THE COUNTRY

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16653, 14 October 1919, Page 3

THE COUNTRY

NEWS AND NOTES.

JOTTINGS FOR FABMEBS.

The announcements that arrang®'mentfi have been made hy the authorities in London for the shipment o 60,000 bales of Australian and Zealand: wool direct to Boston from sources of origin has given great satisfaction to pastoral is ts (says the Melbourne '-Argus 1 '). The current Australian -wool season opened with a carryover of 1,338,693 bales, belonging to the British Government, but stored in Australian warehouses. This wool has priority of shipment over the present season s clip, and there is such a congestion in the handling and transport facilities of Great Britain that the outlook for the 1919-20 production was the reverse of encnuraging. For some tune past pastoralists have been urging that m view of the inability of "the British, authorities to cope successfully with existing conditions in the United Kingdom, other outlets should be sought for. the accumulations of wool in Australia. The destruction of mills in France, the. absence of German and other textile j manufacturers from the ranks of wool. users, in conjunction with other dis-1 abilities, have thrust more work on British spinners than they can perform. One large operator sums up the position by stating that Great Britain has "bitten off more than she can chew, and other nations should be allowed to participate. CHEVIOT. The monthly meeting of the Cheviot Band of Hope was held on Friday evening, Mr Telfer presiding over a good attendance. The following contributed to a good ■programme: _ Pianoforte solo, Nita Fraser; recitations, Doris and Jim Truman and Mrs Ford; songs, Miss Ford, Sid. Webster, and Alan Ford; concerted recitation, Doris McClintock, Bella Tweedie, and Mary Trumah; pianoforte duet, Misses Ford and; Saunder^. AMBERLEY. A card match was played at Amberley on Saturday between tho Utnids and Oddfellows Lodges. Twenty memljers of each participated, and the game resulted in a win for tho Oddfellows by 71 o points to 687. The Druidte afterwards entertained their opponents to supper, and on behalf of the Oddfellows Mr V. J. Rhodes thanked the Druids for their friendly challenge and hospitality . SOUTHBROOK. The anniversary services of the Southbrook Methodist Sunday school were held on Sunday, the preacher for tho day being the Rev. H. Spencer, of Linwood, who also presented the prizes. There were excellent attendances at all the services, and special hymns were sung by tho scholars, under Mr O. R. Thwaites. At the morning and evening serviices Miss M. Noble, of Christchurch, assisted by singing a sclo. RANGIORA. A snooker tournament, which has been in progress during the winter months among members of tlio Rangiora Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club, resulted in a,, win for R. Kinley (J3 games), p. Kinley being second, and! 0. T. Moore third. KAIAPOI. The Kaiapoi. District High School Committee met last night. Present: — Messrs R. Dunn (chairman), Trustrum, Revell, Hopkins, Hansen, and Hirst. The headmaster reported the attendances as being, primary 408, secondary 14, and the average attendances 377 and .13 respectively. Mr T. Douds, headmaster, tendered his resignation, he having been appointed head; master at Linwood"school. He thanked the members of the committee and parents for' their assistance in school matters. The resignation was accepted with regret, and the secretary was instructed to convey to ■ Mr Douds tho committee's appreciation of his services. The Education Board forwarded the inspector's report, and it' was agreed to congratulate the teaching staff on the satisfactory nature of the report and to advise the school caretaker of the inspector's comments on the neat manner in which ho had kept the school property. The Education •Department wrote stating that it had received no definite proposal from the committee regarding the enlargement of the playground, and that it was useless approaching tho Department unless the committee were prepared to render assistance. It was decided to reply renewing the suggestion, of acquiring a playground on the south side of the railway to be connected with the school grounds by a subway. It' was decided to request the headmaster to supervise all corporal punishment.

