NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18635, 9 March 1926, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. The Rev. W. B. Cuming, who had been attending the Methodist Conference at Dunedin, returned to "Woodend on Friday. Mr and Mrs M. Smith, "Atamarie," nest belt, Rangiora, have returned to Rangiora after spending an enjoyable holiday at "Gartkowen," Akaroa. Mrs W. O'Brien, of Rangiora, left last week-end on a visit to Dunedin and the Exhibition. At the monthly horse sale last Friday, aged and broken-down horses were unsaleable; several could not raise a bid. A horse which had been brought a good distance, and was in good condition, could not draw an offer of ss. Another horse was sold for Is, the owner having to pay 3s 6d above the price received. He was, however, quite satisfied. The committee of the Returned Soldiers' Association met on Friday evening, Mr John Marshall presiding. It was decided to observe Anzac Day in the same manner as last year, the service in the Park to be arranged by the ministers of the various Churches and Salvation Army officer, and the parade to be marshalled by the president of the Association (Mr J. Horrell). Poppy Day was fixed for Tuesday, April 20th, and the annual meeting of the Association for March 27th, in the Agricultural Hall. It was decided to hold a series of card socials during the winter months on the same lines as those of last year, the first to be on April 21st. * „ WAIPARA. During the past week very pleasant weather conditions have prevailed with cool southerly breezes. Since the recent rain autumn crops of rape, turnips, and lucerne have freshened up wonderfully. Farmers are busy working up tho land for autumn and winter sowing. The annual bos opening of the members of the Waipara branch Young Helpers' League took place on BViday afternoon at the residence of Mrs Cameron (treasurer). There was a good attendance of members and friends. The boxes were opened by the secretary, Miss M. Whyte. The proceeds amounted to £-114s 10d, an increase on last year's takings, the largest amounts being collected by Margaret Cameron, Clifton Collie, Mollie Callaway, and Edward Whyte. The Rev. A. Peters, of Papanui eulogised the splendid effects of the children, and gave an interesting address on the work in connexion with Dr. Barnardo's Homes. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Mrs Cameron. Amongst those present were Mesdames Cameron, McGuckin, Baker, Arthur, Pittaway, Ferguson, Shadbolfc, Peters, and Misses Cameron, Blythe (2), McGuckin, Whtye, Edwards, Hibberd and others. Miss Merle Edwards, who has been spending a holiday with her aunt, Mrs McGuckin, leaves next week with her parents to reside in Balclutha. •A very successful dance was held in the Waipara Hall on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance from all parts of the district, and an enjoyable time was spent. The dance music was supplied by Mrs A. Ferguson (piano) and Mr Hall (Omihi) violin, while Mr Laredo carried out the duties of M.C. Supper was provided by the Dance Committee, who carried out their duties in a rreditable manner. Rev. A. Peters (Papanui) and Mrs Peters are visiting relatives in Waipara, prior to their departure on an extended trip to Great Britain and Europe. Mr and Mrs Crowe loft this week on a bolidav trip to .Gernldine, and thence ] . to the Dunedin, Exhibition. Mr C Arthur of' the railway staff has received notice of his transfer on promotion to Ashburton. OHOKA. The Ohoka Hall Committee opened their winter season ■with.a very successful social, which drew an attendance sufficient to give quite, a handsome profit. In the first half of the programme, during the intervals between the dances, songs -were'given by Mr James Ward, Miss M. Hall, Messrs C. Cook, and C. Knight. After supper dancing was continued with Mr C. R. W. Cooke as M.C, to music provided by the latest local institution, the Ohokd, Jazz Band; a combination which, by its merit, quickly won the appreciation of the dancers, and which will supply a long felt want in the district. The Committee are considering plans for the extension of the building, and the construction of a special room from which to operate the mechanism of the picture shows .which will now be .held fortnightly. Owing to the Kaiapoi Regatta being held nest Saturday, the .'tennis match j against Ashley, on the'local ground,) has been \ postponed till Saturday, March 20th. Much interest. is being shown by the ladies, in the ladder competition, and such quiqk changes are taking place, that, the composition of the team may be considerably altered by that date. On Sunday next the Harvest Festival Service will be held in the evening, when the vicar, the Rev. H. H. Mathias, has arranged for instrumental music to supplement that of the organ. Tho sudden death of Mrs James Kenyan ardent church worker, who had won for herself many friends in the district, occurred last wesk. The funeral ..took place at the Anglican Cemetery in Kaiapoi. BELFAST. The monthly meeting of the Belfast School Committee was held on Wednesday evening. Present: Messrs W. P. Spencer (chairman), W. Skidmore, D. C. McArthur, R. Erickson, W. Price, A. Johnson, R. Graham, and T. Morton. The headmaster reported the Main School roll to be 141, and the Spencervillo School roll 113. Miss M. Guild has been appointed probationer. Mr Deihl left last Friday, when he was the recipient of a Gladstone bag from the School Committee and a pocket wallet from the teaching staff and pupils. The library has benefited by 29 books, costing £2 19s Cd. The swimming sports will he held on Thursday, and the committee has given the sum of £3 towards prizes. Final arrangements for a trip to the Exhibition have been arranged. Mr Gamble, of Ournhia School takes charge of the boys, and Miss Egleton, •infant mistress, takes charge of the girls. Mrs Fitzsimmons 'nd friends have presented the infant school with a gramophone, and the school is being provided with a first-aid outfit. The report was adopted, . PREBBLETON. j Mr L. A. Gallagher and Mr A. Wood left on Saturday for Timaru, en route i to Dunedin, where they will visit the ! Exhibition. Miss Mabel Griffiths has returned from a visit to Parnassus. The local boys attending the Christchurch Technical College left on Saturday morning to go into camp at Burnham. The usual fortnightlv meeting of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge, "i.0.0.F., M.U., was held last week, when Bro. W.

Stevens, N.G., presided over a good attendance of members. Three new members were initiated. P.G. Bro. G. Walker and P.G. Bro. H. Prebble were appointed delegates to attend the forthcoming district conference. Lucerne growing has made much progress in this district during the past few years, and this season some very fine .crops have been grown. A particularly good crop has been grown on the farm recently acquired by Mr D. Gebbie, who has just finished stacking the third cut of the season. The crop has been harvested under extremely favourable weather con'ditions, and has gone into stack in splendid condition. It is an excellent example of'what may be accomplished in lucerne growing in-this locality if sound and scientific methods are followed. - BROADFIELD. A very pleasant function took place on Saturday evening when a number of friends and'relatives-of Mr George Carpenter met at the residence of his parents, Mr and Mrs F. W. Carpenter, to celebrate his twentieth birthday. Dancing, musical items, games and competitions were indulged in. Mr Carpenter was the recipient of many birthday presents. After supper was handed round, some very appropriate and "humorous speeches were made by several of the company. Mr Carpenter thanked the donors for the many presents given to him during the evening. Cheers for the guest of the evening and his parents and sisters concluded one of the most pleasant functions held in the district for some time. The music for the dancing was suppied by Mr I. Trask. Among those present fere:— Mr and Mrs Carpenter. Mr and airs C G Smith, 3fr and Mrs Henderson, IMr and Mrs Trask, Misses Jack-man i ?2J Carpenter (2), Smith (3), leatmarr, I F Smith, Gallagher, Cunneen, Shier, i Messrs Cnneeu (2), Harris. Jackman, kmith Jones, Huenson. Rvan, Carpenter (3), Courtney, Gallagher.