COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 272, 30 August 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

METHVEN. The monthly meeting of the Methven sub-branch of the Plunket Society was held on Wednesday in the Plunket rooms. Mrs J. Wootton presided over a good attendance. The nurse reported on tho past month’s work as follows: — Visits to branch 4, visits to homes 17, visits to rooms, adults 42, babies 35, older children 6, total 83. There were four new cases. A vote of thanks was accorded all who assisted with the running of the euchre parties and those ivho donated prizes. It was decided to hold a children’s fancy dress ball on November 29. It was also agreed to run an afternoon tea stall in the square on September 26 with a view to assisting the funds of the sub-branch. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Methven School as a district high school, the expupils association held a most enjoyable hall in the town hall last night. There was a very large attendance, a number of past teachers, who had travelled long distances to be present at the function as guests of the committee, included Miss Anne Duff (Hokitika), Mr Warren Marsh (Blenheim), Mr P. W. Campbell (West Christchurch district high school), Miss Bertha Anderson (Kaikoura). The president of the association (Mr A. S. Kennedy) extended a welcome to all present. Music was supplied by Cook’s orchestra, extras being played by Mesdames A. S. Kennedy and A., ' Lawrence, Messrs C. Petrie and W. JWoods were master of ceremonies. The stage was tastefully decorated with japonica and greenery and bowls of spring flowers, while prominently displayed were shields hearing the school coat of arms. The supper room was also tastefully decorated with narcissi and other spring floivers. The energetic committee, under the direction of the president and with Mr R. Green as secretary, spared no pains to make the function a memorable one. A lucky spot waltz was Avon by Miss Nora O Avers and Mr E. J. Blackler. A Monte Carlo Avaltz was Avon by Miss Audrey Bremner and Mr R. Wightman. A prize for first couple on the floor was awarded to Miss Barrett and Mr S. Dolan. Several vocal solos were contributed by Miss Anne Duff, Mrs A. S. Kennedy being accompanist.

ANAMA. The August meeting of Anama branch of the Women’s Division of Farmers’ Union, held at the residence of Mrs R. HeAVSon, “Hopelands,”’ Avas presided over by the president (Mrs W. J. Robertson). Final arrangements Averc made for the forthcoming hall to be held in the Mount Somers Hall on September 13. Taa’o neAv members Avere Avelcomed. Mrs R. Austin (Mayfield) gave a most interesting and instructive demonstration on the curing of lamb skins, and exhibited a number of articles made from the cured skins. Two junior members Avere appointed to attend the educational course for country girls to he held in Christchurch next Aveek. The folloAving were the results of the competitions:—Bloom, Mrs R. HeAVSon 1, Miss L. Robertson 2, Miss Z. Robertson 3; parsnip, Mrs J. Bioavii 1, Mrs S. Bennett 2, Mrs G. Candy 3; marmalade, Mrs W. Robertson. The hostesses were Mrs HeAvson and Miss Fraser. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs Austin for her able demonstration and to Mr and Mrs HeAvson for the use cf their home. DORIE. The Dorie spinsters and bachelors held the annual ball in the Ardamine Hall. The hall Avas decorated Avith streamers and the stage with greenery. A lucky spot dance Avas aa'oia by Miss E. Johnston and Mr J. Wilson, a statue dance by Miss L. Banks and Mr C. Davison, and a Monte Carlo Avaltz hv Miss D. le Compte and Mr M. O’Reilly. Music for the dancing was played by Toni Lawler’s band, Avith extras by Misses Watt (Ashburton), J. Chambers, and L. Banks. Mr B. Kingsbury Avas master of ceremonies.

MAYFIELD. A meeting of the Mayfield subbranch of the Plunket Society was held in the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s rooms, with. Mrs Joseph Murdoch presiding. One new member was elected. Correspondence was received from the Ashburton sub-centre stating that Daffodil Day would be held in Ashburton on September 13. Arrangements for the annual effort of the branch were deferred until the next meeting. The nurse’s report for the last three months was as follows: Visits to homes 25; visits to rooms, adults 25, babies 22; children of school age 12. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Mayfield Lodge, M,U.,1.0.0.F., was held in the band hall, Sister M. Edmond presiding. One candidate was initiated and two were proposed. Sick pay for two members to the amount of £2 10s was passed for payment. MOUNT SOMERS A successful hare drive was recently held over the Uucdeugh properties. About 16 guns took part and good sport was enjoyed. ~S~bag of about 200 being obtained. A farewell social and dance was given by residents of Mount Somers and surrounding districts to Mr and Mrs W. A. H. Sharpe, on their departure to take up Mr Sharpe’s new appointment as headmaster at Hari Hari, West Coast. There was a large and representative gathering and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The music was supplied by Cock’s orchestra (Lyndhurst) and extras by Mrs L. M. Goodrich. Mr J. A. Mears (chairman of the school committee) expressed the regret felt by all of the impending departure of their guests, and wished them every happiness in their new home. On behalf of the residents, lie presented them with a case of dessert silver. Mr L.' Hood (president of the Returned Soldiers’ of Mount Somers)

spoke of their appreciation of Mr Sharpe’s past services and their deep regret at losing so able a secretary. As a token of esteem he presented Mr and Mrs Sharpe Avith a. case of silver fish knives and forks. Mr F. W. Gifkins spoke on behalf of the SAvimming Club, and the parents of past and present pupils of the school. Cook’s orchestra and Nell’s Motors presented Mr and Mrs Sharpe with a case of silver fish servers.- Mrs J. Quantoek (president of the Mount Somers Women’s Institute) spoke of tho great amount of Avorlc done by Mrs Sharpe during the infancy of the institute, and presented her with a crystal dish. Past pupils presented Mr Sharpe Avith a buttonhole and Mrs Sharpe Avili a bouquet of spring floAvers.

WILLOWBY. A successful social arranged by the Methodist Young Men’s Bible Class avas held in the church parlour. A programme of games and competitions Avas presented by Mr Hubert Hay man. Winners of the competitions Avere: Misses Frances Rooke. E. Havmnn, M. Crossman, R, H. Lill, M. M. Lill, and Edna Clothier, Messrs E. Hight, Adrian Hayman, W. Clothier and K. Roberts.