MARSHLAND. | Tho friends of Miss Mary Morris and of Mr Reg. Walter will bo sorry to hoar of their serious illness'. Mr James Morton, of Hawkcn road, who met witli an accident soino time ago whilst engaged in lopping a tree, is now able to get about with.-the aid) of crutches. / The welcome home to be given by the Patriotic Society to returned soldiers is likely to be the last of its kind but one, as only a few men recognised by the Society aro left to be accounted for. A practical demonstration in the treatment of a bed patient is to be given this evening in the Marshland Hall by .Mrs Watlnns, of tho Avousido Nursing Division,, who will complete the course of sick nursing commenced by Mrs Wlnt.aker, tho lady superintendent of tho St: John Ambulance Brigade, under the auspices of tlio Waimairi County Council. MAIREHAU. The Mnirenau Patriotic Society has held a series of euchre tournaments during the whiter months, the proceeds being used for patriotic purposes. The prizes for the different series were won as follows: First series, Mrs L. Wilson and Mr B. Haughcy; second series, Miss D. Lango and Mr T. Moore; third series, Mrs L. Wilson and Mr J. Haughcy; fourth series, Mrs E. Lango and Mr J. Dunick; fifth series, Mrs L. •Wilson and Mr H. Borgfeldt; sixth scries, Mrs H. Borgfeldt and Mr E. Lange. Two special prizes were given for the highest average for the season, and carried with them tho championship of Mairehau. Tho ladies' prize was won by Mrs I>. Laugo 1, Mrs E. Lango 2, and Mrs X«. Wilson 3. The men's was won by T. Moore 1. JHang hey 2, H'. Borgfeldt 3. The last, of the Mairehau boys who have Ixjcn on activo service, Privates E. G. Fuller, J. E. H. Cox, and FlightLieutenr.nt C. J. McFadden, have recently returned. The public are tendering them a welcomo home social in the hall. HALKETT. The Halkett Social Club entertained the local Red Cross ladies at a social lield in the schoolroom on Friday night. Tho. room was taxed to its utmost, nearly all the neighbouring districts being well represented. Dancing was indulged in freely, and was interspersed with songs, contributed by Misses Thomas and Harwo§d, and Messrs Vvright. Hunnibel, and Wallcor. Mr Dunn supplied the music for the dance, extras being played by Mrs W. Hayes, and Misses -Turner and Thomson. Mr R. Haves was master of ceremonies. A sumptuous supper was served in tho adjoining building. The tables, which were daintily decorated with spring flowers, were waited on by the members of the Social Club. During the evoning Mr Hayes, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, took the _ opportunity of saying a few words in. con- ' nexion with the Red Cross work pf tho

district. He said it was quit® a pleasure to him to bo able to thank the ladies of the district on behalf of tho Patriotic Committee, for the manner in ■which they had worked in conjunction with his committee during the whole period of the war. Mr Roper also spoke in appreciation of the good work done hy the ladies. He then asked their president, Mrs Turner, to accept a small present from her fellow-work-ers, in a handsome morocco hand-bag, as. a slight token of the esteem in | Jihich she was held. The recipient uitably responded. Tho singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought a very enjoyable evening to a close. GREENPARK. Last Thursday evening, in tho Wesley an Church, a welcome home social was tendered to three returned soldiers from the district, Trooper Arnold Hubbard, and Privates Mark Brav (""'ho was unavoidably absent), and Harold Silvester. There was a large attendance, and the Rev. J. Harris presided. Musical and elocutionary items were given by Misses Chapman, B. Watson, Zita Everest, and Edna Macartney, ana Messrs H. B. Watson, I. Lancaster, C. Wolfe, and Ray Macartney, the accompaniments being played by Miss V. Maindonald. Speeches of appreciation and welcome were given by the chapman and hy Messrs W. Bray. H. EPervmnn, T. Chiayle, G. Yvhitolaw, and C. Wolfo. Trooper Hubbard and Private Silvester suitablv replied.

