THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18185, 23 September 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. .What is probably something in the nature of a record in prolificness is reported in connexion with the lambing on one farm in Canterbury this'season. Six ewes have produced between them nineteen lambs: one was the mother of four; each of the other fivo mothered triplets.

Reports from some of the drier districts in Canterbury, where both feed and water are short at present, indicate that strenuous measures have had to bo adopted. In cases where ewes have had twins, one of the lambs has had to be killed, and in cases where only one lamb has been dropped it has had to be killed, in order that the ewes may havo a chance to live. The fogß that havo been experienced on Banks Peninsula have been very welcome, as the -moisture has helped the growth of grass a little.

HANMER SPRINGS. The Cricket Club opened the season with a game between sides picked by the, captain (G. O. Rutherford), who was unable to bo present, Dr. Chisholm acting in his stead, and the vicecaptain (Keith Hannay). Tho game resulted hi an. easy win for the former by 154 runs.to 67. The afternoon was fine when the game commenced, but a drizzling rain towards tho finish made tliiiigs unpleasant. For the winners Birch with 50, Dawson 27, Graves 23, Hart 17, and Chisholm 12 not out, made the best scores, the bowling honours being gained by Chisholm, two wickets for 7 runs, McKay three for 13, Hart two for 18, and Milton threo for 18. For the losers Webb, with 24 runs, was tho only batsman to make a stand. The most successful trundlera were: Sowerby threo for 35 and Webb three for 52. The game was of most value for the practice it gave, and revealed that tho club has some promising players.. The club'is pretty certain of being able to put. a good team in the.field if its application to take part in the County competition is granted. Mrs Webb and Misses Applegarth and Flower dispensed afternoon tea.

A general meeting of the football club was held last week, Mr V. Fredericksen presiding, and there was a good attendance of members. The principal business was to decide if the club should apply to the Sub-union for affiliation , for next season's competitions. There was a unanimous vote in favour of .approaching the Union, and the secretary, Mr Seekup, was instructed to make an; application. It was also decided to approach the School Committeo for tho. use of the schoolground as a permanent playing field, which the club would put in order and maintain. A further decision was.that to change the club's colour-; to all-white, with a distinctive 'badge, Tho Subunion will embrace a much larger district next s'eason, and if tho club .is allowed to compete a good number of games may be played hero. The ladies of the Church of England held a dance in the Hall on Saturday night in aid of the upkeep of the parish car. A large number of people were, in attendance, including a good sprinkling of visitors, and the takings realised a satisfactory amount; "A lucky-spot waltz was won by Miss O 'Connor and Mr V. Kingdon. Messrs Herbert, Watson and O'LougHlin, of the Lyric Dance Orchestra, gave their services gratuitously, and Mr Hughes made a nominal charge for the use of* the hall. .Extras, were played by Miss Flower, Messrs Kennedy" (Loburn) and Sluis. Messrs ►F. Cooper and T., Wood were the m.c.'si. ....;■ "-,•-- ■■' « • After a .prolonged and perisistfcrit spell ofnor' : west conditions, clouds commenced to gather on Saturday morning, and when . the, wind, veered round to south-west a fall of rain appeared to be imminent. It amounted to a light shower only in the afternoon, followed by another a little later in the evening, five points only being registered, making a total of 30 points for the month to date. On Sunday the wind was back to the nor'-west quarter Up the Waiau Gorge nice showers ars reported during last week. Taouga th-3 dry conditions are not yet having an adverse effect here/ a good.rainfall is needed to' give tho spring sown crop and the feed a. start. It wouli be welcomed in the. State plantations to establish the large acreage of trees now planted and in the course of.planting. In the Government gardens the avenue of trees at the entrance to the township and on-the golf links the narcissi are making a fine display of bloom. Mr L/. «J. Bayfield, tourist agent at Ghristchurch, and Mrs Bayiield arc visitors at Hanmer Springs Mr L. Macintosh Ellis, Director ot the State Forest Service, and'Mr W. T. Morrison, Censervator for South Island, paid a flying-visit to Hanmer Springs on official business yesterday. The Golf Club played a single club competition during the week-end. L. Anderson was first with a/net score of 65. T. Fraser and D. Willis tied for second place with 72 net.

