SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18968, 5 April 1927, Page 3

SOUTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. The hall was well filled again on Saturday evening, when the proprietary of Everybody's presented a very fine programme. The star picture was "The Unknown Cavaiier." n Western comedyromance. The great Western serial, "Fighting With Buffalo Bill," which has been running as a supporting picture for the last ten weeks, was concluded. The opening stage of a ncw serial, "Samson of th-3 Circus,- was also screened. To-night, "The Cats Pyjamas," a Paramount comedy, will be screened, and on Thursday that great picture, "The Sea Beast," starring John Barrymore, will be shown. On Saturday afternoon a mishap occurred to a hauling plant owned by Mr A. Yates, of Rangiora. It was, however, not attended with any personal injury to the attendants, but some considerable damage was clone to the hauling plant. The traction-engine, with three trucks heavily laden with gram, was descending a steep incline on what is known as Kennedy's Hill in the Cust district, when the connecting rods bent with the weight, and two of the tracks went over the bank and were considerably damaged. The grain was thrown in all directions, and several bags were burst open. The sudden jerk of the trucks going over turned the heavy engine right round. One man who was on a truck jumped clear as it was going over. In connexion with the returned soJdiers' excursion to Timaru on Easter Saturday, the train time-table and the facilities for procuring meals and other refreshments are advertised in this issue. The Caroline Bay Association has advised the excursion committee that in the event of the weather being unfavourable, they are prepared to throw open their large pavilion, with the use of the piano and dancing floor, for the benefit of the excursionists. The sale of tickets has been heavy, and it has been found necessary to procure a limited number of extra adult tickets, and curtail the children's tickets. KAIAPOI. Harvest thanksgiving services were held in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Kaiapoi, on Sunday. The church was effectively decorated with vinos, flowers, and autumn foliage, great credit being due to the young ladies of the congregation, who spent the whole of the previous afternoon in giving effect to their artistic tastes. A large supply of fruits of the season, with sheaves of wheat, gave ample scope for a beautiful , display. Crowded congregations attended both the morning and evening services. The service in the morning was conducted by the Rev. G. K. Aitken, who took for his theme, "An Ideal Har-vest-field," basing his sermon on the scene depicted in the book of Ruth in the harvest-field of Boaz, and his salutation to the reapers, "The Lord be with you," and their reply, "The Lord bless thee." Miss Johnston sang the solo, '' There is a Green Hill Far Away'' (Gounod), Mr A. Johnston accompanying the singer. The choir gave the anthem, "Be Glad, Te Children of Zion," the solo being particularly well rendered by Mr A. McQueen. The accompaniments were played by Mr C, Brockelbank (organ) and Mr J. Whyte (violin). Suitable harvest hymns were sung throughout the service. The evening service was conducted by the Rev. W. R. Hutchison, of Rangiora, who based his address on Ephesians V., 20, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the ' Father." Special harvest hymns were arranged for the congregational service. The solo', "Tho Harvesters' Night Song," was sung by Mr G. Gray, of Christchurch, and the choir sang the anthem, "Honour the Lord," the accompanists being the same as at the morning service. HANMER SPRINGS. The final cricket match of the season was played on Saturday, the sides being Queen Mary Hospital v. Township and Forestry combined. The result was a win for the latter by 140 runs to 101. The winners batted first, and the best scores were made by Grimwood 36, Robinson 22 not out, Prebble and Glass 18 each, and Menzies 16 not out. The bowling honours were gained by Prebble (five wickets for 31), Webb (three for 18), and Robinson (two for 26). For Hospital, Milliken made 33 runs, Williams 24, Loughlin 13, and Peek 11. The successful bowlers were Milliken (four for 47) and Hart (two for 26). The season just closed has .been a fairly successful one for the club. The weather conditions were favourable, only one playing day being lost through rain. A total of 33 matches was played, 19 of which were against teams outside of Hanmer, the club winning 12, drawing two, and losing five. A local triangular competition for the President's Challenge Cup, won by Township, did much to