NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19154, 10 November 1927, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. Mr J. E. Strachan, principal of the Rangiora High School, who has been on a visit to Honolulu and America, returned to Rangiora yesterday. After the practice of the Male Voice Choir on Thursday evening, Mr L. J. Coates, whose marriage takes place shortly, was presented by the members with a set of carvers. The presentation was made by Mr C. E. Bell in the absence of the president, Mr J. E. Strachan.

CHEVIOT. The Rev. G. Widdup presided at the last meeting of the (vestry of St. John's. The treasurer's report was read and adopted. The vicar reported that he had successfully established a Bible Class. It was decided during summer time to commence the evening services at 8 p.m. The question of beach services at Gore Bay was discussed and reierred to a later meeting. Votes of thanks.were passed to Messrs T. and E. Edridge and Mr A. McGiffcrt for their work in connexion with the tences on the church property. At the annual meeting of the Chevi.it Lawn Tennis Sub-Association, the bal-ance-sheet, which showed a debit balance of £1 Is lid, was read and adopted. The following officers were elected:—Patron, Mr G. \V. Forbes, M.l\; president, Mr C. F. Holton; vice-presidents, Messrs B. 'Wilkinson, A. H. Gibson. N. Wilkinson, and F. D. Childs; committee, club delegates and hon. secretary, Mr H. Hoskins; auditor, Mr E. Marshall; handicap committees, ladies, Mrs F. D. Childs, Misses M. McDonald, and E. Stevenson; men, Messrs F. D. Childs, S. Gibson, and H. Hoskins. It was decided to suggest to the Mackenzie Tennis Club that their members be divided into two sections for the purpose of inter-club games. Mr 11. Hoskins reported that it was proposed to hold a school children's tournament, in December.

As a result of the efforts of a working bee the whole of the memorial garden plot has been dug in preparation for the planting of a crop of potatoes. Mrs AV. J. Walmsley presided over the annual meeting of the Cheviot Branch of the AV.C.T.U. The annual report and balance-sheet, the latter showing a credit balance, were adopted. The election of officers' resulted as follows:—President, Mrs \V. J. Walmsley; hon. secretary, Mrs A. M. Hyde; hon. treasurer, Mrs S. B. Clifford. A donation was made to the Willard Home in Wanganui. One new member was proposed. At the conclusion of the business a bring and buy afternoon was held and resulted in a substantial addition being made to the funds of the branch. The Cheviot Amateur Dramatic Society propose to produce a comedy on December 20th and 22nd. The proceeds are to be devoted to the War Memorial Garden and the Public Library. A match fired on the range between teams selected by the president and the vice-president resulted in a win for the ivice-president's team by 167 points to 1-51.

WAIKARI. The Waikari Presbyterian Church Hall was the scene of a farewell social to the Rev. G. H. Crockett and family, who have accepted a call to Lauder, Central Otago. The Rev. Mr'Newlands, Moderator, Waiau, was in the chair. The social opened with the "Old Hundredth" Psalm. Musical items were contributed by Misses Fenwick, Darrach (2), Messrs Trebilco and Liddell, Miss Keppler acting as accompanist. Miss G. Newman gave a recitation. The Rev. Mr Thomas (Methodist) and the Rev. L. Orange (Anglican) both made rvery suitable references to Mr Crockett's work, indicating that a very cordial feeling existed amongst the churches. Messrs J. and D. Black tendered their appreciation of Mr Crockett's work, and in conjunction with Dr. G. I. Miller, a member of the Management Committee, expressed good wishes for their future happiness and success. Mr Newlands, on behalf of the congregation, presented Mr and Mrs Crockett with a rug and a pair of vases, and Miss Crockett with two cake plates. On behalf of the Bible Class, Miss Fenwick asked Miss Crockett's acceptance of a fountain pen as a token of appreciation of the interest she had taken in the work of the class. Mr and Miss Crockett suitably responded. Mr Crockett was made the recipient of a handsome rug from the Horsley Downs congregation, and the children of the Waikari Sunday school presented Miss Crockett with a small gift before her departure.

SEFTON. The monthly meeting of the School Committee was held in the Schoolroom on Monday evening. There were present: Messrs F. H. Ford (chairman), G. James, F. Games, T. Hanna, and I. Champion. The headmaster'r report showed that the roll number was 43 boys and 42 girls. It was decided to hold the prize-giving and concert on Thursday, December 15th, and the picnic at Christchurch Gardens on Saturday, December 17, th. Arrangements were made to conclude the euchre tournaments this week. At last week's euchre tournament held in the schoolroom the pmes were won by Miss Quick and Mr L. Orchard. The monthly meeting of the local branch of the W.C.T.U., which was postponed last week on account of bad weather, was held in the Presbyterian schoolroom on Tuesday afternoon, Mrs P. .T. Thorne presiding over a good attendance of members and visitors. After the usual business was transacted a very interesting talk on Maori work in the "Waikaio and King Country districts was given by Sister Foster, who |is at present in training at Deaconness House in Christchurch. At the conclusion a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. Afternoon tea was dispensed by members; of the union.