■ n CHEVIOT. The final football match of the season will be olayed on the Mackenzie ground on Saturday afternoon, when a team from Kaiapoi will try conclusions with the local team. Arrangements are being made to entertain the visitors at a dance in the evening. Last week an interesting demonstration of tractor ploughing was given at Brookdale estate, Parnassus, tne property of Mr R. E. McDougall. ■ Quite a number of local farmers were present and watched with much interest tho difficult task of ploughing a fairly steep hillside with a 3-furrow plough. Tins is the second tractor which has recently arrived in this disfrict, the other being employed on Mr Gibson's estate, where .it is understood to be doing excellent work. '.,»»!• The new additions to the Mackenzie Town Hall were formally opened on Fndav evening at a dance, held for the purpose: Mr S. C. Smith (chairman of the Domain Board) spoke briefly and read a letter from Mr J. Gibson, sen., who was prevented from being present through indisposition. The additions, which consist of a porch and entrance hall, ladies' and gentlemen's dressingrooms, and a spacious lounge, make the Mackenzie Town Hall one of the finest and most convenient m fsorth Canterburv, having been so designed as to render it suitable for any class of entertainment. The acoustic properties of the hall are particularly good, and the accommodation and ventilation excelIt has been definitely decided to hold the R S A. Annual Ball on October 9th, and arrangements for this very popular fixture are in the hands of a strong eommHtee. Sutherland's Jazz Orchestra has been engaged, and everything possible is being done to make the function as great a success as m former years.

DROMORE. There was a good attendance at the fortnightly euchre tournament, visitors being present from the surrounding, dis-. trict. The ladies' prize was keenly contested, Mrs Blackburny Miss Murchie (Chertsey), and Miss M. Copland having to play off. Miss Murchie was eventually the winner. Mr H. Muhler won the gentlemen's prize. Mr W. Harris, who recently underwent a serious operation, is progressing favourably.

CUST. Tho members of the ladies' committee and the church management met at tho Presbyterian Church on Friday to discuss final arrangements in connexion with the forthcoming bazaar, which is to be held in the Institute Tlall on October 2nd. The committee, with Mrs A.- Forlies as secretary,. have . worked exceedingly hard, and it is almost certain that their efforts will bo more than rewarded. On Friday evening the Cust Oddfellows' Lodge . gaTe a . most enjoyable dance in the Institute Hall. The hall was very prettily decorated with coloured streamers and flowers. There were a number of visitors from other lodges present, and the room was just comfortably filled for dancing. The Grand March was led by Miss Bevington and Mr F. Burgess. *Mr F. Burgess acted as M.C. and the music was supplied by the Cust Jaj?z Band. Extras were played bv Mrs Eaglesome and Mr L. Tvler. A dainty supper was handed round.

BELFAST. The social evenings which havo been conducted by the School Committee through tho winter months were brought to a close on Saturday. These gatherings have proved very successful, and have been much appreciated by those who attended, while the school funda have been considerably augmented. On Saturday over 80 people were present, and a most enjoyable time was spent dancing and playing cards. An apology for absence on account of sickness was received from Mr W. P. Spencer, chairman of tho committee, The secretary, Mr A. E. Lawn, presided, and during the evening took the opportunity to thank all who had assisted the committee during the season in making the evenings the undoubted success they were. On behalf of tho committee he presented Mrs P. Thomas with a music case, as a mark of appreciation for her services as pianist during tho past two seasons. Mr Lawn also presented the card prizes won. on Saturday, Mrs Comyns 'being the successful lady, and Mr E. Tisch winning the gentlemen's prize.

