COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17665, 18 December 1917, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Our CoitsisroNDßNTS.]

CULVEEDEN.

During the past few weeks proposals for the erection of an Anglican Church at Culverden have taken definite ahape, and a start has now been made with the building, which is being erected on a site facing tho Culverdcn Domain. The Amuri Advisory Committee to the National Efficiency Board met at Rotherham on Tuesday; present—Messrs T. Chapman (chairman), J. Lee, G. 0. Rutherford. H. T. Beavcn and F. Travcrs. Correspondence was received from tho board relating to reservists in ' the Second Division, and also to parades for Territorials aiuj. Cadets. A circular was also received stating that tho lowest age for cuginedrivers' competency certificate* to be obtained had been fixed at nineteen years instead of twentyone. Correspondence relating to matters to be dealt with at the first general council to be held in Christchurch on December 18 and 19 was considered. The next meeting will be held at Rotherhara on January 7.

TEMUKA. There was a large attendance of brothrcn at the installation of Brother Matthew Cameron as W.M. of Lodge St George, No. 29, N.Z., Tcmuka, and the investiture of the officers for the year. Visitors were present from Timaru, St Andrews, Pleasant Point, Winchester, Geraldine, Fairlie, Pareora and Christchurch. The installation ceremony was conducted by Worshipful Brother K. Mackenzie, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, assisted by officers of tho Provincial Grand Lodge. Tho following officers wore installed:—l.P.M.. Wor. Brother G. Tate; S.W., Brother H. J. Smith;,J.W., Brother W. J. Keys; ohaplain, Brother tho Rev A. H. Norris, P. Prov. G.C.; treasurer, Brother C. J. Bilton; 'secretary, Wor. Brother A. Colder, P.G.D.; S.D., Brother W. R. Purdom; J.D., Brother J. A. Johnson; D.C., Wor. Brother A. E. Smith, P. Prov. G.1.G.; organist, Wor. Brother W. P. Routledge; 1.G., Brother E. Blackmore; stewards, Brothor's*G. N. Langford, J. Scowen and A. Anderson; Tyler, Brother J. R. Longson. A banquet was held afterwards in the Dominion Theatre, when tho usual patriotic and Masonic toasts were duly honoured.' The banquet was provided by tho ladies oi tho Red Cross Society, the proceeds going to tho Red Cross funds ASHBURTON. At a meeting of the Ashburton War Relief Committee tho new scalo of Government allowances for dependents of soldiers on active service was discussed. The following resolution, was carried: —"That this af'er careful consideration, decides that in view of the increased separation allowances which the Government is bringing into force on January 1, 1918, and the substantial assistance granted by tho Soldiers' Financial Assistance Board, the grants made to dependents from the local Patriotic Fund be discontinued after January 23 next, and that the fund be conserved for assistance to sick and wounded • returned men." AKAROA. Constablo Boylo, who has bean irajisferred by the Department to Nightcaps on promotion to sole charge, wis presented by tho Riflo Club with a set of pipes. On Thursday tho Mayor, on behalf of tho residents, r.rcsonted Mrs Boylo with a purso of qovereigns as a mark of the respect and esteem in which Mr and Mrs Boylo havo beou hoiu by all during their sovoS years' residence in Akaroa. At a meeting of the committee of tho Akaroa Horticultural Society tho canvassers for membership reported having boen very successful, as upwards of £2O had been received. It was resolved that all these who had paid bo elected members. The programme for the yumrner show was revised and adopted, three classes being added for photographic exhibits. The question of appointing judges was left to the president and Mr Thomas.

SOUTHBRIDGE. The Southbridgo Town Board mot on Thursday evening; present—Messrs C. 11. Piper (chairman), E. G. Hubbard, J. S. Chapman, A. E. Appleton, 11. J. Sutton and It. A. Maw. The clerk reported having granted the Returned Soldiers' Association the uae of the Town Hall for a concert in aid of the fund for building club rooms at some time in tho futuro. 'the resignation of Mr W. Everest as hall caretaker and street lamp lighter was accepted, and Mr V. Bird viao appointed to the vacancy. The "Works Committee reported that the overseer had been ill and would not bo able to resume work for somo tiuw. Casual labour was being employed to clean up the streets before tho holidays. The committee recommended that tho water races should bo cleaned, as somo of them had been blocked by the vigorous growth of grass and weeds. Various matters were left in tho hands of tho Works Committee to attend to. Mr Hubbard was thanked for tho uso of his grass mower. The Hall and Property Committee reported that timber for repairs to tho pound had arrived, and that the work would be put in hand at once. A lengthy discussion took place with regard to the opening' of the swimming bath and the appointment of a caretaker. It was finally decided to lease tho bath at a. peppercorn rental to Mr C. D. Thompson, who would hftvo the right to fix tho bathing hours and to make his own arrangement for the coaching of tho school children in swimming.

AMBERLEW A meeting of tho Empire Service Leaguo was held at Amberley on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance. Tho Ladies' Committee reported that tho hail had been procured for 1 the fancy fair on Christmas Eve, and that Father Christmas would pay a visit. The secretary reported that Miss M'Naujht had undertaken* tho collection of flowers and had forwarded them to tho Lady Liverpool stand at the late rose carnival.

The committeo accorded its support to the statement made by tho president of the Lady Liverpool Fund, CJirisfchurch, that all hand-knitted. sockß should' go into the trenches. LINCOLN. Last week brought the progressive euchreBeason to a close. The prize-winners, wero Miss E; Goodman and Mr W. Payne, jun., tho booby prizes bciny awarded to Miss E. Woods and Mr F. Hill, jun. RANGIORA. The Rangiora Presbyterian Sunday School childron and members o'f the Bible class held a picnic at Waikuku Beach yesterday. Races wcj3 nw on the 3and, and a. trophy was competed for by tho members of tho Youngi Men's Bible Class, in lOOvds, 220yds and 44(>yds handicap events. The winner was Erie Bell, T. Blain being seoond. The children of the Southbroolc and Fernside day schools also held their cunua! picnic at tho Waikuku Beach yesterday.