SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17451, 11 May 1922, Page 3

SOUTH CANTERBURY.

GERALDINE. During the past few days, Mrs C. F. Collins, who is about to remove to Wliangarei, has been entertained by many friends, who have voiced their good wishes. The ladies of the Geraldine Croquet Club assembled at the residence cif Mrs W. A. Sherratt, where a pleasant afternoon was spent with music, etc., and a delicious afternoon tea was served. Mrs Collins was presented with a handsome niorocco handbag, and the best of wishes were extended to her.

Quite a surprise has been experienced here this week by tho receipt of "The Press" shortly aitet nine eacii morning. This has been mado possible by the ■Department's arranging to despatch an early morning train from Christchurch, and this forward movement is greatly appreciated. A hope is expressed that mails will be despatched by this train, and that the timeable of the rural mail motor delivery service will be altered. At present tiiis service starts before any trains arrive, and carries mail matter th-it has been in the local office for about 22 hours. Not unnaturally there are complaints in the outlying districts.

Mrs C. W. S. Cox, who is leaving Geraldine to take up her abode in Sydney, was entertained in the Parish Hall by a large number of ladies. The hall had been tastefully decorated with flowers and autumn foliage. A pleasant musical programme included songs by Mrs McClure and Miss Gimson, and instrumental solos by Miss E. Gimson. Afternoon tea was served, and a presentation was mado to Mrs Cox by Mrs Powell. Those present voiced their good wishes to their guest. COUNCIL OF CONGREGATIONS. At the annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Peter's Church, Temuka, the vicar, Rev. A. H. Norris, stated that he had received a lengthy communication from the Timaru Minisjters' Association regarding the suggested constitution of the Council of Christian Congregations lor. South Canterbury, embracing all religious bodies between Rangitata and Wauaki. There was such an organisation in North Canterbury, and us oujeel was "to promote the moral and social welfare of the people, and tho extension of the rule of Christ among the people." Judging from 'reports, the movement was doing good work .in Christehurchand this must be the case where all religious denominations conferred. He hoped the meeting would pass a resolution in favour of the .establishment of the proposed branch in South Canterbury. ' . The Rev. H. 0. Hanby spoke in. support of the proposal. Really, he was the author of the title, "The Representative Council of Christian Congregations for Social Service," -with the short title of "Council of Christian Congregations," which might be called the "Three C's."

Mr C. E. Bremner said it seemed to him. that the sole object waa to bring the churches together, and nothing but good could come out of such a desire. He moved that. the meeting is in favour of euoh a movement in South. Canterbury. Mr Pemberton supported the movement, which,' lie considered, would bring: "the churches closer together, and. if this were so, the better it would be for tin British Empire. It was time that all Christian Churches came together, and the sooner ■ they had a united practical religion, acceptable to all, the better it would be for the Empire. The motion was then put and carried unanimously. , .. .•