SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17740, 17 April 1923, Page 4

SOUTH CANTERBURY.

TIMARU. Social and Personal. Her Excellency Viscountess Jellicoe, who was the guest of Mr and Mrs P. J. Rolleston, left on Saturday to join his Excellency the Governor-General at Bluff, en route for Stewart Island. Mr R. W. McVilly, general manager. New Zealand Railways, who is making an inspection of the South Island system, is expected to arrive in Timaru to-day. To-morrow he will visit Waimate. Tho Rev. and Mrs Harold, of Amberlcy, who spent the week-end in Timaru, left yesterday for Tekapo, on a visit to Mrs Vivian Le Or en. Soldier Settlements. Tho Canterbury Soldier Settlements Enquiry Board (Messrs T. L. Hart and R. Latter) will finish its work in Ashburton in the middle of next week, and then commence its work in South Canterbury. Port of Timaru. Shipping movements at the Port of Timaru will be found in the shipping columns. Poppy Day. A meeting, of ladies intending to help in tho sale of poppies on Poppy Day was! held in the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. It was decided that April 24th bo Poppy Day, and that the samo four stands as last year be fixed. Harbour Board.

Cr. J. E. Chiles, Deputy-Mayor, presided over a deputation which met in Timaru yesterday, to ask Mr G. 'T. Dawson to stand for a seat on the Timaru Harbour Board.

Mr Dawson said that during tho 15 or 16 years in which he had been in Timaru, he had not gone into public life. He had confined his attention to private work. He now considered taking up some public work. An opportunity had arisen for him to do his bit for Timaru citizens, and he had decided to accept nomination. Mr Dawson referred to tho excellent work of Mr P. J. Eolleston, M.P., who had recently retired from the position of chairman of the Board. His work had borne good fruit. Mr Dawsoil then dealt briefly with the connexion bctweon the producer and overseas shipping. If more direct overseas shipping could bo attracted tb Timaru it would ■ benefit the town and the surrounding country immeasurably. (Applause.) 1 The chairman expressed the pleasure of the meeting at Mr Dawson's favourable reply, and said that every confidence would be placed in him. Bowling. Mr A. R. Coltman, Dominion secretary, has written to the secretary of the South Canterbury Bowling Centre to the effect that players wishing to take part in the Australian tour must forward their names not later than April 18th. So far only two members from South Canterbury have signified their intention of joining the party —Messrs Douglas- Poster, Waimate, and T. Roach, Park Club, Timaru. The tour will commence on June Ist, and it is anticipated thkt it will take about six Weeks to complete. So far the tour is mapped out for New South Wales, but it may extend to Queensland if the invitation cdmes to hand in time. The Schools. On Saturday, night the Timaru South School Committee met. ' tThe Canterbury Education Board advised that the sum of £44 5s had been placed to the committee's credit. The headmaster's report gave the following attendance figures:—Number now on the roll, 584; average weekly attendances, March 23rd, 549; March 30th, 544; April 6th, 548; April 13th, 557; average, per quarter, 551. Inspectors Evans and Haslam had visited the school, and had noted requirements. It was decided to write to the Board, pointing out that these matters had not yet been attended to, although they were reported two months ago. The Mayoralty. A" "meeting of ; supporters of Councillor G. T. Wallace was held in Timaru on Saturday night. The Mayor, Cr. J. E. Chiles, presided. In a brief speech, Mr Wallace said that, in coming forward at the request of a large number of citizens, he was not actuated by any personal motive; His,sole object was to promote the best interests of Timaru. Mr J. W. Souter was elected chairman of the Campaign Comnjittee, and tho following Executive Committee was set upi Cr. J. A.'Hay, and Messrs Thomas Thomson and W. Gibb. Timaru High Schools' Board. A meeting of the Timaru High Schools' Board was held in Timaru yesterday. Present —Messrs J. Bitcliener (chairman), G. Gabites, P. Platman, W. Cheverton, L. McGregor, G. Steven, and R. Bowid. The rector of the Boys' High School reported that the total attendance was 355. Of these 283 were in the Secondary Department, and 73 in the Preparatory Department, 110 were boarders. Mr Adamson, B.Sc., would commence duty at the beginning of next term. In the meantime Mr R. Simmers, 8.E., had been filling tho vacant position. The cricket ground was much worn, as the result of the season's play. He understood that the Rugby Union had purchased the Athletic grounds. He hoped that the Board of Governors would be able to come to some arrangement with the ®ugby Union, so that for tlie next cricket season the school might be able to get the use of these grounds. The Director of! Education • advised that the sum of £IOOO had been approved on account of the Memorial Library and Museum. The amount would be paid jis 'thd work proceeded. In reply to an application for a grant for scientific apparatus for the Boys' School, the Director of Education advised that tho Hon. Minister had - approved of a grant of £SB. The Lady Principal of the Girls' School reported that the school roll now stood at 190. More tennis courts were needed. .The Board would be pleased to hear that Miss Dorothy Johnston, first notified that she had failed in the senior free place examination, had now received word that she had passed the examination.

