THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17431, 17 April 1922, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

Jottings for Fanners. Mr A. Graham, of Rangiora, If 5 * fat sheep out of a mob ready to be despatched to the freezing works through being worried by dogs on Saturday night. OXPOED. Harvest festival services were conducted in the Oxford Presbyterian Church by the Rev. G. Wood. On the following night there was again a large attendance, Mr Wood presiding. After a varied programme had been gone through, tb.9 goods were submitted to auction, and £l6 16s was realised, which sura is to go to the Orphanage. OUST. The annual social of the Oust Presbyterian Church was held in the Institute Hall. There was scarcely sufficient sitting-room. The ladies provided an ample supply of refreshments. A splendid programme was gone through. A gymnastic display was given by tho ™ er - G H. Howes, Messrs L. Barret, A. Fortes, G. Scrimshaw, <ind J. Forbes, and se'ections were p'ayed by tho Ringiora Orchestra, under Mr Oates. Other items were given by the Curt Presbyterian Church choir, Leslie Barret, Miss Wilson, Mrs T. Lock, and'Mr W. Sail. An amusing duologue was given by Miss Bena Howes and Miss Maggie- Mclnnes. The Rev. G. Wood gave an interesting address. In proposing n. vote of thanks to those who had assisted, Mr J. Forbes, sen., 6aid a special vote of thanks was due to the ladies; for their efforts in making the social such a thorough success, and also to the ■orchestra, for the splendid items they had given. HANMBB~SPEINOS. The local men's golf championship was concluded last week-end. After the eliminating games had been played, Read, Phillips, Winstone, Morrison, Greenhill, and Rainey were lcit in. Read and Phillips disposed of the other four and played -off. At tttie 36th hole the result was all square. Phillips won at the 37th hole. .An eclectic handicap was- recently concluded. The conditions were three games of. 18 holes each, the handicaps being adjusted after each of the first two games. Read and Greenhill tied, and in the play-off the-former won. A social and dance was Sield in the hall, under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church', as a preliminary to a fete to raise funds for repairs nnd improvements to the manse. There was a good attendance, and tho result was considered satisfactory. During the evening songs were given by Mrs Mclnnes and Miss Aitcheson. A competition for ladies was won by Miss Stewart. Miss K. Sommers and Mr W. Watson played for the dancing BA2TOIOBA. Easter Day services were lield in the various church-as yesterday, and were largely attended. At evensong at St. John's Anglican Church the choir gave the anthem "Christ, our Passover, is Sncrifioed for Us," and Miss Rose Horrell sang "Come Unto Him " At the Presbyterian Church about 60 members of the Bible Class Union attended in a body.

