COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 123, 6 March 1936, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.) RAKAIA. The Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild held its weekfy bring-and-buy afternoon at the manse on Wednesday. The bring-and-buy stall realised a satisfactory sum. A demonstration on making paper flowers was given by Mrs England and Mrs Hopwood. The hostesses were Mesdam.es Ashford and Lee. RUAPUNA. The overcast conditions which prevailed during January continued into February, the weather becoming increasingly wet. During the week ended on February 23, when floods were general over Canterbury, 3.85 inches were registered at Ituapuna. The sun shone on 18 days during the month, of which only five days were sunny. A total of 7.06 inches of rain, which fell on 15 days, was recorded, the heaviest fall occurring during February 19 and 20, when 3.41 inches were registered. The total was the highest yet recorded for the month of February, the previous highest total being in 1931, when 4.47 inches were registered. The average for the month since 1929 is 3.01 inches. Farming operations generally have been held, up, the month being particularly unsatisfactory for harvesting and shearing. Oops in stook sprouted badly. Very few fat lambs have been sent to the works because of the generally unsatisfactory fattening conditions. Rape has made tremendous growth. Turnips also have made phenomenal growth, and feed generally is abundant, a striking contrast to the conditions prevalent during February last year, when conditions were abnormally dry and the parched pastures and wilting rape crops were causing farmers considerable concern. WILLOWBY. Mr H. Griffiths presided over the monthly meeting of the Willowby School. Committee, held in the schoolroom. Messrs R. J. Chapman, R. Knox, Allan Whiting and W. Harvey were also present. The headmaster reported that the attendance was satisfactory, 42 children being on the roll, and one more would be coming to school shortly. The newly-appointed infant teacher, Miss Vnlmai De La Mare,'had commenced duties. Hedges had been clipped and the batli cleaned out. Arrangements in connection with the jubilee flower show to be held on April 18 occupied the greater part of the evening. Several ladies were present by arrangement and assisted, in detail work. It was decided to canvass the district for support and entries, as has been done in previous years, two , of the ladies being given parts of the district in which to work. It was decided that the children of Willowby School attending technical classes in Ashburton should travel by motor bus with the children from Eiffelton. At a recent meeting cf the Anglican Vestry, presided over by the Rev. H. A. Childs, it was decided to hold a harvest thanksgiving Service in Windermere Church on Sunday, March 15, when the choir of the Tinwald Anglican Church will lead the choral worship. Owing to several cases of infectious illness in Eiffelton district, the Wil-lowby-Eiffelton Women’s Institute did not hold the monthly meeting in February. At this meeting a silver spoon was to have been presented to Noeline, infant daughter of the late Mrs Moffatt. MOUNT SOMERS. The fifty-second- meeting of the Mount Somers library was well attended, Mr J. A. Mears presiding. The balance-sheet showed receipts £27 6s Bd, with a, credit balance o? £6 19s 6d. The librarian (Mrs A. R. Beckley) reported that 96 new books had, been added to the shelves, in addition to 15 presented by Mrs S. Mactier. Reference was made to the loss, by removal, of Mr and Mrs W. A. H. Sharpe, who had been very active members during their residence at Mount Somers. The euchre evenings had shown better results, and thanks were expressed to the donoi’s of prizes and helpers. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded Mrs Mactier for her donation of books, to Mr and, Mrs W. A. Sharpe, and to Mr H. Morgan for storage of firewood, and the librikian. It was decided to hold a series of euchre evenings during the winter, and that a challenge be issued to Staveley for a friendly match. The first night will be Saturday, May 2. Library hours will be as formerly, on Wednesday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoons. The following committee was elected : —Librarian, Mrs A. R. Beckley, Mesdames W. Robinson, S. Mactier, J. A. Mears, Miss E. T. Scott, Messrs J. A. Mears (chairman), H. Morgan, 0. Robinson,' A. R. Beckley and J. T. Bull. WAKANUL The annual meeting of the Wakanui Women’s Institute was held in the hall, when Mrs ]>. Butterick presided. One’ new member was ivelcomed. The president gave a report on the year’s activities, and a satisfactory balancesheet was presented by the treasurer. Votes of thanks were passed to all 'retiring members. The following officers were elected:— President, Mrs T. |j§. % Taylor; vice-president, Mrs C. Brand; secretary, Miss E. Eden; treasurer, Miss B. Brand; press correspondent, Miss G. Butterick ; cqmmittee, Mesdames G. ‘Leadley, A. Doak, G. Brand, H. Watson, A. Forcl and Miss Butterick. It was decided to hold a March 18, to arrange about the Birthday Party to bo held in April, and draw up the year’s programme. Competitions resulted: Gladioli, Mrs Hydes I, Mrs Watson 2, Mesdames Ford and Hyland 3; Bouquet, Mrs Hyland 1, Mrs Watson 2. The. hostesses were Mrs A. Doak and Miss M. Wilson.