COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 169, 1 May 1946, Page 6

COUNTY CENTRES

SPLENDID WAR WORK

WILLOWBY FUNCTIONS

SOCIAL IN HALL A farewell social and dance was held in the Willowby Hall, the guests of honour being Gunner Fred Cook and Gunner George Oily. Mr R. J. Chapman presided and wished them well in their duties with the J Force. Mr Chapman presented the guests with a fountain pen each and, on behalf of the Comforts Fund Society, Mr Lattimore made a presentation of a parcel of useful clothing. The following contributed to the programme: Vocal solos, Miss Elaine Lill and Miss Mavis Shaw; pianoforte solos, Miss Margery Chapman; ’cello solos, Miss Hazel Lill; vocal items, schoolchildren; recitations, Murray Lattimore. The accompanists were Mrs S. H. Lill and Mrs D. Shaw. Mr Chapman conducted a community sing. After supper a dance was held, Mr Woolman and Mr O’Grady being masters of ceremonies. Mrs Shaw provided the music. Extras were played by Miss Margery Chapman, Miss Elaine Knox and Mrs O’Grady. Willowby Methodist Circuit The 2ist anniversary of the founding of the Methodist Women’s Missionary Auxiliary was celebrated by a social afternoon, held in the Sunday School room on Wednesday last. Mrs.Bateup, president, presided over a gathering of 35 ladies, and conducted the devotional period. In welcoming the visitors, who were present from Greendale, Westerfield, Lowcliffe, Hinds, Waterton, and Ashburton, Mrs Bateup paid tribute to the founder of the Willowby Auxiliary, the late Mrs W. J. Enticott, and members stood in silence as a mark of respect to her memory. An interesting report of the 21 years work was presented by Mrs W. Lill, showing the continued interest paid by the members, and stressing the worthwhilenesa of missionary enterprise. Greetings were given by past officers, Mrs R. McGregor, Greendale, a former president), Mesdames A. S. Hayman, F. Chapman, and Miss G. Chapman, former secretaries, also from the Baring Square and Evening Circle (Baring Square), and Waterton Auxiliaries. A beautiful patchwork quilt, made by Mrs Oakley, to be sent to Sister Ruth Hilder, was on view. The Dominion president’s monthly message was read, telling of her journeyings to other auxiliaries in the far north. The Easter offering was received, and dedicated by Mrs Bateup. An interesting programme was given by the following: Vocal quintette, Mrs R. Chapman,' Mrs C. Fergusson, Misses M., H. and E. Lill, and P. Crossman; vocal solos, Mesdames D. Shaw and J. McLeod; ’cello solo, Miss H. Lill; recitation, Mrs S. H. Lill. Mrs Oakley was in charge of the trading table, brisk business being done. Willowby-Eiffelton W.l. The annual birthday party of the Willowby-Eiffelton Women’s Institute Was held in the Eiffelton Hall. Miss Hazel Lill presided. The function was a complimentary social given by the losing houses in the competitions to the winning “Knox” house. The birthday cake was cut by Mrs Knox. Sprays were presented to Mrs Knox (leader) and Mrs S. P. Taylor, competition judge. Miss Beverley Taylor gave pianoforte solos and Miss Joan Brat-ley gave an exhibition of “sleight of hand.”

Several amusing competitions were enjoyed Greetings were extended to the W.l. by Mrs Ruddock, president of the Ashburton Branch and. Mrs A. S. Hayman, president Mid-Canterbury Provincial Executive of the W.D.F.U. Mrs Shaw was pianist. Competitions resulted: — Prettiest cup, saucer and plate: Miss Ngaire White 1, Mrs S. P. Taylor 2, Mrs L. Maginness 3; best bloom: Mrs Brash 1, Mrs Oakley and Mrs ‘White (equal) 2, Miss Hazel Lill 4; mixed vase of flowers: Miss N. White 1, Mrs S. P. Taylor and Miss N. Lill (equal) 2, Mrs Shaw 4.

A goodly array of cakes of coap was handed in for overseas. Many valuable old treasures were on view. The roll call was, “My most treasured possession.” Mrs Knox was in charge of the sales table Farewell Function At the conclusion of the “Sing Song” service at Willowby, opportunity was taken to say farewell to Mr Ivan Olucas, who is leaving shortly for Home Mission work in the Hamilton Methodist Circuit.

METHVEN RED CROSS

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED At the annual meeting of the Methven sub-branch of the Red Cross Society, reports presented showed that the year had been a good one, and the interest of members had been well maintained. Donations had been made to International Red Cross, £IOO, Mid-Canterbury Executive £25, Methven Patriotic Committee £SO, Soldiers’ Comforts Fund £lO, wool for Europe £5, Leper Fund £5, also gifts of various kinds to the soldiers’ hospital. A clothes drive brought in 1000 garments, and an appeal for food for Britain 400 tins. A welcome was extended to Mrs C. Anderson, vice-president of the MidCanterbury Executive, also to Mrs Barker and Mrs Bathgate, Junior Red Cross organisers. Mrs Anderson took the chair for the election of officers which resulted: —President, Mrs J. F. Stone; vice-presidents, Mesdames A. L. Mangin, S. M. Jackman, R. E. A. Lock; secretary, Mrs A. W. Wilson; treasurer, Mrs J. W. Souness; committee, Mesdames Brown, Lyttle, McIntosh, Norrish, Crooks, Leask, Tempero, May, Thomson, Ratvlinson, Fitz-

gibbons, Jesse Stone, McLachlan, G. Smith, Holmes, L. L. Richards, and Miss M. Carr.

TRIBUTES AT MT. SOMERS Residents and friends of Mr S. Reveley were the guests at a recent social and dance held in honour of the marriage of his son, Mr W. Reveley, to Miss M. Whiting. Tributes were paid by Messrs L. King, J. T. Morgan and A. Wood to the splendid war efforts Mesdames M. Collison and H. McLean had rendered. during the war years as musicians at the distinct farewells and welcome home functions to soldiers and at other patriotic efforts. 'ln appreciation of their efforts, presentations were made to the guests by Mr L. King. During the evening tributes were also paid to the splendid service the ladies of the district had given at the numerous patriotic functions.