COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 116, 26 February 1937, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.) HINDS, THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the Hinds School Committee was presided over by Mr C. W. Keeley. The Education Board intimated that Miss E. Lock and Miss M. Raven would be placed at the school in a. relieving capacity pending the appointment of permanent staff. It was reported both teachers had commenced duty. It was decided to increase the caretaker’s salary as from April 1 next; also to oil the floor of the head teacher’s room.

It was reported that with the inclusion of Maronan pupils, the attendance should eclipse all previous records. The committee approved an appropriate gift which will foe forwarded to Mi ss E. Bell as an appreciation of her valuable services.

MAYFIELD. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. Mrs J. J. Mulligan presided ever a good attendance at the seventh annual meeting of the Women’s Institute. After the singing of the Institute Ode, the president welcomed Mrs Curtis and Mrs Cockroft, of Ashburton, and congratulated Mrs J. ’Sewell, presenting beautiful posies to each. Miss P. Duff, a former member, who has returned, was also welcomed. Mrs J. D. Murdoch and, Mrs Cockroft were appointed tellers for the meeting. Mr Kay (Postmaster) was appointed auditor, * The annual report showed a year of steady progress, particular mention being made of the co-operation and interest of each member, which contributed to success. Thanks were expressed to all who had assisted. The financial statement showed a very satisfactory credit balance. Mrs Curtis addressed the meeting on Institute activities and ideals, and congratulated members on their report. Mrs Mulligan, on behalf of members, presented, the bride with a gift with the good wishes of the whole Institute. Greetings in the form of a telegram were received from the. Stavelev Institute and an interesting letter was read from the link Mayfield in Staffordshire. It was decided to enter in the dinner table competition at the Fairlie Show. Mrs L. R. Harrison and Mrs V . Edis were appointed delegates to the annual meeting of the Council. The following officers were elected: — President, Mrs L. R. Harrison; vicepresidents, Mesdames W. Grecnslade and G. Murdoch; treasurer, Mrs W. Edis; committee, Mesdames A. Murdoch, W. K. Dellow, C. Dunstan, C. Sewell, W. Whiting, A. Rushton, 1). J. Morrow, J. McCormick, and Misses W. Ellery and I. McCormick; secretary, Miss D. N. Austin. Conveners were arranged for the various circles. Mrs Curtis presented the prizes won during the year as follow: —Most points, Mrs G. Meikle and Mrs W. Edis (equal) 1; single bloom, Mrs J. McCormick; vase of flowers, Mrs S. R. Johnstone; spike or truss, Mrs D. J. Morrow ; small bowl, Mrs J. McCormick; large bowl, Miss E. Goldsmith. Mrs G. Murdoch and Misses D. N. Austin, W. Ellery and B. Morrow were hostesses.

Mrs Cockroft and Mrs Curtis were jurges for the monthly competitions, the results being as follow: —Vase of flowers, Mrs L. R-. Harrison 1, Mrs S. It. Johnstone 2, Mrs J. McCormick 3; small bowl, Mrs G. Murdoch 1, Mrs J. McCormick 2; single bloom, Mrs L. R, Harrison 1. Mrs J. McCormick and Mrs G. Murdoch (equal) 2, Mrs C. Dunstan 3; spike or truss, Mrs G. Meikle 1, Mrs Hewson 2, Mrs Brown 3. Votes of thanks were accorded to the retiring officers, and the meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

Transport for School Children. Residents of Mayfield and surrounding districts met to discuss the transport of children to the secondary schools in Ashburton. The meeting was unanimous that the district was penalised ip facilities for secondary education. A deputation was appointed to wait cn the High and Technical Boards, and if possible to gain their assistance with a view of obtaining free transport of children from those districts which were not adequately served by a railway. At a, subsequent meeting it was decided to make an attempt to interview the Prime Minister on the subject.

RAKAIA. LABOUR PARTY MEETING. The annual meeting of the Rakaiabranch of the New Zealand Labour Party was held, recently, the president (Mr S. Gardiner) presiding. The president referred with regret to the death of Mr J. Cromie, and all present stco din silence as a mark of respect. , , , The secretary’s report showed that the branch had enjoyed a successful year. 'ihc branch, which was formed at the beginning of the year, lias a membership of 60. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £8 15s 9d. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr S. Gardiner; vice-president, Mr C. McKcgney; secretary, Mr C. 0. Swaney; treasurer, Mr G. McAnulty; committee, [Messrs W. Meagher, W. Wells, T. Lawler, ,P. McGuigan, and F. McAnulty; social committee. Mrs Bird, Miss L. Allen, Messrs iP. Smith, C. J. Ryan, and M. Kerr.