton). Another competition, naming in correct order Ashburton shops, resulted in a tie between Airs E. Bell (Tinwald) and Miss Laura Taylor, Mrs Bell finally drawing the prize. Over 70 members and guests sat down to afternoon tea at long tables decorated with mauve iris and wattle. The birthday -cake was cut by Mrs Anderson (president), the candles being lighted by Mrs' Chambers (immediate past president), Mrs C. T. Moor (proxy for Mrs Mowat, first president), and Airs Oram and Airs Thompson (vice-presidents). Good wishes from sister institutes were tendered by the following:—Airs G. M. Breeze (Ashburton District), Mrs E. C. Bathurst (Allenton), Mrs Prebble (Lyndhurst), Mrs J. Sinclair (Wakanui), Miss Campbell (Chertsey), Mrs Bell (Tinwald), and Mrs A. A. Oliver (Hampstead). Letters containing good wishes were received from Airs F. Curtis (president Mid-Canterbury Federation), Airs E. M. Begg (president Ashburton branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union), Mrs W. J. Minogue and Miss Watt. Sixpenny mystery parcels, in charge of Miss Morrisonjand Aliss Evans, brought a ready sale, and the home-made sweet stall, in charge of Mrs McCall, proved most popular. Invitations to birthday parties were received from Allenton and Lyndhurst. Three new members were welcomed to the institute. Competitions, judged by Mrs Breeze (Ashburton) and Airs Wilson (Dromore), were won as follow :—Paper flowers: Airs Hooper 1, Miss Dunphy 2, Airs Willis 3. Something new from something old: Miss B. Anderson 1, Airs Evans 2, Aliss Evans 3. Eggless fruit cake: Mrs Evans and Airs AlcCall (equal) 1, Airs Willis 3, Airs Anderson 4. WAKANUI. A very successful dance was held by the newly-formed Wakanui Alen’s Hockey Club in the Early Settlers’ Memorial Hall on Wednesday evening. Representatives from the Ashburton men’s, Baring' Square men’s and women’s, High School Old Girls and Tinwald Hockey Club were present. The music was supplied by Air R. Dahonrn’s orchestra, and Mr W. Page was AI.C. MONTALTO. The fortnightly euchre tournament and dance was held in the Montalto School. The prizes were won by Airs Rex Gallagher and Aliss B. Anderson, and Messrs R. J. Whiting and L. J. Woods. After the euchre tournament a dance was held, with music by Mr C. L. Guldens and extras by Mrs R. J. Whiting and Mr R. Branch. Air G. Branch was master of ceremonies. MAYFIELD. The monthly meeting of the Mayfield branch of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s rooms on Wednesday evening, Air G. Johnston presiding over a good attendance. The sub-committee set up at the last meeting to make trade agreements presented a report. It was decided to approach the Railway Department with a. request for a drafting race at Valetta station. It was stated that it is customary for farmers a considerable distance from the station to group their mobs of sheep into one when droving to Valetta, and a drafting race there would save a great deal of work. It was resolved to request the postmaster for a night extension line to the residence of one of the officers for the purpose of urgent toll calls during the hours when the office is closed. After the business was concluded a mock election was held, the following being the candidates: Mr D. R. Howden (National), Mr B. McKay (Independent), and Air G. Johnston (Labour). The speakers created a good deal of amusement. A ballot resulted in Alessrs McKay and Johnston tying, and the chairman (Air W. Turner) gave his casting vote in favour of Mr Johnston. Supper was partaken of.