SUMNER ITEMS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20244, 23 May 1931, Page 5

SUMNER ITEMS.

TAYLOR'S MISTAKE FIRE. Two week-end cottages on the northern, eida of Taylor's Mistake were destroyed by fire early in the week. The origin of the outbreak is unknown, as neither had been occupied for some time. Apparently the topmost bach was the first to be destroyed, and it is' thought that the burning timbers fell on the hut immediately below. Even had there been anyone close at hand at the time of the outbreak it is doubtful whether it would have been possible to have effected a save, since as yet there is no water available for fire protection purposes. x . General. : The experiences of a lad in a small rowing boat who left the Scarborough end or the beach and rowed towards the Cave Rock were watched by a number of local people one day during the week. When opposite the Surf Club pavilion he ventured too close to the shore and Soon found that he •vfas' not able to get outside the line of breakers. With each successive wave he was rapidly carried shorewards, losing an oar in the process. The boat was finally washed right up on to the beach, where the occupant waited in the hope that the waves would also. cast ashore the lost oar. An unusual sight was afforded those who passed through Monck's Bay on Thursday and Friday mornings. Hundreds of seagulls, had alighted on the unruffled surface.,of the estuary, and were basking in the suil iit the shallow water -over the mud-flats. Whether feed was plentiful there ;or whether bad weather had driven them from other parts of the'coast is a matter for conjecture. Hqckey.'/ The following team will represent the Bedcliffs Ladies' Hockey. Club . this afternoon:— A team v. Hinemoa at Kaiapoi— Misses E. Shaw, Mavis Rich, M. Hobson, "Monica Rich, M. Truscott, N. Bates; "J. Tooley, K. Thompson, D. Olliver, B. Bailey, G. Bates. Emergency: M. Burns; The B team will wia its match against Bangiora by default. The men's club will be represented by the following teams: — Seniors v. Sydenham at Hagley Park No. 4—W. Greenland, G. Sandford, Ronald Dale, T. Prebble, b. Sutherland, E. Prebble, G. Harper, B. Thomson, J. Ainger, C. Sutherland, B. Howard. Emergency: Reynolds Dale. *- ; - Junior A v. Technical B at Linwbod Park—E. Fox, K. .Yogan, J. -Cochrane, IT.: Thompson, H. le Page, W. Perfect, P. Truscott, A. Bates, E. Tutill, ,V. Etheridge, A. Grafton. Emergency: R. Grafton. Junior B v. Sydenham B at Sydenham Park—<3, J,. Smith, I. Sutherland, F. Waters, F. Pyne, K. Beaumont, R. Gray, J. Grimley, Eric Woods, 0. Mathews, C. Wing, A. Pragnell. Emergencies: G. Parko, H. Steven's. Rugby Football. Last Saturday the third grade team played Merivale : and secured a win by 9,; points to 8. As the score indicates, the game was very even/ with Sumner slightly superior in the forwards. Tries for Sumner were scored by Thompson and Craig, while Bamford kicked, a penalty. : The fifth grade continued. their un.broken record of wins by defeating Albion .B by 39 points to niL The . local teamwas.mucbsup.erioj*,and on their performances to date appear to haye a very good chance of winning this grade. "At St. Leonard's square the under sixteen team was well beaten by Sydenham by 31 points', to nil. ' This afternoon the' third grade team plays Athletic at Polo -ground No. 10. Thf fifth, grade team sheets Papanui at Pplo ground No. 7, while the under sixteen team is drawn to play. tiinwood at North 'Park No. 24. ' ; Bedcliffs School. The recently, elected School Committee is leaving no stone unturned in order to raise funds lor the -school. To this end it is intended to hold»& 500 party and'dance in the Community Hall oh June 6(th.'

All Saints' Church. , The church Wardens, Messrs E. G. i Wood and A. J.'Scott, have 'p?6p£red their budget for 1931-33, and is. appeal-, ing for contributions,, paint out that ah estimated sum -of £677 will. be required. Their report states that a year ago the financial position was sound, but this cannot be said to-day. There was an amount. of£2o in hand at the beginning of the year, but-there is now a debt of £lO. The Church Property Trustees have given instructions that the church buildings must-be- painted this year, and if everyone will give _ an extra 20 per cent, it -will be possible to make ends meet. Last year's income did not permit of any grant being made to the New Church Fund, but this year £IOO has been included''in the budget for this purpose, since it is desired to emphasise the necessity for strengthen-, ing this fund. Every parishioner will be called upon shortly by a member of the vestry. . Beautifying Association.' The annual report of ■ - the Sumner Beautifying and Beach Improvement Association to be presented at: the annual meeting next Thursday states that .the committeeonce -.more wishes to express its appreciation of; the loyal support of members, and its thanks to, friends for donations, personal labour, and gifts of plants, also to the Domains Board, through Mr James Young, for shrubs and -trees,, and to many others Who contributed in various ways. During the year the reserve above the Masonic Hall was cleared and planted with sycamore, chestnut, redwood, and flowering cherry trees, and the lower banks of the zig-zag with native shrubs. Returned soldier labour was employed at a cost of £lO, with, a £lO subsidy. Assistance was given by members of the Committee, Mr B. C. Smith, and labour .was financed by the Presbyterian Church. Two plots at the Cave Rock were laid down in grass, and* at. the tramway terminus the fence has been removed .and ,a hedge with a rock border substituted. In the various reserves, trees and shrubs are' making satisfactory growth; In November a successful garden competition was conducted by- the combined BedcliSs and Sumner Associations. In view of prevailing : depression the I committee aid not solicit' outside contributions, the year .ending: with a credit balance of- £8 18s sd. The membership stands at 117, and all members are requested to do their best to increase the membership, and- thus ensure the progress of the Association.

Forensic Olul). The annual meeting of tho Sumner Forensic Club will' be lield' on Tuesday evening in Haase; Tea Booms. The business of the evening will concern the report, and'balance-sheet, the election of officers,. and the determination of the length' of tlie session, and of tho interval between meetings. Members and .intending members are invited, and -are' asked to bring suggestions for. suitable subjects for debate during the year. . "Presbyterian Church. The Eev., 3, M. Simpson, 8.A., presided over the monthly meeting of 'the committee, of managements The secretary was .instructed to write to Mr J. Hampton (session .clerk) «■

pressing sympathy-with him in his illness. It was decided to make an organ 2 isecLappaalfor assistance to the Presby*. terian relief depot, all contributions •< to be forwarded through the P.W.M.U; The' treasurer reported 'that the'xecent chrysanthemum show anduaWof work showed-a net profit of approri-. matjey £SO. It was announced that the "Rev. J". M". Simpson had been, reappointed minister for a further twelve months.