COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 171, 3 May 1937, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

METHVEN. THE WEATHER IN APRIL. The following are the meteorological observations for April recorded by Mr James Carr, “Rudstone,” Methven:— Rain fell on 13 days, the maximum on any one day being 73 points on the 23rd. The total for the month was 3.59 inches, compared with 3.62 inches in April last year. The average for April during the 28 years during which Mr Carr has been keeping the records is 2.90 inches. The dryest April during that period was in 1913-1915, when only 81 points fell. The wettest April was i,n 1914, when 578 inches was recorded. The total rainfall for this year to date is 17.10 inches, as against 26.07 for the same period last year. The highest value of the barometer for the month was 30.52 on the sth, and the lowest 29.16 on the 23rd.

The highest reading of the maximum thermometer was 72 on the 7th, and, the lowest minimum was 32 on the 24th, 25, 29th and 30tli. The lowest reading on the grass was 21 on the'.29th. Frosts were registered on 10 nights. The range of temperature for the month was 14.5, and the average mean temperature 50.2. There were 135 hours of bright sunshine for the month. The wind mileage for the month was 2475 miles, and the evaporation 2.941 inches.

ANAMA.

A GIFT EVENING. A very enjoyable gift evening organised by the members of the Women’s Division was held in the school in honour of Miss Zelma Robertson, who is shortly to be married. There was a large attendance, and the games and competitions, which were ably conducted by Mr N. Corbett, were enjoyed and keenly contested by old and young. Songs were sung by Mrs J. Quantock and Mr Corbett. Competitions were won by Mrs W. J. Robertson, Misses Merle Mclver and Merle McKenzie, and Messrs G. Candy, F. G. Greenslade and A. Rushton.

After supper Miss Robertson was presented with a well-filled basket of useful gifts. Mr R. Currie, on behalf of Miss Robertson, thanked the residents for their gifts and the members of the Division, especially Mr and Mrs N. Corbett, for the enjoyable evening. All present joined heartily in singing “For they are jolly good fellows” and “Auld Lang Syne.” Rainfall Last Month. The rainfall, recorded at “Laggan,” Anama, in April was 228 points, compared with 297 points last April. The total for the year to date is 1356 points, while that for last year was 1956 points over the same period. The rainfall in April was below the average, but a good deal of misty ■ rain was experienced. During the latter part of the month some severe frosts tended to stop the growth of turnips and pastures and made conditions wintry. Some very cold winds were felt. Snow on two occasions fell almost to the foothills, and was fairly heavy on the back ranges for the month of April. The Wheat Area. The threshing mill is at present in the district finishing any grain that was stacked. The wheat is in good condition, and yields are fair. As far as can be ascertained the wheat area to be sown this year will be about the same, probably a little less, than last year on the heavier land. Cut where wheat has been grown on the lighter soils sheep will be reverted to, the better prices for wool and meat making the raising of sheep more profitable and less work on that class of land. Coronation Celebrations. The School Committee has decided to join with Mayfield in the Coronation celebrations. Luncheon will be served in the Mayfield Domain, and sports will be held during the afternoon. The Women’s Division.

The annual meeting of the Anama branch of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held in the school, shelter-shed recently, Mrs W. J. Robertson presiding. A motion of sympathy was passed with the family of the late Mr Robert McDowell.

The secretary’s report showed a satisfactory credit balance. Shoulder sprays were presented to the secretary, treasurer and president, and a personal gift was handed the secretary by Mrs Robertson for her work during the year. Points prizes won during the year were presented as follow: —General competitions: Mrs Candy 1, Miss L inda Robertson 2. Bloom: Mrs Candy 1, Mrs R. Hewson 2. Vegetable: Miss Zelma Robertson 1, Mrs Candy 2. The monthly competitions were Avon as follow:—Single bloom: .Miss Ruth Hewson 1, Mrs R. Hewson 2, Mrs R. Brown 3, Three months’ syllabus: Miss Linda Robertson 1, Mrs Candy 2, Mrs N. Corbett 3.

The election of officers resulted:— President, Mrs S. Bennett; vice-presi-dents, Mesdames N. Corbett, R. Hewson and W. J. Robertson; treasurer, Mrs Candy; secretary, Miss Linda Robertson; committee, Mesdames J. Rose, J. Quantock, E. Stevens and. Miss Zelma Robertson; librarian, Mrs Clark; sales table superintendents, Misses Noeline Ivey and Ruth Hewson.