maintain local interest in the game. The Golf Club's monthly medal match was played during the week-end, the winner being P. McManaway, with Mrs Winstone and A. Reid as runners-up. There were several days of pleasant nor'-west conditions last week. Early in the.week there was one night with rain from that quarter. On Wednesday rain fell more or less all day, with a sou'-wester, and on Thursday morning the hills were covered with snow, which soon melted on the lower slopes. There was a fair amount of rain during the last half of March, and the landscape is again resuming a verdant appearance. Nine degrees of frost'were experienced on Friday morning. , A deer-stalking party is out in the neighbourhood, and several others are forming with the intention of going into the back country in the near future. WAIAU. A dance, organised by Mrs ■ T. C. Robinson, in support of the Farmers Queen in the Military Pageant and Tattoo," was held in the Rotherham Hall on Friday evening. There was a large attendance, including numerous visitors from Culverden and >y aia "- The music was supplied by Miss JN. Danielson, and supper was h an s ea ; round. Mr J. Thomson was M.C. ine function was a most enjoyable one, and : the financial result highly satisfactory. During the evening, Mr G. W. Alaridge, ■ secretary and treasurer for tne Rotherham and Waiau district, on behalf of Mrs H. T. Little and Col. A E. Loach, thanked all those who had worked so energetically and contributed so liberally in support of the Farmers Queen. He also moved a vote ot thanks to Mr and Mrs T.vC. Robinson for having organised that evenings function, and for their whole-hearted co-operation in all the previous official functions. The motion was carried by acclamation. ___—

HAWARDEN. At a meeting of the Hawarden A. and P. Association, there were present: Messrs E. C. Anderson (in the chair), B. G. Dalgety, A. B. Wilks, H. M. Stokes, W. White. H. E. Fincham, H. T. Little, D. H. Sidey, P. D. Dalzell, A. Cowie, J. Jones, J. W. Wright, J. TV. Croft, L. C. Wood, and E. H. Fahey, Correspondence from the Royal Agricultural Society was read, and the president was elected to represent the Hawarden A. and P. Association at the conference in Wellington. The secretary reported having made satisfactory arrangements for the luncheon booth on Show Day. Messrs H. T. Little, D. H. Sidey, and A. Cowie were elected a grounds committee to rilocate space and arrange the working of agricultural exhibits. The Saleyards Company wrote consenting to the use of a portion of their grounds for demonstration purposes. Mr R. Bethel!, Timpendean, w;is elected a steward in the pony section. It was decided to hold a dance on Show night. The secretary reported record entries in the stock sections, and it was decided to hold a grand parade at 3 p.m. AMBERLEY. The annual meeting of the Amberley Football Club was held recently, Mr E. P. Shier presiding over a large attendance of members. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted; the balance-sheet revealing an excellent credit. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —Patrons: Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., Dr. T. T. Thompson; president: Mr A. Burke; vice-presidents: Messrs G. X. McLean, W. Frew, J. Murphy, E. P. Shier, C. Griffiths, F. Courage," A. Watson, A. 1-1. Busch, E. Chamberlain; general committee: Messrs L. O'Malley, J. Busch, C. Hadley, L. Croft, P. Croft, E. Harris, L. Rhodes, W. Boyce, G. Luke, C. Adams; secretary and treasurer: Mr R. Seott; club captain: Mr J. Busch; sole selector: Mr W. Boyce; auditor: Mr C. W. Browne; delegates to North Canterbury Sub-Union: Messrs C. Hadley and W. Boyce. It. was decided to enter two teams (senior and junior) in the competition.. The opening day was for April Oth. WAIPARA. During the past week tho weather conditions have been variable, ranging llrom boisterous nor'-westers to cold and changeable weather. Autumn crops of oats and barley are being sown for early spring feed. The rainfall for the month of March was 224 points. During the week, tho local school was visited by Mr Riley, Education Board's foreman of works, in reference to the water supply at the school. It is hoped that during the next week renovations to the tank will be put in hand. SCARGIaX. The annual children's carnival in connexion with the Motunau-Scargill , branch of tho Plunket Society was held in the Alexandra Hall, Scargill, on Friday afternoon. The promoters were favoured with a particularly tine afternoon, and there was a'very large attendance of children with their parents and others interested. The proceedings wore opened by Mrs G. W. Forbes (Cheviot), who was introduced