COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18143, 8 July 1919, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Opr Correspondents.]

ASHLEY. A farewell social was tendered to Mr and Mrs ,1 amos Wilson in tho ABhiey Schoolroom on Friday evening-. Lancing- and cards wero indulged in, and songs by Alcadamos J. is. Downes and Trollop© and Miss Mary Young, were enjoyed by the largo gathering: During the evening Mr and Mrs Wilson were presented by the residents with a travelling rug, and Airs Wilson received from the Red Cross branch a butter dish and knifo in leather case, and from the Sunday school scholars an ebony-backed mirror. Mr Wilson, in his reply, said he had been over fifty years m Ashley, and on the occasion of leaving for Culvertlen he had many regrets at. parting from such a largo circle of kind friends. ASHBURTON. The body of the late Lance-Corporal .T. Lee, who died, in Christchurch, was taken to Ashburton on Saturday and buried in the Ashbiyrton Cemetery. Tho funeral was attended by a. numbor of returned soldiers, who acted as pall-bearers. The service at the graveside was conducted by Dean O'Donnell, after which Bugler J. Moore sounded the Last Post. The rainfall for the week at Mayfield was 2.80 in. The rainfall registered at tho Ashburton Domain weather station, since tho weather broke totalled 1.98 in. The weather cloared during Friday night, and seven degrees ot frost wero registered on Saturday morning. At Aletliven the rainfall was 2.60 in. An additional 13 points of rain was recorded at Ashburton on Saturday morning, bringing’ the total up to 2.11 in. At a meeting of tho Ashburton branch of the Canterbury Automobile Association. Mr D. Friedlandor presiding, it was decided to write to tho Coldstream Rond Board requesting that an opon culvert on the main IlindsRangitata bridge road be continued the full width of tho road. Tho Wakdnui Road Board wrote stating that they saw no cause for taking action in regard to an alleged dangerous culvert at M’Conachie’s corner on. the Scaficld Road. It was decided that, in the event of no action being taken by the board, a, deputation would wait upon that body at its noxt meeting to point out the urgency for some change in tho position of the bridge. Mr Friedlandor reported on the work done at tho conferences in Christchurch and Wellington. Seven proposals for membership wero confirmed. Air D. Russell was appointed permanent secretary for the branch. Accounts, amounting to £8 is fid wore passed lor payment.

AIARSHLAND. . Despite tho inclemency of the weather, tho congregation of the Marshland Aletliodist. Church was well represented oh Thursday evening last on the occasion of tho unveiling of a brass tablet to the memory of John William Jackson (killed-in Rction) and Abraham Joseph Dobby (died of wounds). Tho chair was occupied by the Rev H. Spencer, and the ceremony of unveiiing was performed by the Rev W. C. Oliver, who delivered a eulogium on tho character and ideals of these young soldiers, who had given their lives in the cause of freedom and humanity, Several hymns suitable to tho occasion were imrtg, and Miss Voice contributed a,'sabred solo.-

The .Marshland Afothodist Church was well filled on Sunday afternoon to colobrato tho signing of peace. Tho Rev 11. Spencer presided. Tho congregation stood while the King’s Proclamation was read by Mr J. Voss, and tho National Anthem was then sung. Tho lesson read by the Rev Mr Spencer was appropriate to the occasion, being tho 40th chapter of- Isaiah. Tho Rev W.. Walker, C.F., delivered a stirring and eloquent address, based on the text. “ Tho work . of righteousness ehnll bo peace, and tho effect of righteousness ia quietness and assuranoe for ever."' (Isaiah, chapter 38, verse 17). Tho hymns sung wero l “ O God, our help in ages past,” "To Thee, O God, we flv,” “ Praise to our God,” and “ All hail tho power of Jeau’s Name.” The church choir rendored a special selection from Alexander s hymns, under the leadership of Miss A. M. Goodman, L.A.8., who also presided at the organ. The service of thanksgiving, which was both joyous and, impressjvo, was fittingly closed with tho singing of the Doxology.

SHEFFIELD. ' Recently members of the Anglican Church, Sheffield, met and decided to hold a social evening once a week. The first evening was held on Wednesday last, and proved a great success, as, although iho weather was not favourable, there were upward's of sixty people present. A very pleasant evening was spent with progressive isuchre. The first prizes (lady’s and gontloman’s) were won by MLs M’Curdy and Air L. Hewitt respectively, and the “booby” prizes by Miss Judd and Mr Dcbenham.

