NORTH CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20937, 18 August 1933, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY

♦ RANGIORA The recently formed North Canterbury Advisory Tree-Planting Association met to consider the draft of a circular to be sent to all farmers and local bodies in the district on shelter belt plantations. Mr J. R. Wilkinson presided. There were also present Messrs J. Waller, J. A. MacLeod, J. Mason, R. Mcintosh, A. Buckingham, C. Rands, Wells Newton, N. Goldsbury, R. D. Campbell, and R. G. Philpott. Mr A. G. Holland, Darfield, wrote that he had been very interested in the shelter belt plantation scheme, and as he had been milling exotic trees for many years, he would be pleased to give the committee any information he could. He stated that shelter belts could become an immense asset to the Canterbury Plains if properly laid out. It was decided to thank Mr Holland. The committee spent some time in considering the circular, and decided that it would not be released for publication until it had been submitted to Mr C. E. Foweraker, of the Forestry School, Canterbury College. KAIKOURA The weekly session of the Workers' Educational Association, held at the hospital, was well attended. The subject, "Modern Literature," proved a most interesting one, the leader being Mr F. S. H. Warner. The next meeting will be held at the residence of Mr and Mrs E. J. Watts. To-morrow the two Kaikoura teams will play their first matches in the seven-a-side tournament. The A team will then play the B team. Two very interesting basketball games have been played on the Suburban grounds. The first, Suburban v. Kaikoura A, ended in a draw, 2-all, and the second resulted: Suburban 3, Kaikoura B 0. Miss E. Mounsey acted as referee. At the monthly meeting of the Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, in the Masonic Hall, Mrs R. Hugonin (president) presided over a good attendance. Letters of appreciation were received from two families who had recently received assistance from the division. An interesting bird competition was won by Mrs T. Lane. A. motion of sympathy was passed to Mr A. Keenan and family in their recent bereavement. Sympathy was also expressed with Mr and Mrs G. D. Smith and family in the loss they had suffered through fire. Applications were received from two families for assistance, and this will be granted in a few days. Afternoon tea was served !?y the hostesses. Mesdames T. Adair M. A. Collyns, and A. B. Clark. Mrs u J. Kennedy forwarded her resignation as treasurer, the resignation being received with regret. Mrs J. Murray was elected treasurer. Arrangements were made for holding a spring flower show on September 20, under the supervision of the Women's Division. i ( DARFIELD The annual meeting of the Darfield branch of the Mothers' Union was held in the lounge of the Memorial Hall. Mrs H. A. Knight presided in the absence of the president (Mrs A. S. Moffatt). The annual report and balancesheet showed good progress. The following officers were elected:—Enrolling member, Mrs A. S. Moffatt; secretary, Mrs J. H. Jarman; assistant secretary, Mrs H. Edbrooke. The annual collection of eggs for St. Saviour's orphanages will take place at the September meeting. The meeting concluded with afternoon tea, the hostesses being Mesdames J. Cullen, F. Turner, and Miss H. Cullen. At the monthly meeting of the Darfield branch of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union, held in the church, the Rev. T. Paterson presided. There was a good attendance. More knitted garments were brought to the meeting. The Rev. T. Paterson's address was entitled "Mission work on the Island of Nunga." The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames G. Masterton and J. C. Loe. The picture screening at the Malvern talkies to-morrow and Monday is the comedy success, "Jack's the Boy," a picture with a record of running 26 weeks in Melbourne.

