THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17814, 13 July 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

WAIAU. After several days of very cold weather, heavy rain set in at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and continued up to 9 p.m., when snow commenced to fall. Not t J the early hours of the morning did this begin to lie, but by 8 o'clock the ground was covered to a depth of about 2 inches. By midday a good thaw had set it, and there was every appearance of the weather clearing. AKAROA. So far there has been only one fairly ' fine day this month. Rain has fallen on every other, at times in heavy sll ° w j ors. Dull, drizzling weather prevailed throughout the earlier part of the week until late on Wednesday night \vhen steady rain once more set in. It lasted through the night, and well on during the day. HORNBY-ISLINGTON. The Hornby Ru«by Footballers held one of their popular euchre parties in the club-rooms at Sockburn, on Monday ihere was a good attendance. Prizes were awarded as folows: — Ladies, Mrs Freeman (.Sunshine Purse), 1; Miss R. Freeman (Doulton (Dish), 2; Mrs R. McGregor (Bottle Scent), 3. Gents, Mr E. Dethier (Thermal Flask), 1; Mr Johnston (Pocket Knife), 2; Mr R. Cox (Cigarette Case), 3. At the close of a very pleasant evening, light refreshments were handed round. The Islington Welfare Committee held a progressive euchre party in the Islington Social Hall on Tuesday. Prizes were awarded as follows. Ladies, Miss Morris 1, Mrs Cooke 2; Gentlemen, Mr V. Parker 1, Mr Morns 2. YALDHURST. The Yaldhurst school was crowded on the occasion of a social to Mr McCullough, late teacher, and the welcome to the new teacher, Mr Pearce. After a varied programme of songs, recitations, and dances, Mr Keller cha.rman of committee spoke of Mr McOiiilough's popularity as a teacher, his success with his pupils, and to the fact that during forty years' teaching, he had never had-a day's leave for sickness. On behalf of the residents, he presented Mr McCullough with a pair of field glasses, while Mi»3 Milly Mc-G-impsev, on behalf of the upper standards, presented him with a sil er cigarette case. Mr McCullough suitably responded. In a few well-chosen words Mr Keiler extended a welcome to Mr Pearce. Supner was then handed round bv the ladies of the district, and the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" brought the proceedings to a close. GREENDALE. The bi-monthly meeting of the School Committee was held on Tuesday evening The chairman, Rev. W. H. A. Vickery, presided. The mistress presented her report, which showed that the number of scholars on the roll had reached 40. The average attendance during the quarter ended June was 31.03. A number of children were laid aside by influenza, which had caused a serious depletion in the attendance for the past two days. It was decided to close the school till Monday. It was decided that repairs to outsheds and gates should be proceeded with, and shingle be obtained far the playground. Influenza has been, and still is, somewhat rife in the neighbourhood. Members of nearly every family have been affected, but nothing of a serious nature has yet developed. The weather continues very cold, and heaivy frosts are being experienced. Influenza colds, were responsible for the absence on the sports grounds of both football and hockey teams on Saturday last, so many players were affected that teams could not be successfully mustered. KOWAI BUSH. On Wednesday night there .a fall of" snow, about three inches in depth. The weather continues cold, and influenza is very prevalent. The weekly euchre parties, which are held in the schoolroom in aid of the school funds, continue to be very popular, in spite of the cold weather. This, week the prizes were won by Miss L. Evans and Mr W. Nimmb, while Mr Rae and ;Mi'ss Jacobs secured the consolation awards. KIRWEE. The weekly meeting of tl.e Courtenay Social Club was held in tie Courtenay Library on Monday evening. There was a good attendance of members. The prizes for the progressive euchre match were won by Miss Newfieh* ai»* Mr T>. Finlay, whilst the recipients of the consolation prizes were Mrs H. Foster and Mr R. McNae. The members of the Social Club, with a few other friends, paid a surprise visit to Miss E. Colee, at the residence of her parents, Courtenay, on Saturday evening, for the purpose of congratulating her on