COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 300, 2 October 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

METHVEN. The Rev. H. S. Hamilton, late of Kiunara, arrived in Methven to-day to take up his duties as vicar of Methven parochial district. The following are the meteorological •observations recorded by Mr J. Carr, “Rudston,” Methven, for September: Rain fell on seven days, the maximum being 2.53 inches on the 9tli. The total for the month was 3.26 inches, against 3.39 inches for September, 1934. The average for September during the last 27 years that Mr Carr has kept records is 3.26 inches. The wettest September during that period was in 1917, when 8.12 inches fell, and the driest September was in 1915, when .84 inches fell. The total fall for the year to date is 23.88 inches, compared with 33.39 inches for the same period in 1934. The highest value of the barometer last month was 30.48 inches on September 27, and the lowest 29.30 inches on the 18th. The highest reading of the maximum thermometer was 62 degrees Fahrenheit on September 29, and the lowest minimum 28 on tho 2nd. The range of temperature for the month was 16.8, and the average mean temperature 43.6. Frosts were recorded on 23 nights. Snow fell on three days. The lowest temperature on the grass was 17 on the sth. ANAMA. The rainfall recorded at “Laggan' in September, was 219 points, while ’hat of last year was 284 points. Tho total for the year to the end of September is 2217 points, while over the some period last year 3057 points were recorded, this being over eight inches less this year. When school resumed during the month it was found that there was insufficient room available for 1 all the scholars, and several are waiting to commence school. A communication from the Education Board received last week states that it has applied to the Department for a grant, as additions are urgently required. Lambing is in full swing, and the weather is ideal. Judging by the number of lambs to be seen, some heavy percentages will be recorded this year. Cows are coming in fast,, and the greater cream supply necessitates the cream lorry visiting the dairying parts of Anama twice weekly.

RAKAIA. The Anglican Ladies’ Guild's sale of work, held in St. Mark’s Schoolroom, was most successful. Competitions were held and the stalls were well patronised. Articles on the -work stall weie made by members of the guild. The takings of the various stalls amounted to more than £5. The stallholders were: Fruit salad and sweets, Bible Class girls; work stall, Mesdames A. Shellock and L. L. Street; book stall, Mrs and Miss Behrnes; flower stall, Master H. Cromie; refreshment room, Mesdames Mead, sen., A. Cossley, Misses O. Smith and E. Kidd. Competitions were won by Mrs Street, sen., and Miss Edgington. Excellent entries, particularly in the cut flower and cooking sections, have been received for the Rakaia Horticultural Society’s spring show, to be held to-morrow.

DORIE. The monthly meeting of the Dorie Women’s Institute was hold in the Ardaminc Hall, when Miss Carvutliors presided. A flower show was held, and the following were the prize-win-ners: —Six varieties of narcissi: Miss Scott 1, Miss Gallagher 2. Three varieties: Miss Scott 1, Miss Gallagher 2. Bowl of polyanthus: Miss Carruthers 1, Miss Scott 2. Six varieties of cut blooms: Miss Scott 1, Mrs W. L. Harrison 2. Decorative bowl: Miss Scott 1, Mrs Ray Harrison 2. Bowl of violets: Miss Scott 1, Mrs Ray Harrison 2Hyacinths: Miss Scott 1 and 2. Man’s buttonhole: Mrs 0. Smith 1, Mrs W. Harrison 2. Ladies’ spray: Mrs Smith 1, Miss Gallagher 2. An interesting demonstration of floral work was given by Mr and Mrs G. Clark, and they were accorded a vote of thanks. The competition for quilted cushions was won by Miss Rita Baker, with Miss BettxSargent second. The hostesses were Mesdames Malcolm and McKic and Miss Edna Gardiner.

LOWCLIFFE, The Lowcliffe Football Club held a very successful dance in the schoolroom last week. A presentation was made to Mr Keith Hawkins in view of his approaching marriage. Mr R, Bonningten (vice-president) referred to the services Mr Hawkins had rendered to the Football Club as a playing member and as secretary and treasurer. He wished him a prosperous and happy future. The guest was accorded musical honours. A lucky spot fox-trot was won by Miss McGuinness and partner, and a Monte Carlo waltz by. Miss Wilson and partner. Mrs Mitchell’s hand supplied the music. Mr F. Ownsworth was M.C.

WILLOWBY. A representative gathering of residents of the Willowby district assembled in the schoolroom last evening to meet Mr Hodges, the newly-appointed' headmaster, who commenced' his duties yesterday morning. The chairman of the school committee (Mr Griffiths) occupied the chair and welcomed Mr and Mrs . and Miss Hodges. A good programme of musical and elocutionary items had been arranged. Mr W. T. Lill, in a happy reminiscent mood, welcomed the guests of the evening on behalf of the district. Mr Hawkins (headmaster of the Eiffelton School) spoke of the cordial relations existing between the two. districts, and wished Mr and Mrs Hodges well on behalf of the neighbouring school teachers. In

the absence of the Rev. R. McGregor through illness, Mr G. H. B. Lill spoke on behalf of the churches of the district. Short speeches were also made by Mr S. H. Lill, Mr Herbert Watts and Mr It. J. Chapman. Miss Marjorie Lill welcomed Miss Hodges on behalf of the Tennis Club. Those contributing to the entertainment were Mrs O’Grady, pianoforte solo; Mrs R. Pearce, song, “Lullaby” ; Miss Alma Watts, pianoforte solo .; Mr J. Taylor, song, “The Order of Friars Grey” ; Mrs S'. H. Lill,. recitation, “Hoodah’s Christmas Stocking,” and as a recall “Castles in the Air” ; Mr Adrian Hayman, song, “Captain Mack.” The accompanists were Mrs T. O’G rady and Mrs A. S. Hayman. Tho proceedings were terminated by supper served by the ladies.