THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17863, 8 September 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

HANMER SPRINGS.

A slight shock of earthquake was experienced hero at about 9.10 a.m. on Thursday, the direction apparently being north to south. i The Golf Club recently played o5 two competitions, which resulted as follows:—A stroke competition was won bv W. T. Williams, and Miss Scott scc- : ond. A fla<r match won by Coote and Lahmert, with Miss Scott anu Madness second. Since August 2Sth, when » nor - wester sprang up and blew for live davs and nig ts, spring conditions liavo come on with a bound. Snow which lav to a denth of nearly a foot on tho back country gradually disappeared, and the snow is now confined to the tops. Sharp frosts prevail, and will continue so long as there is so much snow on the tops. The days are calm and sunny. There are a good number of visitors about. HORNBY-ISLINGTON. The Hornby Rugby League Football Club held one of 'their progressive euchre parties at Sockburn this. week. There wa s a good attendance. Prizes were awarded as follows:—Ladies',Mrs J. Cooke (pair jugs).. 1; Mrs Saunders (cup and saucer), 2; Mrs W. Cox, consolation. Gentlemen's: Mr W. Seibien (tobacco pouch), 1; Mr Horwell (handkerchiefs), 2; Mr A.Davis, consolation. The aggregate prizes for a number of past euchres were awarded on this occasion to:—Ladies', Mrs Freeman (cake standi, gentlemen's, Mr J. Butler (pocket wallet). Light refreshments wore handed round at the close of the evening- . . A well-attended progressive euchre party was held by the Islington Welfare Committee, in the Islington Social Hall Prizes were awarded as follows':—Ladies', Mrs Vickery (halfdozen teaspoons), 1; Mrs Worsley, consolation. Gentlemen's, Mr B. Middleton (handkerchief and Eversharp pencil), 1; Master Hickman, consolation. RANGIORA. Tho fortnightly meeting of Court Lobmn Ancient Order of Foresters was held on Thursday, Bro. E. IS. Bax presiding. Sick pay was passed to one brother. One new member was initiated into the Order. Bro. H. J. Ho'ne, 1.P.D.C.R., Bro. F.E. Footo,PD.o.li., Bro. W. A Weakley, P.D.C.R-, Bro. E. Rudkin, P.D.C.R., Bro. O. Jacobsen,' D.9., and twenty-two mcxtbers from Courts Star of Belfast and Papanui visited the Court. After the genoral business was over, supper was served arid several toasts proposed. 'The King" was proposed by Bro. E. E Bax; "The Visiting Brethren" was proposed bv Bto. G. Brady, and responded to by Bros. C. Jacobsen and D. C. MoArthur; "Forestry" was proposed hy Bio. F. Jackson, a.nd responded to by Bro. W. A. Weakley; "Court Lobum" pas proposed by Bro. F. J?». Footo, and responded to by Bro. G. Brady; "Our Newly-initiated Brother" was proposed by Bro. E. Rudkin. During tho evening songs were given by Bros. E. Rudkin, Wottoii (3), J. A. Guest, H. Coey, and E. E. Bax. SOUTHBROOK. A concert, organised by members of the Band of Hope, was held! in the Coronation Hall on Wednesday. Iho proceeds wore in aid of the Southbrook Baby Queen contest. The Rev. A. N. Scotter presided. The hall was well filled, and tho programme of recitations, instrumental and vocal items was well received. An item of special merit was given by Mr Lintotfc, of Kainpoi, in which lie ■ showed himself to advantage as a ventriloquist, delighting the audience with bis intelligent speaking doll. Tho following took part in the programme:—Mrs C. 11. Thwaites, Misses G. Edlin, J. ShepTierd, K. Mcintosh, H Mcintosh, M. Thwaites, Eva Richards, Edna Richards, A. Davey, O. Ross, I. Benzes, W. Walton, R. McGiffert, L. Parkhouse, A. Laskey, and D. Withers, Messrs F. Jennings, E. Gallacher, A. Martyn, C. 11. Thwaites, F. Scotter, and Lintott. Flowers and sweets met with a ready salo during the evening, and the whole effort was in every way successful. On Thursday afternoon, the members of the Society of L.Y.M.fcS. were entertained by several of the lady members of the Methodist Church. The afternoon was devoted to games, followed by afternoon tea, and a most enjoyable time was spent. Each child brought a gift for the Baby Queen competition. WAIKUKU. The Mutual • Improvement Society held a social evening in the Methodist Churoh vestry on Thursday. The Rev. F. E. Foot acted as chairman, and the evenino- was spent in games, winch were thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mr David Robinson was elected chairman for tho following week, and Miss Margaret Orchard secretary. At the conclusion a delightful supper was handed round. SPENCERVILLE. There was quite a good attendance at the Spencerville School on Thursday night, the occasion being «. progressive euchre match and dance. Miss M. H. Spencer and Mr J. Riekerby secured tho prizes. A guessing competition caused great interest, and Mrs John Lango was the successful competitor. Mrs H. McMillan officiated at the piano. • , „ -^ Messrs E. P. Spencer and C. 1«. Griffith, who were in the Canterbury representative junior Rugby League team which played on the West Coast, returned on Tuesday last after a most enjoyable trip. CHERTSEt. The Chertsey Miniature Rifle Club held their fortnightly progressive euchro tournament on Wednesday, m tho Public Hall. Mr F. Ironsides conducted the games. There was a large number present, including visitors iroiu Dromoro, Mitcham, and Fendarves. Although Chertsey has seine crack gentlemen players, a lady again topped the score. This was Miss McK.ee, with 123 points, Miss M. Miirchi© being runner-up with 105. Mr kdkison took the gentlemen's prize with lie points, Mr \V. C. Patterson being second with 100. At the conclusion ot tho cards. Mr Ironsides announced that the Oddfellows of Chertsey intended to hold a progressive euchre tournament on Wednesday next. Alter supper a dance was held, the musio being contributed by Mrs Ellen, Miss R. , Ironsides, and Miss T. Behrns. Mr W. McKeo acted as M.C. WILLOWBY. Tho Willowby Musical and Elocutionary Competitions wero brought to a close oh Wednesday night, when the demonstration concert was held in the Willowby Hall. There was a splendid attendance, visitors being present front all parts of the district. The Rev. L. J. Liddeil opened the proceedings with a short speech, after which the National Anthem was sung. The programme, was given entirely by the first prizewinners. Immediately the concert was opened, Miss It. Lill, on behalf of the competitors, presented Mrs Lush, the official accompaniste, with a bouquet. The following rendered items:—Piano soles, Miss Staples, Miss E. Liddeil; vocal solos, Miss R. Lill. Miss P. Lid- i dell Miss E. Liddeil, Messrs J. Taylor, T Lush, and R. Stevens; vocal duet, , Miss Harries and Mi's Lush; violin *olo Mr T. Lush; monologue, !Miss Harries; recitations. Miss Harries, Mies

