NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18571, 22 December 1925, Page 9

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. [ On Saturday the Presbyterian Sun--1 day Schools of Rangiora and Coldstream, and the Rc.ngiora and Southbrook Metl;odi-t Schools had their annual outing at the Christohurcli Botanical Gardens. The children were accompanied by a good numoer of their parents, and oilier.- interested in the s:hoois. A haoov dav was soent bv all. '" At a meeting of the Library Committee, hold on Fridav eveninc. aifts of books for the Juvenile Library were received from Mr H. Cobden-Cox and Mr H. Bullock, who were accorded a vote of thanks. The Juvenile Library be inn in needs of books it «'as defidc.l to make an anneal to the public for gifts of suitable volumes. KAIAPOL There was a large attendance at St. Paul's I'ri'sbyterian Church, Kaiapoi. on Sunday evening, when the sacred cantata, "The Great Light," a very attractive work, arranged for solos, duets, quartettes (male and female), and choruses was sung by the church choir under the conductorship of Mr ('has. Clarkson. The baritone and bass solos were sung by Messrs O. Miller and A. Baker respectively, and Miss X. Logan sang the solos allotted to the contralto very creditably. Mr A. McQueen gave a very good interpretation, of the tenor solos, and Miss K. Thorite's sweet soprano voice was heard to advantage in the soprano parts. The singing of the choruses was a. feature of the performance, and gave evidence of sound training and assiduous practice. During the interval the Rev. G. K. Aitken recited verses from the Scripture, and Mr A. Best sang the organ solo, "The I'astoral Symphony,'' from Handel's "Messiah." The accompaniments to the tenor recitatives in the Crucifixion wen: tastefully played by Mrs A. Stark. The church was again well filled last evening, when the cantata was repeated to an appreciative audience. i_. ROTHERHAM. The annual school picnic was held on Thursday in the old orchard at Aehray, which was kindly lent by Mr J. N. Boag for tlje occasion. The weather was not very promising in the morning, but the day turned out hot with an occasional shower, which did not mar the pleasure of those present. After lunch a programme of races was gone through, the crawling races, hopping races, and sack races causing much amusement to the onlookers. Special prizes, given by Mr Kirkwood for most points in the races, were won as follows. Senior girls: l Alice Walker. Junior girls: T)orothy Jones. Senior boys: Jack Topp. Junior boys: Bob Tear. Unfortunately the school prizes did not come to hand, and the prize-giving had to be postponed for a few rlays. The continued dry spell is causing j great concern among the farmers in the ' district. A steady drizzle, with a threatening sky overhead raised the. hopes of the optimists early on Friday morning, but by 10 a.m. the sky was clear, and the little rain that had fallen showed no effect.

AMBERLEY. At the monthly meeting of Amberley School Committee there were present: Mr E. P. iS»hier (chairman), Messrs E. Chamberlain, A. J. "Watson, J. Munro, and A. Lukey. The' headmaster's reDort for the last period showed that the average attendance had been 97.(5. The inspector's report was a highly satisfactory one and reflected great credit on the teaching staff. CUST. An accident occurred on Friday. Mr George Bolt was ploughing in his paddock, when the seat of his plough broke and he was pulled forward on to the plough. His back struck the blade; fortunately he had the presence of mind to call out and stop the team. He was removed to Christchurch Hospital, where it was found that his injuries were not so severe as they might hare been. He is now progressing favourably. Another accident happened on Saturday night in the township. William Burgess, the son of Mr W. Burgess, of Stoke homestead, was cycling home after a concert in the local hall. At the garage corner he collided with a car driven bv Miss Dixon, of West Eyreton. Fortuately he escaped serious injury, although he was badly bruised and shaken. He is now progressing favourably. The bicycle was smashed. WEST EYRETON. The school children gave a 'fine concert in the Hall on Thursday evening last. The proceeds were in aid of equipping a senool library, it was a very enjoyable and successtul affair, all the young artists showing considerable talent, and careful training. Mr George Beer (chairman of the school committee) occupied the chair. The following was the programme: —Piano solo, Thelnm Burt; choruses, "Lullaby," senior girls; nursery rhymes, infants; "Captain Ditty," senior scholars; "The Trail that Leads to Home," senior scholars; "Wildwood Flowers," senior scholars; "Home Sweet Home," juniors; recitations by Hilda Sheat, Ronnie Beer, Leslie Blackmore, Lawrence Grant. A round, "Glide Along." I vocal trio, iS'aney Pester, Leslie Blackmore, Ronnie Beer; scene from "Alice in Wonderland." Mad Hatter's TeaParty, Ada Gilling, Enid Jackson, Shirley Woodlield, Leslie Blackmore; drill. Senior Boys; vocal quartette, Geoffrey Woodfield, Jean Walker, Harry Eder, Hilda Sheat; piano duet, Mav Blackmore and Ethel Sheat; scene, "The Miners' Camp," senior boys; vocal duet, Enid Jackson and Helen Beer; solo and chorus, Mav Blackmore, Tholma Burt. Edith Beer. Esther Sheat. RUSSELL'S FLAT. A return match was played, between Halkett and Eussell's Flat tennis teams, on the Sheffield tennis courts. The match resulted in a win for the visitors by eleven games. The Russell's Flat school held its annual breakiug-up'ceremony on Thursday. During the afternoon races were run in the playground. The children, as a reward for an excellent year's work, were each presented by the chairman (Mr Williams) with' a prize. Speeial prizes, given by Miss Brewins for the best work done in each division, were won by Ella Martin, Ken. Kutledge, and Monica Duncan. BURNHAM. The continuons hot, dry , weather with frequent nor'-westers, is having a marked and damaging effect on the district. Grass is running up to seed, and therefore losing its value as feed and the crops are thin and spindly. A welcome shower of rail fell on Thursday evening, but rain in profuse quantity is required. Various circumstances appear to be combining to make a thin year. A visit was paid to the local school by the School Medical Officer, Dr. Phillipps. and a dental nurse of the Education Board, when all the school children were medically examined.