On Saturday the local junior cricket team played Fernside B at Sefton, Sefton winning by 24 runs. The scores were Sefton 109, Fernside B So. The best scores for Sefton were: C. D. Petrie 23 and J. Morris 25. Bowling for Sefton J. Morris took two wickets for 11 runs, C Armstrong three for 11, and C. D. Petrie, three for 2i.

CUST. The annual Church parade of the Cust Loyal Orange Lodge took place at St. David's Presbyterian C" 11 ™ 1 and attracted a large attendance. The senice was conducted by the -Key. .a. Simmonds. the qualifications bcl "» given bv Bro. E. G. Hewitt. In addition to the hvmns, which were very heartily sung, solos were given by Jirs Simmo'nds and Miss Horrell, and a quartet bv Mesdatnes Simmonds ana Tull nnd "Messrs Simmonds and A. Forbes; Miss A. Wnyland acted as organist. A collection was taken up tor the orphanages.

BALCAIRN. A meeting of the Balcairn School Committee was held in the school on Monday night. Present: Messrs w • F Habgood (chairman), H. Hurley, W. Dermott," and G. H. Cooper. The head teacher reported that the attendance had suffered considerably owing to sickness and wet weather. It was decided to run a concert in November in aid of the school prize fund. was granted to tlie Tennis Club to put down another court in the school grounds. At a meeting of the Tennis Club it was decided to hold a carnival dance on Boxing night. A breakwmd is to be erected at the end of the court.

HALSWELL. A most enjoyable evening was spent in the hall, when the Addington burgesses accepted an invitation from the Halswell burgesses to a card party and dance. After very keen play, Addington won the card tournament by 100 points to 88. Mr Molloy, chairman ot the Addington Association, spoke oh matters of interest to both bodies, and thanked the Halswell Association for their hospitality, and expressed a hope that before long Halswell would be their guests. Mr Brandon, in responding, asked them to accept an apology for the absence of Mr Hayes and family, owing to their recent bereavement. A vote of sympathy was carried. The music for the dance was provided by Miss D. Moore, Mr F. Knipe being M.C. At the third of a series of progressive euchre parties organised by the recently-formed Cricket Club the following were the prize-winners:— Ladies. Mrs W. McLaughlin 1. Mrs Humphreys 2; men, Mr McDrury 1, Mr R. Gardiner 2.

LE BON'S BAY. Mrs M. Edwards is spending a holiday with her parents, Mr and Mrs Syines. Miss Alice Hall, of Christcliurch, is spending a holidav with her sister, Mrs A. C. Crotty. Miss Maud Crotty has returned to her home after spending an extended holiday in Geraldine. Miss Grace Leonardo is spending a shorf; holiday in Christchurch. Mr C. Crotty has returned home after being in Christchurch to see his son. Stanley, who is very ill. Mrs Percy Barnett, who has been in Ohristehurch for some weeks undergoing treatment, is reported to be veryill.

Mrs W. Crotty (Geraldine) is staying with her daughter, Mrs H. Macphail.

Miss M. Gurney is spending a holiday with relatives in Ohristclmrch. Mr P. Cavalieri is spending a week's holiday in Christchurch.

SOUTHBRIDGE. Mr A. McPherson presided over n meeting of the Southbridgo District High School Committee, held on Monday evening. The chairman reported that the net proceeds of the recent concert were £6 13s 6d, and.pf the euchre tournament and dance, £l3 13s. In connexion with the forthcoming excursion, the town clerk of New Brighton wrote that the beach was available for picnics at any time, and the domain would also be open if shelter was required. It was decided that- the chairman should call a meeting of representatives of the various school committees to finalise arrangements in connexion with the excursion. The headmaster mentioned that the secondary pupils had been invited to be the guests of the secondary department or the Lybtelton District High School on Thursday, the intention being to have an outing at Corsair Bay. The invitation was accepted. The- headmaster's report stated that the primary roll stood at 205. Mr Moodie, agricultural instructor, had visited the school on November 4th, and had stated that an early date in December would be a suitable time for his lecture and demonstration. Officers of the Education Board had visited the school to make enquiries regarding the enlargement of the school and technical room, and other alterations. The headmaster suggested that if the Board should decide to enlarge, the building, a separate bungalow room be asked for to accommodate the infant department.