COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16518, 6 April 1914, Page 9

COUNTRY NEWS.

[Fnon Our Correspondents.) ASHBURTON.

The Rev. T. R. B. Woolloxn.il. who has been in charge of tho Wills Street Methodist Church, Ashburton, for the past three years, and who has been transferred to Blenheim preached his farewell sermon in the Baring Square church yesterday morning, and in the Wills Street, church in tlio evening. There wore largo congregations at both services.

Tlio Ashburton branch of tho St John Ambulance Association bad a most successful ambulance day on Saturday. Collectors were stationed at tho corners of the main streets from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and when tho contents of the collecting boxes were totalled up it was found that a sum of £47 2s Id had been contributed. This is considerably more than was anticipated would be given, in view of the recent street collection which was made on behalf of tho Society for Women and Children. There still aro several boxes to bo handed in together with several promised private donations of substantial amounts. Tho branch is fairly well equipped with appliances, and it is intended to establish depots in various parts of the town, where bandages etc., will be kept so that in case of accidents first aid can be rendered expeditiously. It is further proposed Hint squads of tlio branch shall attend all race meetings, athletic-sports meetings, and any other public gatherings at which accidents aro likely to occur. Tho members of the branch are numerically strong, and a considerable number of those of both tho male and female classes who have been attending a course of lectures under Dr Lyon, Dr Pet fie and Dr Russell Rendlc, respectively, will commence sitting for their examinations under Dr W. J. Muffin.

Tho thirty-sixth anniversary of the Ashburton Baring Square Methodist church was celebrated on Thursday evening, tho Rev W. J. Elliott presiding. The annual report read by Mr J. U. Baker, secretary and treasurer of tho church trust, showed that the Sunday School Bible Class, Junior Endeavour Society, and Ladies’ Guild were doing good work, while the choir under the comluelorsliip of Mr H. A. Humphreys, with the aid of the now pipe organ, was attracting large congregations to the church. The chairman delivered a brief address upon the report, and explained the extent of the trust, property debt. TJie choir sang several anthems and an excellent programme was submitted. The quarterly meeting of tho Methven Home Mission Station was held in the Church on Tuesday afternoon, and in addition to tho chairman (the Rev. AY. J. Elliott), the following among others, were present:—Messrs H. A, Prolheroe and Quigley (circuit stewards), 4V. Morrow, and J. Weir (Homo Missionary). The chairman reported that Air J. AA r eir had been transferred by the recent Methodist Conference, and that Mr Bennie had been appointed to succeed him as missionary. A resolution appreciative of Air AVeir’s services was unanimously passed, and on behalf of the church and congregation Air Protheroe presented Mr and Mrs AA’oir with a travelling rug. From October l, 1913, to March 31. 1914, the Ashburton County Council paid for 363,878 small birds’ eggs and heads of young birds and for 1102 rats' tails.

At the meeting of tho Ashburton County Council on Friday the road traffic inspector reported that on People’s Day of the Ashburton Show (March 19) 640 light vehicles and motor cars had crossed tho traffic bridge between tho hours of 9 a.m. and 1.80 p.m., and that only three drivers had committed breaches of the by-laws.

At a special mooting of tho executive of the Ashburton High (School Obi Pupils’ Association hold mi Friday, it was resolved:—“That tho Association has road with feelings of great pleasure and satisfaction of tho elevation, to the chair of Mental Science in Canterbury College of Professor C. F. Salmond, M.A.. for many years an esteemed master of the school, and that it heartily congratulates him on his new and well-earned dignity, and earnestly wishes him a long, honourable, and successful professorial career; and that this resolution bo conveyed by the President of the Association (Mr J. 0. Jameson) tho vice-presidents and the honorary secretary.” Congratulatory telegrams were sent to Professor Salmoiul.

At a meeting of the Ashburton NoLicen.se Council held on Friday evening tho following motion was carried unanimously:—“That in view of the coming electoral and No-License campaigns, this Council ro-affirms its decision not to bo identified with any candidate for Parliamentary honours, individual members of the Party acting according to their own convictions and discretion, but such actions to receive no recognition by the Council.” Mr J. M’Co mbs, member for Lyttelton, attended a meeting of the Ashburton NoLicenso Council on Friday night, and gave a brief address dealing principally with the three-fifths handicap, and provincial organisation. TEMUKA. The annual meeting of tho Temuka Branch of tho Women's Social and Political Union was held in the Social Hall on Friday night, when Airs G. W. Armitago presided over a good attendance of members. Tho annual report, which was adopted, stated that ithad been suggested to alter the name of the League, but tho proposal had not found favour. The following officers were elected: —President, Mrs Armitago; vice-presidents, Mrs D. Shaw and Mrs J. Elder; committee, Mcsdames Bell, Dwyer, Guimard, James, A. Shaw. Sheen, Bates, Guy, R. Blvth and M’Jnnes; secretary and treasurer, Mis Redhead. Accounts amounting to £7 ]os were passed for payment. . LITTLE RIATHL Tlie Loyal AVairewa Lodge, ALU., 1.0.0. F., held the animal picnic on tho' Awa Iti Domain, Little River, on Thursdav. Sports for big and small were held, and music was supplied by the local band, which generously gave it s services. The following were the results of the various races:—Girls over fifteen—M. Colombus 1, V.. Radford 2, Gladys Radford 3. Single Ladies’ Race —Nellie Fahey 1. O. Russell 2, AY. Patton 3. Married Ladies’ Race—Mrs L. Radford 1, Airs Y. Joblin 2. Mrs j H. Reed 3. Single Men’s Race—James Swadcl 1. Married Men’s Race—-S. •Barclay 1. Bandsmen’s Race —R. Bussoil 1. ‘ Tug-of-war, Married v. SingleHanded men won after a long pull. In the evening tho Oddfellows held a very successful dance ill the Town Hall. P.P.G.M. Brother G. Breitmeyer presented Brother H. AYilson with a centenary jewel on behalf of the Lodge, m recognition of liis services to the Lodge. Mr Aitken, chairman of the Sports Club presented Percy Colombus witn a medal given hy Mr A. Murray for the most point* in the children s races at tho snorts held on New Year s Day. At the Little River Court on Thursday, before Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M., James AVhirtiri, charged with'breach of prohibition ordor, was convicted and remanded till June -. R Nome, charged with driving at night without lights, was fined os and 7s costs, and A. Clarke, for a similar offence, was convicted and discharged. R. -Vanstono was convicted amt discharged for cycling without a lignt alter sunset.

