THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17316, 30 November 1921, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

OXTOED. On Tuesday evening. Miss M. Ashford, wardet. of the Young Helpers' League, gave a lecture in the Oxford Town Hall on Dr. Barnardo's Homes. A very fine exhibition ot' moving pictures, showing tl:o activities of the) Home;-, was displayed, as well as some 2;ood lantern slides. Misa Ai-hford {hanked the -district for the yeiy generous help it lind given in maintaining a cot at Woodford Bridge, and the Companions of the Youne Helpers' League ior their active md sympathy. It. v.-as reported that a pictiiro entertainment- would be given by the Benevolent League in the interests of the Hemes, and the pictures given that night would bo repeated. SPRINGSTON. On Thursday evening the School Committee resolved to hold the annual picaic. on December l'3th at- Coo's Ford. A children's afternoon will be held at the school on December 23rd. Gv. Saturday evening the hall directors mot for the purpose of making linal arrangements for tiio bazaar. The collectors reported that they had met with very good results, and, given a fine day, tho bazaar should be a success. At- Spiingston on Saturday, Springston (ll(ty defeated Lincoln Coll cge sc»> ond eleven (30) by 80 runs. The only two to obtain double figures were G. Wall OO) -and the Rev. Ryan (43' h For College, .Tones, eight for 32, and for •Springston Thomas, four for <3, and J. Wright, seven far 11, divided the bowling honoiirs SOUTH MALVERN. Tlie Dinj; Dong -Minstrels, a- company composed entirely of local talent, gave a very successful concert in tho South. Malvern school, Whiteclifis, on Friday last, iu aid of the school funds. The party liad improved considerably emce the last concert given some months ago, and was frequently applauded. At the close ?.Ir W. Matthews, on behalf of the residents, proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to tho entertainers, which v/ns carried by acclamation. J. T. To-fld, chairman of the. minstrels, briefly responded, and said that they desired to assist as much as possible any 6oeiety tliat required help. They did not ivjsh lio make money for themselves. After the concert a dance was held, the music, being supplied by •Mcwdames Jewclj a Lid E. Percival, 'Messrs Juggernaut, W. Matthews, J. 11. Longstaff, and *\V. lading.

, LAKESIDE. A well-atttended and representative meeting of Lakeside and Sedgemere residents was held in the Lakeside Hall on Mcr.daynight to discuss matters concerning tlie mail service. It was started tihat. the Postal Department had reduced the maximum amount allc'.ved for the daily service between Leest-on-Lake-side-Sedgqmere from £l4O to £BS per year, and that in consequence it waa impossible to secure a contractor. After' a. good devil of discussion, a resolution was carrier! urging the Department to use the lettter-carrier at Leeston to run the mails cut daily, the Department to provide a .motor-cycle or other conveyance. It was also agreed that a deputation should wait upon the Chief Postmaster in Christchurch to-day, and, if necessary, go to Wellington to interview the Postmaster-General and Sir Heaton Rhodes. The decision of the) meeting wqs communicated yesterday to the Chief Postmaster, and Mr Kelly promised W visit Lakeside on Monsday evening next to discuss matters with the residents. It was pointed out by R. Patterson, who presided, that the Lakeside and Sedgemere districts hadenjoyedl a daily mail service for about 40 years. Several speakers contended that the Depart-nient should curtail tha deliveries in the towns, in order to save Expense, rather tjhan impose a hardship upon country residents and make country life, less attractive. ~"

lOßu^r. . There was a fair of members at the last meeting of the Sports Committee. Mr -H. W. Bqynes was elected president, Mr J. W. Macleod secretary, .and Mr T. Dawson treasurer. It vvas decided to hold the egorts on Boxing Day. . MAYFIELD. A very • successful bazaar.was held in the Band Hall, Mayfield, by the Mayfield and Anama parishioners in aid of the Anglican Church funds. The numerous stalls, which were laden with a mriety of goods, did a brisk business. Great interest was caused when th 6 Rev. J. T. Poddison announced the results of the various competitions as under Framed picture, Mr L. Revelley; table centre (crochet), Mr Cripps; pokered centre, • Miss E. Burgess ; doll, Mrs "\V. Whiting. A feature of the evening was the dancing of the- Highland fling and sword dance- by the Misses Berry, of ChriStc-liurch. BAKAIA. A most successful'social was held in Mr F. Magson's'granary in aid of the funds of the Bokeby School. The function was organised by the bachelors of the district, Mr It. McPhail acting as secretary. , The building was prettily decorated with greenery, and bunomg. The music was provided by Sir W. Rankin and Miss Halliday. witH extras by Miss L. Mead.- Tho M.C. was Mr B. Mplhvra.ith. During an interval Mr T. L. Osljoru, on behalf, of the School Committee, returned thanks to bachelors for their help,_ and to Mr Magson for the use of his granary. It is now stated that, encouraged by this success,,the spinsters intend to return" the compliment.

ASHBUETON. The Asliburton Domain Board, has granted the request of 26 Boy Scouts from'Chi'istchurch to camp on the Domain from December 27th to January 7th. The Ashburton Cricket Association hnj> been granted two close days on the Domain oval on the occasion of the match with 'the Southland cricket team on December 26th. and 27th. GERAIDINS.. On Monday' night the Rev. F. Cra-w----shaw, tfho has acted as curate of tho Gsraldine 'parish for' about twelve months, was entertained in the Parish Ball - oil tho evb of liis departure for Hinds, of which parish lie lias been appointed vicar. An, excellent programme of music h-ad been arranged. lieferjences w-ere made to Mr good- ! work, the speakers including Mr Hardcastle, Mr Hughes, Mr "Willoughby, the Revs. 'H. Piuchas (vicar of Geraldine), J. 3>. Madil! (Presbyterian), Feaeherston (Methodist), and the- Salvation Army officer. A presentation was also made to Mr Crawshnw. A partv from Geraldine, including the Mayor (Mr E. Hardcastle), paid a visit to Tekapo on [Monday, and tilie members were greatly impressed with, the possibilities existing there of providing cheap electrical energy for South Canterbury. WAIMATE. A dull evening did not interfere witlh the attendance at the Waihao Downs school concert. Much credit is due tp the teachers for tho manner in which, tlhey organised and staged the concert, and to Mrs Scott, who at the piano during > the practices, and who played for the children during the ttreu. ing. The following were the items rendered: —Pianoforte solo, Master Ererard Andrews; recitation, Miss Eunice Briggs, and Masters James Robertson, James Watson, Albert Steffana: songs, Masters Howaixl Scott, Alan. Neill, and Miss Jean Patterson. In "The Sleeping Beauty," the part of thA Princess was taken *bv Miss Stelk. Andrwvs, and Master Wallie Allen was the Prince. The second part of the programme was j the cantata, "Soot and the eairiea-" in i

which. Mfos Jean Patterson was the Fairy Que*in. Master James. Robertson, Baron Hairbrush, Master Jack Allen Lord Bootlace, Miss Emily. Briggs Lady Soapsuds, Master Alan Neill Captain Soot, Masher Scpit} Capffcaiu Sunlight. .