THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17983, 29 January 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. Mr G. "Witty, M.P., has received advice from the Railway Department that the work at the sheep yards and coal tip extension had been completed and that improvements were being effected to the Rolleston and Sockburn stock yards. CHEVIOT. A very well attended meeting of the Cheviot A. and P. Association was held on Saturday evening in the Mackenzie Town Hall. Mr J. Patoxi (president) was in the ehair. The report of the sub-committee appointed to inspect the sheep pens and cattle yards was received, and after discussion it was decided to concentrate on the former this year, and construct about 40 new pens and repair tho existing ones where necessary. The president reported that Mr T. Gee had generonsly offered a special prize of £3 3s for the competitor gaining most points outside the shed, and Mr A. McGiffeit one of a guinea for the best yearling colt or filly. It was unanimously decided to ask the ladies of the Church of England to undertake the catering on Show Day. The secretary (Mr L. M. Gibson) reported that the schedule was now printed and would be circulated during thia week. Another spell of exceptionally hot weather seems to have set in, Sunday being one of the hottest dayg experienced this season. RANG I OR A. Mrs Mary Ann Dale, who died on Sunday at the age of 83 years, was one of the pioneers of Rangiora, having been a resident for over 63 years. She arrived in Lyttelton, from London, in the year 1860, in the William Miles, landing on August 20th, and soon after she made her home in Rangiora, where she married Mr George Dale, who had also just arrived from the Old Land. Mr Dales establishing himself in business as a builder. She was of a very l<indly d'spcjiltion, stud wae -alwafys willing to assist anyone in sickness or distress. Mrs Dale is survived by two daughters, Mrs E. Tilbury, Ashburfcon, and Miss Dale, Rangiora, her husband and two eons having died many years ago.

A painful accident befel Mr G. B. Murfitt, of Blackett street. While driving a horse and gig the bridle came off, causing the horse to shy, and Mr Murfitt to be thrown out. After receiving medical attention her was conveyed to the Christchurch Hospital suffering from a broken ankle. Mr and Mrs C. I. Jennings left yesterday morning to spend a short holiday with friends in Timarn, MARSHLAND, The annual picnic m connexion with the Marshland Methodist Sunday School was held at the residence of Mr W. J. Walter, when tnere was a very large attendance of parents, scholars and friends. During the day, cricket, lawn tennis, golf and other games were played. In the various competitions the following were successful :

Senior Class Race: Nellie Thompson 1, Gladys Watson 2. Junior Class Race: Mary Ede 1, Joy Watson 2. Infant Class Race: Mary Boyd 1, R. Phillips 2. Other races resulted: Margaret Cowell 1, Mavis Boyd 2; A. Hensman 1, M. Dobby 2, Joyce Dobby 3; Ron a Wilson lj Mairehau Wilson 2. Lawn Golf, married women: Mrs W. Crawford 1, Mrs W. Wilkinson 2; single women: Miss Sarah Dobby 1, Miss G. Stallajrd 2. Quoits, married women: Mrs Phillips 1, Mrs McMillan 2; single women: Miss J>. Beck 1. Miss Mi Crawford 2. Stepping Competition: Mrs G. Brown 1, Mrs A. Beck 2. Thanks are due to the Rev. J. G-uy (minister in charge), aiso Misses W. Dobby (superintendent), S. Dobby and G. Watson (teachers) and Mr and Mrs G. Watson, all of whom worked very hard to make the picnic a success.. GOVERNOR'S BAY. A meeting of ladies was held on Friday at the residence of Mr Orton Bradley, Charteris Bay, to make arrangements for a, garden fete to be held at Charteris Bay (by kind permission of Mr Orton Bradley) on Saturday March 22nd, in aid of' the Governor's Bay and Charteris Bay Church Funds. The vira, Rev. E. H. Shore, presided. There was a large gathering of those interested. Numerous sub-committees were set Tip, and all present entered into the work, with enthusiasm. Miss Bradley and Mr W. A. Carpenter were appointed honorary secretaries. Various sports and competitions were arranged, and a large quantity of goods in kind was promised. HINDS. There was a good attendance at the Hinds Hall on Saturday evening, when the Hinds Ladies' Hockey Club tendered a farewell social to Miss K. Divyer, who is about to be married. Mr John Cook in a eulogistic speech referred to the good qualities of Miss Dwyer as a member of the club. Miss Hampton, secretary, then presented her with a silver sugar basin and a silver cake knife. Mr L. Chisnall spoke on behalf of the Football Club. Mr J. Gill responded on behalf of Miss Dwyer. Supper was then served. Miss E. "O'Reilly contributed a recitation, and the remainder of the evening was devoted to dancing.

Mr C- H. h. Smyth, postmaster at Hinds, has obtained leave of absence through illness. Tus place ia being filled, by Mr H. Anderson^