COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16737, 18 December 1914, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Our Correspondents.] SOUTHBROOK. On Aniversary Day tho scholars of the District School had their annual outing, -being taken to tho Waikuku beach. A number of tho parents accompanied the party, and a very happy day was spent. The children had races on the sand, and each received some small prize. The chairman of the committee, Mr S. Kirk, presented the sewing prizes donated by Mrs A. M’lntosh, Sirs Brunton and the teachers. The winners were:—Standard IV., Lucy Newili; Standard HI., Eva Clark 1, Amy Kirk 2; Standard 11., Olive Clark; Standard 1., Lily Megan; Part 111., Dorothy Seed. WOODEND. The Methodist Sunday School picnic was held on Wednesday. The rendezvous was at Waikuku, tho homestead of Mr Ligget, who onco more showed his customary kindness to the visitors. The children and their friends were conveyed to the grounds in vans and traps, kindly lent by those interested. Gaines of all kinds were played, and the teachers and a bevy of willing helpers were kept busy providing refreshments. At tho close hearty cheers were given to Mr Ligget and his family for their kindnesses. HANMER SPRINGS. The annual school sports were held on the sports ground on Anniversary Day. Tho rough weather prevented a large number from being present, nevertheless the children were out to enjoy themselves and did so. The various running and other events were well contested. The champion winner of the day was Miss Katie Whitmore, with seven events to her credit. A dance was held in the hall in the evening, but the bad weather again was against a large attendance. Tlie recent floods in the Walau caused considerable damage in tho Glynn Wye district. It is reported that Mr Hickman's bridge has been completely swept away, and that the road in several places is damaged by heavy slips. Mr Powell, of AVaiau Station, has lost a considerable number of sheep by the flood. AMBERLEY. The half-yearly meeting of the Hope of Amberley Lodge of Druids was held on Saturday evening, A.D. Brother Gee presiding over a large attendance' of members. Grand Lodge officers, G.P. Brother Neate, G.V.P. Brother Walls, G. Treas. Brother Jowsey, G. See. Brother Waller and G.D.P. Brothers! Stephens and Miller paid an official visit. The balance-sheet and auditors report were adopted. The following officers were installed bv P.D.P. Brother Stephens, assisted by the Grand Lodge officers: —A.D., Brother R. Hunter; V.A., Brother T. Retallick; A.D. Bards, Sister Rowney and Brother Retallick; Y.A. Bards, Sister Adams and Brother Winter; secretary, Brother A. Bailey (re-elected); treasurer, Brother J. H. Watson (re-elected); M.S., Sister Duncan; 1.G., Brother Duncan; 0.G., Brother Powell; auditor, Brother Cunningham. The Grand Lodge officers congratulated the Lodge on the progress it had made both in regard to membership and to finance. The secretary was voted a bonus of five guineas for his services during the past three years. After tho. Lodge closed the visitors were entertained at supper.

RANGIORA. Tlie Rangiora High School Cadets, who have been in camp at Ashley Gorge for the past week, under Captain S. A. Clark and Lieutenant Rule, struck camp yesterday. The Cadets have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and tlie time passed quickly as they put in a great amount of drill under their own sergeants, who were instructed by Lieutenant Stark. When off duty the Cadets engaged in competitions. Teams consisting of the occupants of each tent were given points in the following competitions .—Neatest tent, smartest on parade, tug-of-war, throwing up protection, bucket brigade, Victoria Cross race, alarm, and route marching. Colour-Sergeant O. Daley’s team, consisting of J. Scott, F. Fairweatlier, C. Fendall, R. Doak and A. Stewart, won with 417 points, Sergeant Hickmott’s team being second. On Wednesday Colonel Cbafijey, accompanied by Major v Finnis and Captain Wheeler, visited the camp and inspected tho company. Ho complimented the Cadets on their smart appearance and on the efficiency of their drill, and expressed a hope that they would maintain the high standard they had reached. After the inspection he watched the camp, sports, and then motored back to town, being I heartily cheered by the Cadets as lie left. The many visitors who were present, in appreciation of the excellent sports programme, subscribed liberally towards the prize fund. In tlio evening the lads held a bivouac concert, tho performers being Captain Clark, Lieutenant Rule, Colour-Sergeant Daly, Sergeant Hickmotf and Privates Denton, Fendall, Samson and F. Mehrtens. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the long walks, the excellent swimming facilities and tlie bush climbing. No sickness or casualty of any kind occurred during tho camp. On Tuesday morning the children of the Rangiora Convent School broke up for tlie Christmas holidays. Medals were presented by Dean Hyland to the following:—Senior division, C. Dix; junior division, F. Dix 1, P. Lynskey 2; Christian doctrine; F. Lynskey 1, A. Sweeney 2; most devoted girl in school, Miss E. Hanley. Books were presented to W. Miller for proficiency and Z. Lynskey and L. Dale for competency. ASHBURTON. Tho dry season has had a bad effect on tlie crops in the Ashburton County, and a farmer in the Methven district told a reporter on Wednesday that the grain crops around that district wore tho poorest he had seen for many years. Notwithstanding this there are some good crops in the Mount Hutt district lying close to the hills, showers of rain being more frequent. The small birds aro again proving particularly destructive? ■ among the early sown crops which are turning colour, and one farmer reports 'Tut tlie birds have just about ruined a crop of his. The birds are so numerous that when disturbed they rise in a cloud. Already several oat crops hnvo been cut, but these have been on tho green side ami are intended for oaten hay and chaff. The Ashburton Croquet Club went to Christchurch on Wednesday -.nd played a match against the St Albans Club, suffering defeat by 13 points. The scores wore • Ashburton 213, St Albans 220. Mr J. H. Mushot, who has been in the employ of Messrs Tuckers, Ltd., for the mast thirteen years, and who has resigned in order to outer business cn his own account, was entertained by the members of the firm on luesday evening. All' V. R. 1 uckor presided and presented tlie guest with a gold watch suitably inscribed. A number of toasts were drunk and complimentarv speeches made, and a musical, programme was carried out At the annual picnic ol the Ashburton B.aring Square Methodist Sunday i School on. Wednesday two presentations were made to Air C. Dixon, who has rendered twenty-seven years’ valuable service to the school; during! the greater part of that time ho was sunerintendont. The in'csontatinn fmm |

the scholars was an illuminated ad* dress, and that from the teachers a photograph of the staff. Tlie Rev W. J. Elliott made the presentations.

The anniversary services in connao tion with tho Willowby Methodist Sun* day School was he’d on Sunday last, when tho Rev H. B. Hughes, of Ashburton, occupied tho pulpit in the mroning and the Rev W. J. Oxbrow in the evening. The congregations were large, and the children, under Mr G. If. B. Lill, sang special hymns. On Tuesday evening the annual tea was held in the schoolroom, followed by a public meeting in the church. The Rev W. J. Oxbrow presided, and the Rov H B. Hughes gave an address. The superintendent read the report,, which showed tint tho various classes were doing good work, and that several of the scholars had been admitted to the church as junior members.. At the request of the children the prizes were dispensed with, and the amount spent in this direction was donated to the Poor of Great Britain and Belgium Relief Fund. The children sang several hymns and Air and Airs Hughes sang a duet.