THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18262, 22 December 1924, Page 5

THE COUNTRY.

LEITH FIELD. The Swimming Clnb Committee met on Thursday, there were present Messrs H. May, who, in tho absence of tho chairman, occupied the chair pTo tern, J. Fitzpatrick, V>. Hobbs, P. May., I). V. l'almcr, J. S. BumcU, Misses A. Mander and A. C. Lloyd, Messrs F. Trail and J. W. Sariuh (secretary). An apology for absence was received from. Mr C. W. Brown. It waß decided that an evening swimming meeting for local club swimmers be held on Saturday, January 10th, at <3.30 p.m. Events for school boys and girls will bo included in tho programme. "Votes of thanks wero pawed to the Refreshment Committee, the secretary, and the caretaker for the' complete arrangements made for opening day and for the excellent condition of the batb. Unseasonable weather continues to make intermittent visitations. On "Wednesday a light fell, followed during tho night by rain lasting until 8 a.m. During the morning dull conditions prevailed, the £ ky, however, clearing gradually until the shone forth brightly in "the afternoon. Shortly after midday on Friday- light ram recommenced, and about -t p.jn. a iie^ downpour occurred, when .65 inches fell in a little more than an hour and a half. Since the downpour the weather has been fine bat dull. Owing to the variable weather conditions farmers are experiencing difficult} in completing their shearing and haymaking operations. The harvesting ot early cereals and of infested by the caterpillar pest is being retarded by the broken weather. Some gQod samples of the earlier varieties of potatoes have been dug for the Christinas market.

OXFORD. The monthly meeting of vhe Oxford Benevolent and Imprcrrcntent League was held last week. Mr R» l l '- Henderson presided. Before commencing; the business of the meeting the chairman extended a hearty -welcome to .Mr A. J. T. Wotberepoon, who had been electeu a member of the League. He resolution granting half net proceeds to benefits wus rescinded, notice erf motion having been given. The motion to rescind the resolution that the hall be not granted to any organisation on. Saturday nights was held ewer for decision at the next general meeting. The report of the Town ruill. Sub-Com-mittee was presented, and it was decided to hom a epeeinl meeting in January for its consideration; the ordinary meeting for January will not be held. It was decided that when an application is made for the hall by an. outside body or individual, payment should be made before the application is planted,

RANGIORA. Mr H. F. Thomson presided at a meeting of tbe Ashley Branch of the New Zealand Btecational Institute! on. Saturday morning. It was decided to bank the mono- from the 1923 sporte mooting nt present in the secretary a hands in the Fost Offics SavinßS Important letters received from the New Zealand Institute and the North Canterbury branch in connexion with salaries, etc., were approved. Various resolutions in the report of the Council of Education were read and discussed. It was reported that the membership of the Ashley Branch would next year number 50. In the report of the meeting of representatives of local bodies, held on Thursday last to consider the question of forming, an Ashley River Trust. Mr W. Stalker is stated to have said that the river liad only once overflowed its banks in the 30 years of his residence at Coldstream, and that was at Waikuku. This should have been at Ashlev Bridge, and riot Waikuku. The anual outing of the children of the Methodist Sunday School was held on Saturday. The'party, numbering about eighty, left at 10 o'clock in lorries and motor-cars for "Hill Creßt," the beautiful home of Mr A. M. Carpenter, Fernside. A very enjoyable day was spent in games and sports for the children, for which quite a large number of prizes had been given by supporters of the church. Before returning home the Bev. C. Blair thanked Mr Carpenter for so generously throwing his grounds open to them, and for the pleasant time enjoyed. Mr Carpenter suitably acknowledged the thanks.

Following the usual eustomj the pupils attending St. John's Anglican Sunday School were entertained at a party in the vicarage grounds on Saturday afternoon, when they received their prizes. Father. Christmas arrived, and distributed gifts to the smaller children from a heavily-laden Christmas tree, (there was a large attendance, including the parents, who provided afteroon tea. With the primary object of providing a social gathering of the parishioners, a very successful garden party was held in the evening. The vicarage grounds were specially lighted for the occasion, and there were various side-shows and sweet and refreshment stalls. An orchestra provided musical items, while the choir sang several carols during the evening. Dancing on the lawn was indulged in by the younger folk, and a bonfire with a display by a "Darktown" fire brigade was also included in the programme. As a result of the effort, a fair sum was realised for the vicarage rebuilding fund.