SPRINGBURN HOUSEHOLDERS’ MEETING. Mr L. G. McFarlane presided at the householders’ meeting held on Saturday evening. The secretary (the Rev. A. A. C. Lion) reported the credit balances to be £l3 Is lOd in the general and £1 I9s 4d in the No. 2 account. The chairman reported that an endeavour Avas being made to have a new

infant room built, and a sum of about £l2 was in hand toward, the establishment of dental clinic service. Later a euchre party was held, the prize-winners being Mrs G. Goodwin and Mr C. Smith. Dance music was supplied by Messrs L. H. Bansgrove and A. Fagan. Mr G. McNeil gave a recitation. As a result of a canvass of parents regarding a daily milk ration for pupils, 36 replies were received in favour of the scheme and eight against it.

A Sports Fund.

Mr A. A. C. Lion presided over a meeting for the establishment of a Springburn sports trust fund. It was decided to set up a provisional committee as follows:—Messrs S. Goldsmith, 0. Austin, G. Mcßae, L. G. McFarlane and A. R. Andrews. Messrs Goldsmith and Mcltac were appointed receivers.

Rules and constitution will be presented at the annual meeting. It is proposed to lend sums of money to sports bodies for certain approved objects.

LYNDHURST. PRESENTATION TO TEACHER. Miss Winnie Limbrick, who will leave early next week to take up a position in Invercargill, was presented with a souvenir from the teachers and scholars of the Lyndhurst Sunday School. Mrs W. Cook, in making the presentation, referred to the excellent services Miss Limbrick had given for many years as a teacher, and expressed regret at her departure from the district. Miss M. Rudd also spoke. RAKAiA

PERSONAL. The service at the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, last evening, was conducted by the Rev. A. S. Morrison, a former minister. MOUNT SOMERSDRAMA CIRCLE PLAYS. The Memorial Hall was well filled on Saturday evening, when the Mount Somers Drama Circle presented two one-act plays, which were well received. Items given by Ashburton performers comprised: Character duo, Mrs H. J. Constable, Miss Smith and others; piano solo. Mrs Green. Community singing, led by Mrs Constable, was much enjoyed. Mrs A. R. Becldey, on behalf of the Mount Somers Women’s Institute, thanked the visiting performers and the public for their support, and Miss J. Stevenson spoke on behalf of the Drama Circle. Air F. W. Gifkins was stage manager.

Those who took part in the plays were: No. 1, Mesdames A. R. Beekley, L. Tinker, L. Goodrich, Misses E. T. Scott, N. Ruddock and J. Turton; No. 2, Misses J. Vincent, N. Ruddock, T. Morgan, Mrs W. N. Rathburn and Mr W. Beekley.

A dance followed, music being played by Mrs L. Goodrich and Miss T. Morgan. Mr T. Morgan was M.O.

MAYFIELD.

GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY. A meeting was held, on Friday evening with the object of forming a Girls’ Friendly Society. Mrs H. A. Childs, of Timvald, explained the aims and objects of the society. Ten members Avere enrolled, Avith Miss Peggy Duff as leader. The first meeting Avill be held in the Anglican Church to-morroAV afternoon. Women’s Missionary Union, There Avas a good attendance at the meeting of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union, held in the church on Thursday afternoon. Mrs W. Greenslade presided. Motions of sympathy Avere passed Avith the relatives of the late Mr McDoAvell and Mr Fleming, and Avith Mrs Jones, Mrs Barton, Mrs H. Jones and Mrs HoAvden in their bereavements. As Mrs G. Johnston is leaving the district, her resignation Avas received, with regret. Members Avere asked to hand in their collection boxes this month. Three interesting missionary Tetters Avere read from Miss Kinross (principal of Turakina Maori Girls’ College), Miss Molly Phairn (Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay), and from the Rev. Laughton Kybnrn (Kharar, India) about the printing press. Mrs Greenslade guvs an address on Maori mission Avork, wliicli was the subject for discussion. The meeting closed Avith prayer. A. end P. Association’s Social, The annual social held by the Mayfield Agricultural and Pastoral Association proved very popular, and many guests enjoyed dancing to the music of Mrs Mitchell’s orchestra (Ashburton). Mr L. Lilley was master of ceremonies. The cups and trophies Avon at the recent slioav Avere presented by Mr J. W. Early (president of the association) and Mr W. H. Amos (secretary of tlve Ashburton Association).

STAVELEY.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE. The ReA r . L. V. Ribbv, Mctlivon, conducted the Anzac Day service at Staveley. The Girl Guides paraded, and Mrs S. Goldsmith Avas organist.