NORTH CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21146, 23 April 1934, Page 4

NORTH CANTERBURY

RANGIORA

The annual meeting of the Rangiora branch of the Returned Soldiers - Association was held on Saturday evening. Mr C. How presided over a large attendance. The annual report stated that a good deal of useful work had been done. The sub-committees appointed had dealt successfully with the various activities of the association. The membership was 138, an increase of 24 on last year's figures, this being the third year in succession in which an increase had been shown. Work had been found for unemployed members through the purchase of a pine plantation at Springbank. The plantation yielded 570 cords, of which 42 1 cords were sold at 13s 6d a cord at the stump. The association had again been successful in obtaining pensions for former soldiers who had broken down in health, and the committee thanked Mr E. F. Willcox, secretary of the Christchurch branch, for valuable assistance. 1" direct relief, assistance and loans had been made amounting to £35 0s lid, and many former soldiers in difficult circumstances had been granted lie:' meals and lodgings when passing through Ihe district. The executive had been successful in its efforts to obtain relief for soldiers in arrears with rents of their farm lands. The social activities had been well maintained. The thanks of the committee were extended to the Christchurch branch, to Messrs A. G: Hunnibcll and A. Lane (pianists), and to Mr F. Reynolds, and to the women who had given valuable assistance in organising Poppy Day and other functions. The finances were satisfactory. The receipts for the year totalled £658 Cs 9d, and expenditure, including a debit of £ll4 8s 3d brought forward from last year, amounted to £BO4 lGs 3d. leaving a debit of £ IV> f)s (id. The balani'e of assets over liabilities was £BIO (is (id. In moving the adoption ol the report and balance-sheet the chairman said that, they were the most satisfactory vet. presented. On a recommendation from the executive, it. was decided to pay the secretary £25 a year. Some discussion took'place on a notice of motion that the name "Returned Soldiers' Association" be withdrawn from the Rangiora Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club. The mot ion'was carried by 24 voles to 15. Before the election of officers, the system adopted for the election of the president was questioned bv Colon"! J. A. Mackenzie, who slated that it: was not giving members the right to elect their own president, but confined it to the executive only. A motion was curried that the president be elected from ,the elected executive. There were 27 members nominated for election for 15 seats on the executive, the following being elected: Messrs F. Hunt. A. B. Johnson, C. How, J. A. MacLeod, Ellis, H. Hammond, S. Whit la, C. Hopkins, E. Hills, E. James, A. King, C. Brown, F. Lowe, E. S. Doggett, and D. McEwen. Mr J A. MacLeod was elected president and Mr C. I. Jennings auditor. The chairman, Mr Colin How, did not seek re-election. After the meeting a reunion was held, visitors being present, from the Kaiapoi, Amberley, and Oxford branches. The Mayor (Mr W. A. Rowse), Crs. R. R. Gillanders and J.j A. Ivory, and Messrs C. I. Jennings and W. Johnson (honorary members) were] also present. Toasts were honoured, interspersed with musical items. Colonel .7. A. Mackenzie, on behalf of one of the members, Mr T. A. Prior (Fcrnside), presented to the association a French battle standard which had come into Mr Prior's possession while ho was with the Expeditionary Forces, with a request that it be returned to the aiayor of the town in France. Mr C. Hew, the chairman, in accepting the flag, said he would take immediate steps to forward the standard to France.

