THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 17017, 14 December 1920, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

HAMMER SPBINGS. A masked fancy-dress ball, in connexion with Queen Mary Hospital, was the most successful function of its kind yet held. The Y.M.C.A. Hall was prettily: decorated with daisies ana broom blossom, and was crowded with dancers in fancy costume. The Commandant, Colonel Chisholm, with Matrons Rdnncll and Pengelly, judged the dresses for prizes. The ladies' ]>nze was awarded to Miss McLaren, as "Sis Hopkins," whilst Mr Laurie, who looked a typical kaffir, won tho men's prize. Music for tho dancing was contributed by the Hospital Orchestra, and Mrs Dalley and Miss Achesort of tho staff. The orchestra, which includes Misses Acheson and Johnston, Messrs J. Hoyburno, G. Lander, J. Lees, and A. ."Wilson, made its last appearance with the present personnel, as two of its members receivo their discharge shortly. A cricket match was recently played between teams representing tho North and South Islands, at Queerl Mary Hospital. The scores were: North Island 107 and 102, South Island 146 and 134, tho latter thus winning by 71 runs. For tho winners tho best scorers were: Dowson nob out 62, phantlor 33, Cowan 47, and Captain Baxter 35 runs. Fcr the losers, Smith 48, Wilkie 19, Olney and Creighton 17, made the most runs. Captain Baxter was in good form with the ball, and took eight North Island wickets "for 18 runs . in tho Eecond innings. OKAXXPS BAY. This season does not promise well for fruit. Leaf curl and codlin aro pTova-> lent, and plums are being attacked by something which reduces the stone to very small dimensions, or' prevents it deyelop'ing at all. On the other hand the blue gums seem to be free of scale, and the walnuts show signs of recovering. . . TEMPLBTON. Ono of tho most successful concerts rhnt has been held in Templeton was given by the school children in the Oddi fellow's.Hall," the object being to raitwr funds for the school picnic and prizes. The programme consisted of songe, dialogues, dances, nursery rhvhiea, and a. haka. Great credit is duo to the teachers for the manner, in which the children performed their parts. A special word of praise is due to Miss Gobert, infant mistress, for the way she had trained her tiny tots to appear in tho old nursery rhymes. A dance followed the coneort. for which Mr H. Hobbs was M.C.,, Mr O. MoGratli supplying tho music. As a result of the concert the picnic and prize fund will benefit to tho extent of-about-£l4. < LAXTEISTON. The Lauriston Presbyterian Sunday School held its annual picnic in tho Ashburton Domain on Friday afternoon last, the children being conveyed thither fay motor cars. The outing proved a most enjoyabte ono. The children spent tfie afternoon in games, races, swinging, etc., after which- tea was served in tho pavilion. Before dispersing, the Rev. A. S. Morrison (Rakaia) presented to the scholars the prizes which had been won during the j-ear. GEKALDINE. Although the weather conditions had not been the most favourable, tho Rose Show of the Geraldino Horticultural Society proved n really excellent one, though several former exhibitors were conspicuous by the absence of their names on the tickets. In the open class Mrs Cliff took first place, and was the exhibitor of the champion bloom, Mr G. Hamilton, of Orari, also being a successful exhibitor. In tho amateur class for rosra Mrs Cliff, Mrs H. Bennett, and Mr Sinclair Thomson were thn prominent prize-takers. In the sweet pea classes Mrs Hawdon, Mrs Millton, Mr G. Hamilton, Mi*-H. Bennett, and Mr S. Jones seeuri?d most honours. Mr G. Patrick was first for pansies,'Mrs Dixon.and Mr G. Hamilton for hardy cut flowers. Mrs Millton and Mr G. Patrick for peonies, Mr G. Patrick secured first prize for both eating and cooking apples, and Mrs Millton and Mr C. W. Gunson eachi showed a fine collection of vegetables. Tho annual prize-giving in connexion with the Misses Sherratt's Whare Kia Ora school, attracted a large gathering to the Presbyterian Hall, the walls of .which were hung with a considerable number of oaintings, which were much admired. An excellent entertainment wds given by the pupils, the pianoforte playing Ixjiiig good. It was mentioned tnat all the school pupils sent up for examination bad passed, pnd that of twelve presented for tho music examination, cloven had passed, one having secured honours. On Sunday morning, at Hie Parish Church, the vicar, the Rev. H. Purchas, dedicated to the glory of God-, rind' in memory of the lato Mrs Kate Fielden, a pulpit which Mr Fielden has had erected. in the church. There was a large congregation at tho service.