THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17857, 1 September 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

PARNASSUS. On Tuesday evening the fortnightly scries of progressive euchre parties was held, there being a good attendance. The proceeds were in aid of the school library. The amount collected was very satisfactory and with the addition of the Government subsidy. Q" uc a number of new books will be able to be purchased. The prizes tor . '■" e euchre wero presented by -Misses I. Wilkinson and W. G. Henderson, and wero won by Mrs R. HiU and Mr C. Allen. The consolation pries fell to Airs \Y. G. Henderson and Mr H. Taylor. An excellent programme of music for the done ing, which followed, was contributed bv Messrs 11. iiill and It. outnerland. "The Education Board have advised, the school committee that a start win be made on the new school at an early date.

BALCAIRN*. On Wednesday the school concert was held in the schoolroom. The attendance was the largest ever seen in palcairn, many being unable to get into tho schoolroom. During the evening a presentation was made to the neanrr.ast.er, who has received an appointment as headmaster of one of the Greater Auckland schools. Mr Fitzpatrick, chairman of the School Committee, in presenting Mr StagpOole with a handsomo travelling rug from tho residents of B&lcairn,

said that sickness in th» headmaster 8 family had compelled him to seek a warmer climate. Ho wished fiim enrery success. Mr Stagpoole said he wo Aid always remember with gratitude the kindiiess and help he had received at Balcairn, especially the real help and courtesy from the young ladies and gentlemen of tho district. Later on in the evening the Rev. Harold, vicar pf the parish, made a presentation to Mrs Stagpcolo. In the absence of Mrs Stagpoole, who was ill, Mr Stagpoole received i\ handsome edition of "Hymns, Ancient and Modern, inscribed: "Mrs T. Stagpoole, from the near and congregation of St. John the Baptist, Balcairn, \a grateful recognition of her services as organist, 1922-23." Mr Harold said it was unfortunate that so many changes hail taken place. He feared that it would bo a long time before they had again such a family sfi tho Stagpoole family. He wished them God speed, and Mrs Stagpoole a speedy return to health. Mr Stagpoolo said that it had been a labour of love, and that they would continuo working till they left tho district. The following waa programmerPiano solo, "Buona Notte," Miss Phil May; chorus, "Everything is Bright," school children;, recitations, Monica Dimraocks and Phyllis Lovett; song, "Will o' the Wisp," Sarah Stagpoole; recitation, "I Do Like an Egg for My Tea," W. D. Barnettj song, "Don't You Remember the Time?' Berenice Fleming; Irish Jig, Sarah Stagpoole; fsong, Norah Hibbari (encore); recitation, "Good Morning, Sunshine," Master Trevor Stanley; song, "Leave Me With a Smile," Molly Hibbard; butterfly daiice, Sarfth /Stagpoole; song, "Mrita Song," Berenice Fleming; violitt solo, "Killarney," G. R. Stagpoole; recitation, "The Secret," Norah Hibbard; song and chorus, "Tlie Rajah," Dorothy Williams. A very sparkling comedy was given, called "Another Pair of Spectacles," Miss Sarah Stagpoole taking the part of Mrs Hastings Mr W. D. Barnett, of the Boys' High School, Christchurch, the part of Cripps, nnd.Mr (*. R. Stagpoole tho part of Mr Hastings. Tlie comedy was splendidly acted by the youthful performers, and created great amusement. Supper was provided by the ladies, and was greatly enjoyed. _ Afterwards a dance wa3 held, the music being supplied by Miss Bowles alid Mr Williams, headmaster of Ashley Bank, who had come -especially to be present, Mr and Mrs Sangster, Miss Fitzpatrick Miss Hibbard, Miss Phil May, and Miss Fleming.

RANGIO&A. Miss Penliiigton has been appointed Telicving mistress in the infant school during tho absence of Miss Rogers on sick leave. In the weekly flying fifty tournament at the Grand Billiard Parlours, H. JSrrnna won, defeating J. Wood in the flsial. Tho High School football team Journoycd to Gore this week and played ai riiatch against tho Gore High School. Tho home team had much heavier hacks, and proved too good for the .visitors, the score being: Gore 35, Itangiora 0. At the Magistrate's Court, before Mr 0. X. Jennings, J.P., a first ofiender was charged with drunkenness. Sergeant Cassidy said the man stepped off the train on the wrong side, and, falling on the rails, cut his head rather severely. The accused was fined 5s and ordered to pay medical expenses £1 Is*