by Mrs H. Acton-Adams, president of tho Waipara County branch of the Plunket Society. Musical games, bran tubs, arid many other diversions were provided for the amusement of the children, most of whom attended in fancy costume, and there were stalls for sweets and cakes, fruit salad and drinks, fancy goods, and fruit and produce. During the afternoon recitations were contributed . by" Mrs J. Meikle, and songs by Misses Moore and Louie Cameron, Miss E. Wh'te acting as accompanist. The judges of the children's fancy costumes were Mrs T. S. Johnstone (Riecarton) and , Mrs L. H. Campbell (Happy Valley), and the'following are the prize-winners: Most original girl: Myra Hitchcock (Edmond's Baking Powder) 1, Isabel ■Stone (Danger Signals) 2. Most original boy: Eric Gardner (rabbiter) 1, Maurice McGoverin (Candle-stick) 2'. Prettiest fancy costume: Eileen Tomlinson (Oranges and Lemons) 1, ; Louie Cameron (Fairy) 2. Best fancy costume: Jack Byrch (Penguin)"' 1, Keith Reside (Chinaman) 2. Best fancy costume, under five years: Colin Hitchcock (Flour-bag) 1, Aline Meikle (Cupid) 2. The judges for the baby show were Nurse Coe and Dr. G. I. Miller (Waikari), and the results were:—Under six months': Hugh Miller 1, Peter Fox 2. Under twelve months: John Allan 1, Leone Roberts 2. Under two years: Colin Mac Donald 1, George Craig 2. Among; the other competitions were: Best sultana cake: Mrs J. Cameron 1. Article made from sugar bag: Miss Coe 1. Article made from kerosene tin (men) : Mr Gallop 1, Mr R. Read 2. Article made from kerosene tin (schoolboys): Alan Gardner 1, Malcolm. Cameron 2, George Gardner 3. Article made from sugar bag (schoolgirls): Louie Cameron 1. Hazel Gardner 2. Chalking the pig's eye (over ten years): Alan Gardner I,' Nellie Price 2. Chalking the pic/'s eye (under ten years): Manrice McGoverin • 1, Bill Paterson 2. The carnival, was continued in the evening, when the annual fancy dress ball was held. SEFTON. The monthly meeting of the Sefton branch of the W.C.T.U. was held last I week in the Presbyterian schoolroom. I Mrs P. J. Thome presided over a good attendance. Sister Grace, of the Methodist Deaconess House, Christchurch, gave a very interesting talk on the life of the first English lady , doctor—Dr. Elizabeth ulackwell. \ Sister Grace also sang a solo. She was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks at tho close of the meeting. In "the Methodist Church recently, a congregational meeting was called to make arrangements in connexion with the luncheon booth at the Selton sports on Easter Monday. Ine Hev. Cuming presided and there was a good attendance of church members. Ine district was divided into several sections and canvassers were appointed to each section to solicit help.and contributions. 0 , . A meeting of the Kowai Sports Club was held in the Domain Pavilion on Saturday evening. Mr J. Ashworth presided. The secretary was instructed to write thanking the Kowai County ifor the free use of the road grader. j Mr W. Currie wrote offering to supply an exhibition dance. It was decided to accept this offer. The trophy colI lectors reported that they had met ' with a very satisfactory response. Tho i following officials not already notified were appointed:— Gate-keepers, Messrs C. Topp. F. McGowan, L. McGowan, and H. Ashby; bell steward, Mr E. C. Topp: blackboard steward, Mr D. Binnie; dressing-room steward, Mr A. J. McNally; dance steward, Mr I. Collie; baby show marshal, Mr A. G. Orchard; post entry officials, Messrs W. J. Stringer, S. Ashworth, J. Vette. W. Ditford, and J: P. Wilson; ground .marshals, Messrs F. James. C. Aslij worth, A. Ashworth. and D. Miller; 1 lap stewards, Messrs E. Topp, G. Peter. G. James; judges—field events, Messrs F. H. Ford, D.. Morris, C. Lewis,- G. James, H. Jamieson, and W. A. Kelcher; officials to run children's races, Miss Llovd, Messrs W. Merer. H. L. Wimsett, W r . F. Habgoou. C. Lewis, J. Mathers, and H. May; stepping competition and sheep-guessing,

Mr J. P. Wilson; handicappers—field events, Messrs W. A. Kelcher, F. H. Ford, and A. J. McNally. On Saturday a successful workingbee was held in the Domain in connexion with the forthcoming sports. Amongst the various tasks carried out was that of erecting a permanent fixture for the new dancing board. The track was also re-graded. AKAROA, • Mrs Thomas Lecomte, senr., who has been in charge of the Barry's Bay Post Office for the last 32 years, recently resigned owing to ill-health. On' Fri-, day night the Barry's Bay schoolroom was filled to its utmost capacity with local residents and visitors tor the purpose of bidding farewell to Mrs Lecomte. The evening was mainly devoted to dancing, music being