COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17575, 4 September 1917, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Cftnt Cobbespont>ents.] ASHBUKTON. Tho amount collected at Ashburton for the Babies' Hospital at Christchurch now total* £18; Os 2d. SOUTHBROOK. On Saturday evening a triangulur miniature riflo shooting match was hold in the Coronation Hall between tho Southbrook, R&iigioxiv and Christchurch Railway Socicl Clubs. The Southbrook team won with a score of 694. tho other two teams each scoring 667. After the match tho viritinff teams weto entertained for an hour or two, toasts being honoured, interspersed with songs by Mess" D. W. L. Mehrtens and F. Meyers, and a recitation by Mr E. Dawson. Mr A. G. Hunnibcll played the accompaniments to the songs. OXFORD. Ths monthly meeting of the Oxford branch of the Loyal Temperance Legioii was held ia the .Coronation Hall on Monday evening. Owinjf to the inclement weather the attendance was small, but an enjoyable evening was spoilt. HORNBY. There wan a very large attendance at the Druids' Hall, Hornby, on Wednesday, when the looal Patriotic and Send-off Committee tendered a farewell social to Sergeant T. Coulter, prior to his return to camp. Mr J. F. Robs presided. Songs woro contributed by Misses N. Joyce, Cooper and B. Cooper and Moesrs Wiehart and Mv Jones, an Irish jig bv Miliis O'Grady. a pianoforte solo by Miss Coulter, sailor's hornpipe and sword dance by Miss Kavanagh, tv pianoforte duet by Misses \ r . Coulter and M. Hillary, and a negation by Miss O'Grady. Mr A. C. Bowbyes, president of the Patriotic Committee, on behalf of tho residents of the district, present*!? Sergeant Coulter with ft ffoldmottnted fountain pen, and expressed best wishes on behalf of all present for a safe and speedy return. Advantage was also taken of tho opportunity to present Miss M. Coulter with a leather handbag from tho members of tho committee in recognition'of the many services she has rendered the district a» pianist at all patriotic or other such entertainments whenever required. Private G. Moore, who, baa just recently been invalided home, was accorded a hearty welcome, and cheers were given as he en'iered the hall. After the president of the committee had delivered a short patriotic address, tho hall was cleared and dancing- indulged in until the early hours. The music for the evening was supplied by Misses M.- Coulter and Bowbyes, and Mi L. C. Crequer. Lately presentations have been made privately to Private Sam Moore, ft wristlet watch, Private Coker tobacco pouch and safety razor, and Private H. Tyson a fountain pen. At present there.are fifty-eight names on the Islington roll of honour and forty on the Hornby School roll, and there are quite a number of others to go on in the near future. .

AKAROA. A special meeting of the Akaroa. Borough Council wa, hold on Wednesday evening, the Mayor (Mr G. Armstrong) presiding over a full attendance of the council. The meeting was called to discuss the charges for electric supply and to decide whether meters should bo installed, several applications having been made by users of the light who at present are charged a flat rate of 6cl per candlepower. After a lengthy discussion it wft K decided to call « public nceting of ratepayers on 'Tuesday evening, September 4. HANMER SPRINGS. The weekly social held in the Cavell Ward of the Queen Mary Military Hospital was again well patronised, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Songs were sung by Miss Sutton, Lieutenant Fearce, Corporal Debsqn, Drummer Howarth and Ex-Gunner M'Kay, the music being supplied by Mrs Hardham, Miss Byrne. Mr Ohristenson arid Private Treven'hon. Fanning tho ping pong ball was won by Private Dawson, andl the ladies' ringthrowing by Miss Paterson The following prizes' won during tho week were presented by Captain Hardham on behalf of the various donors:—Candie-lighting, Mr Watson's prize, Miss Rowe; Mrs Hardham's prize, Miss Beggs; dart-throwing, Stewart, Dawson and Co.'s prize, Corporal Dobson; euchre tournament, Mr G. T. White's prize, Private Driver; Mr J. Eslick'e prize, Gunner Davoren; booby prize, nor Captain Salter, Private Warman; Soldiers' Club tournaments, tho late Mr Duncan Rutherford's prizes—Bowls, Private Wylie 1, Ex-Private Grant 2; table croquet. Private Grant 1, Lance-Corporal Tobin 2; golf match, Private W. Alexander's prizes, foursome, Mrs Mansfield and Corporal Turner 1; booby, Miss Rowe and Private M. Allan.

EIFFELTON. Miss Anderson, wtio has been appointed to the secondary department of the Ha-siings District High School, was entertained at a progressive euchre party at Eiffelton on -Wednesday. Tho schoolroom was crowded. The chairman of the committee, Mr S. Taylor, congratulated Miss Anderson on' her promotion, expressed the regTet of the residents in parting from her, and wished her, in their name, every success in her new l sphere.- Mt Davidson, ex-chairman, spoke in eulogistic terms of Mies Anderson'g work, and the success attending it during her term of office. Musical items were given by Mrs Taylor, Mr Taylor and Mr Ellory. The chairman, on behaif of the committee and residents, proscntcd the guest with a gold and jewelled bangle, as a mark of their appreciation of her work end tho esteem in which she is held, and Mrs Davidson, on behalf of the pupils, presented a silver-mounted back glass, and extended to the recipient a hearty welcome to visit Eiffelton at any time in the future.

RANGIORA. At the Tegular meeting o£ the Rangicra Lodge of Oddfellows held, last meeting notice was received from tho Kaiapoi Lodge of the members' intention to pay a fraternal visit on the occasion of the quarterly meeting of the lodge. Arrangements were made to eive tho visitors a suitable wolcome. Notice was received from the district secretary that the quarterly levy to pa-"- soldier members' contributions would be 9s 6d a member.'' A motion of condolence with Brbthor T. Horton on tho death of his wife was carried, members standing. Tho monthly meeting of the committee of the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club was held last evening, Mr T. W. Ambrose presiding., Tho resignation of Itr J. Angus from the General Committee owing to his departure for Ashburton was received with regret, and ft motion of thanks was passed for hie servicos during eight years' connection with the club. Four new members were elected. The treasurer reported a debit bal- ' ance of £lßl 10s 3d. It was decided to reengage Mr G. Geddis as caretaker for the season. The ohairman of the Ground Committee reported that the bowling' crten, CToquet lawns and other portions of tins ground were in excellent, condition. ■ It was resolved to open the season's play on Saturday, October 6. Tho president inado reference to the death of Mr W. Eiford, sen., who had been a member of the club, and a motion of sympathy with his family was carried. AMBERLEY. The Amberley Lodge of Druids met on Saturday evening, Arch-Druid Brother W. Dwan presided over a good attendance of memoers. Private Brother D. H. Harneiss, who has been invalided home, was accorded a i-oarty v-el-comc, being the first member of the lodge to return.' A circular from the Minister of Finance was read asking the l--dge to invest in the War Loan. The trustees stated that they had decidod to invest*£2oo in the loan. It was rcsoivod to send j, Christmas rareel to each member of the lodge at the front, as was done last year.