CHEVIOT. ' . _ On Saturday last the Cheviot A and B teams tried conclusions in a friendly »ootball match with Waiau A and B loams respectively. The games, which wero played on the Domain Grounds at Waiau, were fast and solid, each team being out to win. In tho B grade Choviot. won by 9 points to 3. For the visitors tries were scored by .CDenton and B. Lott, the latter of which was converted by B, Ix>tt. Air G. W. Aldridge was referee. In the A grade Cheviot again won, by 18 points to 8. For the visitors tries were scored by Webster, Barnes and Kelly, two being converted by Barnes. For Waiau tries were scored by g. Smnlc and R. Grant, one of which was converted by F. Stott. Both teams played an excellent and fast game, some of the. players showing promise of representative form. Mr H. W. D. Rodgers acted as referee.

GAPE'S VALLEY.

The weather in and around Gape’s Valley lias been very nnploasant during the past week. Dn Tuesday evening of last week cold and wet conditions set in, lasting until Friday evenin'?. On Saturday, however, there was a change for tho better, and a delightful, aunny day was experienced. The rain was much needed, as tho ground was becoming very dry. Tho creeks have been somewhat high, but are now returning to their normal level. Tho hilltops from Four Peaks and beyond Mount Somers ore covered with a very thick coating of snow,, which is ' expected to remain rhioughout the winter. There is no snow on the hilltops from Four Peaks to Gape’s Valley, however. On Saturday evening a very (■harp frost was felt. The barometer is now rising gradually, and it is roped that it will keep ur> for sAme time as team work is at a standstill owinc to tho wot state of the ground. Moat of the crops aro in, and are up a fair distance, but there ha 3 not been much wheat sown. Sawing plants have recently passed through this district, and a largo quantity of firewood, oonsisting partly of willow and partly of pine, has been cut up. . PLEASANT VALLEY. The PI of rant Valiev school and district are well forward with their arrangements for the Peace celebrations.. The willow trees ora now budding, and in

one 1 case a weeping willow i 3 out in leaf, this being on the “ AVoodsido ” (state. Dairy cows are in fairly good condition, for tho time of year. The turnip crops have been rather poor, and farmers who havo these crops <n tho valleys axo now feeding them off again. Several farms have changed hands lately, and more farmers aro willing to sell if they are offered a suitable price for their land. The roads are fairly good r.n the. whole, but in places they require a. little repairing. There .are a. few stacks of oats in Pleasant Valley district awaiting the chaff-cutter.

BALCAIUN. On Friday, June 27, a farewell social was held in tho schoolroom for two residents who wero leaving the district—Mr and Mrs A. P. Taylor and family and Mr and Airs A. Bailey and ismily. Tho schoolroom was well filled with friends and residents. The chairman of the School Committee, Mr Fitzpatrick, spoke of the. good work eigne by Mr and Airs Taylor during their fourteen vcais of residence, and also made eulogistic reference to Mr Bailey, who ts e native of Ealcairn, having been born and educated .. in the district. .Hr Bailey, who is in the railway r.crvico, jms been tod to Opawa. lie took an active part both in the school and patriotic committees, being treasurer of tlie latter from the time of its formation. The chairman presented each ianuiy with a handsome dinner set, and Mr Taylor and Mr Bailey suitably responded. Supper was served and dancing indulged in a i> i a very enjoyaolc evening was spent.

DOYLES TON. Air W. O. Rennie (president) presided over tho annual mooting of tile Doylcston Athletic Club A balance-sheet of the lasi, sports meeting, held on Boxing Day, lOlfi, showed that n- sum of £23 5s fid had been raisod for the Red Cross Fund. Tho balance to credit at the bank on Juno 30 was £7O 6a 3d. ' It was decided to hold a sports meeting next Boxing Day. Officers were elected as follows Patron, Colonel tho Hon R. Heaton Rhodes; president, Air W. O. Rennie; vicepresidents, thirty-four wore elected: honorary secretary, Air C. F. .Pratt: trustees Messrs J. Robb and C- F. Pratt; handicappers, Messrs J. Robb, W. A. Nelson W O Rennio (running), G. Cooko. Af. Kelly and IV. M Lacbian (cycling); judges, Messrs R. Bowlcy, F. J. Lemon, H,. T. MAlillan and S. J. Irwin; .timekeepers, Messrs John Fussoll and John Rennie; starter, Mr J. Robb; genera! committee, Messrs W. J. Doyle, G. H. Hibberd, Al. Kelly, J. Williams, J. ..obb, J. QuHcy G Cooke, J. Pearce, G. Bray, G. Osborne’, ,L Alaw and D. Afaw; delegate to centre, All- R. S. Pearson. Tlio membership foo was, fixed, at ss,' and recommendations were made that there should .bo n, *peace handicap ” over three distances, and a “ Victory cycic handicap.