CULVEKDEN Mrs L. R. C. Maci'arlane presided at the annual meeting of the CulverdCn sub-branch of the Plunket Society. There was a large attendance. Mrs B. L. Blunden, president of the Waikari branch, was present, and spoke on Plunket work in general, the activities of the Waikari branch and its sub-branches in particular, and of the recent conference in Dunedin which she had attended. The annual report and balance-sheet showed the branch to be in a very satisfactory position. The committee decided to vote £"> to the Karitanc Hospital. Nurse Sharp's report stated that visitors to the rooms during the year included 202 mothers, 192 babies, and 83 older children. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mrs L. R. C. Macfarlane; vice-presi-dents, Mrs Duncan Rutherford, Mrs Walter Macfarlane, Mrs Marmaduke Bethell, Mrs T. C. Robinson, Mrs A. H. Brown, Mrs J. Black, Mrs H. R. Davison, and Mrs Rhodes; committee, Mesdames G. Cochrane, P. Hadley. E. Moore, W. Grueber, A. Baker, G. Hartnell, J. Harrison, P. Thomson, H. Davison, W. J. McMillan. W. B. McMillan, G. LofThagen, H. Searle, G. W. Wade, F. Gordon, H. Croft, W. Addis, J. Fraser, Sister Mulcock, and Dr. and Mrs McLean; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mrs H. S. Ingram; hon. auditor, Mr H. Searle. Mrs Macfarlane thanked Mrs Blunden for her most interesting address. Thanks were also expressed to Moekett's Motors, Ltd., for supplying Nurse Sharp with transport, Mr and Mrs A. Brown for supplying lunch for the nurse on visiting days, Mr E. Hitchcock and staff for their many kindnesses, and Mr W. Gundy for having acted as auditor.

The women's gymnasium club which was formed in Culverden about three years ago ceased activities last year owing to the club being unable t.n obtain an instructress. However, a fresh beginning has been made this year. Miss M. Heatherton has offered her services as instructress. A meeting was held in the hall last week, and there was a good attendance. Miss F. Mockett presided. The following officers were elected:—President, Miss F. Mockett; vice-presidents, Mrs W. Thomson, Miss A. Louden, and Miss E. Black; secretary. Miss E. McEwnn; committee, Mrs D. Sterritt, Mrs H. Hempenstall, Misses B. Hodgins, M. Heatherton, and N. Denton. It was decided to hold the opening night to-morrow, and that the class be taken for one hour each night weekly. The annual meeting of the Culverden Ladies' Hockey Club was held in the Culverden Hall. The secretary stated that the club had had a most successful year. Reference was made to the good work done by Mr M. Richardson as coach, and the club regretted his transfer to Orari. The bal-ance-sheet showed a credit balance of £4 0s 4d. It was decided that a team be entered in the competition for the Mount Palm Shield. The election of officers was —Patroness, Mrs G. Hartncll: vice-presidents, Mesdames G. LofThagen, H. Searle, H. Ingram. W. J. McMillan. A. IT. G. Brown, W. B. McMillan. A. Hern. W. Munro, W. Mockett, G. Johns, R. Crewes, D. Davison, A. Black. G. Cochrane, J. Black, R. A. Hoban, and Misses M. Davison and M. Hodgins; secretary. Miss E. McEwan; coach, Mr H. A. Johnstone; referee, Mr IT. Gallagher: selectors, Messrs R. A. Johnstone and R. Powell; committee, Mrs H. Croft, Misses M. Heatherton, F. Mockett, M. Denton, E. Hooper, B. Thompson, Messrs R. A. Johnstone, and H. Gallagher.

HORNBY On Saturday evening a successful social was held in St. Columba's Parish Hall in aid of the funds for the forthcoming chrysanthemum show. Winners of competitions were Mrs Morrison, Mrs Bainbridge, Master T. Sloan, and Mr S. Baird.