LINCOLN A meeting was held in the Presbyterian schoolroom to arrange for the annual daffodil show, which is to be held on Saturday, September 23. Mr H. Dulieu presided. The resignation of the secretary, Mrs Sutherland, was received with regret, and Mr R. Thomson was appointed to the vacancy. Stewards were appointed as follows: — Pot plants, cut flowers, etc., Mrs McVinnie, Messrs H. Dulieu and Rev. G. Macßae; decorative, Mrs Macßae, Misses G. Mcintosh, and R. Dulieu; home industries, Mesdames J. Simpson, G. Watt, and R. Thomson; photography, Misses M. Fiecken and M. Laishley; fruit and vegetables, Mr G. Henderson; refreshments, Mrs E. Neale, Miss A. Marshall (in charge), Mesdames Dulieu, G. Henderson, J. G. Fiecken, J. Mcintosh, Misses Sharp and Boyd; ice-cream, Messrs R. Dulieu and K. Henderson; fruit salad, Mrs J. Marshall; sweets and cakes, Mesdames J. W. Calder and I. W. Weston; bran tub, Misses N. Brown and M. Kilgour; amusements, Mr J. W. Calder and Dr. I. W. Weston. The summary of meteorological observations made at Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, during the month of July, at 9 a.m. daily, is as follows (readings for the corresponding period last year being given in parentheses):—Mean height of barometer, 30.170 in (29.972); mean humidity, 88 per cent. (83); mean maximum temperature, 49.1 degrees (48.3); highest maximum temperature, 64.2 degrees, on July 31 (59.0); m§on minimum temperature, 35.7 degrees (31.4); lowest minimum temperature, 27.0 degrees, on July 5 and 6 (22.0); mean grass minimum temperature, 30.2 degrees (25.1); lowest grass minimum temperature, 17.5 degrees, on July 11 (15.0); mean temperature for month, 42.4 degrees (39.8); mean range of temperature for month, 13.4 degrees (16.9); mean earth temperature at 9 inches, 41.8 degrees (39.0); days of frost, 19 (27); rainfall, 2.53 inches (2.26); hours of sunshine, 122.2 (129); mean amount of cloud (0-10), 6.6 (5.8); miles of wind, 2890 (1924); mean force of wind, 3 (1.6). Rainfall, temperatures, etc., differ only slightly from the averages for July, although- there have been appreciably more cloudy days than usual. Stock have come through July in better condition than they have done for a number of years. Crops are fairly well forward, and already there is promise of fair grass growth. As far as moisture content is concerned the soil is in very good condition. DOYLESTON A large number of friends of Mr W. J. Doyle met at the Doyleston Hall to congratulate him upon his success with Thurina in the Grand National Steeplechase, and to wish him happiness and prosperity on the eve of his marriage. The gathering took the form of a smoke concert, over which Mr J. R. Godsell presided. Among those present were Mr J. W. Simpson, partowner of Thurina, and Mr A. E. Ellis, who rode the horse in the steeplechase. Many toasts were honoured, interspersed by songs, recitations, and stories, all the speakers making reference to Mr Doyle's sterling personal qualities, to the high regard in which he and his sister (Mrs J. Campbell, trainer of Thurina) were held in the district, and to the pleasure with which the news of their success had been received throughout Ellesmere. On behalf of friends, the chairman presented Mr Doyle with a travelling rug as a token of regard, and conveyed to him good wishes for a happy married life. In his acknowledgment, Mr Doyle said that Thurina's victory was very largely due to the thorough preparation given him by Mrs Campbell, and to Ellis's skill as a rider. HORORATA The following are the meteorological observations recorded by Mr Allan Oliver for the month of July:—Rain fell on eight days, the maximum fall being 104 points on July 9. The total fall for the month was 2.24 inches, compared with 72 points in July, 1932. The total rainfall for the seven months of 1933 is 11.28 inches, compared with 12.17 inches for the same period last year. The mild weather prevailing during the last week has had a good effect on grass pastures, and there is a decided spring growth, noticeable. There was a keen frost of 12 degrees yesterday morning, but later the weather became cloudy with a cold sou'west wind. A total of 168 points of rain has been recorded this month. LITTLE RIVER The fortnightly meeting of the Little River branch of the Workers' Educational Association was held at the vicarage. The subject was "The Foundations," by John Galsworthy. Parts were taken by the members. Miss Nancy Dutton (Coach road, Little River), who has been spending a few days in Christchurch, has returned home. Mrs M. Parker (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs H. Reed, Little River. At the Triangle Theatre, Little River, to-morrow night, will be shown just the picture you like. "Thrills," "adventure," "mystery" George O'Brien, in "Mystery Ranch"; also a British comedy, "Leave it to Me," a scenic, news, etc., and chapter 7 of "Battling with Buffalo Bill." —1