PREBBLETON. A fancy dress dance for children organised by the public school teachers has been arranged for Friday night. Prizes will be given for the most elective and the most original costumes for both girls and boys. The f l }*™ 11 * programme, which finishes at SUO, will be followed by a dance for adults. Owing to an inadvertance no mention of the assistance given by the Prcbbleton Band in connexion with the recent Queen Carnival celebrations was made in a previous account. The band was a most important factor in the proceedings, leading the procession along the route and playing selections at intervals during.the afternoon, under the direction of Mr S. Cooke. There is still a good deal of .sickness prevalent in the district. A few cases of measles have-occurred, "but so far nothing in the-nature of an epidemic. Mr T. Lee was removed to the Christchurch Hospital early in the .week suffering from ac«te pneumonia, and Mr H. G. Prebble was also admitted as a patient, being the victim of a poisoned ieg. The long spell of exceptionally dry weather -continues to be a source of anxiety to farmers and others. A good heavy rain would bo very welcome and prove of incalculable benefit. The Hall Committee held its fortnightly euchre and dance on Saturday night, when the prize-winners were:— Ladies, Mrs C. Hands 1, Mrs Davidson 2. Gentlemen, Mr A. Gallagher 1, Mr A. Wood 2. Music for the dancing was provided by Miss Mabel Griffiths. There'was a large gathering m the Piiblic ' Library on Thursday evening, when the members of the Presbyterian congregation met to extend a welcome to their new minister, the Rev. F. Robert.son,''.and Mrs Robertson. Mr James Prebble occupied the chair and in a few well-chosen words assured, the guests of fhe welcome and support of the congregation. The evening passed pleasantly in social intercourse anvl musical items, the - following contributing: Pianoforte selections, Mrs '£'• Hammorid, Misses" Fleming, and McDonald, and Mr R. Longstaffe; vocal duet, Rev. F. and Mrs Robertson; songs, Miss M. Griffiths, Messrs J. Prebble and Muirson; recitation," Miss N. Fleming. A novel and amusing memory test caused a great deal of interest and was won _by Mrs Hammond, consolation prizes being awarded to Mr R. Longstaffe and Sir A. McDonald. ' '. " ' The Tennis Club officially opened its season on Saturday afternoon, favoured by glorious weather conditions. Mr A. Maxey, president of the club, formally declared the season opened, and was supported bv Messrs J. Hartnell and H Wheeler, vice-presidents. An apology for absence was received from Mr E. McCarthy. There was a, large attendance of visitors, representatives of the Paoarua, Halswell, Tai Tapu, Yaldhurst and Templeton Clubs being present. Many enjoyable games were played, the form shown being 67 a very hi<rh standard. Afternoon-tea was dispensed by the lady members. It is gratifying to note that the membership of the club has increased considerauly this year, and it. is'intended to enter two teams in the suburban competitions.

SPRINGFIELD. The weather continues dry and warm for this season, and the long-looked for rain has not yet appeared. The lambing season has been in most cases^ very successful, the percentage being fairly high The district has not felt the want of green feed and water supply for stock to the extent that other districts to the south have. There are still a few patches of snow on the Torlesse ranges, and recently the Waimakariri was full flowing, through heavy nor'-west showerp falling on the back country ranges. _ At the annual meeting of the Springfield Tennis Club, Mr F. Ferguson presided. The following officers were elected : —President, Mr J. Milliken; vicepresidents, Messrs H. Nimmo, F. Ferguson J- Hojrlund, W. Hobso'n, R. McNish. J. S. Wallace, R. Milliken, W. T Popple, and J. Coffee; hon. secretary and treasurer,MrG. Popple; committee. Mesdames E. Dunn, It. McNish, J. Wallace, Misses V. Milliken, G. Milliken, MeCurdy, Messrs E. Dunn, R. McNish, A. McCnrdy. D. MeCurdy, F. Ferguson, W. Hobson, W. M. Campbell and J. Wallace; delegates, Messrs W. Hobsen and W. M. Campbell; captain. Mr D. McCurdv; selectors, Mrs E. Dunn, Mr D. MeCurdy, and Mr O. Popple. Saturday was fixed for the opening day. To raise funds for tha 'aying down of a new court it was decided to. hold a bazaar' in the Hall on the afternoon and evening of Thursdav. October 16th.

SEAFIELD. At the annual meeting of the Seafield Tennis Club, Mr J. Bruce, who presided, commented upon the successful year the club had experienced and the satisfactory financial position. The balance-sheet showed receipts of £ls 14s 6d, and expenditure £ll 8s Bd. The election of officers resulted as follows: Mr J. Bruce; vice-presi-dents, Messrs W.Crawf ord, and B. Grice, and Mrs A. Gregory; committee, Messrs A. P. Bruce and G. Baynes, and Misses A. Boyd and E. Gregory; captain, Mr A. P. Bruce; vice-captain, . Miss E. Gregory; secretary. and , treasurer, Mr E. Hight.' The annual subscription was fixed at 2s 6d for ladies, and 5s for gentlemen. The opening day will be held on October 4th.

