THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17103, 26 March 1921, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

HOENBY-ISLINGTON.

At the monthly meeting of the local School Committed, Mr Holmes presiucd. The headmaster reported that tho average attendance was 234. The treasurer reported that as a result of'the recent swimming carnival over £2O had been added to the Bath fund. It was resolved to send a letter of thanks to the Islington Welcome Committee, who had joined with the committee in organising the carnival. The Visiting Committee reported that the flagpole had been renovated,, and that arrangements had been made to have the trees adjoining the school grounds topped.

OXFORD.

At the last meeting of the Oxford Domain Board it was resolved that tenders be invited by advertisement in the daily papers for renting tho Oxford racecourse reserve of 216 acres, and the View Hill Domain, of 10 acres, for a term of seren years from July Ist, 1921.

BANGIOEA.

Mr G. Gibbs-Jordau has relinquished tho position of organist and choirmaster of St. John's Church, Raagiora, after 14 years' service. On Thursday he and Airs Jordan were the recipients of a silver saiver from <l2 present and past members of the choir. The gift was accompanied by a letter expressing tho sincere regret felt .at "Mr and Mrs Jordan severing their connexion with the choir and chflrchj and good wishes for their future.

GKEENDALE,

At the Methodist Church harvest thanksgiving services there were large congregations at both 'services. The proiichers were the Rev. R. Raine, and tho Rev. H. S. Kings. On Monday evening the festival was contmued in tho Orange Hall, when the Rev. F, E. Leadley presided. A programme of instrumental and vjocal items was given as follows:—Songs, Mr E. Ridgen; duet, Misses A. and M. • Broughan; musical monologue, Rov. H., G. Goring; violin solo, Mr O. W. William's; recitation, Miss B. Leadley; duet, Mrs E. H. Frew and Mr F. G. Early; song, Mr W. J. Watson; address, Mr H. G. Goring. A sale of fruit, vegetables, produce, etc., was also held, Mr F. G. Early acting as auctioneer. The proceeds from tho collections on Sunday, and the auction, amounted to £25 15s Gd. After the sale, 'supper, provided by the ladies connected with tho church, was handed round.

SCAEGILL,

The harvest thanksgiving services' of the combined Greta Valley and Scargill Presbyterian and Methodist churches were held in the Alexandra Hall. Scargill. The hall had been very tastefully decorated for the occasion, and a large quantity of produce, which was afterwards forwarded to the Presbyterian Boys' Orphanage, Papanui, was given. A choir, trained and conducted by Mr Oliver Johnson, contributed special anthems. The Rev. Mr Belshajv conducted the morning service, while the Rev. Mr Jacobson officiated in tho evening. Mr F. Alexander sang a sacred solo at the evening service. v

SOUTHBEIDGE.

Mr J. Q. Free presided over the monthly meeting of tho Southbridge District High.School Committee. Tho secretary of the Board pi Education wrote that the matter of, increased class-room accommodation would be gone into by the senior inspector, who had been a'sked to visit the school and report to the Board* The headmaster (Mr J. Hutton, M.A., T/L.8.) reported the roll number to bo 197 in the primary department, and 19 in tho secondary department, the average, attendance being 185 and 18;o. Tho school •had been visited during the month'by Messrs McNeil .arid' Graham, inspector of schools, Mr Webb, physical drill instructor for Canterbury, and Miss Greenwood, physical instructress. Three pupils were successful at the examination for class D certificates, viz., Annie Rome (two groups), Nellie Walker (two' groups), and Amy Miller (one group). It was decided to make a recommendation .to the School Committees' ciation in regard to numbering the pages of school books. A discussion took place in regard to a proposal that tho Southbridge Technical Committee should amalgamate Avith tho Ellesmero Technical Association. Several _ members • favoured joining up, and it wa. decided that the chairman should malce enquiries and report.

LEESTON.

, At a meeting of the Lecstort Progress League it was docided to approvo a report by Superintendent Warner, d the Christchurch Fire Brigade, in regard to plant required in Leeston. The report had been referred to the League for consideration by the Ellcsmere County Council, which had arranged with Superintendent AVarner to visit Leeston and look into the position.

Mr and Mrs H. Gardiner, of Sumner formerly of Irwcll, have presented n fine eight-day clock to tho Leeston Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club, to be placed in the club's pavilion. Tho presentation was made, on a recent afternoon, and the gift was accepted \on" the club's behalf by Mr H. Ncave, who referred to tho deep interest Mr and Mrs Gardiner had taken in tho club since its incoption, and to their generosity.

Mr W. Scott (SoutbbridMj) judged the correct weight of the sheen (ftljlb) at the picnic, held at Leeston, o.n St. Patrick's Day. ,He generously gave the sheep to tho committee, and it was sold for 255.

KOWAI BUSH,

This month has seen the completion of harvesting operations,- and farmers are satisfied with the yields obtained. Recent 'showers have been very welcome, though inoro rain is still needed. During the month a meeting was called by the Rev. T. M. Cm new, for the. purpose of doing sometuing to ass:s.L St. Saviour's Orphan: ge, and a club, to be known as tho K.8.0.C, was formed by the ladies. Miss Nimmo was ejected secretary and treasurer. It was decided that the club would "adopt" a little girl in the orphanage., and make itself responsible for ■ her clothing. Later, a dainty and useful outfit was posted to-the nurse-in-charge

KIBWEE. At a meeting of tho committee of tho Haikett Parish l- lower Show, tho Rev. J..A. Brown presided. The following marshals were appointed: —Pot plants, Mrs J. Dysart; decorative and cut flowers, two in be appointed later; fruit, Mr W. B. Simpson; vegetables, Mr J. Ttyssirt, j l;n .: "ook<>ry. Miss P. McNac; needlework, Miss J. Gillanders; photography, Mes-v.s W. W. Mulholland and -'. Symo: painting, Mr W. W. Mulhol- ! 'ad'; chikfren'=- section, Mr A. Robertfen ; farm r.?t% Mr H. McNae. Mr R. Marley wes appointed to take chargen" tne outdoor sports. • Threshing >'s nearly completed. The s-arcity of railway trucks is a matter of concern to those who would like to ret their grain away while tho weather is fine.

GERALDINE.

The J\f r. II Purchas, vicar of Gernldine, has instituted quarterly corporate services in tiie perish church, and th™ first of took place last Sunday y when residents came in from all the outlying portions of the ' parish. Tiie church was crowded, chairs having to be phi:'. 1 in the aielc. The wea the here has been very "hanpeuble of lite, rain, hail, lightning

d thunJer ; :e!ng experienced at times. On Wednesday morning there was ice in i laces.