NORTH CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19198, 3 January 1928, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY.

RANGIORA. The Rev. W. H. and Mrs Hutchison went north by the ferry steamer last night, to spend a holiday at Orangi, near Fielding. Miss F. Jennings is spending a few days at Kaikoura as the guest of Mr and Mrs P. Warner, and will compete in the Kaikoura Tennis Club's tournament.

Master Garnet Bands, who has been appointed the North Canterbury representative to the Dominion Conference of the Methodist Bible Class Union, left on Friday for Wellington, where the conference is sitting.

The New Year's festivities were spoiled by a thunderstorm which commenced about five o'clock. The rain which followed was very heavy and continued for most of the evening. Tho old year passed very quietly and there was very little noise. The horseplay and larrikinism which usually take place at this time of the year were totally absent. Monday was very fine, but a nor '-west wind .sprang up in the afternoon, and made conditions unpleasant. The town was deserted early, crowds of picnickers going to Waikuku Beach, where the Maoris were holding a carnival. Other attractions were the Amberley Sports meeting, and a carnival at Kairaki. There was also a large picnic arranged by the Salvation Army in the Eangiora recreation grounds, which was largely attended.

CHEVIOT. The annual prize-giving in connexion with the Spotswood School this year took the form of a children's fancy dress ball and Christmas tree. The first portion of the evening was devoted to a children's ball, and the arrival of "Father Christmas," who handed each child a present the music for dancing was supplied by Miss E. Stevenson. The judges of the fancy costumes, Mesdames D. bhetfield, G. Struthers, and Mr C. H. Davies, had a very difficult task. lh. eir awards were as follows:—Most original (girls): Emilv Smith (Box of Chocolates); boys, Vernon Smith (Leopard). Best dressed girl, Nancy Harrison (Victorian); best dressed boy Alan Upston. (Indian); cheapest dressed girl, Isobel Upston (Bon Bon); cheapest dressed boy, Tommy Gibson (swagger). Among the children in fancy dress were: Gertrude Fitzgibbon (Nurse), Marjorio Harrison (Rose), Mary Wilson (Oranges and Lemons), Gwe'n Gibson (House to Let), Joy Buttle (Rose), Elsie Harrison (Gipsy), Hugh Wilson (Girl), Lloyd Eraser (Chinaman), Tom Stevenson (Indian), Jack Wilson (Golliwog), George Harrison (Jester), Tom Fitzgibbon (Joekev), Eric Pettengill (Sailor Boy), Violet'Wilkinson (Moonlight and Starlight), Peggy Gordon (Rosebud). At the conclusion of the children's portion of the programme, a dance for adults was held, the music being supplied by Mr A. Hunnibell, extras being contributed by Messrs C. H. Davies and J. M. Glasson. At the annual recital given by the pupils of Mr C. H. Davies, there was a verv large attendance, who greatly appreciated the programme presented bv the pupils, who amply demonstrated the careful training bestowed upon them. It is to be regretted that the district is to lose the services of Mr C. H. Davies, who is going to take up his residence in Christchurch. The pupils were assisted by a number of local artists, whose contributions were very acceptable. At the conclusion presentations were made to Mr C. H, Davies of a travelling rug from the pupils, aid a pocket wallet from the Cheviot branch of the W.E.A. Mr G. Struthers and the Rev. G. Wifldup referred to the very high esteem in which Mr Davies was held by the residents of the district, and expressed deep regret at his departure. On behalf of the donors of the gifts they wished him the greatest possible success and prosperity in his new sphere. Replying, Mr Davies expressed his thanks for the very handsome gifts made to him and for the kind thoughts that had prompted them. His stay in the Cheviot district had been very pleasant, and he would never forget the hospitality of the residents. At a meeting of the committee of the Cheviot Amateur Sports Club it was decided to hold the annual sports, which were postponed from December 17th on Saturday, January 14th, and to reopen the entries, which will now close on Saturday, January 7th, with Mr E. H. Cross, 90 Wildberry street, Woolston, or the hon. secretary, Mr U. E Kelly, Cheviot. Arrangements which' were made for the previous day will be carried out, and given fine weather a successful meeting should result.