WAIKARI. A very enjovable afternoon was spent at the Council Chambers, T\ aikari, when a large number of ladies -from a 1 parts of .the county assembled to welcome Miss Walker, the County Plunket Nurse. The Board Boom was very prettily decorated, and a dainty afternoon tea was enjoyed by all. Among those present were Mrs Acton-Adams, representing the ladies of. Scargill and Motunau;Mrs A. Cameron, Omihi and Waipara, and Mrs C. H. Willis, Hawarden and Woodgrove. A very cordial welcome was extended to Miss Walker, who is fulfilling a very long felt want throughout the district. Much enthusiasm was shown, and it is expected that Nurse Walker will be kept busy for some considerable time.

KIRWEE. At the annual meeting of the Cowtenay Cricket Club, Mr A. Stewart presided. The following officers were elected:—Patron, Mr G. Witty, M.P., and the Hon. D. Buddo, M.P.; president, Mr G. T. Robertson; vice-presi-dents, Messrs J. P. Burt, K. Murchison, G. Batstone, W. C. Bedford, J- Hart, P. G. Sowden, G. Hoskmg, J. W. Belgrave, A. Robertson, P. W. Harwood, J F Lawrey, D. J. Smith, A. Boulnois, J\ Anderson, and W. Washbourne; captain, Mr P. Boulnois; viee-eaptain, Mr A. Roper; hon. secretary, Mr A. Hart; Selection Committee, captain and vieeea'ptain; General Committee, Messrs A. Anderson, A. Roper, D. Finlay, J. Vaughan, A. Hart, C. W. Turner -and A. L. Stewart; delegates to Malvern Cricket Association, Messrs A. Anderson and P. Boulnois. The membership fee was fixed at 7s Gd for seniors and 5s for juniors. A strong, drying north-west wind raged yesterday. The grass is browning off on the lighter parts cf the paddocks. If a good rain docs not come soon, it will be a very serious matter to those holding a lot of stock. Crops also are practically at a standstill. Twitch-killing is the only operatior which the weather favours.

RAKAIA.. The Misses Holmes were entertained by a party of church friends at the vicarage, Rakaiu, on Saturday afternoon, on the occasion of their leaving the district to reside in Christchurch. For some years back they have taken an active "interest in the work of St. Mark's Church, attending especially to the church decorations. In making a presentation of an electric iron, the Rev. E. Blakiston referred to the many sterling qualities of the guests, and wished them all happiness in their new sphere.' Miss Peggy Holmes returned thanks, and the company joined in singing "For They Are Jolly Good Fellow's." Afternoon tea was served and a social hour spent. PENDARVES. .. The monthly euchre tournament was held in the Hall on Friday evening. The ladies' prize wont to Miss Alma Watson with 125 points,, Miss Emily Hampton being second with 115 points, and Miss Eva Doig and Mrs R. Grice (equal) third. Mr A. Taylor won the gentlemen's prize with .131 points, R. Grice being second with 12G points, and Archie Rankin third with 124 points. Mr A. P. Bruce supervised the games. For the dance which was held afterwards, Miss Isabel Halliday provided the music, assisted by Misses E. .Malcolm and A. Watson, and Mr Erie Rankin. Supper was provided :by tho ladies. The next card evening will be the Jast of the season, and the winner of the aggregate for the season will be .announced. A return card match is expected to take place with Seafield at an early date. The Hall Committee has arranged to hold a : mask and -fancy dress ball on October 10th, the proceeds to go towards the hall improvement fund. . The annual meeting of the Tennis Club 1 is to be held on Thursday evening.

This district, like others, is. now beginning Co feel the want of rain. 'Early crops have conic away well, but require moisture now to prevent their running up to'car'prematurely. It is evident that very little wheat has been ■ sown in this district, but what there is looks well at present. Farmers have been' able to take advantage of the dry weather for the killing of twitch and paddocks of kale and early rape have been sown by some, and for these, too, moisture is very necessary. There were many early lambs in the district, and most of these are iiow being tailed. So far good percentages are being recorded, and the lambs are doing well. Good feed will be especially necessary for the ewes now, however, to prevent any set-back. There seem to be few complaints . of . any unusual, mortality among ewes. The cry of. the farmer at present is for rain, and if this does riot come shortly, the position will be very serious indeed.

