THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17941, 8 December 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

MINA. A very successful social .".nil «ance was given by the residents of Mma and surounding districts on Tuesday evening, to Mr J. P. Daley, stationmaster, who is leaving for Iticcarton. 'fne s^'- 1 * shod, which was nicely decorated for the occasion, was crowded, and a very enjoyable time was spent by all. \ oca and instrumental it-.-ms were suppnea bv Miss Hu-he.-i I'Domett), Messis Clark. Fort, McLaughlin, Daley, una Haughev; 'also baapipe selections ty Mr McAteer. Mr '.'Harvey was MX. The supper arrangements were excellent, these being in charge of the Mma ladies. Durimz the evening the chall ,~ man. Mr D. -L Hauehey. asued Mr I*. \V. Forbes. M.P.. to make the presentation. :,;r Forbes expressed the general re-ret felt at losing a man ot Mi Daiev - * tvpe, Mho was always courteous and obliging to all. He assured Mr JJalev ,-n'at hj was going away witn the 'best wishes of all. and presented him with a case of pi. -s and tonaceo pouch, and Mrs Daley with a handsome afternoon tea .service. In responding, Mi- Daley exposed his regret at leading Mina, and also his pleasure in knowing that his efforts had been appreciated, as he had always tried redo his be,f. Mr H. 0. Tullcy referred to Mr f)a!ev"s cood v, ork in connexion with education' matters, and .said it was in a great measure tho result ot Mr Dalcv's activities that they now had an established motor transport servico for the Mina children to the mam school. On behalf of the householders he wished Mr Daley success. Mr Hammond, tho new stationmaster, was welcomed to the district by Mr lorbes, and also by the station staff, Mr x'orbes concluding bv complimenting the committee ('Messrs Haughey, P. Anderson, and Harvcv)"on the completeness ot the arrangements that evening. Dancing wa>> then resumed, and continued until a lato hour. SEFTON, Mr W. Yvorsi'old, an active member of the local tennis club, was presented with a silver inkstand. Tho presentation was made by Mr G. McNally on behalf of tho members of the club. On Wednesday afternoon and evening there was a slight rainfall but not nearly enough to do much good to tiic crops. The weather is again dry and unless a good steady rain comes soon, the position from tho farmers' point of view will be serious.

On Tuesday evening a very pleasant gatherin<r took place at the So ft on Kink Hall, when Mr and Mrs _ Geo. Clarke entertained a number oi friends, the occasion being the coming of ago of their daughter, Lilla Hainiug. Tho time was passed pleasantly in games, cards, and dancing. Mr and Mra Clarke received their guest?, Mrs Clarke wearing a becoming frock of blue- marocain with floral corsage. Miss Haining chose a girlish frock of pink satin brocade, while Miss Isobel Haining wore a peacock blue taffetas frock with berthc and panels of silver radium lace. Amongst tJiose present were: Mr and Mrs S. W. Brookes (Christchurch)- Mr and Mrs Champness (Christehureh), Mr and Mrs P. J. Thorne. Mr and Mrs S. Smith (Ashley), Mr and Mrs Ford, Mr and Mrs Douds, Mr and Mrs Mclver, Mr and Mrs Fussell, Mr and Mrs J. Cameron, Mrs Champion, Misses J. Love (Omihi), I. Seaton (Rakaia), I. Holland (Christchurch), Fletcher (Leithfield), Willcox, R. Dalzell, M. Dalzell, G. Quirk, J. MeGowan, E. Bovce, A. Dalzell, 20. Scott, D. Hales," Alice Dalzell, L. Smith, Messrs Stubberfield, Champness (2), Fletcher, P. Rowc, Dalzell (2), G. Mitchell, Quick (2), H. Day, L. Sullivan, G. McNally, It. McGowan, G. Robertson, G. Smith, Orchard, F. Scott, T." Smith. Mr Ted Smith acted as a 'verv .efficient pianist, while Mr T. Dalzell carried out tho duties of M.C. , OHOKA. There was a large attendance at the- regular meeting of the Oddfellows' Ledge on Thursday evening. Officers for the ensuing term were nominated, Bro. J. Harkness, V.G., being unopposed for the office of N.G. One candidate was proposed, and it was announced that the addition' of only two members would raise the roll-num-ber to 100, 28 new members having already been initiated this year. At the conclusion of the business an adjournment was mado to the Public Hall, -where 50 members and friends played progressive euchre for prizes given by one of the Lodge officers. The winners were Sister J. Howard and Biother G. Bishop. RANGIORA. At the music examination held at Rangiora this month by Mr G. F. Vincent, examiner for Trinity College, London, all the candidates presented by the sisters of the local Convent w;ere successful, as follows: —lntermediate division: Jessie Walker (honours), Monica Brady, Margaret McGrath. Junior . division: Ethel Walker (honours), Ellie Brady, Maureen Catherwood. Catherine McGrath. Preparatory division: Nellie Fitzgibbons, Annie McGrath, Winnie .Kearns.- First division: Hannah Campbell (honours), May Brick (honouis), Ins Gibbs (honouis), Hilda Gibbs. MOTUKARARA. The most successful concert ever held in the Motukarara Hall was given fry a party organised by the Misses Waugli, 'of Spreydon. The conceit party, consisting of over twenty members, was motored out by friends, and they must have felt highly gratified at the enthusiastic reception they-received Quite a feature of the programme was the Highland and Irish dancing by a nunfuer of girls trained by Miss Muriel 'VVangh. Among the performers were a number of children who delighted the large audience by their clever character singing. Of the adult performers, .vjngs were given by Mrs Mackenzie, Misses Napper, Stephenson, and Messrs Jones and Down, and humorous recitations by Mr Instone. Among tho children Miss Joan Hughes, a winner at the conrpetitions last May, and Miss Kathleen lteid, were recalled again and again During the interval a guessing competition was held, and tickets sold for the disposal of a beautifully decorated Christmas cake and plum pudding, both made and given by Mrs Alex Dancan. The latter also conducted a strawberries and cream stall, which, needless to say, did a roaring trade. At the conclusion of the concert Mr Duncan thanked the Misses Waugh for providing the Best concert ever held in tho district, and hearty cheers were given for them. Mr Walter Parkinson made special reference to the interest both Mr and Mrs Duncan had taken in tho entertainment. They had spared neither time nor expense in helping to bring the evening to such a successful conclusion. An enjoyable dance followed the concert. The proceeds, which amounted to about £45, will be divided between the Kaitnna Anglican Church and the Presbyterian Church of Motukarara.