GERALDINE. ] The chairman 1 of the Geraldine Repatriation .Committee, Mr B. R- Maedonald, has received a letter from tho general secretary of the Returned Soldiers' Association, "Wellington, comeving the thanks of the Association 101 the splendid services rendered by members of the Repatriation Boards. Harvest thanksgiving services were lidd in the Anglican cimrch<» throughout the parish on Sunday. The dine Church was very tastefully decorated with flowers and autumn-tinted foliage, as well as grain, fruit, etc. ine vicar, the Rev. H. Purcha-s, was the preacher in the morning, and an fPP, 1 ®" priate anthetu was well rehdered by the choir--. On Saturday afternoon the golf sea/soil was opened, when there Was «i large gathering on the links on the do^ns.

The club has now a membership of <B> and there were present, in addition to membetrs, visitors from Timaru, Tern uka, and elsewhere. In opening tho season, Mr B. R. Macdonald alluded) to the great advancement made by thf club, and said that thus was largely due to tho splendid work of their energetic secretary. Mr J. B. Stewart. He) mentioned that an anonymous d-onor had presented a. golf club for the lady champion. Mr G. N. Fielden, one of the vice-presidents, then played off, and mixed foursomes were played during tho afternoon. Tho tees and greerts had ail been remade and remodelled, and the courses were in fairly good order. At the afternoon tea, Mrs J. l>. Stewart and Miss Stewart presided, the laly members providing the refreshments. It was agreed to have an open day on Saturday next. WAIMATE. Speaking of Mi - H. B. Reid's impending departure from Waimate, Mr S. GHitcheuSj chairman of the Waimate Public Library Committee, at the annual meeting on Friday night, said that he had taken a lire interest in the affairs of the institution, having be-1 come a member of the committee shortly after taking up his residence in Waimate. He expressed regret at his removal and the loss of his services to the institution would be felt. Great interest is being taken in the newly-formed Miniaturo Rifle Club at Willowbridge, and members are joining up freely. A grand ball is being held shortly in the .new hftli t :'eru, by wliioh it is hoped to augment the funds of the club considerably. The parishioners of' St. Matthew's Church, Mof veil, held a meeting on Friday night, at which there was a large attendance. ' Miss Elliott, _ the Diocesan' Sunday School organiser, gave an address in which she stressed the need for proper Sunday School equipment. The arrangements for the forthcoming sale of wofk in aid of funds for tho Parish jSall were forwarded, and great interest and enthusiasm were shown by all in the function. It was decided to alter the date of the sale of work, from April 26th and 27th to May 3rd and 4th, owing to repairs and alterations to the Morven Hall being carried out. A concert was held in the Hook Soldier's Memorial Hali on Thursday night, to which a number of sitigers from Timaru journeyed to take pnrt. It proved successful iii every way, there being a large attendance and the various items met with well-merited and hearty applause. At toe conclusion of the concert, the' hall was cleared, and dancing was indulged in. The floor space was severely taxed. Excellent music was provided by Palmer's Jazz Band and Miss Cochrane and Mr J. Reynolds pLyed extras. Mr D. AVilson' wa6 Master of Ceremonies, and kept dancing going merrily throughout the night. So successful was the function that the Committee was asked to. arrange for a' similar dance on Friday evening next, and the request was acceded to. , The General Manager of Railways (Mr R. W. McVilly) is expected to pay a flying visit to Wainutte on railway business to-morrow, and tlie ! Borough Council has been' asked to meet' him if they so desire. It is understood the County Council is desirous of meeting Mr McVilly, having several matters to place before him, . Local anglers are meeting with a great deal of success with the rod at the Waitaki at present, ahd several good catches have 'been reported. A great number, of rods are now to be seen at the Waitaki these days, quinnat Salmon being the objective of the fishermen' 3 operations. . Several fish weighing between 