LADBROGKS At the school committee's August meeting the following members were present: Messrs R. J. Ware (chairman), E. Stone, P. Pickering, R. Brovfrn, and H. Mehrtens (secretary). The report of the headmistress, Miss I. McKenzie, stated that the number of pupils on the roll was 53, and the average attendance during the last quarter 45.2. Several improvements had been carried out during the month. Owing to the prevalence of chickenpox in the district it was decided to close the school for three weeks. At the hall committee's weekly social the attendance was good. Competitions were won by Miss E. Pickering, Mrs Brown, Mr T. Gellett, Mr McNamara, Miss G. Davison, and Mr Woods. Mr G. McCarthy was at the piano. Miss Annie McDrury, whose marriage will take place on Monday, was the guest of honour at a very pleasant afternoon party given by the members of the Ladbrooks Women's Institute, held at the residence of the president, Mrs F. Meyer, "Midway Farm." Music, competitions, and games were held. Winners of competitions were Mrs W. Wicks, Mrs J. Taylor, and Miss Betty McLaughlin. Mrs Meyer, on behalf of the members, presented Miss McDrury with a picture, a crystal vase, and a bouquet of daphne. Miss McDrury suitably replied. Among those present were: Mesdames - F. Meyer, L. Smart, J. McCarthy, J. Foster, J. Ware, W. Wicks, M. Nolan, F. Keast, L. West, J. Taylor, Misses A. McDrury, E. Meyer, M. Nolan, D. Habgood, B. McLaughlin, D. Partridge. Mrs M. Nolan was also hostess an an evening party in honour of Miss McDrury.

SPRINGFIELD At the annual meeting of the Springfield Tennis Club, Mr D. McCurdy presided over a good attendance. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £7 2s Id. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr R. J. D. Innes; president, Mrs R. M. D. Johnson; vice-president, Mr J. A. Milliken; captain, Mr D. McCurdy; vice-captain, Mr R; Innes, jun.; committee, Misses McCurdy and M. Dorward, and Messrs Dorman, Innes, and Clark; sub-commit-tee, Mrs Innes, Messrs D. McCurdy, and R. Clark; delegates, Messrs R. Innes and G. Dorman; honorary secretary, Mr H. Mussen; auditor, Mr G. Popple. Opening day was fixed for September 2. At the close of the meeting the president, Mrs R M. D. Johnson, proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring secretary, Mrs R. Innes, for her seven years' service to the club. "Hie popularity of the bachelors' and spinsters' annual ball was shown on Friday evening, when more than 100 coupled danced to music supplied by Evans-Campbell's dance orchestra in the hall, which was gaily decorated with coloured streamers. Credit for the success of the ball was due to the combined efforts of the joint secretaries, Miss Vaughan and Mr C. Dorward, and the committee. The masters of ceremonies were Messrs R. Innes, E. Milliken, and R. McQueen. Extras were played by Miss Fraser and Messrs L. Westwood (Darfield) and W. Lightfoot. TEMPLETON The monthly meeting of the Methodist Ladies* Guild was held in the church, Mrs Gordon presiding. There was a good attendance. It was stated that arrangements were well in hand for the spring fair, which will be held early in October. Letters of sympathy were sent to Mrs Southern and family, and to Mrs J. F. Wright. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Jackman, Clinton, Jones, B. Hill, and Dale. At the monthly meeting of the Templeton branch of the Mothers' Union

Mrs Jones presided. Others present were Mesdames Barnes, Murphy, Falconer, Bailey, Henshaw, Davison, Wright, Childs, Harrison, Simpson, atid Johnston. Mrs J. Bailey, "Wantwood," Templeton, extended an invitation to members of the three branches, Templeton, Hornby, and Prebbleton, to be present at a garden party at her residence on Thursday, September 28. WEEDONS The monthly meeting of the Weedons Sub-Centre of the New Zealand Red Cross Society was held in the Sunday schoolroom. Mrs McVinnie presided over a good attendance. Three new members joined, making a total membership of 47. Fourteen new garments were handed in to be forwarded to the centre. Mesdames Harvey and Curragh provided afternoon tea.