MID-CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18927, 16 February 1927, Page 4

MID-CANTERBURY.

ASHBURTON. PERSONAL. A resolution of sympathy with the relatives of the ir.te Mr J. B. Christian, who was fit one time a member of the High School Board oi' Governor;, wns passed at tho Board meeting yesterday. Major 11. D. Mcllugh, regimental district commander, Timaru, who has been transferred to Invercarglll, made his Inst orticial visit to Ashburton during the week-end, and inspected the A Company senior cadets (High School; on Monday afternoon, and B Company senior cadets on Monday evening. High School Board. The High School Board of Governors held its monthly meeting yesterday when there were present: Messrs J. W. Bowden (chairman), J. Brown, \V. T. Lill, M. Bruce, B. Kennedy, A. Lane, F. Frnmpton, and the headmaster (Mr W. F. Watters). The financial statement showed that there was a debit in the loan account of £3IOO, and a credit of £695 Is 9d in the general account. The chairman reported that the girls' hostel had been renovated and had been leased for .1 term of two years. The alteration to the science laboratory had been completed satisfactorily. The telescope house was nlmost completed. Now that new desks had been received he hoped the headmaster would strike a note of warning to the boys against carving their name on the tops of the desks. The headmaster reported that the school reopened on February 7th. The new entrants numbered 38 boys and 42 girls. Of last year's roll 90 boys and 7(5 girls had returned, the total being 128 boys and 118 girls. That represented an increase of 11 on last year's opening. There were 12 paying fees, the remainder being free place holders. Miss I. Duff took up her duties last week. Mr Lovoll-Smitli, of Christchurch School of Art, succeeded Mr Clark as drawing master. Ho exprosscd his pleasure at tho improvements carried out at the School, which would provide them with ample accommodation for some time to come. The 1920 examinations resulted as follows:—University Entrance Scholarship: 1 Scholarship, 5 credit passes, 1 pass; Higher Leaving Certificates: 21 awardod; Teachers' D examination: 7 passes; Matriculation: 9 passes, 7 completed; Accountants' preliminary: 1 partial pass; Public Service Entrance: 5 passes; Senior Notional Scholarship: 1 credit pass, 9 passes; senior free place: 49 passes, 5 junior free place extensions; Junior National Scholarship: 2 scholarships, C passes. Tho report was adopted. A letter of thanks was directed to be sent to the Principal of the Technical School (Mr B. J. Thompson) for arranging to accommodate a woodwork class from the High School. The chairman and Mr Kennedy were appointed a Visiting Coramitteo for March. Accounts amounting to £244 18s 4d were passed for paymont. Messrs Lill, Frampton, and Brown were deputed to inspect the Board's reserves and furnish a report to the next meeting.