LEESTON. Tho most euocessful social yet held by the Ellesfnere Athletic Club took place at Leeston this week. 1 he attendance was most encouraging, about 40 persons being present, part of the evening was spent in euchre tournament, the prize-\uHnei being Mrs P. Slatterv (17 points) and Miss Harris (14 points). Supper was provided. A dance was held during th© latter part of tho evening. Air C. Mercer supplied the music, Mr y. Smith playing extras. ,p un "S VJ® evening, songs were contributed by ivii H. D. Jones. Tjr . , Tho members of the Ellesmere Hig - land Pipe Band and Ellesmere Bmss Band met in committee on inurfcaa.} evening to consider tho question ot adopting a uniform policy tor d ' st ,V^' engagements. It was pointed out Ui<jj> while both bands answered every can niado upon their services, an anomaly existed in that wl.ilo certain bodies obtained tho services ot bands without a price bein a fixed, other organisations were charged a specmo sum. Tiio matter was very thoroughly discussed, but it was found that no svstem of specific charging adopted, but whore clubs or other bodies desired the services of the bands they should be prepared to_nwk« a reasonable donation towards tlie * ' of tho bands. Eventually tho foil™ - ing motion was aimed unanimiww,. • "That the Ellesmere Highland Pip® Band and the Ellesmere Brass Band mako no specific cha r ge fm' |,vgagement whatever in the El.ei>m district, but where the serves ot either or both bands are given, a rea Bomible donation to the band or bands funds is expected." The annual meeting of tho snaeholders of the Leeston Town Hall Com -,anv was held during tho week, tho chairman, Mr H. presiduSThe secretary, Mr G. Im. Rookes, pi scnted the annual statements, chairman said last year there was no meeting, owing to unavoidable causes keeping directors elsewhere. I ho half required renovating. There was a certain amount outstanding, when that came in the directors would see what they could do m the my « renovation. The clecto.c heht»"J£ vice of the hall cost £sl. A staler over m had been spent during the nast vear on improvements, -30 being ISnt on tha piano. The b« sC-ed a total credit of £-45 los id. An inspection of the hall was made, and the various requirements noted, Volcknvan said tho directors could be> cn-aiiified with tho m view of the expenditure incurred. He would like to see the hire charges reduced. Mr Clausen endorsed Di. Volclunan's remarks and. thc balancesheet was adopted. Mr H. »eaie was. olSd chairnSTfor the coining: yeij. and tho following directors were also «leeted: Dr. Volclrman, Messrs R. M.

Robertson, A. J. Gray, and F. B. Clausen. Mr G. N. Rookes was reelected as It was decided that a water supf'y be provided by k:nk to cntcli the rain-water frcm the roof. The matter of extensions was oisen~.s€-d at length, and it was decided to get an estimate for the work. The matter of painting internally and general renovating was also discussed, | and it- was decided to make improvements in this direction.

ASHLEY BANK. Ideal weather conditions have bfcon experienced during the- past few days, and fanners are making rapid strides with the much-delayed work of getting in crops.

RAKAIA. 'Word Ims been received in Rakai that the Rev. Norman Oakley, son of Mr Robt. Oakley, of Overdale, was on Thursday last inducted to his first ministerial charge, at Auldgirtli, near Dumfries. Mr Oakley has been completing his preparation for the ministry of the Presbyterian Churcli at Edinburgh. At the annual meeting of St. Andrew's congregation at Rakaia, it was resolved to send him a congratulatory message. For some weks back Rakaia residents visiting Ashburton have been "truck with the preparations made by the Advance Ashburton Association to improvs the reserve adjoining the railway station. Inevitably they have contrasted that with the reserve opposite the Rakai station, and Rakaia "lias suffered by the comparison. Now this reproach is to be removed. After a series of negotiations, extending over years, the Rakaia Road Board and the Railway Department, have come to an arrangement, and work, it is stated, will be commenced on Monday to make this reserve both useful and beautiful. The Girls' Friendly Society candidates held a concert in- St. Mark's Schoolroom. The hall was well '.tilled and the Rev. E. N. Blakiston presided. Items were nrovideel bv Miss A. Hardy and Mabel MciDonaTd, and by Jean MoDfrnald, Millie Kaan. Jean K.aan, Sylvia O'Connor, Winnie O'Connor, Retty Breach, Join Breach. Edna England, Jean Henderson and Maud llapley. The concert was arranged by"3lrs Blakiston and Mrs McDougall.

DOYLESTON. A dance was held in the Public Hall recently in aid of the Hall Funds. There was a fair attendance, and the function was a success financially. The music was supplied by Mr A. BoJ"ce, Mr H. Smith plaving extras. Mr B. Maw acted as M.C. Supper was provided by the ladies. The event was the first of a series of socials to be held in aid of the Hall, which there is every reason to hope will be well patronised.

, SOUTHBRIDGE. A missionary gift afternopn in connexion- with St. John's Ohilrch was held on Thursday, when a iarge number of gifts Were brought for Miss Webster's Missionary Box. There was a remarkably good attendance at the function. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies of the P.W.M.U. At the annual meeting of the Southbridge Presbyterian Church, the IteV. T. O. Butler presided. The session's report was presented by Mr A. _ Mcpherson, and Mr Thompson submitted th© treasurer's statement, both of which were adopted. The reports of the various organisations showed everything to be in a satisfactory position. Mr Butler reported on _ the change that had taken place in _ the work of the charge oy the addition of Dunsandel. The Southbridire members totalled 73, and th® Dunsandel members 54. The Ihinsandel area was working quite smoothly. The various missions had been well supported during trh© year. Votes of thanks were passed to the organist' and choir for their services during the year, and also to the visiting preachers. Tm new committee was instructed to call for tenders for painting the manse and to procure estimates for the erection of new outbuildings. Mr A. MoPher* son proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the minister and hi!> wife, for their services in the charge. After the business of the meeting had been completed, supper was served by the ladies.