CHERTSEY. The Card Club held its weekly euchre tournament on Saturday evening.. For the ladies' prize, Mrs A. Doig and Miss E. Ironside tied with 111 points, and in the play-off Mrs Doig won; Miss Dunn was third with 109 points. For the gentlemen's prize, Master J. Cronin was first with 133 points, Mr C., Poole second with 123 points, and Mr F. Ironside and Master Alan Doig tied for third place with 119 points. : For the dance which was afterwards held; the music was provided by Misses Ironside, Flynn, and Rankin. -

COLDSTREAM. Last week a lantern lecture was held in the "Whare" at Coldstream, in aid of the Presbyterian Chinese Mission Fund. The Rev. 11. MeCully was the lecturer, and the slides dealt mostly with Cliina and its people. The lecture was very interesting, and a good attendance gave satisfactory financial results. The Coldstream Settlers' Association held a euchre party and dance in the "Whare." " The attendance was very good considering counter entertainments in near-by districts, and a thoroughly enjoyable time was spent. An excellent supper was handed round by the Social Committee. The winners of the card-tourney were Miss E. Dalton and Mr J. Dolan. A lucky spot waltz was won bv Mrs J. Haacke. Mr A. Gourlay carried out the duties of M.C.. and music was supplied by 3lr A. Beatty, while extras were played.by Miss T. Hampton. Continued dry weather, with occasional nor'-westers, are the cause of some nor'-westers, are the cause of some' anxiety amongst farmers. Although green crops are now looking -very well, there is little growth in the grasslands, and a good soaking rain would be beneficial. Lambing in many instances has finished, and some good percentages are reported. Ewes are looking very well arid by appearances a heavy clip will be shorn.

ALFORD FOREST. The Alford Forest Tennis Club held a dance and sale of work in the schoolroom The event proved one of the most Rpaular held this year, and the attendance augurs weil for the future of the new club. The present intention is to put down a concrete court in the school ground. _ During the evening guessing competitions were organised, and won as follows:—Doll (Daisv), Mrs C. Green; cake, Mrs K. Sinton; kewpie, Mrs Carney. Music for dancing was supplied by Chapman's orchestra and Mr E. Wolfrey.

METHVEN. Mr and Mr 3 T. Xoye, of Whiteleigh avenue, Christcburch," are spending a few days in Methveu, and are the guests of Mr and Mrs W. A. Haden, "Hampton Court." Miss Jean MeKenzie and Miss Agnes Beaton, of Kangiora, were visitors to Methven during the week-end. and were the gv.est3 of Mr and Mrs P. Beaton, "The Glebe," Methven. Mr S. Buckett, Postmaster, Methven, has returned from his annual leave, but will not resume cut}- until Thursday. During tin paat week, the Methven Miniature Rifle Club fired for a trophy presented by Mn. A. Allrcd. Out of 15 competitors, the following tied with total scores of 35:—The scores off tho rifle were: B. H". Allen 30 (6). D. Anderson SO (6), S. Hands S3 (4). B. L. Haskett 33 (2), G. H. Nicholls 31 (1). G. McAnulty 34 (2), J. Wightman 34 (1), G. Waddington 35 (1), J. E. Carr 35 (1). The handicaps are given in parentheses. For the hotty button, G. Waddington, J. E. Carr, and J. Wightman tied with scores of 34. In the shoot-off, J. Wightman won with a score of 34, J. E. Carr getting 33 and G. Waddington 32. Other good scores in the button competition were: M. Holland 33, S. Hands S3, R. L. Haskett 33, G. 11. Nicholls 32, G. McAnulty 31, W. Jackson 30, I). Anderson 30. The junior members of the club fired a series of three matches for a trophy presented by the club, and this resulted in a tie between E. Mauger and A. Burrows, the scores being: Mauger, 24—35—31 (handicap 15); Burrows, 34—33—34 (handicap 9). In the shootoff, Mauger won with 32 to Burrows's score of 29, both scores being off tho rifle.