Allenton School Cjommitte*. At the monthly meeting of tho Allenton School Committee held on Monday evening there were present: Messrs 0. Armstrong (in the choir), W. J. Sparrow, A. Drayton, E. C. Bathurst, G. Harris, H. McConhell, and Jos. McElhlnney. The headmaster (Mr W. 8. Pratt) reported that the general work of the school was satisfactory. The school opened with a roll of 257, against 241 at the commencement last year. There were 27 admissions and 31 withdrawals. During the v past week five had been admitted, ahd one had left making the roll 261. The average attendance for the past two weeks was 94 per cent. The whole staff expressed pleasure at the delightful outing to Timaru for the annual picnic. The report was adopted. The Ashburton East School Committee advised that it had decided to establish a dental clinic and asked if the Allenton School would consider the question of entering into the scheme. The matter was favourably considered by members of the committee. The secretary was requested to obtain particulars of the proposal for the next meeting. The resignation of the caretaker (Mrs J. Parkos) was accepted with regret, and it was decided to invite applications for tho position. The Visiting Committee reported that tho school grounds and buildings were In good condition. Loyal Tinwald Lodge. The Loyal Tinwald Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., held its usual fortnightly meeting on Monday evening, when N.G. Bro. W. J. McDowell presided over a good attendance The Ashburton district wroto asking for nominations for district officers for tho ensuing year. The following were nominated:— D.G.M., Bro. D. T. Patcrson; D.D.G.M., Bro. H. D. Gunn; D.S. Bro. A. C. Hardy; district treasurer, Bro. F. H. Watt; Committee of Management, Bros. S. Culverhouso and W. S. Brady. Three candidates were initiated into the Order, and one proposal for membership was received. One Brother was reported on the sick list. Male Voice Choir. The newly-formed male voice choir held its first practice on Monday night under the conductorship of Mr H. Clomo. There wns an encouraging attendance of members, and from the enthusiasm which was shown, the choir promises to become a highly successful musical body. Plunket Society. For tho purpose of confirming alterations nnd amendments to the rules, a special meeting of the Ashburton branch of the Plunket Society was held yesterday afternoon, when the president, Mrs A. Grigg, presided. Musical Club. There was an attendance of about 20 members at the annual meeting of the Ashburton Musical Club, which was held last evening. The president, Mrs A. C. Williams, presided. The annual report presented by the secretary (Miss L. Watt) stated that the work of the society had gone on steadily during the past year. The j society gave £3 3s towards the Ashburton Competitions Society's prize fund. Three open evenings were held during the year, and were greatly enjoyed by i the honorary members who were present. The thanks of the Club were extended to the president (Mrs Williams), for the interest she had taken and the work she bad done in connexion with the Club's activities, also to the vicepresident, Miss G. Galbraith. The report and also the balance-sheet, which disclosed a satisfactory position were adopted. The sum of £3 3s was voted to the ; Bt. Andrew's Church, for the use of the . hall for the past 18 months. I Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, Mrs A. C. Williams; vice-president, Mrs A. T. Smith; secretary and treasurer, Hiss L. Watt; assistant secretary, Miss 0. Gal-