supplied by the members of Tikao's Orchestra. Mr R. A. Pettigrew, in a brief speech, testified to the general regret at the retirement of the guest. He also said that during the very long term of Mrs Lecomte's service, it was a well-known fact that on many occasions she had most unselfishly returned to the office to ring up for residents outside the usual office hours. He had been deputed by the people of Barry's Bay to present her with a well-filled wallet of notes as a mark of their appreciation of Mrs Lecomte's long and unselfish service.. Miss P. Hartley, on behalf of the school children of the. Bay, presented Mrs Lecomte; with a hand-painted view of . the' Post Office., Mr C. Wright suitably, responded on behalf of Mrs Lecomte. The position of postmistress has been filled by Mrs A. H. Hawker, of Wainui. '' '., At the Duvauchelle sale on Friday a small farm of 27 acres was submitted on account of Mrs Marshall, at Robin son's Bay. The price, £4l per acre, was bid at auction,, and at this price the property was withdrawn. It was subsequently sold to Mr Joseph Hayward: at a satisfactory figure. The Akaroa and .Wainui road Board met at Duvauchelle on Saturday. Pres r lent:—Messrs'R. A. Mould (chairman), S. J. Vogan, J. Hayward, A. A. Narbey, and A. 11.. Haylock. Correspondence was received from the Minister for Internal Affairs giving particulars of- the Local Bodies Loans Bill, which became operative 011 April Ist, and showing that a Local Body desirous of raising a loan had to submit all particulars to the Local Bodies Loans Board and obtain their sanction \ before submitting the -proposal to the ratepavers. Mr E. Giddens wrote asking to have a portion of the Old French Farm road leading to his property metalled. It was decided to have 100 1 yards of metal broken at Pettigrew s i quarrv on the roadside, and have the amount placed on the road. Messrs Hayward and Vogan were empowered to have necessary repairs effected to the road grader. It was decided to have a gate erected across the entrance of Kellv's road in Barry's Bay. The Public Works Department advised the Board that the contractor had not sufficiently completed the Stoney Bay road ■ deviation to be passed by the engineer. Mr W. C. Giddens, Barry's Bay, interviewed the Board in connexion with an old culvert near his entrance, and it was decided to renew the culvert and widen the road towards the sea-front at the same time. Mr and Mrs F. C. Marshall, of Ko-. katahi Valley, West Coast, and formerly residents of Robinson's Bay, who have been paying a visit to the Peninsula, left for the Coast again yesterday. The weather has been quite warm during tho daytime lately, but several frosts" were experienced last week. OXFORD. Rain fell, in March, on 11 days, the total rainfall being 2.G2 inches. Thi3 is a little more than the average for the month, which is 2.27 inches. On five days the rain was from the north-west, the total precipitation for these days being 1.49 inches, a not inconsiderable amount. The last week of the month was cold, with occasional chilly northwest winds, and several frosts. The sudjden change has given an autumnal aspect to the district. Since the beginning of the year the rainfall was 7.90 inches. _ The committee-of the A. and P. Association has been busy making arrangements for their annual show, to be held on Thursday, and everything is

in readiness for the occasion. Given good weather, a most successful fixture is anticipated. The domestic'entries are very satisfactory. There is a fine field for the jumping competitions, and it is possible that Lloyd Lindsay events will be re-introduced. LOBURN, The annual meeting of the Loburn ] Football Club was held in the Coronation Hall recently, Mr J. H. Watherston presiding over a large attendance. The following officers were elected:— Patron, Mr Hugh Ensor; president, Mr J H. Watherston; vice-presidents, Messrs T. Pulley, J. W. McLeod, J. Henry. P. J. Pulley, C. Hassell, S. G. Ferguson, J. Cafboy, C. H. Ensor, J. Galletly, J. P.O'Halloran A.Miller, J. D. McCracken P. : "McCracken, J. Bennett, H. Bennett, A Kerr, D. Bailey; club captain, Mr' H. Metherell;_committee, Messrs M. D. Bailey, H. R. Kempthorne, J. Parker, P. Mather, J. D.'Galletly, O. Blyth, M. Cook; secretary and treasurer, Mr'E. E. YvXter, delegates to SuV>-Union," Messrs H. R. Kempthorne and Cook} coach, Mr J.. H. Parker. The delegates were instructed to try to arrange some method of playing representative matches without interfering with' ordinary club games, and to apply for a representative match, to be played at Loburn this season. The entering of teams was held over. It was decided to hold a practice in the Coronation Hall on Wednesday. . . , ■A tennis meeting was held in the Coronation Hall on Saturday evening, there being a very good attendance. It-was decided to hold a five hundred tournament in the near future. SOUTH MALVERN. The rainfall at Coalgate . for the: month of March was 2.56 inches. -Rain fell on 14 days, and the maximum fall was .75 inch on : March 23rd'. The precipitation fo r .March, .1926, was 2.34 inches on four days, -The average rainr fall for March, over 11 years, is 2.01 inches. The rainfall to date 'for the year is 5.06 inches, and for the same period last year was 10.16 inches. 