The Methven Golf Club played a mixed foursome on Saturday afternoon for trophies given by Mr and Mrs P. B. Lloyd. There was a large number of entries, and some good cards v.-ere handed in. The results were: Miss A. Stone and J. F. Stone beat Miss E. Stone and W. A. Haden; Mrs S. G. Holmes and T. Macartney beat Miss Marsden and G. Cookson; Mrs E. D. Thomas and G. Waddington beat Miss MeKuy and Holmes; Mrs Lloyd and P. Cookson beat Miss Hardey and Hardey. Miss Stone and J. P. Stone were announced the winners of the competition. At the conclusion of the play afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies. The semi-finals of tho club championship will be played next week. Light rain commenced to fair on Saturday evening, but only 2 points wero registered. Sunday was beautifully line, but during the night and yesterday a nor'-west gale was experienced.

STAVELEY. The Springburn-Mayfield Football Club held its wind-up danco iii the Staveley Hall last Friday evening. The night was ideal, and a fair number turned up to celebrate the event. The hall was artistically decorated in the club colours (blue and black). Other streamers formed two cones suspended from the ceiling—each- cone symbolising a district of the club. The supper tables were tastefully set out, and decorated with flowers and streamers. The novelty dances were entered into with zest, and helped to enliven the evening. Mrs W. T. Smith and Mr Wolfrey were the winners of the, luckyspot waltz. A rather pleasing feature of the darico'was the number of outsiders in attendance, Mt. Some'rs and Mayfleld especially being in evidence. The' grand march, in which thirty couples took part, was led'by the clubcaptain, Mr G. Sloper, and Miss A. Grieve, Music for dancing was supplied by Chapman's orchestra. Mr It. Grieve was M.C. Among those present were:—Mesdames E. Wolf rey, A. Bentlcy, R. '..Grieve, E. Burgess,, •C. Simpson/. W. T.. Smith, L. Nell, J. T. , Hooper, E. Aldridge. Edgar, Crawford, Lorgelly, E. Green, Misses M. Fagan, I. Hyde, L. Hyde. C. Eobinson, M. Robinson, G. Campbell, M. Chapman, R. Chapman* ~E. Richardson, N. Hannan, A. Griev.e, D. Urquhart,— Alex : ander, E; Baldley, Ellen, and A. Beckley. . ■ '—

SPRINGBURN. The Springburn Tennis Club he}d it 3 fortnightly dance in the Stavelc'y Hall on Saturday, night. The evening was dark' and gloomy, nevertheless enough people were, in attendance to. carry on, and an enjoyable evening was spent. Music was- supplied by Mr A. Wolf rey. Eath'er an unusual cloud-storm was witnessed from • Springburn last Saturday. At 10 a.m. there suddenly arose a 'lively little cyclonic wind, which lasted for about five minutes. Exactly five minutes after starting, it. was noticed that certain solitary clouds, which were at a height of about threequarters of a mile, were, acting in rather a peculiar manner. ' They were being whirled and twisted in all directions', as though caught in a whirlwind, and then melted away into the air. Other cloud groups brought from the on reaching a certain point, were treated in similar style. In all, the storm lasted forty minutes, and during that time the whole sky seemed to be caught in a maelstrom of whirlwinds arid. under-currents. The sight was certainly unique and tempestuous. Although the heights seemed to be in such storms, the usual ground winds were evident, but tending .from, nor'west to south-east. There was a slight drizzle of rain on ' Saturday evening.

MOUNT SOMKRS. • Shooting at the Woolwash on Friday night, G. Morgan registered 2S consecutive bulls, making a. score of 148 out of 150. This week shooting commences for a ladies' bracelet, three rounds of ten shots, counting, and members being handicapped. • La3t month there was' rain on eight days, but the total amount was only 135 points. No rain fell this month until on Saturday evening, when fine rain came down for a few hours. The s:icw is . rapidly disappearing from Mount Seiners' peak, aud nor'-westers are the general rule. At a special general meeting of the Tennis Club, Mr L. Hood was in tho chair. The rules were adopted. Subscriptions for honorary members were fixed at quarter full rates. Members joining after December 31st pay half rates, and those leaving the elubby that date are refunded one-third. "Visitors m'av play free for one month, and after that at the rate of one-fifth subscription monthly. The children have been given increased facilities for play this vear at a fee of half-a-erown. Thev have the use of the top court on. Mondays and Thursdays to 5.30 p.m., on.'Saturdavs to 1 p.m. (except on match davs and public holidays), and on both courts when not required by juniors and senior?. Ladder matches are' to consist of 41 points for gentlemen and 31 for ladies, and those on the ladder have preference in matches. The opening day was fixed for next Saturdav. Invitations for that afternoon are extended to players from the clubs at Methven, Springburn, Mayfieid, and Lyndhurst* Arrangements are in hand to play a ping-pong match -with St. Stephen s Men's. Club on October 10th at Mount Somers,