AMBERLEY The annual meeting of the Amberley sub-branch of the Plunket Society was Jield in the parish hall, there being |.i large attendance of members. Mrs L. M. King, president of the Rangiora branch, presided, and congratulated the sub-branch on the satisfactory balancesheet produced, and also on the good work done. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs F. P. Coleman: vice-president, Mrs J. Schofield; honorary terasurer, Mrs H. E. Parsons; honorary secretary, Mrs W. A Parsons; committee, Mesdames E E Maiden, J. V. Oxley, I. G. Grierson, W. Briggs, W. Mstrtyn, J. Farquhar, L. Samuels, F. CouVage, D. C. Gardiner, J. C. South, E. P. Shier, R. Croft, and Miss Bristow. A very interesting address on pre-natal care was given by Dr. G. M. L. Lester, of Christchurch. Mr H. Obery. who has been on the staff of the Amberley Post Office 'or several years, was, belore his transfer to Temuka. met by several friends and presented with a wallet as a token of esteem. . Miss Edith Parsons (Hammer Springs) is staying with Miss K. F. Parsons (Amberley). The Amberley branch of the Workers' Educational Association met recently at Mrs E. P. Shier's home. There was a full attendance of members. The leader, Miss E. M. Harries, conducted proceedings, and a very interesting and profitable evening was spent. The subject wa,. "The Industrial Revolution." The Kjii inincc of the Amberley Agricultural --ii'l Pastoral Association met recent!}. Mr ft. H. Gardiner presiding. The following nominations were received for the various offices:—President, Mr S. Wornall; senior vice-presi-dent, Mr W. Briggs: junior, Mr A. Hisiop; secretary, Mr C. A. Wornall; treasurer, Mr J. Schofield; honorary veterinary surgeon, Mr W. J. Blair; auditor, Mr L. V. Samuels; general committee, Messrs W. A. Parsons, J. V. Oxley, A. Parkinson, H. E. Parsons, F. J. Farquhar, J. G. Whyte, D. McDonald, L. J. Harris, M. Starkv, ,T B. Starky, J. Sinclair, R. Croft, W. Haigh, W. Allison, E. A. Payne, A. J. Hunter, W. Donald, P. Paterson.- W. Palerson, I. G. Gricrson, J. L. Croft, J. H. James, W. A. Taylor, D. Coleman. F. J. Stanton, J. Johnston, and G. A. McLean. Notice was given by Mr R. Hunter that, he would move at the annual meeting that a class for wool be included in the schedule. The Waikari junior football team visited Amberley on Saturday, and played a friendly game against Amberley juniors. The game resulted in a draw, 3 all.

A bogey match was played on the Amberley golf links on Saturday, the winner being R. H. Harris, all square.

CHEVIOT A meeting of the Cheviot Collie Club was held in the library on Friday evening. Mr J. D. E. Winskill presided. Mr P. F. Childs, delegate to Ihe annual meeting of the South Island Collie Dog Association, reported on Ihe result of the meeting, held in Christchiirch. The president reported (hat satisfactory arrangements had been made with Mr W. Potton to run both the licensed booth and luncheon booth at the 1 rials. Officials were appointed for the trials as follows:black board steward, Mr G. Tclfer; sheep weight guessing competition and rough and smooth-haired collie entry fee steward, Mr G. M. McAdam. Messrs D. McLaren and John McAdam reported that they had been successful in securing sufficient sheep for the trials. It was decided to hold a working bee on the grounds on May 1 to make final preparations for the trials, which will commence on May 3. Mr J. Morgan wrote accepting the position of judge. The following wrote offering donations to the club: Messrs G. R. Macdonald, £1 Is; Thomas Borthwick and Sons, Ltd., £1 Is; Canterbury Frozen Meat Co., Ltd., 10s Cd; the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, £1; Sefton Dairy Co., Ltd., 10s Od; J. Ballantyne and Co., Ltd., £1 Is; New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., £1 Is; T. Wilkinson, £1; and J. L. Ensor, £2. The following gave trophies for competition at the trials: Mr James Hall (cup), Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., Beatli and Co., Ltd., Maling and Co., Ltd. The annual meeting of the Cheviot branch of the Workers' Educational Association was held at the residence of the Rev. George Widdup, who presided over a good attendance of members and friends. The report showed that the branch had experienced a very successful year. The sum of £2 10s was contributed to the central fund in Christchiirch. Mr Widdup was re-elected president, and Miss E. Cull was elected secretary. It was decided to apply to headquarters for the inclusion of Cheviot in the travelling library circuit. It was decided to hold the meetings fortnightly. At the conclusion of the annual meeting a study class was held, 14 members being present. "The Yeomen of the Guard" formed the basis of a most interesting and instructive study, taken with the assistance of gramophone recordings. A study was also taken of various elocutionary types, reproduced on the gramophone, the subjects being Dame Sybil Thorndike, Henry Ayling, John Drinkwater, and J. Ramsay Mac-Donald.