WOODEND. The Woodend District School Old Scholars' Association held its first annual reunion on Saturday in the form of a picnic on the Woodend beach. The fact, of the Association's membership now being about 250 ensured a good attendance, but the gathering was much larger than waa expected, practically the whole of the residents of Woodend and neighbourhood being present, while many of tho old scholars came in from more or lees distant parts of' North. Can* terbury. A very jollyvday Was spent, sports for old and young and other amusements being provided'/ Lirnch : and afternoon tea were partaken of in the shelter of the fine plantation' of pines on the western boundary of the boaieSi domain, and an extensive dry flat between the pines and the sandhills served as a capital sporte ground.. Ideal holiday weather added to this pleasure of the gathering, and Mr W. iStalker, president of the Association, and his committee are to be heartily congratulated upon the success of their first reunion. Those who lhad not visited the beach for somo years were, much impressed witlh the wonderful growth of the plantations, and the general suitability of the beach for picnic and camping parties, there being a. good road leading to it from the Main North road, and a motor-car track over hard sand to within a few chtoins of the water. RUSSELL'S FLAT. A very successful gift auction was (held in the RmsselPs Fiat schoolroom in aid of the church funds. A good musical pvr>(rramme was provided by Mesdnmes Hilton, Mcllrnith, McNish, Innes, Taylor, Misses D. lnnes, S. Naismitli, F. Fraser, D. Dorwood, J. Watson, Sealey, and Messrs Wason and Taylor. The role of auctioneer was carried out by Mr Clark, tho bidding being brisk and the financial results very satisfactory. Supper was dispensed by the ladies of the church. AEAEOA. An event of something more than ordinary interest todk place last week at Tikao. This was a Maori festival, carried out with all the ceremonial of the days of old. Maoris from all around the district assembled in large numbers at tho invitation of Mr L. J. _Vnngioni, who had promised his Maori friends and workmen the means and the opportunity of carrying out one_of their old-time customs as soon as his residence was completed. The day was beautifully line, and a great number of white people attended, not only to watch the proceedings, but also to take part in the fesr tivities. Great preparations had been made by the Maoris. A bullock was roasted whole, and maize, pumpkins, potatoes, plum puddings, and other comestibles were likewise cooked, and then served up in Maori style. Later on in the day the -whole company gathered in front of Mr Vangiohi's house, where afternoon tea was served, after which the Maoris entertained their white friends with a programme of songs, poi dances, and hakas, all of which_ were capitally performed under tlho guidance of Mr T. Williams, of Little River. At the close, Mr E. E. Le Lievre, on behalf of the pakehas present, warmly thanked the Maoris for their feast and their entertainment, while Mr Wiliams, on behalf of the Maoris, extended cordial thanks to Mr Varigioni for his interest in them, and his ready help on all occasions. ROLLESTON. On Tuesday evening the Lauriston school was crowded to its utmost on the occasion of the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. A. S. Morrison occupied the chair and friends were present from Methven and Rakaia. The Rev. Mr Hercus, of Methven, gave a very interesting address on his experiences as a Home Missioner in the mining districts of the West Coast. A splendid concert programme was gone through. DORIS. The Dorie Miniature Rifle Oub held the opening dance of the season on Wednesday evening in the Ardamye Hall. There was a very large number present and the flow was in capital order. The music was provided by air W. Rankin's band and Mr J. Baker acted as M.C. During the evening Mr L. Oakley sang two songs. The club is commencing building operations immediately after Easter, and the work is to be pushed or. so as to enable the shooting season to be opened as soon as Pof" sible. It is intended to construct on the right of the hall what will really be a

long room 75 feet by 11 feet. This will allow a full length range and accommodate at least three marksmen at a time. At one end will be a room 14 feet by 11 feet to provide the mounds etc. The long room will eventually be floored and serve as an excellent supperroom for socials. OHEETSEY. The Chertsey railway station has now been much improved. Some time ago the,old structure was replaced by a new building and the platform improved. Now a very large verandah has been constructed across the platform: This will bo & great convenience as well as helping to protect the building from the weather. LADBROOKS. Threshing mills arc busy on the pea. and clover crops. Large quantities ot potatoes are hems sent forward, as well as Errain and chaff. Mr J. McCarthey lost two large stacks of . wheat straw *on Wedneedaj last through fire. 'The concert and dance held in the Town Hall in aid of tho piano fund was a success in oven' way. Mr C. Thompson's concert party from Christchurch supplied the programme. During the interval Mr Gabitas moved a hearty vote of thinks to the performers, which was carried by acclamation. A danco was IheM at the conclusion of the concert. Music was supplied by Mrs Schnltz, and Messrs A. Pickering and P.; McTh-urey acted as M.O.'s. Great interest was taken in the School Committee electim. A protest haa been entered against the election, on the grounds of _ illegal voting, and a, fresh, election will lie necessai-y. Mrs A. Rtvcno is visiting friends in the North Island. Mr and Mrs Cunningham (Dunediu), who ha.vo been paying a vi-it to Mr and Mrs W. Turner, returned: home on Friday. Mr I. Campion is about again, having made a splendid recovery from his illness.

