NORTH CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23086, 31 July 1940, Page 3

NORTH CANTERBURY

COMBI UNITY CENTRE SCHEME ESTIMATES FOR BUILDING AT RANGIORA “The community centre now seems to be within reach,” said Mr J. E. strachan, principal of the Rangiora High School, commenting yesterday on t], e estimates of the proposed building, which were received a few days a go from the architect, Mr Paul PasC oe, of Christchurch. Plans of the buildhig have already been submitted to the High School Board, but full snecifications have not yet been completed- j It was decided, at a meeting of the board in May, that, when the plans of the building were ready, a deputation should wait on the Minister for Education (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) and the Director of Education (Dr. C. E. Beeby) to advocate the proposal. The chairman of the board (Mr C. I. Jennings) had previously written to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) stating that there was a need for a community hall, and that since such large sums had been expended in other centres for educational purposes. It was reasonable to apply for the comparatively small sum of £4DOO. The Prime Minister had replied that the representations would receive careful consideration. Mr Strachan said yesterday that all the information necessary to place before the Minister and the director had been collected and that a deputation would probably visit Wellington in the near future. Attention was now being given in Rangiora to physical fitness activities, added Mr Strachan, and this was a phase of public welfare work that could be suitably embraced 5 the comxnunity centre scheme. The possibilities of such a co-ordination were appreciated by the parties interested. OBITUARY MRS DINAH WATKINS Mrs Dinah Watkins, who died on , Friday, had spent most of her life In the Rangiora district. Born in Gurgen, Ireland, 78 years ago, she came to New Zealand at the age of 13 with her parents, Mr and Mrs William Geddis, who settled in North Canterbury. She was married to Mr Richard Henry Watkins in March, 1879, at St. John’s Anglican Church, Rangiora. Mr Watkins farmed a property on West belt for many years, and since his retirement he and Mrs Watkins lived in King street. Mrs Watkins is survived by her husband, who is 83. Of a family of 10 children, the eldest son was killed in the Great War, and a son and a daughter have died since then. There are four sons and three daughters living, while the grandchildren number 31 and the great-grandchildren 18. FAREWELL PRESENTATIONS • AT WAIPARA Residents of the Waipara-Omihi district gathered in the Waipara Hall in honour of Mr and Mrs G. M. Hare and Miss Noelene Hare, who are leaving the district For the district Mr F. Quigley presented Mr and Mrs Hare with a chiming clock and a travelling rug, and Miss Hare with a gold bangle. For the Glenmark Tennis Club, of which Mr and Mrs Hare were foundation members, the Rev Mr Hay asked them to accept fire bellows with the club’s best wishes. For the school committee, Miss B. Campbell presented Mr Hare with a money wallet Music for dancing was supplied by the Hawarden dance band, and extras by Mr Robertson. Mr E. J. Whyte was master of ceremonies. RANGIORA PERSONAL NOTES Mr and Mrs J. V. Rowland, formerly of Rangiora, have left to live in Christchurch, following Mr Rowland’s appointment as foreman to the Waimairi County Council. Mr W. T. N. Keir (Rangiora) entered St George’s Hospital, Christchurch, yesterday, for eye treatment. Mr and Mrs R. G. Simpson, of Hanmer, will take up residence in Rangiora this week. Mr Simpson is on the staff of the North Canterbury Electric Power Board.