201b ahd SlSlb have been caught,. and a great number ranging about lOlb have been landed. The Waimate Public Library met on Friday niglit last. Tlie chaiiiiiah (Mr S. G. Kitchens) read the annual report, which was adopted.. Tlie. funds of the institution were shown'to ■be £6l 5s Id in credit, the Borough Council subsidy of £2O having recently come to hand. Of this sum, £3O was ear-marked for improvements to {he library building. Mr F. Nash enquired wnether the citizens' ball was to be held this year. The funds of the Library had benefited by thig function in the past, tad people were looking forward to a similar event this year. The chairman stated that it was intended to hold the function annually, and he understood the ladies Would give the same assistance as they had last year. Miss Strong (librarian) assured "the meeting of the whole-hearted support of the country ladies. Mr Hitchens Drought 'before the meeting the matter of the librarian's half-holiday; Mr'E. 13. Fraser moved tha,t it %e a recoinmehdation to the incoming committee that the Borough Council be written to and asked if it would be Possible to close the read-ing-room on Thursday evenings. The question Of the revision of thte library rules was raised, and tile librarian suggested that the motion deleting r|riise allowing subscribers to fclay . a stnall fee and seclire first call oh a volume should be rescinded. Mr Buckingham supported the suggestion, claiming that the rule was of great assistance to country members, - who otherwise had not the same opportunity of securing a, popular volume as the town members Mr George t>aeh suggested reinstating: the rtile for twelve months, in ofder to ascertain whether it gave satisfaction or not, and this was iinanihioitsly agreed to. Oh tlie motion of Btr Nash, it was resolved that nine form a quorum iii- futUte in place of twelve. Mr G; V. Cochrane was accorded a vote of thanks for auditing the library accounts. The following officers were elected for, the ensuing year President, Mr S. J. Hitchens; committee, Messrs E. u. Eraser, J. McKenzie, A. Buckingham, A. F. Sargent, W. G. Paul, with power to add lip to the requisite number. In moving a vote of thanks to the outgoing committee, Mr Nash remarked that they were to l>e congratulated .upon the satisfactory manner in which they had carried on under ad ere© circumstances. They were very fortunate in having such an, energetic worker in the chair as Mr Hitchens. Other members added their meed of and the motion was carried 'by acclamation. A vote of thanks was accorded tlie librarian, it being remarked that the committee's duties were considerably lightened by the good work of Miss Strong, wnb carried out her duties carefully and , conscientiously. •Tributes were also paid to the good work of Mr Buckingham (secretary), and Mr Fraser (treasurer), and these, officers were reflected. At a subsequent committee meeting, the librarian reported that since the last meeting £ l 2l as Had been received and handed to. the treasurer. Two new yearly subscribers, three halfyearly, and three quarterly, had joined the institution. Regarding some subscriptions which the liorarian reported to be long overdue, it was decided to ask her to hand the names to the committee to deal with. Recounts amounting to £3 14s 5d were passed for payment.

Very successful harvest thanksgiving services were held oil Sunday at the Waimate and Nukilfoa Methodist Churches. The choirs of both churches united for the occasion, and the display of grain, fruit, flowers and vegetables, was of the best. The Bitiging 7as of the highest order. Two anthems were given at Ivukuroa and also at St. Paul's, "VVainiate, Miss Faulkner, L.T.C.L., presided at the organ jit JJukuroa, and at St; Paul's Miss Cameron, L.A.8., officiated at the pipe organ, assisted by Sir Kippenberger (violin) and Mr Davis (cornet). The anthems: "What Shall I llehder Unto the LordP" and "The Lost Chord," in a new setting were arid Mr Davis gave a fine interpretation of "The Better Land," on the cornet. The Rev. W. Beckett conducted all the services, his subjects being "Man as the Field of God " and "Christ as tlie Bread of Life." The collections for the day ! amounted to nearly £2O.