her approaching marriage. Community singing was indulged in, and items were given by Miss D. Anderson and Messrs H. Foster and 11. F. Marley. During the evening congratulatory speeches weie made, and Miss Co!ee was asked to accept a palm bowl, with the best wishes of those present, for her future happiness. Those nresent joined in singing "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mr Austen Colee is suffering from pleurisy. After a few cold, dull days, rain came up on Wednesday night, and continues. ashleylbank. The Ashley School Committee held their fortnightly progressive euchre tournament on Tuesday evening, there being a fair attendance, considering the inclement weather. Mr O. W. Williams presented the prizes, which were won by Miss D. Arnott. Messrs H. Ludemann and K. Miller tied for the men's prize, Mr Miller winning the play-off. Consolation prizes went to Miss Edna Criglington and Mr H. Schmidt. After the games supper was handed round. Rain set in throughout the district on Wednesday evening, increasing to a downpour during the night. By noon yesterday it had somewhat abated, but the countryside is sodden, and presents a desolate appearance. RAKAIA. Light rain commenced to fall on "Wednesday evening at Eakaia, and continued intermittently throughout the night and all day Thursday. The fall was little more than a continuous drizzle, and the weather was not cold. The influenza epidemic appears to be at about the same stage in Eakaia as it has been for weeks. There has been a number of cases of pneumonia, and one at least required admission to the Cottage Hospital, but no bed was available. It appears i if the institution is already proving too small. The weather this winter has been most trying to anyone subject to lung trouble. Instead of the usual sharp .frosts and bright, sunny days, Eakaia has been subject to much fog and drizzle. "With the exception of -the very wet week in May, the rainfall has not been very heavy at any one time, but the frequently dull, damp days have not allowed the "soil a chance to dry, and the subsoil must be holding a considerable amount of water. For the sake of the health of the community a change of weather is very desirable. The following will represent the

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Eakaia Football Club juniors against Ashburton at Rakaia to-morrow:—A. Crothers, E. McDonald, E. Pocock, E. Boag, M. McGrath, P. Smith, S. Naismith, A. Watts, R. Smith, W. McDonald, J. O 'Sullivan, B. Tatterson, W. Mead, S. Laraman, and V. Boag; emergencies, R. Doig, W. McPhail, and B. Timings. Technical School third grade were to have played Rakaia third grade at Eakaia, but the director, Mr R. J. Thompson, has written forfeiting the match. The Eakaia fourth grade will not be playing this week, no ground being available when matches were planned, though as Technical School has forfeited a ground is not now in use. The Rakaia Football Club held a progressive euchre tournament in the library. The ladies' prize was won by Miss Perkins, on the cut, after a tie with Mrs Cox. The gentlemen's prize went to Mr 8. Connolly, after a tie with Mr J. Baxter. The consolation prizes were won by Mrs A. Shannon and Mr J. Allen. The Rakaia Ladies' Hockey Club has selected the following team to represent it in their match against Ashburton to-morrow at Ashburton:. —Misses C. Shannon, G. Fagan, D. Brown, D. Stubbs, M. Donaldson, A. Pluck, B. Donaldson, K. Stewart, F. Cornelius, I. Smith, and D. Kaan; emergency, H. Shannon. SEAFIELD. The Seafleld Miniature Eifle Club team put up a very good performance in their match against the Ashburton Club on the Seafleld range. At one time it looked as if the Seafleld Chib would not be able to muster sufficient numbers to enter for the Ashburton County Shield Match, but on Saturday evening not only were the men there, but they managed to beat the Ashburton team by seven points. The latter team, however,, was not shooting a shield match. The following were the scores: —Seafleld team: W. Bruce 34, L. Scott 34, J. Bruce 33, E. Baynes 33, A. Gregory 32, J. Gregory 31, E. Hight 31, M. Bruce 31, J. Buck 30, S. Hight 30; total, 322. Aahburton team: C Storrier 33, F. Clark 33, G. Hefford 33, N. White 82, A. Millichamp 32, A. MeKenzie 31, C. Simpson 31, E. Millichamp 31, C. Pawson 30, W. Bickerstaff 29; total, 315. Seafleld now stand third, with Rakaia, for the County Shield.