The annual meeting of tho Osborne Park Committee was presided over by Air G. W. R. Osborne. The foilowing were elected a committee for the ensuing year;—Messrs G W. R. Osborne (chairman), J. Quiglev flionorary secretary), W. O. Rennie, W. M'Lachlan, G. CooJto, W. J. Doyle, G. Br«y j Pearce, J. Robb, AT. Kelly and G. H, Hibberd. Tho balance-sheet showed a substantial credit. It waß agreed that the chairman and secretary should have the fences repaired and soino trees planted.. A recommendation was made to the committee to consider the question of providing a, suitable building as dressing room and secretary’s office, and to interview the Ellesmere Domain Board on the subject. It was also suggested that a fountain should bo. provided near tho entrance of tho park as n, peace memorial, nnd that tho names of soldiers who had gono to the front from. Doyles ton should be placed upon it. Inquiries are to be made in regard to this matter.

SOUTHBRIDGE, Afr J. S. Chapman presided over tho monthly mooting of the Southbridge Town Board. Mr W. J. Al’Evedy was appointed to represent the board at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Progress League on VVeanesday. Letters were read from the clerk of the Ellesmere County Council in regard to the mootings held at, Leeston to consider tho setting up of an electric power board for the counties of Ellesmere and springs and the Southbridge town district, and tho chairman also mad© a report in ro-go-rd to this matter. Tho hoard cordially approved of the chairman’s action in inviting Mr P. R. Climie, organiser for the Progress League, to give a lantern lecture at Southendg© on electricity. Tho annual bal-ance-sheet, which had boon passed as correct by the Government auditor, was considered and finally settled by the board nnd ordered to bo published. It showed that all tho rates had been collected before the end of tho financial yoar. Mr Al’Evedy presented the Works Committee's roport, and Mr Twiss reported that the main water race leading into, tho township had boen cleaned and iho asphalt paths top-dressed. It was decided to apply to tho Ellcmnero County Council for the use of its grader to grade some of the stroets. It' was agreed that the attention of the polico Should bo called to the fact that in. a -certain part of the township vehicles were being left on tho street, causing an obstruction to traffic.

LEESTON. . The annual mooting of the Board of Trustees of the Ellesmere Public Cemetery was attended bjf Messrs A. J. Inwood, P. Chamberlain, F., J. Lemon and J. Anderson. Mr Inwood was elected chairman. Mr J. Storry wrote tendering his resignation as a member of tho board. The resignation was accepted with regret, and it was docided to thank Mr Storry for his long and valuable services. Air W. G. Lunn attended by request and was appointed secretary, tit a salary of £lO per annum. Tho tender of 11. Inwood at 16s per cord for cutting and cording firewood was accepted. It was decided to raiso the grave-digging feo from 12s to 15s. It was also decided to hold meetings quarterly.

AAIBERLEY,

A very successful and cnjovablo dance was held in tho Oddfellows' Hall on Friday evening, the proceeds of which were in aid of the local tennis club. The gross proceeds amounted to about £2O. A very dainty supper was prepared by tho lady members. Air J. Boyce acted as master of ceremonies.

KIRWEE,

A social in connection with the Ladies’ Hockey Club was hold in the Agricultural Hall on Thursday evening, The weather was very wet, and consequently the. attendance was small, but a very enjoynblo evening was spent. The hall was very tastefully decorated wtih hockey sticks and the colours of the club—black and white—besides evergreens. Songs were contributed by Misses G. Robertson end Crequer, the latter singing the “ Marseillaise ” in French. The accompaniments wore played by Mesdamos J. P. Cassidy and A. E. Moffat, and Miss P. Bolgrave. The music for the dances was kindly supplied by Mesdames- J. P. Cassidy, A. E. Moffat. F. Johnson and Johnston, and Misses G. Robertson and P. Belgrave. Somo lambs are to bo soon on Mr R. M’Clelland's farm, but the weather is very wet for lambs just at present. On Friday it was still raining, and X. 34 inches had been registered since early on Tuesday, morning. Tho residents of the district are vory pleased at tho attitude takon up by tho Progress Loaguo with regard to tho mail delivery, and tho opinion is freely expressed that the methods of the Government should be kept in mind, with a view to a change at the next general election.

HORNBY,

The annual social in connection with the Olive branch of Druids was held in the Druids’ Hall, Hornby; on Friday evening last, when, despito the inclemency of - the woather, there was a very largo attendance. Representatives were present from several of the . town and country lodges. Ovor sixty couples . took part in tho dancing, the music for which was supplied by Mr C. Wells, whilst Miss Cornwallis played an ‘‘extra.’’ Mr Reg Cairns fulfilled tho duties of M.C. very capably. During an interval, Mr Bishop contributed songs, which were groatly ai>preoiated. Tho ’bus was delayed until 2 {i.m., and conveyed a largo number back to the city.