OXFORD The Oxford branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union met in the Coronation Hail. The opening devotions were conducted by Mrs C. W. Tritv. A temperance fact was given j by Mrs Ryde. Miss N. Waterman, delegate to the Dominion convention, gave I a comprehensive and interesting report. A sacred solo was sung by Mrs J. Whyle. It was decided to send a letter to Mrs F. Tritt, expressing sympathy in the illness of her husband, The secretary of the North Canterbury District Union wrote asking for help towards the expenses of an organiser for country districts. It was resolved to donate £l. It was decided to ask Mrs Low, superintendent of peace and arbitration, to give an address next month on the League of Nations. A resolution was carried, expressing thanks to the Y branch for assistance and to all those who had helped towards the success of tin catering for the recent show. OHOKA The dance organised by the Ohoka Basketball Club was most successful and drew a large attendance. Special attention iiad been given by the members to the scheme of decoration, with a very pleasing result. A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mr Paget, of Swannanoa, and partner. Music was played by Miss Moore's dance orchestra from Chrislchurch, and extras by women visitors. Messrs H. Power and B. Chamberlain were masters of ceremonies. EADBROOKS The lirst social of the year held by the hall committee was well attended. Competitions were won by Mrs J. Meyer. Miss G. Davison. Mr J. Meyer and Mr A. J. McLaughlin. To-morrow afternoon the Rev. G Macßae (Lincoln) will address the pupils of the Ladbrooks School on the .subject of An/.ac. TAI TAPU A combined Anzae memorial service was held in the Tai Tapu hall yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended by returned soldiers and residents of the district. Sir R; Heaton Rhodes was chairman, and read the lessons. The Rev. G. Macrae, Presbyterian minister, also took part, and an address was delivered by the Rev. M. Ayrton (Methodist Church). Appropriate hymns were sung. Miss Ana Tobeck was organist. After the service a visit was paid to the cenotaph and wreaths were placed there by the returned soldiers of Tai Tapu, Sir Heaton Rhodes, and relatives of dead soldiers. A collection lor the poppy fund realised £2 7s.

OKAIN'S BAY The monthly meeting of the Okain's Bay Sub-Centre of the Red Cross Society was held in the hall, Mrs H. J. Mason presiding. Eighteen garments, cut out ready to be stitched, had been received from the Canterbury centre, and were distributed among the members. Proceeds from stalls and competitions organised on Easter Monday at the Okain's Bay Sunday school picnic were as follows:-~Competition kettle, £1 10s 6d; produce and sweets stall, £2 9s 2d; fruit salad stall, £1 17s 7d. It was unanimously carried that a gift of £1 be sent to the Canterbury centre. On Saturday members of the Okain's Bay Women's Institute held an enjoyable social afternoon to bid farewell to Mrs W. L. Pidgeon. Competitions were won by Mesdames Pidgeon, H. J. Mason, Boleyn, H. C. Mason, L. Spurr, and .1. Harris. Misses M. Marshall and W. Robinson sang, and a charade caused much fun. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses. The president, Miss Marshall, on behalf of members, made a suitable presentation. She expressed regret at losing an active member, and wished Mrs Pidgeon the best of luck in her new home at Belfast. Mrs Pidgeon suitably responded.

HORORATA Farmers on the heavy land, particularly on the Downs, are very late in cultivation, owing to the very wet state of the ground. In many cases the skimming of land is impossible. Dry weather is badly needed for a few weeks, otherwise these farmers will not be able to sow any autumn wheat. Farmers who have been in the district for many years say they have never known the ground to be so wet at this time of the year. A meeting of the returned soldiers of Hororata was held in the Hororata Hall, Mr J. Oliver presiding. It was decided to hold the reunion smoke concert to-morrow. On Anzac Day the customary memorial service and parade of returned soldiers and school children will be held at 11 a.m. at the memorial. The Rev. L. N. Watkins will conduct the service, and the Rev. T. Paterson will give the address. Miss R. Barrett is spending a holiday in Ashburton.

SHEFFIELD A meeting of the Sheffield Girls' Club was held at the residence of Mrs D. K. Boyd, on Friday afternoon. Miss Sadie Cooper presided. Part singing was held, and a knitting competition was commenced. Mrs Boyd and Miss Ella McMillan were the hostesses. The Malvern choir held a practice on Saturday evening in the hall in preparation for The Anzac service. Mr H. L. Spark will be the conductor, and Mrs Spark will be organist. On Saturday next, a Sheffield football team will meet a combined KirweeDarlield team in the domain. The Sheffield Men's Hockey Club will open its season with a match against Hororata next Saturday at Sheffield.