P. Taylor, Miss E. Liddeil. Miss E. Anderson. It. Liddeil. and L. Stoddart. ' During tho evening, tho medals and certificates were presented to the successful competitors by Coloml J. Findlay. Colonel Findlay" spoke of the good done by competitions of all kinds when earned out in tho right spirit. Gold medals for most points in the various sections were won"as follows: Elrciition, Miss Harries; instrumental. Miss Staples; vocal, ladies' section, Miss P. Liddeil: vocal, men's section. Mr T. H. Lush. Silver medals for junior section:— Girk: Elocution, E. Liddeil: vocal, E. Lidaell; instrumental. E. L : ddell: bov's section, L. Stoddart. Speci ;1 m dal for runner-up in girls' section, E. Anderson. Special for youngest competitors ■• Coys. H. Liddeil; girls, Alma Watts. After the medals, etc., had been presented, two presentations w<re mad© on behalf of the committee, one to Mrs Lush for her work as accompanine, and one to Mr G. H. B. Lill for work as secretary. SPRINGSTON. A well attended meeting of the Springston branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Public Hall recently, when an address was given by Mr Parton, of the Teiephono Department. The president, Mr J. S. Simpson, occupied the chair. The speaker gave full information on the Department's methods of constructing and working country lines, and details of the cost to subscribers of -private, party, and rural lines. He strongly urged those present to concentrate on one centre, such as Lincoln, covering a wide radius of country, so as to obtain the longest possible service at the cheapest rate. Mr Wright, also of the Department, gave detailed information in regard to the cost of erection and the revenue required to make the lines a payable concern. Both gentlemen answered a number of questions from members, and at the conclusion were accorded hearty votes of thanks, after which they retired. The meeting was unanimously of the opinion that it would be in the best interests of the district to have an exchange bureau in the locality. With this object in view, the district was divided into three blocks, and two canvassers appointed for each block, to procure sufficient subscribers to make it worth while for the Department to establish an exchange at Springston. Tho question of a rural mail delivery came up for discussion, and an influential deputation was appointed to interview the Chief Postmaster to ascertain the terms and conditions required to run a rural delivery through the district, and to report at the next meeting of the branch. SOUTHBRIDGE. The monthly meeting of the South; bridge Town Board was hold on Thursday evening. Present —Commissioners P. Delargey (chairman), E. J. Parkin, J. 11. Hampton, A. J. Beamsley, W. J. Woods, M. Hantz, and tho" clerk, Mr C. D. Thompson. The officer-in-j charge, Valuation Department, acknowledged the Board's letter asking for a re-valuation of the Southbridge Town District. He stated that the matter was being referred to the Valuer-Gen-eral, Wellington. The Medical Officer of Health intimated that the new eating house regulations would bo applied to the Southbridge Town District. Mr Parkin reported on the various works in progress, including the shingling of water-race crossings. Dayman J. D. McClure reported that the footpaths had been shingled on tho main street, water-races had been cleaned out. Gorse, of which complaints had been made, had been cut. The race through a certain private property needed cleaning. Tho Works Committee were deputed to arrange for tho cleaning of the gratings. Mr Woods reported that there was a complaint about the hall being used for meetings and rehearsals preliminary to public functions, and which were , not paid for. Members thought that the hall should not be charged for as far as the rehearsals were concerned. The chairman that advertisements should be inserted in the newspapers, pointing out the desirability of the Southbridge' Domain as a picnic ground. The grandstand was now up, and the Domain was in g6od order. Visitors could have the use of the swimming baths. The matter was doferred until tho next Board meeting. Mr Hampton said that a large number of the bridges required raising. Tho Works Committee Was instructed to inspect with power to act.