COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16550, 14 May 1914, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

{From Our Correspondents.] DOYLESTON.

On the eve of his departure froia Doyleston Mr H. O. Amos, a wellknown business man, was entertained at a smoke concert by the members of the Doyleston Athletic Club. The gathering was presided over by Mr W. . Rennio, president of the club. A number of toasts were honoured and several songs were contributed. In proposing the health of the guest of the evening the chairman spoke of the good work Mr Amos had done for the Athletic Club and for the district, generally. He had been a thorough sport and had rendered yeoman service to the Athletic, Football and Cricket Clubs at Doyleston. On behalf of a large number of friends the chairman handed Mr Amos a double-barrel, breach-loading gun, as an expression of goodwill. Ho also stated that an easy chair had been procured for Mrs Amos, but that it hacl not come to hand in time' to be presented that evening. Mr Amos suitably acknowledged the gifts. DUNSANDEL. A farewell .social was tendered to Mr and Mrs Clayton in the Dunsandel Hall on Monday night. There was a large gathering, and Mr H. Brown presided. During the evening musical items were given by Miss A. Stainger, Mrs Sutherland, and Messrs G. Sheat, F. Lill,.W. Sheat, H. Wright and R. Claydon. At the supper adjournment Mr G. Sheat, on behalf of the residents, presented the guests with a purse of sovereigns, and complimentary speeches were made by Messrs J. S. Boag, H. Brown and H. Wright. WAIMATE. The members of the Education Board. travelling in motor-cars, visited several of the schools in the Waimate district yesterday. At Waimate they were met by the School Committee and the Finance Committee of the Borough Council. The Board inspected the 5i acres borough reserve desired by the committee for playground extension, and the Finance Committee of the Council offered to sell it to the Board for £6OO. The Board has requested the School Committee to state how much can be raised locally towards the object in view, upon receipt of which statement it will decide whether to purchase or not. The Willowbridge School Committee expects that some twelve or fifteen children will be added to the school roll in a few weeks' time, as soon, in fact, as the workers' homes there are occupied. Headed by Mr W. J. Roberts, the committee on Tuesday placed before the Education Board requests for tho extension of the schjool building and playground. RANGIORA. The Salvation Army on Tuesday evening farewelled Mr A. C. ■ Newton and Miss Newton, two soldiers of the corps who are leaving to reside in Linwood. Mr J- Lewis, on behalf of the members of the corps, made them parting presents, that given to Miss Newton being a travelling rug. The Borough Council has decided to entertain Mr Sansom, the ex-Mayor, at a social gathering, in recognition or his twenty-six years' civic services. ASHBURTON. The Ashburton Miniature Rifle Club fired its second match on the range on Tuesday evening. The highest scores were made bv C. Simpson (4 handicap) 70, 11. E. Fountaine (2) 69. A. E, Clarke (1) 68, W. Sparrow (7) 68, J. Cox (5) 67, J. Jobberns (4) 67, J. E. Allen (7) 67. _ At a meeting of the committee of the Ashburton Orchestral Society, held on Tuesday evening, Mr Wilfred Coulsoii, A-T.C.L, L.R.A.M., was appointed conductor for the present year. At the annual general meeting of the Ashburton Baring Square Literary and Debating Society on Tuesday evening, the officers for the ensuing year were as follows:—President, Rov W. J. Elliott; vice-presidents, 'Messrs W. H. Higgins, B. H. Carter, C. Dixon and the Rev J. D. M'Arthur; secre- ■ tary, Mr A. M'Clure, jun.; assistant secretary, Mr W. Bell; treasurer, Mr M. Steel; committee, Messrs F. Burton, W. Thomas, D. Wilkio and R. Jones; joint auditors, Messrs D. Wilkie and W. Bell. METHVEN. The-annual' meeting of the shareholders of the Methven Hall Company was held on Tuesday evening, when Mr Morgan presided. The chairman referred to the satisfactory position of the hall. There was no outstanding liabilities, and all salaries and other expenses were paid to date. The following wore elected directors:—Messrs W. Morgan, T. S. J. Doherty, J. M'Lean, J. T. Mangin, F. G. Mangin, A. M'Kay and J. Buden. At a meeting of directors Mr W. Morgan was elected chairman.