ROBINSON'S BAY. A social, to welcome home four of the local boys who have lately returned from active service,, was held in the Robinson's bay schoolroom ou Thursday evening. The school had been tastefully decorated lor the occasion. Mr Faitnful and a concert party motored l'rom Akuroa and gave a very enjoyable programme. ?.lr Hewitt acted as chairman, and during the interval Mr W. YV. Williams presented each of the soldiers with a purse of sovereigns from the residents and also a medal —the medals being pinneel on by the young ladies 'of the district. Private* Ornie, who returned some time ago, also received a medal. Quite a surprise was sprung upon the young Liriies when Mr Williams announced that he had a • presentation to make to- them on behalf of Mrs "Williams. Each of tho young ladies received a handkerchief, edged with pillow lace, made by Mrs Williams. Alter a very enjoyable programme supper was handed round. A dance followed. The soldiers who ' were welcomed were Troopei Harold Mould. Trooper Robert Campbell, Private Lynne Williams, and Private Artviur Williams. Tho district has been very fortunato, as all those who went away have now returned. AKAROA. On Friday evening the Domain Tennis Club entertained their returned sol<iior members at a social gathering. The functiofa was held in tho boathouse, which was well filled". In an interval before supper Mr T. Lewitt, vice-presi-dent of the club, extended hearty congratulations to the roturned men, and t oil behalf of the club, presented each or them with an appropriate token ot esteem and goodwill. Tho recipients, Corporal Chalklen and Troopers Tom McGuirc, and Fred Newton, wcro enthusiastically received as they went forward to receive tho gifts. .trooper McGuiro made suitable acknowledgment on behalf of himself and his comrades. The rest of the evening was devoted to dancing, intersporsed with musical and elocutionary items. At the same gathering a presentation was made to one of the members, Miss Miriam Pool, on tho occasion of her ap•proaching marriage. Mr Lewitt, on behalf of the club making the.presentation, conveyed to Miss Pool the cordial good wishes of members for her fnture happiness. RAKAIA. The Rulcaia branch of the W.C.T.TJ began on Thursday with its pro gr ammo of afternoon temperance meetings m rhe surrounding districts; .Chertsey b&ing' selected for the opening of the cam-' paign, which .will be continued right up to ■ election.time.- An address was given by Miss McKee, of Ashburton, and the speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Afterwards Mrs Boag, who presided, also spoke, and, emphasised the • necessity of voters striking out two top lines on tho ballot papers. There were about thirty ladies present, and afternoon tea was kindly provided by Mrs Crov. During the afternoon a duet was sung by Mrs Croy and Mrs. Hunt, and a solo by Mrs CToy. ' . • At the monthly meeting of the Rakaia School Committee there were present the Rev. E. N. Blakiston '(chairman), : Messrs Hewson, Ivennett. Shannon, Saunders, and the Rev. A. «S'. Mornson. Tho headmaster's report showed a roll number of 1M». and a quarter's average of '12S. 'the report also stated that it was desirablo that seats j should be provided in the playground to j assist wii.n the. outdoor teaching, and for tho use of the children at lunchtime when the ground was damp. It was decided to forward on tho suggestion to the Education Board. It was agreed to ask the. Board, also, to allow tho architect to visit tho school to see to repairs to a chimney, to arrange for some drainage and see to some other midttens requiring attention. Mr D. Newman forwarded £2 13s, being half the- not proceeds of a. picture entertainment in aid of tho funds. He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, and' tho committeo expressed pleasure at his offer to arrange a similar function. It was agreed to ask the Board if they would be willing to provide a lecturer to address parents- on the lines of their regarding future • careers of boys and girls. HINDS. There was a record attendance in the Hinds Hall on Friday evening, when Mrs W. Chisnall, of "Ohinemuri," Hinds, gave a social in honour of til? soldiers of vJit* district. The hall was tastefully decorated, and the floor was in perfect order. Songs were sung during the evening by ■ Messrs C. W. Cottam, .C. Allard, and L. Watt, and excellent music was supplied by Hosken's Bend. Mr W. McConnell acted as M.C. At the conclusion Lieutenant Guinness proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the hostess. The anniversary services of St. Luke's Churcl} were held on Sunday, and there was an excellent congregation at each service. Special hymns were sung and lessons read. The Rev. J. F. Feron preachod at hoth services. Mrs Scales acted as organist. ASHBURTON. The residents of Seafield recently extended a welcome home to the returned soldiers of tho district, and also a welcome to the soldiers who ha\*9 come to settle in the locality. Mr J. Bruce presided, and Mr R. Galbraith (Mayor of Ashburton) addressed the gathering, and referred to the good work done by the Red Cross ladies of Seafield, and especially to the work dono by Mrs Gregory and Mrs Ash ton, who had taken a very active part in connexion with the Red Cross. After" ing the soldiers, Mr Galbraith, on bohalf of the district, presented each soldier with a gold medal, suitably inscribed. Tho soldiers present were: Privates S. Allington, L. Hight, and C. Hight. Those absent were G. Cooper, H. Pilbrow, A. Bruce, T. Coffey, and A. Pocock. The next-of-kin of the lato H. Matuschka, who died of sickness, also received a medal. Each soldier in the district received a parcel from the Seafield Red Cross ladies.

