COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 119, 4 March 1950, Page 2

COUNTY CENTRES

LAGMHOR P.W.M.U.

MONTHLY MEETING

The opening meeting for 1950 of the Lagmhor branch of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Onion held on Wednesday last was well attended. Mrs H. A. Sheate presided. Regarding the annual Presbyterian Association luncheon on March .14 several members volunteered to assist with provisions and to wait on the tables. The combined communion service of P.W.M.U. members and members of the Presbytery in the morning of that day, also the P.A. meeting in the afternoon, were intimated. It was again agreed that gifts in hand be given by branch members for the Deaconess College Pound Day appeal. Sick visitors appointed for the month of March were Mesdames I. and G. Fechney. The roll call, a verse of scripture with a given letter was'answered. Mrs Sheate extended a warm welcome to Miss Hight of Tinwald,. to wittose talk on life in the Chatham Islands, members listened with much interest, Miss Hight giving several of her experiences. Mrs J. A. Lowery thanked Miss Hight for her willingness to address the meeting, and also for her talk-.

Following the meeting Mesdames W. G. McCormick and G. Long acted as hostesses at a social hour in the vestry.

ANAMA RAINFALL

RECORDINGS AT “LAGGAN” The rainfall recorded at “Laggan,” Anama, for February was 3.19 -inches. Last year’s fall for the same month was 2.50 inches. The total registered for the year to date it 7.97 inches, and over the same period last year, 7.09 inches fell. During the month there were one or two light frosts, also much northwest wind, gale force being reached on one occasion. With a return to warmer temperatures and a light northwest wind, the weather became more settled. The harvestmg of grain crops has been completed. The wheat on most farms turned out well, over 60 bushels on some areas and round about 50 bushels on (Others. White clover is now being harvested, and is also showing a good return, but the yield cannot be certain until the seed is dressed. Some fair yields, too, with grass seeds have been obtained. The season was suitable, for that crop; just sufficient rain, ‘and not enough to make an abnormal uhder-growth,- making the crop much easier and quicker to handle. The turnip crops are excellent this year. The land was dry enough to have a thorough working, and the growth at present is abnormal. Pastures, too, are showing good feed now. Lambs are fattening and many primes have left the district for the works. Those feeding on rape should also weigh out well in a few weeks’ time. The school room which has been in the school ground for about 10. years as an infant room when the P.W.D. camps were in the district constructing the Rangitata diversion race, has been i-emoved to Allenton. This has left the school ground bare, and taken the playroom from the remaining pupils, and the room which was used by the teacher for the teaching of handwork.

MAYFIELD GARDEN PARTY

SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION A very successful garden party was held in ideal surroundings at the home of Mr and Miss Glasgow in aid of the Mayfield Red Cross funds. The substantial sum of just over £6O was realised. The president of the branch (Mrs Jos. Murdoch) welcomed all the visitors and Mrs M. M. Curtis (president Ashburton Centre), who declared the garden party open* and also made an appeal for more food and fat for Britain. A letter was read from Miss Watt, Scotland, thanking the branch for a parcel of clothing received. Competitions for prizes given by Mrs Jos. Murdoch, resulted:—Sultana cake, Mrs D. Elms; butter sponge, Mrs S. Miller. St. Mary’s Ladies’ Guild The quarterly meeting of St. Mary’s Ladies’ Guild, Mayfield, was held in the vestry room, when the president (Mrs J. Jacobs) presided over an excellent attendance. It was reported that the proceeds from a “bring and buy’’ stall totalled £1 16s 3d, and that a substantial donation was given towards the Sunday School prizes. Opportunity was taken to farewell two members, Mesdames W. K. and Keall Dellow, who are leaving the district shortly. Shoulder sprays, made by Miss E. Goldsmith, were presented to the guests. A presentation of silyer salad servers and a bread fork was made to the guests by the Vicar (Rev! W. C. Arnold), who expressed regret at their departure, but wished them every happiness in their new homes. The hostess was Mr J. Winchester.

Prior to the meeting a short service was conducted in the church by the Vicar.

HINDS YOUNG FARMERS

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED There was only a far attendance at the annual meeting of the Hinds Young Farmers’ Club, held recently. The retiring chairman, Mr M. G. Davidson, thanked members for the help given him during his term of office ,and congratulated Mr A. Davison on being elected to the chair. Other officers elected were:—Vice president, Mr J. Davidson; secretary, Mr L. Moore; assistant secretary, Mr W. Chalmers; treasurer, Mr B. Scott; senior advisory member, Mr H. L. Chisnall; committee, Messrs R. Cocks, K. L. McConnell, J. Hare, C. Davison and P. Harris; Advisory Committee. Messrs J. H. Grigg, D. S. Studholme and D. D. Chisnall; auditor, Mr T.' P. Lowe.

The balance-sheet showed the club to be in a very satisfactory position, still better than last year, although

considerable amounts had been donated to the Y.F.C. Memorial Fund.' Final arrangements were made for the billeting of visiting Waikato Young Farmers, 14 of whom Hinds had undertaken to billet. An itinerary was reviewed, including trips to backcountry areas, to Longbeach estate, and many other points of interest.

/ MT. SOMERS FLOWER SHOW

SUCCESSFUL COMBINED FIXTURE The Mount Somers Women’s Institute and Women’s Division combined for a flower show, which was held in the Memorial Hall. There was a good display of flowers, vegetables and needlework. Mr and Mrs A. J. Millichamp were the judges. The following gained most points: Decorative section, Mesdames S. Lilley 1 1 , L. Morgan 2, J. McCiimont 3; cut flowers, Mesdames S. Lilley 1, M. Collison 2, J. Gibb 3; vegetables, Mesdames J. Wightman 1, F. Alexander 2. A. Dalton, R. Edgar and M. Collison (equal) 3; Needlework, Mesdames J. Wightman 1, L. Wilson 2, K. Reid 3. Women’s Division Meeting The February meeting of the Mount Somers Branch of the W.D.F.F. was held in the Library, Mount Somers. Mrs J. Gibb presided over a good attendance. Nine new members were welcomed to the branch. The results of flower competitions were: Bloom, Mrs J. T. Wightman 1, J. B. Gibb 2; spike, Mrs L. S. J. Wilson 1, Mrs H. E. Wright 2. February Rainfall Rain fell on 11 days during February at Mount Somers, totalling 34S points, compared with 230 points for February last year. A maximum fall of 120 points fell on the 17th. The year’s rainfall totals 7.57 inches, compared with 7.40 inches for the corresponding period of last. year. Five frosts were registered, with a maxi;, mum of 4 degrees on the 19th.

FLEMINGTON MISSIONARY UNION

OPENING MEETING The president, Mrs F. J., Blee, presided over the meeting of the Flemington Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union, held in the church on Wednesday. There was a good attendance. ’ The roll call, a verse of Scripture, was answered by all members. Mesdames J. Omelvena and S. P. Taylor read the missionary letter, which were most interesting. It was decided to make a cash donation to the Deaconess’ Home, Dunedin. The May meeting wiff take the form of an open meeting with a special effort in aid of missions. The president finished the delightful book she has been reading aloud for several meetings, “The Life and Work of Mary Slessor.” This has been most interesting. A solo was sung by Mrs D. S. Shaw. A vote of thanks was accorded the speaker and soloist on the motion of Mrs T. Read. After praise and the Benediction, afternoon tea was enjoyed. The hostesses were Mesdames T. Bell and J. Omelvena.