OXFORD. •-■-"■■ -i At a meeting of the Oxford Domain Board, there were present Messrs Deben-1 ham (chairman), C. Eydo, and A. Baxter. Mr AJford was absent through sickness. Correspondence was received and dealt with from Mrs Cleevc, secretary of the Sheffield Tennis Club, and Hclmore, van Aseh, and Walton, regarding the View Hill Domain. It J was agreed to get a fresh lease pre- j pared and call tenders for leasing the View Hill Domain as soon as the lease j was rqady. It was decided to t6p trees \ in Pearson Park, the Board to meet and decide what to do. The secretary was instructed to get notiecs printed prohibitlhg tho r;djpg of bicyclqs through the gardens of Pearson Turk.

RANGIOBA. As the outcome of a suggestion thrown out about eighteen months ago, it was arranged to hojd a reunion of past and present members of the North Canterbury Football Club, and this tqpk practical shape on Saturday. A match was played between teams representing the Professions and the Htock and Grain Buyers as a prelude to the evening. Very little regard was .paid to the rules of the game, and as much fun as possible was* got out of it. The result was a draw-r-s all. The reunion took place in the Masonic i'icfeetory, Mr C. W. Tyler presiding. Others present included: The Mayor (Mr W. A. Bowse), and Messrs C. I. Jennings, F. Horrell, W. T. Henry, C. d'Auvergne, A- K Smith, E. B. Million, H. C. Wilson, and E. Smith. The following toasts were honoured:—"The King," "Canterbury Itugby Union," "o]d Members of the Club," "To-day's pavers," "North Canterbury C)ub," "The Ladies," and "Thq Pfqss," a handsome silver cup, to be known as the George Hclmore Memorial Cup, the gift of Mr Heathcote Hclmore and Mr £. I). If. Smith, was handed by the latter to the chairman, to be awajded annually to the team roak. ing the beet match record of the season. The trophy was presented to I), Garrett, captnin of the Fourth Grade team. A gold medal, given bv the Mavor for presentation to the 'most improved player during the season, was handed to F. Cox, a Fifth'Gradc player. During the evening items were given by Messrs W. C. Prosser, C. J. Smith, A. J. "Woodward, .T. Thompson,' G. Wilkinson E. D. If. Smith, and the Kaugiora Orchestral Band.

Mr W. R. Pike, secretary to ihc Bangiora H lg h School Board of Gov* ernon, was advised yesterdav that Dr. Marsden, AtewtanMMreetor 'of Education and Mr \V. E. Spencer would visit the Bangiora High School to-dav.

HJNPS. Some little' time ago the Coldstream Boad Board removed tfco poußd fenee about s4z feet, to increase tho width qf the road at a dangeroija corner. This action was appreciated. . Apout a week ago the Ajshburtqa Electrie Power Iloard placed a large pole at the spot from which the fence was removed, and has made the corner again very dnagerous. The postmaster at Hinds has been notified that an exchange clerk has been appointed, and wjlj arrive in a few days. Aa this means an extension of the hours of telephone service, his advent will be welcomed. As Mr William Annett, an old resident of Hinds, ip relinquishing farming, he has sold a block of land on Bangitata Bridge road to Mr W. J. S. McPpwell at a satisfactory price.

WAIKUgU. Miss H. Bunting spent a few days after in Kaiapoi last; w?«k. Tho Waikuku Mutual Improvement Society Siet on Friday. Mrs J. HlpfriW occupied the chair. A question box was held and the answering of the questions proved enjoyable to all. Next Week .1 social will be held and a hearty invitation is extended to all." An elocutionary recital in aid of the Methodist Church was held in the Waikuku Hall last Saturday. Mrs Bailey played -a pianoforte solo at the commencement of tha evening. Recitations of a humorous and serious nature were given by Rev. C. and Mrs Blair, and Mr A. Harper, and a mu*ieal monologue by Mr A. Harper. Mrs }3ailey played tho accompaniment.