1 Farmers are at present busy putting in winter wheat, and although the present position is full of uncertainty, there seems to be a fair acreage being put in for next season.The present price offering to fanners is about os Id per bushel, and although a large amount of wheat is being disposed of, some ho.devs are not inclined to sell at this figure. Eggs are very scarce . and dear justnow 2s 3d per dozen being paid to sellers. The moult is not- the only reason for the high price, which has been ruling of late, as with the high price of wheat just before harvest, a number of people were compelled drastically to reduce their flocks. Poultry-keepers who can buy their year's needs at. this time will .be in a better position than they have been for years, and the spring should see a large increase in the number of chickens reared. Harvest thanksgiving services were conducted at St. Luke's Anglican Church on Sunday by the Rev. H. NRoberts There was a large congregation, and a good display of the produce of farm and orchard. The gifts, will probably be sent to the Timaru Boys Home. At the Presbyterian Church, the service was taken by Mr K. P. Lilley. The call to the Rev. W. Wortley French, of Kaitangata, was presented for signature by members and adherents. Miss Molly Bates sang a sacred solo. It has been decided to reopen the Presbyterian Sunday school. The committee of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church met at Glentunnel on Thursday. Mr William Gilmou r presiding. It was decided to hold the church anniversary and harvest thanksgiving in thf near future with a social and sale of gifts on the following evening. It was agreed to ask the Rev. Theo. Paterson to preach. Mr and Mrs Gilmour and Miss J. Barlow consented to canvass the district for gifts. KIRWEE, The General Committee of the Conrte.nay Agricultural and Pastoral Association met in the Association's rooms on Saturday evening, when there were present: The president (Mr G. T. Robertson) and Messrs P. P. Boulnois, H. Roper, D. Gallagher, J. W; Woodhonse, W. Harwood, A. Anderson, F. Johnson,

A. G. Hart, G. E. Wright, JF. H. Selby, B. W. Wilson, ana G. W. SoaL A motion of sympathy was passed with Mr A. Duthie, ■who had recently lost his wife. Mr Hadiield, Department of Agriculture, and Mr J. D. Henderson, Halkett, wrote accepting positions as judges for the root-growing and stacking competitions respectively,, and Mr G.\-I\ ;-Wright, Annat, accepted the position of land valuer. The Kirwee Football Club applied for,permission to practise in front of the hall, and to use the electric light. The request was •' granted. Mrs J. Dysart, secretary of the local branch of the .RuSfcet,". Society, wrote asking for the use of the hall, at a reduced rate, for their annual ball.' This was. granted. The Miniature Eifle Club applied for the use of the hall'for a riflo range. After a lengthy discussion, it was reluctantly.decided to refuse the request.' The president reported that about £26 had been; obtained from the stock drive, and that more would be forthcoming. After a long discussion, it was decided, owing" to insufficient entries, to' abandon the rootgrowing and green-feed competitions; but to carry dn the 'stacking compete tion, and to notify competitors that the £ 5 5s trophy given lay the 'patron,'• Mr W. J. Jenkins, for most points won on the field day would not be awarded; It was decided that the judging ; take place on April 28tn. The Social Committee reported that the arrangements for the social on Friday v evening were well in hand. . The rainfall for the month of March was 1.91 inches. Eain fell-on 14 days; | the fall ranging, from 2 points to B<j points. Tor. the corresponding month of 1926 the fall was 1.53 inches", and 1925 1.42 inches. :The total precipitation for the three months ending on March 31st'. was 4.29 inches, whilst for the same period of 1926 the fall was 7.62 inches,and 1925 4.52 inches. The month 5 was, very boisterous, north-%vest windV, predominating. There, were severajVfrosta, that on the last day of the month.being fairly Bharp. . . .-,