PREBBLETON. A meeting of the Prebbleton Sports Club was held on Thursday, Mr A. Gallagher presiding, when it was decided to hold a cycle road race (about eight miles), 100 yds maiden race, 50yds ladies' race, and children's races, on tbe evening of' December lsth. The roafi race, is to start at 6.30 o'clock. Members of the Presbyterian Church are very busy preparing for the garden party to be held at Mr and Mrs jvingan's residence to-day. The Prebbleton Band will he in. attendance.

LEESTON. Mr F. JR. Clausen presided over .1 meeting of the Leeston Bowling, Tennis. and Croquet Club, when the statement or finances of the recent bazaar was presented by Mr JI, L. B. Poore. The net profit amounted to £250 15.5 7d. In moving the adoption of the balancesheet, the president remarked that the bazaar had been entirely successful and was a credit to all concerned. Mr F. S. Jannan, referred to the work clone !>y the hon. secretary, Mr K. L. B. Poore. and a vote of thanks u> him for his services was carried, unanimously. It was decided to hold an afternoon on the grounds, with stalls, competitions, and music, .on December loth, at which the surplus stock from the bazaar could bo sold. Arrangements were left >u the hands of the Indies, ami Mr »S. Johnston was appointed secretary lor the dav.

There was a small hut interested attendance of residents at a public meeting held in the Town Hall during the «oek. to hoar a lecture bv Dr. T. F. Telford. Medical Officer of Health, on the need of a high-pressure water supply for Leestoi; town district. Mr A. J. Gray (chairman of the Lees ton Town Board) presided. The chairman explained that the object of the meeting was not to place any particular scheme bet ore the ratepayers, but to point out the necessity for "a satisfactory supply, so that the matter could be discussed at a later meeting. During the course of his lecture. Dr. Telford said tho difficulty about tho township was that it was too flat and the water was too near the surface. The drainage from houses had easy access to the surface water, which was thereby contaminated. He favoured a water tower in preference to a system of supply by which the water was pumped into tanks, pr. B. Volckman outlined some of the illnesses under his notice which were caused through impure water, which included enteric and diphtheria. The need of a water supply for fire-fighting purposes was also discussed. "When the chairman invited questions, there was no lack of lively curiosity displayed. At tho conclusion, a vote of thanks to the lecturer was carried by acclamation. Mr A. J. Gray presided over tho monthly meeting of the Leeston School Committee. The' Board of Education wrote stating that the time was not opportune for a consolidated school. The question of a district high school was discussed, and it was decided to hold a special -meeting to consider the matter. The chairman made eulogistic reference to the good work clone by tho relieving master, Mr H.. English. Dis-1 mission took place in regard to the raising of funds for prizes; also as to tho relative value of rjrizes and a day's outing at a picnic. All members were in favour of the picnic. On the motion 1 of Mr Townshend it was decided to hold a picnic at Coe's Ford. Tho secretary reported having cleaned out- the school swimming bath. There were several people using tho baths who had not secured tickets. Instructions were issued to the secretary to prosecute anyone using the baths without being in.'possession of a ticket. The headmaster i reported that the attendance for tho past month had averaged 87 out of a roll number of 94. SOUTHBRIDGE. Mr P. Dclargey presided over tho monthly meeting of the Southbridge Town Bnard. Mr E. Hampton requested tho Board to have Broad street, from tho intersection of Brook street to his gate, shingled, to enable him to take a traction-engine to his place. As the Board did not get traction-engine license fees, the matter was held over till autumn. It was decided that December 17th should be observed as a j public holiday. Objection to being rated on church property was lodged in a letter from the Rev. H. G. Hawkins. The clerk said that the' burial ground, two acres, was exempt from rates. The other 18 acres were used for grazing and were ratenble. It was decided to reply that exemption was already given from rates on the burial ground. The secretary of the Electric Power Board wrote asking what money had, been collected of the Power Board rate. The clerk had replied that £9 had been collected out of the total of £25. An owner of a dog, considered by the Board to be a house dog, objected to" paying 10s tax, when other owners paid only 2s 6d. A motion was carried that all-owners of dogs who did not keep them for cattle or sheep bo compelle'd to pay 10s. In regard to 'tho swimming. baths, it was stated that there were no "regular ho'Ts and no proper control. Those who -wished to use the bath should form a- club to take charge, and the Board would hand it over to the club. It was vtlecided to hold a. public meeting on the subject It was resolved to. have the fire appliu; ances repaired. Notice was to be given that the gome on Lake road be cleared ou account of danger from fire. I

