THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16364, 8 November 1918, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES. SPOTSWOOD. A most enjoyable "hard-np" Social and dance in aid of the presentation fund for returnirj; soldiers, was held in the Spotswood hall. The ''hartlup" costumes caused much amusement, while fines were inflicted on those appearing in ordinary dress. Prizes given for the best costumes were won by Mrs Little and Mr Mathew. Vocal iten;s were contributed by the Misses McLachlan, Gibson, Smith, and "Wilkinson. A recitation, "The AbsentMinded Beggar," by Miss Grace "Wilkinson, brought in £3 13s. The dance music was supplied by Mr Murjratroyd, Miss Saunders, and Mesdamcs Stevenson and Wilkinson, while Miss Barnes carried out the duties - of M.C. The proceeds amounted to £17 10s. RANGIORA. The nor'-wesfc wind which raged in North Canterbury with more or less severity - on • Tuesday and "Wednesday, blow itself out yesterday afternoon, arid was followed, by a good steady rain from the same quarter, which will bo very beneficial. At the Anglican Church on Wednesday evening a united thanksgiving sorvico was hold for the surrender of Turkey and Austria. There was a very good attendance. The Revs. F. PFendall (Anglican), T. Guy (Methodist), W. H. Howes (Presbyterian), ana Pastor A. Daj' (Baptist)) took P An excellent address "was given by the Rov. F. P. Fendall from the text, "Thanks bo to God Who gweth us the victory." Hymns suitable to the occasion were sung, and at the close of the address the congregation sang the Doxology, after which the organist (Mr Gibbs-Jordan) played the "Hallelujah Chorus." SPRINGSTON. At midday on Tuesday a strong nor'wester sprang up, and in the cany hours of Wednesday morning increased to a gale : arid continued to nlow very, hard all yesterday, but no damage to buildings, etc., nas yet been reported. The dry wind will have a bad effect on the newly-sown root cropß and the late spring crops. Grnss is very scarce throughout the district, and it is a long time since there was such a shortage of feed. There is hardly a paddock which is being kept for hiay. Generally speaking the wheati and oat crops are looking fairly well, but a good soaking rain and 6ome warm weather would greatly benefit all the crops and the grass. AKAROA. A meeting of. the Loyal Good Intent Lodge was held on Monday night, Bro°C. W. Leete presiding. Sick pay was passed to.two brethren. The chairman reported that Private i Bro. Cecil. Rhodes, a returned . wounded soldier, was slowlv improving in Chnstchurch Hospital, and that another member, Private W. W. Rhodes, had recently returned from the front wounded. Two candidates were proposed for member--Sh The Mavor, Mr George Armstrong, and Mrs Armstrong, returned home on Wednesday after having spent several weeks in the North Island visiting members of their, family. The warm northerly winds of the past three days will have _ the . effect of stimulating growth., which is a month behindhand' this. year. A spell of sea.sonable summer weather would be welcomed now by the farmers. . .ashbtjrton. . The monthly united thanksgiving and intercessory service was .held in the Ashburton Baring square Methodist Church on Wednesday • evening, when PasW Adams - acted as leader, and the Rov?. - D. Macintyre, Wakanui, preached the-sermon. The scripture lessons were read by the Rev. G.. Miller and Mr J. Belehaw, and prayers were offered up by the Relv.' Q. Frbst, Pastor-Matthews, "and several laymen. • TEMUKA. Before proceeding to camp Mr A. C. Buist,' late 'manager of the Sop'th Canterbiiiy Farmers'- Agency Company, ins: presented by Mrs Hayhurst • with a handsome silver'tea service, and by the staff of the company with a gold wristlet watch. ■