WILLOWBV. The quarterly meeting of the " by Methodist Circuit Church officials was held on Thursday evening. ■ Rov B. J. James presided, and t-heie

were ninot-een officials, representing various parts of tho circuit, present. Tho chairman reported a roll number of 135 senior and 18 junior membei’3. Tho income for tho quarter amounted to £1.40, and after paying all liabilities a, substantial credit was left. The district secretary for Home and Foreign Missions reported that £7O had been contributed between tho twohnissions during tho year. The circuit stewards presented a scheme by which tho financial liabilities might be mot quarterly. The proposal was adopted, and it was decided to bring it into operation at once. A vote of condolence with Mr J. Osborne and family, who had suffered bereavement during tho quarter was passed. As this was the last mooting Air James would preside over in the circuit, tho following motion was carried: —“That tho best thanks of tho meeting he accorded to Air James for tho faithful services liehad rendered to the circuit during his stay in their’midst, and that the appreciation bo recorded in the minutes.” It was decided to hold the next meeting at tho residence of Mr Joseph AVatson, and before departing Mrs Chapman hospitably entertained tho members at supper. The harvest thanksgiving services in connection with tjio AVillowby Methodist Church were held on Sunday, March 28, when the Rev AY. J. Elliott, of Ashburton, preached in the morning and tho Rev B. J. James, tho superintendent of the circuit, in the evening. Tho services were largely attended and the choir, under tho leadership of Mr A. S. Mayman, sang .the anthem “ Praise tho Lord, Ob Jerusalem.” tho solo being taken by Miss F. Chapman. Miss B. Chapman was organist. On AYednesday evening tho harvest festival of the AVillowby Methodist Church was further celebrated by a tea, after which a public meeting was held, the Rev ,B. J. James presiding. Several anthems were sung by the ,choir, Miss Queenio M’Nichol gave a recitation, and addresses were given by Messrs A\ r . J. Brown and G. AV. Leadley. During tho evening Mr AY. T. Lill presented Mr James with a leather suit case, suitably inscribed, and Mrs James was tlio recipient of a silver lintwater kettle from tlio Girls’ Guild. Both Mr and Airs James suitably returned thanks for the many kindnesses received during their stay of' three years in the AVillowby circuit. The financial result of the festival was £66 2s. Mr .Tames will leave during the week for Balcluthn, where ho has been stationed. SHEFFIELD. Bishop Julius visited Sheffield on Friday evening for fho purpo.se of inducting the Rev 0. F. Allen to tlio Malvern cure. There was a good attendance and the service was impressive. An adjournment was afterwards made t' the Road Board Office, where the ladies; provided refreshments. During tho evening tlio Bishop, on behalf of the. parishioners,, presented the . Rev Jasper Smytlie. who lias acted as locum tenons for a- few months, with an umbrella. accompanied by a letter of thanks for his services. Mr Smytlie expressed his thanks, and presented the Sheffield Church with a Bible. Speeches of welcome to the new vicar and his wife wore made by ATessrs L. R. Ellis, G. F. AYrigbt, J. R. Cullen and T. L. P. Pole. BEALEY FLAT. Rain fell heavily at Realey Flat all day Friday and during the night. The flaming of the Punch Bowl was washed away, stopping the dynamos at the power-house. Work was completely stopped in the tunnel on Saturday, but was ’expected to be resumed in tile evening. KAIAPOT. r 4 -; iHmj !- ;, ip(ii Brass Band, under 4HMH|HKK. C. Hoskin, gave a prosnored music «« (he teiyn rctunda last night to a large and appreciative •mdieiice. SOUTH!! ROOK. A public meeting of tlio residents of Southbrook was held on Friday evening to elect a captain of the volunteer fire brigade. Two nominations were received. and Fireman 11. J. Parkin was elected.