SEFTON PUBLIC LIBRARY. OPENING CEREMONY. Yesterday afternoon a, very pleasing ceremony took place at Sefton. when the new Public Library was opened. The library is the outcome of a bequest, by the late James Young, who leit £-3 CO to purchase a site and £IOOO as an endowment, the interest, to go towards the purchase' of books. The ceremony took place outside the building. Mr P. J. Thorne, chairman of the Library Committee, presided, and tlure was a very large and representative gathering, including Mr O. AY. Forbes, M.P.. Professor Shelley, the members j of the Kowai County Council, ministers , of the different churches, and Messrs j F. \Y. Johnston and James Marshall, trustees in the estate of the late James ' Young. ; Mr Johnston, in handing over the deeds of the trust to the chairman 01 j the committee, said he did so with great pleasure. In 'making provision in Ins will for a public library. Mr Young felt that more good could T7e done with his money in leaving it to some local in- j stitution than leaving it to relatives ( who were already in comfortable cir- J .viimstances, and well provided lor j This would be an incentive to others to so and do likewise. Thoy were well pleased with the way the work had been carried out both by the comijiitriee and the contractors. The trustees hail great pleasure in handing over the deeds ot the trust, with a few rules for the guidance of the committee. The chairman, in accepting the deeds on behalf of the Sefton people, said the lii-tst thing he did on receipt of the news was to communicate with Mr Bell, librarian of tho Christchurch Public Library. He detailed the work of the committee, and said the library was rtarting with about SGO books, selected by Mr Bell, of theChustchurch Library. The cost of the building, including furnishings, was £SBB ltis: the ton tractors were Messrs "Wadcy 'and Effoid. of Itangiora, who had carried out their work faithfully. Tke building consisted of two rooms —library 12ft by 14ft and reading room 10ft by 1-Ji'l—-with a porch 7ft by 4ft (Sin. and built in reinforced concrete. A memorial stone had been let in on the outside wall near tho porch with tho inscription : "Built and endowed by a bequest of tho late James Young, 1923." Professor Shelley congratulated Sefton on the public spirit of the donor, and the committee, and the generosity of the public who had given voluntary service in connexion with the building which showed a development of community enterprise in the country. "What the country people had to do was to take town culture into the country, and this was to be gained by bringing out books to the country. It was' community culture in the country that was going to make New Zealand and build up a great nation. Around the building they had to build up a community of enthusiasts, out to gain knowledge on everything worth knowing. Re commended the community spirit, and urged them to assist the committee in every way. Ho closed his address by saying he would give 20 books from his library, and hoped others would do tha same. Before calling on Mr G. Forbes, M.P., to open the building, Mr J. Marshall, a co-trustee with Mr Johnston, moved a vote of thanks to Professor Shelley 1 for his excellent address. This was seconded and carried. Mr Forbes, in unlocking tho doors, said in gave him great pleasure to bo present and perform the opening ceremony. He was deeply interested in. Professor Shelley's address, and it showed what could be got from reading. He threw out the suggestion that persons should not overlook .libraries in making out their wills, and then formally declared the building open. The whole company was afterwards entertained at afternoon tea by tho chairman and Mra Thorne.