BELFAST. A very pleasant afternoon was spent on Thursday last at the Belfast tennis courts by the lady members of the clnb. The programme took the form of progressive doubles, some very even,games resulting. The afternoon was primarily arranged with the object of entertaining Miss Njcholls, who for a number of years played first lady for Belfast, and had taken an interest in the club in its earlier years. Miss Nicholla this season tendered her resignation as a member of the Belfast Club, having removed from the district. The laditl of the club being desirous of showing their appreciation of her services took the opportunity of expressing their good wishes in some small manner, and Mr C. Croll, on their behalf, presented Miss Nieholls with a Doulton vase. The ladies provided afternoon tea, and everyone had a most enjoyable time. Mrs A. B. L. Smith and. Mrs S. Watson were declared the winners of the tournament.

HINDS. I The prise-giving ceremony in conr.exian with Hinds School took place on Friday afternoon, -when there va& a good attendance of parent®. Owing to the unavoidable absence of Mr J. M. Hftmpton, chairman of the School, j Committee. Miss Hampton presented | the prizes, which consisted of a book , for each pupil, special prises for neat- j aees, which were awarded to C. i Fletcher, C. Smith, M. McKcagruc. ajicl ' gardening prises to W. Chapman. C". 1 Smith, X>. Wateon, and R. Bagrie. There were also sawing priaas 12 good attendance three certificates for essays awarded to Joan Barrett. Std. IV.; momißiekard Std V.; N. MoKeague, Std. VI. The'prize for best essay wr.s awarded to J oa n Barrett, Std. IV. A tin of lolHes <nven by the chairman, was distributed 0 and , the school broke up for the year.

