COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 42, 29 November 1937, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondent*.) WHEATSTONE. WELCOME HOME PARTY. Residents of Ashburton and surrounding districts gave a pleasant 'welcome home party to Mr and Mrs Andrew J. Henderson, at their residence, Wheatstone, on Thursday. Musical items were given by Mrs K. Taylor, Mrs Blee, Miss Taylor, and Mr Williamson. A lucky spot dance was won by Mr J. Small and Mr E. Walsh, and a Monte Carlo dance was won by Miss J. Miles and Mr E. 'Walsh. On behalf of the residents, Mr T. J. Bell, in making a presentation to Mr and Mrs Henderson, welcomed them to district and wished them every happiness. MOUNT SOMERS. WBUDDING PRESENTATION. In honour of his recent marriage tcf Miss R. Greer, of Selwyn, a number of friends met Mr A. E. Bull in the library o,n Friday evening at a social gathering. Several speeches were made, wishing Mr and Mrs Bull future happiness. Mr G. M. Doak, on behalf of those present, handed Mr Bull a sum of money with which to purchase a wedding gift for liis wife. A Kindly Action. Members of the committee who organised a benefit for the King family, whose home was destroyed by fire recently, met at the temporary home of Mr and Mrs L, King. Mr J. W. Comyns (chairman of the committee) presented them with a sewing machine from the residents of Mount Somers and.surrounding districts. RAKAIA METHODIST LADIES’ GUILD. The annual meeting of the Rakaia Methodist Ladies’ Guild was held in the Methodist Church recently. The Rev. L. G. Hanna presided,. Officers elected were: President, Mrs H. Hopwood; vice-presidents, Mrs England and Mrs Needham; secretary, Miss Enid Saunders; treasurer, Mrs W. Coatsworth; mission secretary, Miss Hazel MeGeorge; sick visitor, Mrs McGeorge. The meeting was followed by a social hour, which included games, competitions, and items given by the Rev. L. G. Hanna (songs), Mrs Coatsworth (humorous reading), and aone-nr. pky by Miss Enid Saunders and Mrs Coatsworth. A competition was won by Mrs Hopwood,. METHVEN. PROGRESS OF DRAINAGE WORKS. About 8500 feet of pipes have been laid in the underground drainage scheme at Methven. Better progress is being made with the work as the 13-foot drains have been finished, and the men are now working in nine-foot drains. Of the 50 men working on the scheme, 30 have been taken from the unemployed register. It is expected that the work will be finished by the specified date. MAYFIELD. WOMEN’S MISSIONARY UNION. The monthly meeting of the Mayfield branch of the Women’s Presbyterian Missionary Union was held recently. Mrs W. S. Greenslade presided. A motion of sympathy was passed with Mrs J. W. Riley in the death of her granddaughter. Missionary letters were received from Miss Anne James and Mrs G. H. McNeur, of China. The subject for the afternoon was “Home Missions,” and papers were contributed by Mesdames W. S. Greenslade, J. W. Kingan, and D. Edmond. ANAMA. THE WOMEN’S DIVISION. The monthly meeting of the Anama branch of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held recently. Mrs S. Bennett presided. A motion of sympathy was passed with Miss Fraser in her accident. Arrangements were made for a garden party to he held at the home of Mrs W. J. Robertson. An invitation was accepted to the garden party to bo held at tlio home of Mrs L. li. Harrison next Saturday, in aid of the funds of the Church of England, at Mayfield. The competitions resulted as follows :—Best child’s dress made from used material; Mrs G. Candy 1, Miss Linda, Robertson 2. Lettuce: Mrs W. J. Robertson 1, Miss Nocline 2, Mrs G. Candy 3. Bloom: Mrs W. J. Rebel tson 1, Miss Linda Robertson 2, Mrs McKenzie 3. The hostesses were Mesdames McKenzie and J. Quantock. i HINDS. THE ODDFELLOWS’ LODGE. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Hinds Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was held in the public ball on Saturday evening, the N.G. (Sister L. K. Dell) presiding

over a large attendance of members and visitors from the Mayfield, Methven, Ashburton, Tinwald and Waterton lodges The District Grand Master (Bro. B. W. Frampton presented the N.G. of the Loyal Hinds Lodge with the gavel won in the recent ritual competition. Sick pay-amounting to £4 13s 4d was passed for payment. The election ,of officers resulted: N.G. Sister D. Dell; V.G., Sister Mclnnes; E.S., Sister A. Lowe; L.M., Sister L. Dellow. A short dance followed the meeting, music being supplied by Sisters L. Dell, L. Dellow and Bro. K. Murray. SPRING BURN. THE LADIES’ GUILD. At a, meeting of the Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild the following stalls and stall-holders were arranged for the garden party at the home of Mrs C. Urquhart on Saturday, December 18: Cakes and meat, Mr and Mrs L. McFarlane; sweets, Mrs E. E. Burgess ; fancy, Mrs D. Stewart and the Alford Forest Guild; produce, Mrs A. Robertson and Mrs J. West; fruit salad, Miss 11. Urquhart; Christmas gifts, Mrs A. A. C. Lion; tea-rooms, Mrs S. Goldsmith and Miss Anderson. The question of lighting the grounds with coloured lamps was left in the hands of the hostess and the secretary. School Committee. Mr L; Cl. McFarlane presided at the morithly meeting of the Springburn School Committee. It was decided to apply for flooring for the shelter shed, a new coal-shed and a heater for the big room; also to remind the Board of the promised new infant room. It was decided to recommend the appointment of Mr A. G. Langridge to the vacancy on the committee due to the resignation of Mr C. Timpson. The secretary reported having suggested to Mount Somers a combined picnic to Timaru. His action was approved and it was decided to sound the other local schools. The secretary was instructed to urge on the Board the need of a swimming hath for the school. The Presbyterian Ctareft. The Rev. A. A. C. Lion presided at the monthly meeting of the Managers of the Springburn Presbyterian Church and bei reported on the visits of the Rev. D. M. McDiarmid, 8.A., and Mr Hunter. Mr L. Prebble reported that the hare drives had raised £6 toward a fund for a new car, of which Mr Prebble was appointed trustee. The treasurer’s budget for the year showed an estimated deficit of £4O. He agreed to write to the Ladies’ Guild thanking it for past help, and mentioning its quota, for the year. It was decided to sell the trees on the manse property and to re-plant. Surprise Vi®it, A surprise visit of neighbours waited on Miss Horsey of Alford, whose property has been sold, to bid her farewell. Many ladies spoke of the guest’s good qualities and unostentatious services. The Rev. A. A. C. Lion asked her to accept a handbag and a box of handkerchiefs from the ladies and neighbours.