COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 121, 4 March 1936, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.) METHVEN. The following are the meteorological observations for February recorded by Mr James Carr, “Rudstone,” Methven: —Rain fell on 16 days, the maximum for any one day being 4.35 inches on the 20th. The total for the month was 12.32 inches. For the corresponding month in 1935 the fall was 4.52 inches. The average for February for the last 27 years is 3.33 inches. The wettest February during this period was last month, while the driest was in 1929, when only 21 points fell. The total fall for the year to date is 14.41 inches. For the same period in 1935 the fall was 7.20 inches. The highest reading of the barometer last month was 30.28 inches on the 27th, and the lowest 29.76 on the 6th. The highest reading of the thermometer was 74 degrees on the sth and, 15th, and the lowest 41 on the 3rd. The lowest temperature on the grass was 30 on the 3rd and 28th. Frosts were recorded on two occasions. -The range for the month was 15.6, and the mean temperature 56.8. The combined annual picnic of the Rakaia and Methven Friendly Societies will be held at Timaru on Saturday next, while the Lyndhurst School will hold their annual picnic at the same place and day. The business men of Methven have decided to close all day for the occasion. RAKAIA. The committee of the Rakaia subbranch of the Plunket Society met in the library, Mrs Harrison presiding. The nurse’s quarterly report was as follows: —Visits to branch 12, adults to rooms 153, babies 147, children 20 — total 332; new cases 6. Motions of sympathy were passed with Mrs Hardy and Mrs Weaver in their bereavement. All present stood in silence as a mark of respect. It was decided; to make an appeal for subscriptions, and to hold a children’s fancy dress ball. The Rakaia. United Friendly Societies’ excursion to Timaru will be held on Saturday. The evening train from Rakaia to Methven will be delayed until 8.5 p.m. to connect with the picnic train.

ASHTON-WATERTON. The February meeting of the AshtonWaterton Women’s Institute was held' in the Waterton Hall recently, when Miss M. Blee presided over a good attendance. . The roll-call, “Home remedies for ailments,” brought forth some useful hints. The afternoon was spent in games, which resulted with Miss V. Bell’s team being first and Miss E. Read’s team second. The competitions, judged by Mesdames Pearson and Soal, resulted : —Potatoes (shape and size): Mrs Shimmins 1, Miss M. Blee 2. Carrots: Mrs Shimmins 1, Miss W. Blee 2. Aprons: Miss E. Read 1, Mrs Shimmins 2, Miss W. Blee 3. The hostesses were Mesdames Soal and; Pearson. MAYFIELD. The committee of the Mayfield Agricultural and Pastoral Association met on Monday, the president (Mr A. N. Grigg) presiding. There were present: Messrs G. Johnston, R. Oakley, H. C. Barton, D. Duff, H. Patterson, J. Early, T. Corbett, H. R. Tasker, J. McCormick D. Johnston, W. J. Lowery, I). R. Howden, R. J. Mulligan, B. McKay A. V. Barrett, A. H. Orchard, T. Taylor and G. H. Lamb. Tenders were received for the right to run a soft drink and ice-cream stall, that of Mr A. Bray being accepted. Several applications for space for side-shows and exhibits were received. It was decided to approach the County Council with a view to having the culvert at tho entrance to the right-of-way widened. Three new members were elected. It was arranged to hold the first working bee next Friday morning. It was stated that because of the late harvest and the very inclement weather, the entries were coming in slowly. Messrs Barton, Barrett and Oakley were appointed to canvass for entries.