COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16493, 7 March 1914, Page 12

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Our Correspondents.] CUST.

After a spell of very fine weather a sou’-wester sprang up on Thursday afternoon and brought with it a good downpour of rain, which was very weir come for the root crops and grass.

Another old resident of the district, Mr G. Hodgson, died on Wednesday at the age of seventy-two years. He came to New Zealand in the ship Greyhound in 1864, and went to North Canterbury, where ho took up farming. The deceased survived his wife by. two months. Ho leaves two daughters Mrs D. Howatt (Oust), and Mrs B. Lang (Cust), and two sons, Mr G. Hodgson and Mr It. Hodgson. The annual meeting of the Cust Institute Hall and Library was held on Wednesday evening, Mr J. Forbes, sen, in the chair. The balance-sheet showed receipts for the year to have been £75 4s sd, and the expenditure £44 4s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £3l Os 2d. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected:—President, Mr J. Forbes; vice-presidents, Messrs E. W. Cooper, G. Crysell, A. Searell and F. Early; secretary, Mr A. Chudley; treasurer, Mr G. Crysell; librarian, Mr D. Howatt; auditor, Mr W. Cassey. WAIATT. A summoned meeting; of the Lo\nl Waiau Lodge tfas held on Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance and N.G. Brother Smalo presided. Two nominations were received for the position of delegate to the Ashley District meeting, and P.G. Brother Mcckett was elected. The book inspector’s report was adopted, and the secretary was congratulated on the state of his books. Dr Maunsell was appointed Lodge surgeon. A committee consisting of P.G. Brothers Oldman, Mockett, Marr, G.M. Brother M'ffio, and E.S. Brother M’Kie was appointed to revise the by-laws and report to the next quarterly meeting. HANMER. The annual picnic of the Hanmer School was held at Jollie’s Pass on Thursday, Sir Smith kindly making excellent arrangements for the comfort of the visitors. He and others provided numerous vehicles to convey the children, friends and visitors to and from the grounds free of charge. The day was beautifully fine. The prizes for school work as well as those gained at the sports were presented by Mr Steele. The afternoon tea and refreshments were served by Mrs and Misses Turton, Mrs Whitmore, Mrs J E. Scott and Mrs Paterson. , ■ CHEVIOT. Matters are well in hand for the Cheviot Show, to be held on Thursday, March 12, and given fine weather the show should bo tne most successful the Association lias yet held. The grounds are in good order, some substantial improvements having been made, including new and permanent sheepyards. The entries m all classes total 1050, a considerable advance on last year’s number. A largely attended meeting of the Cheviot Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held in tho. Town Hall; Mr T. C. Robinson, president, in ihe chair. A letter was received from the Right Hon W. F. Massey, stating.that owing to previous engagements he was afraid he would be unable to be present at the show. He would, however, endeavour to arrange for the presence of one of his colleagues. Tire offer of the Cheviot Band;to supply music at the show was accepted. It was decided to hold a working bee on the grounds on March 10. It was also decided, if the entries warranted it. to enlarge the cattle yards. The heavy rain which fell on "Thursday night will be a great boon to the district. The bulk of stubble land has now been sown down and the dry conditions prevailing for some time made rain particularly desirable. Grass lands were also beginning to look bare and the rain should start a good growth before the cold weather sets in. SOUTHBROOK. The district school children were given their annual outing yesterday at - Sumner, and spent a happy time, although the weather was not of a pleasant holiday character in the morning. A number of parents joined the picnic party.