THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18265, 26 December 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

—« — RANffIORA. The fine weather on Christmas Eve drew a very large crowd of people into the township, :md The shops were kept very bu?y until a late hoar. The business people report the volume of business done was considerably in excess of the last few years. The crowd was a very orderly one and there was no unseemly conduct. At 7 o'clock Father Christmas arrived at the New Zealand Farmers' Co-op. and distributed sweets to the children. The cracker nuisance w;ts not so pronounced as in former years. Christmas morning was line butdull, but in the afternoon fine rain fell for a time. At the Anglican and Methodist Churches services were held in the morning, which were well attended. The liangiora Brass P.nnd turned out in the morning and played hymns and carols.

lies Sutherland, who won the North Canterbury JO miles road championship, has been Very ill since the event, suffering from peritonitis, and is in Bro<-k lehurst private hospital. His condition has caused his family some concern, but at latest reports he is improving.

ASHLEY. A large party of pupils of the Ashley school, with their parents and friends, journeyed to New Brighton for their annual picnic. The weather proved favourable, and a most enjoyable day was spent. Both the journey and the proceedings were enlivened by pipe music played bv Messrs E. Collie, J. Vallance. and Douglas Peter. Sweets and l'ruit were distributed to 'the children. SOUTHBROOK. A very pleasant function took place at the residence of Mrs S. SuHiran, when Miss Koir, infant teacher of the District School. was tho guest of honour. The object of the gathering was to show the appreciation in which Miss Keir is held by tho parents of the scholars of tho school. The afternoon passed pleasantly with competitions and music. Mrs J. T. Withers favouring tho company with a. song. Mrs C. ft. Xhwaites. on behalf of those present, presented Miss Keir with a vaso and a ladv'.s companion. Miss Keir very feelingly acknowledged tho gifts. After- ! noon tea was dispensed, and' before leaving. Mrs G. Mcintosh thanked Mrs Sullivan for her kindness in throwing her home open for tho occasion. WADDINGTON. The parents and children of tho Waddington School held their annual picnic at New Brighton, and spent a most enjoyable day. The children, many of whom had never visited tho popular seaside borough before, were delighted with the change from the country, and spent a real good time, greatly appreciating the various amusements provided by the local authorities. The day was beautifully fine, which greatly' added to their enjoyment. MAYFIELD. The Christmas season was not allowed to pass in. Mayfield without a generous and successful attempt being made by a relatively sriiall section of the community to extend cheer and happiness t-o their less fortunate fellows elsewhere. A garden party and gift afternoon, on behalf of the St. Saviour's Anglican Orphanage, had been arranged at the home of Mrs D. Duff, for Monday afternoon, but heavy rain diverted the function to the Mayfield hall. There was a splendid response. Gifts in large and beautiful variety were brought in, and toward evening a substantial consignment was in readiness for despatch, to the orphanage. The Mayfield Anglican Church which is included in tho parish of Mt. Somers, has been for a considerable time without a vicar; but notwithstanding this drawback, the local communicants remain a live and virile force. for Monday's splendid and kindly-dis-posed effort is due Mrs W. K. Dellow, the Misses Peggy and Jessie Dutt, and Miss Jean Paterson. GREENDALE. At the annual prize-giving of the GreendaLe School, tho cbaarman, the Rev. W. 0. A. Vickery, gave an appropriate address to the children. There was a good number of parents present, and after each scholar had received a book, afternoon tea was served. The children entertained tho visitors with selections from their recent concert. Harvest labours have been interfered with by a heavy storm. Monday was a busy day, but the rumblings of thunder gave indications which were not too pleasing for harvesters. About 6.>io p.m. rain started very gently, compelling work to cease. Through too jught there was an almost continuous downpour, the fall being 1.20 inches. RUSSELL'S FLAT. The committee of the newly-formed Russell's Flat Tennis Club consists of Messrs A. Rutledge (president), Messrs J. Sowden, G. F. "Watson, .T. Rutledge, Mesdames Jas. Martin, .A. Mcllraith (secretary and treasurer), Misses Brcwins and Adkins.

ASHBURTON FORKS. The seatiug accommodation in Mr John Hyde's recently-enlarged woodshed was taxed to its utmost, the occasion of the social to Miss ltuth Frisby, who is leaving the district to reside in Auckland. During the evening lucky spot waltzes were held, the winners in the children's section being L-ilah. Green and Albert Hydes and Olga Hydes ajid M Randall, and in the adults, Mi- and Sirs Alan Lockhead. Mr W. Buchanan "ave a very smart musical comedy, introducing some clever local hits, which caused great amusement. Messrs T. Green, F. Evans, John Hydes, and Angus Horsey then spoke in eulogistic terms of Miss Frisby—her' help could always be relied upon, and the district would be suffering*a great loss through her removal. Mrs John Hydes then asked Miss Frisby to accept a silver tea service ajid an oak and silver tray, suitably inscribed, as a small token of esteom and regard, from her Ashburteux, Forks friends. Miss Frisby feelingly replied. The evening closed with the ladies handing round a most bountiful supper.