COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 299, 1 October 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

METHVEN. © The annual church parade of the Loyal Methven Lodge, M.U.1.Q.0.F., was held on Sunday afternoon. The parade assembled at the lodge room, and headed by the Ashburton Salvation Army Band, marched to the Town Hall, where the service was held, Adjutant N. E. Bicknell being the preacher. There was an attendance of about 70 Oddfellows, including representatives from sister lodges in the County, while a large number of residents also attended. The collection was handed over for the Army’s social services. Visiting Oddfellows, as well as the Army Band, were entertained at afternoon tea after the service.

Nominations for the Women’s Committee of the Methven Agricultural and Pastoral Association did not exceed the required, number, and the following have been declared elected: — Mesdamess M. Maginness, E. T. Grigg, G. W. Kelly, Jean Callaghan, £. Watson, G. Callaghan, A. M. Hart, E. St. C. Haydon, I. Morgan, E. A. Bland, and S.'M. Watson, Misses K. Dickie, E. McDonald, E. Stone, I. Anderson, and W. Limbrick. The bachelors of Methven held their annual ball in the Methven Town Hall, when they entertained their spinster and benedict friends. The function was very successful, and there was a very large attendance. Much credit is due to the committee who had complete arrangements made for the entertainment of their guests. The hall, as well as the supper room and lounge, was tastefully decorated with ferns, shrubbery, and spring flowers, which added a very pleasing effect. Mr W- Grieve, for the bachelors, extended a welcome to the spinsters and benedicts. He thanked their many lady friends for their assistance. Mr W. Dolan returned thanks on behalf of the guests. Special novelty dances were held, these being won -by Miss Shirley Ambet'ger and Mr Hampton (Monte Carlo waltz); Miss M. Campbell and Mr T. Sullivan (lucky spot waltz); Miss M. Mclntosh and Mr G. Blackmore (first couple on the floor). Cook’s orchestra provided the music, extras being played by Misses Nora Owers, Ida Bland, Messrs J. Cretney and K. Cook. Mr W. Grieve, was master of ceremonies.

RAKAIA. At a meeting of the 'Court Star of Rakaia, A.0.F., Bro. Hall, of Belfast, presided. Bro. Rudkin (ritual supervisor) and Brce. Donald' (district beadel) gave instruction on ritual work and on matters of general .interest to the Order. One candidate was initiated and another proposed. Sick pay amounting to £4 10s was approved for three members.

SEAFIELD. The fortnightly euchre tournament was held in the "Rifle Club rooms recently. Mr R. Baynes controlled the games. The women’s prizes were won by Mrs R, Baynes, with Miss N. Bennison and Miss M. Martin (equal) second. Ths men’s prizes were won by Mr L. Scott, Mr M. Baynes and Mr G. Baynes. It was decided to hold the card's evening weekly until the end of the season.

CHERTSEY. The September meeting of the Chertsey Women’s Institute was' presided over by Mrs J. W. Watson. Misses Ella Flynn and Mollie Blake were appointed delegates to the halfyearly council meeting of the Mid-Can-terbury Federation. Mrs A. P. Bruce and Mrs W. E. Rankin were appointed delegates to the health camp campaign meeting in Ashburton. Arrangements were made for the spring flower show, to be held in the first week in October. It was agreed that the programme for the next six months be made up by the committee. Goods were sold for the Jubilee Institute for the Blind,- and good business was done. Miss V. Macmillan (organiser for the Association for 'Country Education) gave an outline of the work of the association and also an interesting talk on “Health and Diet.” The .competition winners were: —Dressed fowl: Mrs H. J. Wilson 1. Article knitted from one skein of New Zealand wool: Miss M. Hanrahan 1, Mrs H. J. Wilson 2. IP'remier bloom: Mrs J. Doig 1, Mi's H, Hargrave 2, Miss S. Lambie and Miss Lorna Lambie (equal) 3, Mrs A. P. Brn.ce 5. The hostesses were Mesdames A. Garland, W. Holland, Pa,ul Doig, Smith and Miss M. Burrows.

HINDS. Mrs H, Dellow presided over a-'good attendance at the meeting of the Hinds sub-branch of the Plunket Society. Arrangements are well in hand for the fete to be held in the Domain on October 19. In addition to the events arranged previously, there will he a ladies’ chain-stepping competition, also a girls’ tortoise bicycle race, and races for the tiny tots.

Wl LLOWBY-El F FELTON. / At the monthly meeting of the Willow by-Eiffelton Women’s Institute the president (Mrs It. Pearce) presided. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of Mr E. V. Read was passed, members standing in silence. Mesdames A. S. Hayman and S. P. Taylor were appointed delegates to the Mid-Canter-bury Federation meeting, to be held in Ashburton on Friday. The sum of 19s 3d was received from the drama festival held recently. was re ~ ported that the institute had won the prize presented by Mrs J. Lattimore to the Women’s Institute selling most tickets for the festival. Demonstrations on eggshell mosaic and seagrass stools were given by Mrs Reid and Mrs L. Porter. Community singing was led by Mrs H. J. Constable. Competitions resulted: —Quilted cushion: Miss Jean Taylor 1, Mrs S. P. Taylor 2, Miss Mary Taylor 3. Flowers, specimen bloom: Miss Marie Sheehan 1, Miss Mary Taylor 2, Mrs J. Lattimore

3. The hostesses were Mesdames L. Butterick, R. Wilson, R. J. Chapman and Miss M. Coffey. SPRINGBUFTN.

Mrs E. Christiansen and Miss Christiansen, of the Springburn Post Office, go on annual leave on Thursday. Mr Cameron and Mr J. S. Cretney will relieve. A heavy north-west shower was experienced last night, and will do much toward urging on growth. 'lt was the first rain since September 10.