KAIKOURA. A concert of outstanding merit was given in the Drill Hall on Friday, under the supervision of the Kaikoura FootI ball Club, in aid of funds to meet the expenses incurred in sending members of the olub afield to compete in the sub-union matches. The hall was welli filled by an enthusiastic audience. ! The entertainment was one of the best J ever held in Kaikoura. and was greatly i appreciated by the large audience. Prior I to the concluding item. Dr. R. L. With- | era. on behalf of members of the Foot- ! bail Club, thanked the public for the I generous support accorded the enterI tainmeut. the visiting performers for the splendid services rendered, and to the local artists for their part of the' programme. # .\" very welcome rain set in on Thursday, and there were showers on Friday, the effect being most beneficial to dairy farmers and pastoralists. .Mr !•;. A. W. Smith has been elected a member of the Kaikoura River Board. to (ill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr Walter Chapman. The roads throughout the country arc in excellent order for motorists, all the streams in the district being bridged. Campers are already making their appearance along the coast. Between Oaro and Clarence Bridge there are ideal camping grounds, with abundance of crayfish, buttorfish, and other line fishing*. Rabbits and hares also abound. LEITHFIELD. On Saturday evening the Swimming Club held one of its popular dances. The attendance was good, and with the energetic secretary, Mr J. W. Sarich, 'as master of ceremonies, and Mrs F. Trail dispensing cheerful music, not a dull moment was experienced. During the evening Miss Baird contributed a recitation. On Sunday afternoon a children's service was held fli St. Paul's Church, pleasing features being the hymns "All Things "Bright and Beautiful" (Monk) and''There is a Green .Hill" (Horsley). rendered in sweet, childish voices by eighteen or twenty scholars. After the service the superintendent, the Rev. G. L. Harold, distributed the prizes. Those who had earned awards were:— Senior Class: Gwen Palmer, Mina Weir, Melva Jamieson, Phyllis James, Norman Vickery, Sehvyn Fletcher (for attendance), Eileen Russell, Jean Jamieson, Alma McLean. Miss Mandcr's Class: Mary Sarich, Lewis Palmer, Kathleen Sarich, Aubrey Jamieson, Geoffrey Jamieson, Noel Fletcher, Joan Palmer, Betty Sarich, and Margery Fletcher.

The popularity of the Leithfiehl beach as a picnic resort is evidenced by the number of private parties which gather on the foreshore on Sundays and pn public holidays. During the past ten days the beach has been gay with school picnic parties from llorslcy Downs, Scargill, Hawardcn, Saltwater Creek, and The Peaks. WAIKUKU. The "wind-up" of the Waikuku Mutual Improvement Society was held on Friday evening at the Methodist Church in the form of an outdoor social. Games were enjoyed outside and indoors. A short programme was given as follows: —Recitation, Miss Gwen Morgan; solo, Ecv. W. B. Cuming; recitation, Miss Cathie McMillan; solo, Mr J. Eobb; recitation, Miss M. Orchard; duct, Miss Gwen Morgan and Miss M. Orchard. The winner of the competition was Mr W. Drcaver. HORORATA. The Hororata School "break-up" took place on Thursday evening in the hall, which was only just large enough to accommodate the gathering of parents and friends. The proceedings opened with a short concert programme given hv the children. A feature of the evenins was the Christmas tree, laden with tovs. sweets, and balloons for the younger children. Father Christmas, iivho arrived by motor-oar) presented each child (those who have not yet attended school) with toys, sweets, and balloons. The chairman of the School Commitee (Mr D. Bruce) congratulated the teaching staff on the result of the vear's work. Special prizes were awarded to James McKenzie, dux of the school (prize given by Mr G. E. Cartwrieht). Gwladys Locker for highest percentage of marks for girls for thei

year (prize given by Mrs D. Spense), Bernie McKenzio for highest percentage of marks for boys for the year (prize given by Mrs D. Spense). Hewai Jiaxrett also received a sewing prize, given bv Mrs P. E!. Pearson. Jean Turner" and Iris Phillips vrere given darning prizes. The chairman also handed Marjorie. McKenzie, .Bernie MeKenzie, Martin Justice, llay Oliver, ami Allan Oliver certificates for good attendance. The chairman said they hoped to augment the prize-list next vear by giving swimming prizes. DARFIELD. At present the weather is typical for this season of the year, hot and dry nor'-westers being rather too frequent. The crops are looking well, and, iiesaite the unfavourable weather conditions, are making satisfactory progress. Shearing is now in full swing, and although the clips are reported to be very good, the prices are not near so satisfactory as last year. Some excepttionallv good lambs are to be seen in the district from ,801b to 901b live weieht are reported in some paddocks. • The Athletic Association have held the last meeting prior to their sports gathering on Boxing Day. Feeling reference was made to the sad bereavement suffered by Mr "\V. W. Mulholland in the loss of his son, and a potion of sympathy was carried, all present standing. On Friday the pupils of the Public School held their annual coticert in the Hall. The children acquitted themselves with credit, several items being recalled. Mr Holland, chairman of the School Committee, moved a vote of thanks to the children, which was carried by acclamation. A very enjoyable dance brought a pleasant evening to a close. Music was supplied by Mr a.nd Mrs CManville, Miss Rcdfern," and Messrs Syme (2).