braith; general committee: Misses A. M. Brunton, L. Lowis, D. and M. Staples and N. Mulvey. The Weather. A total of 27 points of rain were recorded at the Dominion weather station as a result of the rain on Monday night. Yeßterday broko dull, although fine and the sun shone out during the afternoon. METHVEN. The monthly meeting of the. committeeof the Methvcn A. and P. Association was held on Monday evening. Mr James Campbell presided and there were also present Messrs James Carr, D, M. Christie. Jno. "Watson, S. Robinson, C. Campion, It. 1>- Millar, and Alexander Marr. A vote of sympathy was accorded Messrs E.,J. Watson and A. Geddes in their recent bereavement, also to Mr 11. J. Freeman in his illness. The Postmaster, Methven, wroto advising that the new number plates for motors had arrived and asking the assistance of the Association in inducing monitors to register their cars early to save congestion at a busy time. Messrs Petersen's. Ltd., advised that the placqucs ordered by the Association had come to hand. The Chief Postmaster wroto regarding the Association's resolution concerning the system in vogue of collecting toll accounts. Ho stated that the present system had proved quite satisfactory and the period of grace for payment could not lie extended. Ho also advised that letters containing payment for toll fees were delivered |>ostage free, also that stamps were accepted in payment up to os. The secretary of the South Island A. and P. Federation forwarded a copy of a resolution passed at a recent meeting to the effect that the Association was of the opinion that there was urgent need for legislation to give the farming community moro adequate redress against trespass 0:1 freehold or leasehold properties whether the trespasser was in pursuit of game or otherwise. Mr D. N. Christie spoke in favour of supporting the Federaton in their efforts in this direction, and 011 his motion, seconded by Mr It. D. Millar, it was decided to give their support. The following marshals and stewards were appointed to act in the various sections at the annual show : Sheep: marshal, Mr Jno. Watson; stewards, Messrs D. Middleton, P. A. Watson, F. and J. McDonald, L. L. Richards, E. J. Watson, 0. T. Jessep, J. E. Harris, D. Christie. R. Millar, W. W. Goodwin, L. A. Anderson, S. Campbell, and E. A. Bland. Cattle: marshal. Mr G. Chambers, jun.;'stewards, Messrs N. Watson, D. Adams, W. J. Bennett, and Alex. Wilson. Draught horses: marshal, Mr A. Geddes (males); Mr G. Kelly (females); stewards, Messrs J. R. Dalton, W. McDowell, E. Body, J. Ruddenklau, W. Spray, and A. Hart. Thoroughbred and harness horses: marshal, Mr S. G. Holmes; stewards, Messrs A. Paul, L. Mangin, W. K. Wilson, and W. E. Hampton. Hacks and hackneys: marshal, Mr G. Callaghan; stewards, Messrs 6. Ruddenklau, E. T. Grigg, J. A. McDonald, and A. L. Hibbs; measuring stewards, Messrs It. N. Elliott and A. F. Marr. Ponies: marshal, Mr Jno. Dowling; stewards, Messrs A. J. McKay, J. Goodwin, jun., S. Wallis, J. H. Stone, and T. Macartney. Sheep and dogs: marshal, Mr S. Robinson. Poultry and pigs: marshal, Mr H. Craniield. Produce tent: marshal, Mr Stanley Smith; stewards, Messrs W. R. Morgan and W. Burrows. Field Roots: stewards, Messrs A. McKay, J. Dart, and J. T. Mangin. Farm Produce: Messrs F. G. Mangin and G. Lilley; dairy produce, Mrs F. G. Mangin and Mr Jno. Watson. Miscellaneous: Mr and Mrs H. Maginness and Mrs W. Morgan. Needlework: Mr» Dickie, Mesdames Elliott, Dort, Marr, and Jessep. Children's Section: Misses A. P. Duff and McColl. The question of train arrangements, band, and several minor details were left to the secretary and Mr D. M. Christie. Mr James Carr brought up the question of the suggested wool-classing instruction for Methven, and Mr John Watson was appointed to confer with tho Technical School instructor at Ashburton with a view to making tho necessary arrangements. After a spell of extremely hot weather a change took place at Methven on Monday afternoon, when rain set in and continued steadily throughout tho night. For the 24 hours ending at 9 B " m "j y*j£* 42 Points were registered. The rain will do a considerable amount of good to all feed and root crops, which were beginning to feel tho effects of the dry spell. The second of a series of social evenings, promoted by the Methven BacKe- - 1« » ' Clul U . was he,d in thc Anglican Hall on Frrday evening. In spite of the warm weather, a large number of young people attended and tho ovenin» was a thoroughly enjoyable one. Music for the dance was supplied by Mr lien Allred, while Mrs A. Lawrence played several extras. Messrs S. G. Cranfield and W. Grivcs carried out the duties of masters of ceremony.

RUAPUNA. Tho Swimming Club's Executive met on Saturday evening, the president, Mr &. W. Ross, being in tho chair. The president reported that the cups had been purchased, and notified tho club of Mr Rribilliard's contribution of one guinea. It was decided to hold tho club championships over 60 yards in each of tho four sections, ladies, girls, men, and boys. The Tennis Club is holding a championship match on Saturday. After" the match tho committee will pick a team to play against the Lowcliffc Club at Ruapuna. MOUNT SOMERS. The spell of hot sultry weather experienced over tho week-end camo to a sudden termination shortly after H o'clock on Monday morning, when a southerly gale suddenly swept across the Plnins and quickly cooled the air. Tho maximum temperature prior to the change was 82 degrees. Rain fell during tho afternoon and evening, by which time a stronz north-east wind sprang up. Yesterday morning .47 inches of rain was recorded, the minimum temperature reading being the lowest for over three weeks, namely, 45 degrees. Conditions were still overcast and threatening at a late hour yesterday morning, but a return to settled conditions would be more welcome in order that harvest ma 7 be completed. Since the rains of last week grass has begun to show a marked growth, while the growth of turnips is quite phenomenal.