OHOKA. Good progress has been made with tic laying down of the second concrete tenuis court, under the superintendence of Mr T. Brown, '"'J lO * s making an excellent job. The court should be ready for play hy New Tes.r's Day. The farm lately occupied hy Dibnah has been sold to Mr Powell, of Leithfield. who takes up his residence in Ohoka during the week. Entries are coming', in well for the sports meeting on. New Year s The cycling track has been put in firsiclass order, and a fence erected to keep the public off the track. GREENPARK. The annual picnic of the Grcenpark school was held on Friday last at Coe s Ford. A largo number of residents was present and an enjoyable day was spent in spite of the somewhat unpleasant weather conditions, several Bhowers being experienced during the afternoon. The time was occupied with races for the children and much amusement was caused by the ''coconut shy" n charge of Mr A. Schroeder. Hie results of races were as follows: —Boys o to 6, Herbert Bennett 1, Jack Bartley 2; 6 to 7, Leslie Brown 1, Cecil Legg 2; 7 to 8, George Bartley 1, Ernest Matthews 2; 8 to 9, Fred" Peters 1, Thomas Breen 2; 9 to 10, Matthews 1, Ernest Lege 2; 10 to 11, Harry Lloyd 1. Geoff Kimber 2; 11 to 12, Gus Watkins 1, Jack Bennett 2; over 12, Vernon Watson 1, Roy Ladbrook 2. Girls: 5 to 7, Margaret Campbell 1, Dorothy Kimber 2; 7 to 9, Elaine Legg 1, Joyce Wiliiajnson 2; 9 to 10, Edna Peters 1, Christina Bennett 2; 10 to 11, Mary Breen 1, Rita Schroeder 2; 11 to 12, Leonia Dennehy 1, Gwen DuLien 2. Girls: 12 to 14, Isabel Kimber 1, Elsie llickerby 2. Young Ladies' Race: Nina A Vat kins 1, Hilda Chapman 2. On Monday evening last the Tai Tapu Musical Society staged the operetta "Les Cloches de Corneiville," before an enthusiastic audience in the Memorial Hall. The principal parts were taken by Messrs D. Suckling, J. Tennent, W. Poninghouse and Rev. F. Robertson. Mrs J. H. Mackenzie and Misses McLean and Helen Jones. Mr John McLean was the conductor, and Miss P. Suckling accompanist. After the concert a dance was held, continuing till the earlyhours of the morning. RUAPUNA. The annual distribution of prizes and concert in connexion with the Ruapnna school took place on Thursday evening. Tlio hall was crowded with parents and friends anxious to do honour to lihe teachers and children who had brought to a close one of the most successful and happiest school years in the hiatory of Ruapuna. The concert that preceded the prize-giving was a most enjoyable function, and included a number of clever character sketches said to have originated in the versatile mind of the headmaster, Mr H. W. Beaumont. Among the elocutionary and musical \ items in a long programme were ,i pianoforte duet by Lucy and Molly Boyd; recitations by Olive Bcckley, Ted Holland, Jack Anderson, Bose Taylor, and Marc Antony's .pration by ] Gwcn Ross: an excellent and ambitious attempt for a young Sixth Standard pupil. The dialogues included "The Irish Schoolmaster" in character, an original sketch in which Mr Beaumont figured as the pedagogue, and made slow work in an effort to inculcate "laming" into the minds of four typical irresponsible Iriah youths; also "The Honse Shortage," by Nancy King and Myrtle Lane, in which the woes of house-hunting, and encounters with wily landlords, were humorously portrayed. The prettiest scene of the evening was an action-song followed by a dance, "The Oat Polka;," by the younger scholars, who were arrayed in quaint paper dresses. The prizes were distributed by the Rev. A. Kirkland, who warmly congratulated the pupils on their year's work, and in awarding proficiency certificates to four success ful girls— Veraßrown, Nancy King. Kathleen Lane, and Gwen Ross —em* phasised the great value placed on the certificates as evidence of earnestness and industry in study. Four out of five Ruapuna scholars secured certificates. Mr J. H. Boaler was then called on to speak on behalf of the School Committee and the district. He expressed the indebtedness of the people of Ruapuna to the two teachers, Mr Beaumont and Miss Purehas. They had worked hard, and, aided by loyal pupils, had made the school one of which everyone felt justly proud. At the conclusion of Mr Boater's remarks the audience rose and sang "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." A special prize was awarded Gordon Ross, who had not missed an attendance throughout the year. BROOMFIELD. On Friday afternoon very heavy rain fell, making it an anxious time for farmers, as it will delay harvesting and haymaking. It is hoped to hold a meeting of Broomfield residents early next month to decide upon erecting memorial gates | to the fallen soldiers had at some time attended the Broomfield School. Mr Stringer, having sold his "Te Tini" farm, will be leaving the district shortly. Mr J. E. Cooke, of Ambcrlcy, will commence the rural mail delivery at ; the Now Year. Mr and Mrs Phillips and family, of Cashmere, have come to reside in j Broomfield. Mr H. Elderton is now convalescent after his several weeks of illness. DORIE. The ex-pupils of the Doric School held a dance in tho Ardamino Hall on Wednesday evening. There was a good attendance, being present from Rakaia, Chertsey, Pendarves, and Mitcharn. The hall was decorated with greenry and Christmas lilies. Music for the dancing was supplier by McDonald's band, and Mr A. Butler was M.C. Among those present were : —Mesdames Smith, wearing black with touches of green; Sargent, blue velvet; Butler, tomato crepe do chine; Sprott, black velvet; Turnbull, black striped fujileno; Tyler, grey frock; Misses Ballantyne, Egyptian jersey silk; Harrison, lavender frock; Butler, jersey silk and radium lace; McMillan, blue crepe de chine; L. Sprott, pink crepe do chine; Sprott, fawn jersey silk; L. McPhail, piuk silk; V. MaPhail, cream marocain; Turnbull, striped fuji; K. Douglas, cream fuji'; L. Douglas, blue silt; Carney, griped voile; Currey, pink '.=>tr£p©d georgjettfe; Tattereon, cream fuji; C. Lucas, blue crcpe de chine; Tyler, striped fuji, black laoe over maroon silk; O. Smith, cream frock; M. Tatterson, blue jersey silk; M. Kennctt. cream frock; Blazer, pink marocain; Straehan. creame triooline.

KOWAI BUSH. In spite of tie heavy rainfall,, all parents and school children congregated in the school (or tie annaal prize-giving. A jolly evening of games, dancing, . . and iteens was spent and the school looted very festive with its coloured paper decorations, tiie work of Miss Spencer and Miss Raised I. Later tine prizes were presented bv Mr TL M. I>. Johnson. A proficiency certificate wae awarded Maris Beeves.

