THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16205, 7 May 1918, Page 5

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES. HANMER SPRINGS. On Thursday night a fancy dress social was heid in the Nurse Cavcll Ward at the Qnecn .\lary Hospital. There was a largo attendance and a most enjoyablo time was spent. The fancy dress costumes were numerous and varied. During the evening 31 r Jack Paterson, who has been transferred from the local post office to Palmerston North, was presented with a suit caso by his many friends. The presentation was made by Mr J. Dodds, who spoke of the respect and esteem in which Mr Patorson was held, and wished, him success in his new sphere. Songs were sung by Miss "Woods and Sergeant a recitation was given by Private Bowers, and a whistling solo by Private Hansen. The danco music was provided by Miss Summers, Miss Mcrx aughton, and Mr Jackson. WAIAT7. The annual meeting of the "Waian Patriotic Committee was held on Saturday night", Mr H. T. Beaven presiding. The annual report and balancesheet _ were adopted. The following committee was elected: The Rev. J. H. Thomson and Messrs Aldridge, Beaven, Burrows, Burbury, Bradlov, Banks, Baker. C. E. Derrett, T. Derrett, sen., Duff, Forbes, Green, Hiil, Jones, Lee, I{. McKie, J. H. McKie, Mcßryde, Netting. H. Parnliam, Pettigrew, Rogers, Watson, and Wilson. At a subsequent meeting of the newlyelected committee Mr H. T. Beaven was re-elected chairman, Mr F. Burrows was appointed dcputj-chairman, and Mr G. \V. Aldridge hon. secretary. It was resolved that the committee should meet on the third Monday in each month. A sub-committee consisting of the deputy-chairman, the hon. secretary, Messrs Derrett, Mcßryde, Rogers, and the Rov. Thomson was set up to deal_with matters requiring prompt attention. Recommendation was made that members of the committee_ should _ endeavour to meet all returning soldiers on their arrival in Waiau. It was resolved that the arrangement of the programmes for entertainment bo left in the hands of the secretary. KAIAPOI. A phenomenal rain-storm, preceded by thunder, was experienced at Kaiapoi on Sunday evening. Rain and small hail recorded 28 points in the rain gauge during the minute in which the teeming rain lasted. If • the shower had gone on for half an hour at the same pace there would have been a gauging of 8£ inches. As it was, the spouting on houses and the concrcto side-channels were taxed to the limit of thsir capacity, and several drain's were blocked for a time. GREENPARK. A very successful concert in aid of the School Prize Fund was held in the Greonpark school last Friday night. The chairman of the committeo, Mr F. Hubbard, presided. Except some very good gramophone selections by Mir T. Gardner, and a few items by past pupils (Mrs W. Lewis, Misses Millie and Madge Mangels, and Master John Dennchv), the programme was provided by the pupils of tho school, who gave their items in a style reflecting great credit on the staff for their careful preparation. The principal items were choruses —"Rule Britannia," "Little Soldiers," and "The Old Kentucky I Home," by tho upper school, and a number of pieces in character —"Babies I 0!" "Little Tommy Atkins," "The Chinese Umbrella," and "Tho Red Cross Brigade," by the lower school pupils. In addition there were a pianoforte duot by Jean McMillan and Thelma Whitelaw, duet by Jessie Mawer and Millie Morgan,. dialogues by Zeta Everest and Edna Macartney, and by Clayton Mawer and George Everest, and a recitation by Ray Macartney. A humorous little dramatic piece, "Choosing a Servant," concluded tho programme. AKAROA. May has opened with two attacks of real wintry weather. Last week the sou'-west gale of threo days' duration was followed by a brief sunny calm. Early on Sunday morning rain came up from the south-east. In the evening there was a sharp thunderstorm, a very unusual thing for this time of the year. It was followed by a heavy blow and pouring rain from the south-west that ]asted well through the night. By morning Nature was once more in a smiling mood in this pretty corner of the Peninsula, and there was scarce a ripple on tho harbour. A coating of snow covered the ranges down to the 600 ft level. ASHBURTON. Messrs T W. Cromie, L. W. Clinton, J, E. Grigg, H. P. Lennon, and \V. Woodside formed the Ashburton portion of the CI draft which left for camp yesterday. The Mayor (Mr R. Gaibraith) entertained tho men {it afternoon tea, and on behalf of the citizens wished them farewell. '

The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday, Mr C. Reid presidirg. The treasurer reported a credit balance of £216 15s Id. and that i/he receipts since last meeting had amounted to £391 19s 2d. The chairman reported that the accommodation at the lever ward was inadequate, and tent.-> had had to be erected to relieve the congestion in the fever ward. liie medical •-.uperintendent reported thai in April Ist there were in the hospital. 27 patients. During the month 30 patients had been admitted and 32 discharged, while one had died. Dr. Chesson waitea on the Beard with reference to tiio IJoard joining with the Norlti Canterbury Board in connexion with the accommodation of consumption patients. After consideration it was decided that a special meeting be held, and that Dr._ Chesson and the chairman of the North Canterbury ( Board be n;:ked to attend. A con!-' inittec was appointed to make further investigation into the proposed dispensary at the hospital. ,