EAEAIA. TOie very strong nor'-wester which blew on Wednesday had the effect of causing a big tiood in the Rakaia river. The water reached a higher level than haa been seen for some time, many or tiie lupin islands being under water. F/ishermcn were very disappointed, as it put au end to hopes tor good sport during Jiaster. Much grain in sacks is still in the paddcefcs, and farmers liad a busy time securing eiiicient covers to withstand the wind. The Rakaia Domain on Good Friday presented a busy sight, the local cricketers held a practice match, the Rakaia ladies played a hockey match against a Mead men's team, tne latter being in fancy dress, while on the bowling green a doubles tournament was in progress. The Rakaia branch of the W.C.T.TJ. met in St. Andrew's Church on Thursday. The meeting took the form of a birthday social for the children on the Cradle Roll and their mothers. Mrs Boag was in the chair. The children were regaled with afternoon tea and lollies and presented with illuminated cards. It was decided to open the Band of Hope season early, in May with nn entertainment in St. Mark's schoolroom. Mrr Field and, Mrs Hunt were ■appointed .-.to arrange the programme. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs Boag; secretary* Mrs Field; treasurer, Mrs Juskins; white ribbpn superintendent, Mrs England; literature superintendent, Mrs Hunt; cradle roll secretary, Miss E. Oakley. The Rakaia Library Committee has in hand a concert-project with a view of •raising funds for the purchase of books.' Mr R. Breach has made himself responsible for the first half of the programme, while the second half consisted of a play to be staged by Mr C Evison. A meeting of the. Rakaia branch of the' Returned Soldiers' Association was held in the .library on Wednesday eiven,ing, a;ud. presided over by Mr D. Brown. 'The-chief business of the meeting was to make arrangements to participate in the ceremony of .unveiling the soldiers' memorial on Anzac Day. It was decided to hold a parade on that day in mufti, soldiers to wear badges, but not medals. The reason for this latter decision is that many men have not yet been issued with medals. Messrs G. Hardy, J. TSrown. and L. Cbrdner were appointed marshals for Anzac DavMessrs D. Brown, J. Brown and C. W. Wendelken were appointed a sub-conn mittee to with the Red Cross Society and the Soldiers' Memorial Committee in making further arrangements. It was stated that 400 poppies would be on sale to be sold on April 24th, and worn on Anzac Day. •■ 'l'he Red Cross ladies are to be asked to assist in the sale. The secretary has in hand a very fine cross, made of ,the larger size poppies, and the Rev. Father Price has been asked to place this for tho returned soldiers on the memorial in remembrance of their fallen comrades.

A meeting of the Rakaia Schoolboys' Football Club was held in the Public Library, tlw chair being occupied by Mr A. Shannon. It was decided to prpcurc a new set of jerseys, the old set having been disposed of. It was agreed that the colours be navy blue ■with a hlue shield and yellow monogram. It was decided to send a challenge to Dunsandel to play a match on 22nd inst. Ladies' Hockey Club played a match on Good Friday against a• iancifuUv-dresaed team of men from the Mead. The men's costumes were most elaborate at the commencement of the game, but as thuy get warmed up to their task hats and other excresences weie discardod. 'Die match ended in a win for the men by two goals to one. Mr F. Cornelius was referee. On Gocd Friday the Rakaia Cricket Club spent a most enjoyable day in a match between sides picked by Messrs W. McLennan and J. Cromc respectivelv. In tho first innings the scores were"'J9 runs, and 129 runs. The latter team thus established a lead of 30 runs and this was further increased in the second innings, Mr J. Crome's team "thus winning; At Barr Hill on Tuesday night a social was held to celebrate the harvest home. Mr R. Lane acted as M.C, and the music was supplied by several local musicians.

ASHBURTON Eight decrees of frost were registered at Ashburton on Saturday morning. The Ashburton croquet lawn presented a most pleasing spectacle on Saturday, when a club tournament was commenced and will bo concluded to-dny. The recently-formed AUenton Football Clnb, which promises to be a powerful rival to some of the older : clube, played their initial match against Tinwald, and wan by 6 points to 8. On Saturday afternoon the B team played the Celtic third grade team, and after a, good game won by 14 points to 10. The Sontih Island Baptist \oung Ladies' Bible Class camp is now being held at Ashburton, and, as was the case five Years ago, the conference and instruction is taking place in the classrooms at the High School.