The Ruapuna Sports Club held its closing night in the local hall, when a fancy dress ball was held. There was a large attendance, and a very pretty display of fancy dresses was seen in the grand march. . The prizes for the best costumes were awarded as follows:—Ladies: Miss A. Holland (Butterfly) 1. Miss Carrie Conway (Australian Cow Girl) 2. Gentlemen: ,T. H. Bennett (Buffalo Bill) 1, W. E. Foster (Charlie Chaplin) 2. A short programme was submitted and a vote of

thanks passed to Mrs Mcllwraith, who i supplied the music. Extras wcro played Dy Miss Timms. The Coldstream Road Board met on I Friday last, Mr W. McKeage presid- : ing. The Ashburton Cbuntv Council wrote, stating that thoy' had decided . to acquire access to the beach tat Rangitata for public use for camping and picnic grounds. It was decided to , thank the Council for its action. It was decided to inspect tho road opposite t soldiers' sections on tho Wairuna estate with a view to putting it in repair. It was decided to give notice to several ratepayers to remove grubbed gorse from tho road fronting their pr ?c Ashburton Croquet Club, which | opened its season last week, has deeded to enter for one of the flag matches under the' auspices of the Canterbury Croquet Association. A highly successful fancy-dress ball was hela in the Fairton school on Friday. The room was tastefully decorated with wattle and flags, and tho costumes were many and varied. The success of the gathering was largely dno to the splendid music supplic-d by Miss Bennison, and Messrs Chappie and Bennison, and to the efforts of tho committee. On Saturday evening a loud explosion was heard from Mr L. Hopkins's cycle works, situated in Tancred street, Ashburton. The owner had been opening a drum of carbide, which, by some means, had bccome damp. Mr Hopkins was melting some solder on the lid, when the gas exploded, flinging him across tho workshop. He was badly scalded hy the hot solder, and about tho face and hands. A motor-cycle, standing outside ,a shop in the Triangle, on Saturday evening, back-fired, and burst into flames. The owner, Mr John Chambers, quickly .extinguished the flames with* a couple of buckets of water, but not before tho back tvrc, tube, and saddle, were destroyed". Tho tank was also damaged. It was announced at the farewell to Miss McKee, at Ashburton, on Saturday, that during the existence of the Ashburton Red Cross, the output from all departments amounted to 27,084 ■ garments, 144,211 surgical requisites, and 181.243 knitted articles, making a grand total o? 239,538 articles. The total sum raised by the Ashburton subcentre and branches amounted to £21,599.

WADIATE. Local farmers are becoming extremely busy sowing spring wheat, and seedsmen are correspondingly active. The A. and ~P. Committee has resolved net to have a publican's booth at tho show. An amendment to have liquor, provided £15 was derived from the privilege, was defeated. • A fancv-drcss children's ball, in aid of St. Augustine's Organ Fund, realised about £20. Tho judges wcro: Mesdamcs Richards, C. d'Auvergne, and Scoular. Prizes were awarded to Joan Meredith (Night), Frances McVean (Curate), Pamela Rawnsley (Bathing Girl); special prize, Lois and Jack Broadhcad (Bride and Bridegroom). The boys' prizes went to Jack Coath (Earl of Essex), Hugh Miller (Jockey), Jack Coventry (Chinaman), Jack Collis and Russell Heckler (Tweedledum and Tweedledee). Seven senior girls danced a ballet dance. They wore Janet York, Gladys Manchester, Eileen Dailey, Nancy Logan, Bettv Anpleby, Kathleen Akhurst, and Ina "Fulton. Mrs Rawnsley trained them. Miss May Collett supplied the music. The Rev. Mr Julius thanked all tho heljjers. The Public Library Committeo has decided to establish a -junior (section. The Waimate Rifle Cluj> concluded the miniature riflo shooting season on Friday night, when a match was won by J. Goldstone. The Waihao Downs Riflo Club is resuming shooting again this season, after a liapso of. 3 few years. At a meeting of th&_ Waimate Returned Soldiers' Association, Dr. Hayes presiding, the members decidcd against political action. Norman Naylor, charged! yesterday with conspiring ,to procuro. abortion, was further remanded to appear atl>uuedin on the 17th inst.