AKAROA. The pupils of the local Convent School, assisted by some friends from the city, presented an attractive concert programme at thaOddfellows' Hall on Friday evening. There was a very Jk v ,fge atttendanoe, and 'Hie various items were rendered in a manner that received due appreciation, the applause being hearty and frequent. The children acquitted themselves well, the instrumental items, part songs, danoes and drill being particularly noticeable. Among the adults who assisted were Misses N. Nottingham, H. MoKillop, and Messrs A. McDonald, Turner, E. Donnell and Wilson, and their several contributions added materially to the success of the concert.

The half-yearly opening of tho "Barnardo Homo' Boxes" was celebrated by an afternoon picnic arranged by tho local organising committee for last Tuesday. The contributions amounted to just about £6. After tea had been served, the children spent a pleasant hour or two in games.

The pupils of the Anglican Sunday School spent a very pleasant evening last Tuesday, the occasion being the annual prize-giving. The Re*v. A. H. Julius, who, afc the request of the vicar, Rev. 4. C. Purchas, gave out the prizes, said it would probably be the last time he would officiate. He had been associtcd with the work during his ministry recently closed, for over 20 years, and he paid a well-deserved tribute to the labours of the Sunday school teachers. Each scholar received a gift, the names of the older ones who were awarded special prizes being as follows: First Girls: Keitba Rhodes (attendance), Ina Hayward (diligence), Betty Wlxelch (diligence). Boys: Keith Moore. Second Class: Girls—Freda Davis 1; boys, Rex Daivis (attendance), Ken Rhodes (diligence), Billy Henning (diligenoe). Broken weather has prevailed during the past week, heavy rain falling for a short time on several occasions. A few weeks of bright sunny weather would be now welcomed by both farmers and visitors. The cocksfoot paddocks need a spell of dry heat now to finish them off. Reports state that the crop generally will bo abundant and the seed of good quality. RAKAIA. Mr J. Shannon, of Rakaia, who has been in charge of the Cricklewood School, has receiivod notice of his appointment as assistant master at the vVest Lyttelton School. Mr Sydney Breach, of the local railway statf, has been transferred to Southbridge. His position at Rakaia has been Jilled by Sir M. Brown. The breaking-up ceremony at the Rakaia. School was held on Friday afternoon. There was a good attendance of parents, and friends, and although the weather was cold and dull, an enjoyable aitcrnoon was spent. The infants and younger children were each presented with a gift from a Christmas Tree by a smiling Father Christmas. The proficiency apd competency certificate's were presented by Mr Mackie. A special prize for diligence awarded by Miss R. Lee to Std. IV. was won by Chris. Behrnes. Messrs Sharp Bros.' special prize for best all round boy in St. IV., V and VI. was won by Douglas Stewart. A gold medal, given by Mr Mackie for the dux pupil, was presented to Doris Haslett. Games were performed by a number of small boys, and girls, and songs and rounds were sung by the senior pupils. A number of competitions by teams of boys and girls created considerable interest. Afternoon tea was served in the senior room while the children were supplied with soft drinks and cakes. Afterwards tne Rev. A. S. Morrison, chairman of tne School Committee, addressed the gathering. The Rev. E. N. Blakiston moved a hearty vote of thanks to the teaching staff for their work during the year, and this was carried by acclamation. The head teacher. Mr Mackie, returned thanks and referred to the need for a new school. On behalf of the senior scholars Norman Breach presented Mr Mackie, who has been acting as relieving head teacher, with a pocket wallet, sad a diary. Those present sang ''For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and cheers were given for Mr Mackie. Mr Mackie suitably replied. Hi© proceedines e?ns_ ed with the singing of the National Anthem.

MOUNT SOMERS. Last week a good crowd turned out in tho Memorial Hall, despite the wet night, for the wind-up of the weekly dances in aid of the Library Fund. During tho evening a presentation of an easy chair was made to Mrs Heseltine, who is leaving the district. Mrs Heseltine willingly helped with the music for danoes during her residence in Mount Somers, and will be greatly missed. Miss Campbell, who has been probationer at the school, was also tho recipient of a token from the hockey and tennis clubs on her departure from the district. Mr L. Hood made the presentations, Mrs Heseltine and Miss Campbell replying. Mr Hunter has taken up duty as stationmaster, in place of Mr Bentell, transferred. The monthly meeting of tho Plunket Committee, whioh- was to bo held last Wednesday, was abandoned on aocount of the poor attendance. There will be. no furtner metings now till February, when tho annual meeting will lie held. The Plunket nurse will visit here on the second and fourth Wednesday in January. The weather for the last week has been cold, and showery with a coating of enow on the high hills.