Never during tho nast forty years hs3 the district been so completely isolated from the city as was the caso on Thursday, consequent upon tho reduction in tho train service—no paseongcr trains running to or from the city on that day, whilst both the electric 'bus and the auxiliary ’bus wore off tho roads, undergoing repairs. People desirous of visiting tho citv were compelled to walk to the tram terminus, thoso chiefly affected being tho workers. The Tramway Board has decided to rnako it a rule henceforth that tho 'bus shall not carry more than twenty-four passengers a trip. This means that ofttimes a considerable number of peoplo will bo left behind. On occasion the 'bus has carried over fifty passengers. Tho smaller 'bus will not carry more than ten at a time. The largo ’bus has been off the road for over a week, and tho service has been maintained at.intervals by the auxiliary ’bus, this necessitating two or three trips. It is clearly shown that the district requires an efficient and reliable service. A meeting of returned soldiers of tho Hornby-Islington districts wa3 hold oh Thursday evoning. Owing to the very bad weather orovailing, there was only a fair attendance. It was decided to celebrate Peace by holding a roturned soldiers’ ball in the Social Hall. Islington, on July 18. A strong committee has been formed, and a most successful function is assured. BELFAST. A woll attondod ’’woloomo home" social was hold in the Belfast Town Hall on Friday evening. Mr E. J. Woottbn occupied the chair, and gave the returned soldiers a hearty wolcomo oil behalf of t'ho residents of Bolfast and surrounding districts. The Rev T. M. Curnow and Mr W. P. Spencer also spoke in terms of appreciation of the guests of tho evening. The following ore the names

of thoso to ’.vhom tho social was tendered: Privates D. Bird, W. Brown, J. Crawford, A. Clarke, V. Firman, H. Hunt, J. Musson, A, Musson, J. Neale, J. O'Connor, J. Poole, IJ. Salt, J. Salt, J. Waites, W. Walker and B. Wilson. ■

-At the half-yearly mooting of Court Star of Belfast.. No. G/js, A.0.F., Chief Ranger Brother Campbell.: occupied the chair, and there was a. record, .attendance. The half-, yearly balance-sheet showed tho court to bo in satisfactory position. Two new members were initiated, nnd tho receipts for the evening amounted .to £-15. The followitip is the result of the election of officersC.R., Brother E; Ashby; S.C.R.,- Brother C. Clarke; S.W., Brother G. Clausen; J.W., Brother G. E. Cassidy; 5.8., Brother W. G. VaPos; J. 8., Brother A Brown; auditors, Brothers W. Price nnd W. Sellers; delegate to Friendly Societies’ Council and Dispensary, Brother H, J. Horne; Management Committoe, Brothers E. J; Wotton, F. Woodham, W. '.Price, A. Jones, 11. J. Horne nncl L. Campbell. ...

AKAROA. , A meeting of the committee of the Akaroa Boating Club was held on Friday, when there were' present—Messrs M. Kearney (captain), in the. chair,. C. Hall, T. Jory, V. Magco, C. Glynan, W. Kearney and U. Youngman. Correspondence was read from Mr h. Vangioni accenting 1 the position of a trustee of the club.- ..The Shed Committee reported' (hat all tho boats and plant were now being repaired. 'Die Social Committee reported that, all arrangements for the fancy dress 'ball, were well in hand, and the function promised to he a. great success. Accounts amounting to £4 53 Gd were passed for payment. An extraordinary general meeting of too shareholder of (be Peninsula Salev vvds Company was held at Duvauchollc on Friday, Mr R. Latter, (chairman of directors) presiding over a fair attendance. The resolution, passed at a previous meeting, that the capital of tho comnany bo increased to £IOOO by tho issue of 150 shares at £2 each was 'confirmed. and it was decided to invite applications for 1 shores, to bo sent in to the secretfry .before July'3o.

ROLLESTON. O.n Friday last the residents of Rolleston gathered at tho Town Hall to bid farewoll to Mrs Haro and family, who have for many years been residents of this district. The function took tho form of a social and dance, and the following musical items wore contributed:—Songs, Mr O’Loughiin and Miss W. C'uiea, vionu onct piano duet, Mr and Mrs Line; sailor’s hornpipe, Mr Parker. Tho chairman, Mr George Popplewcll, in hi 3 speech, said that tho removal of. Mrs Hare and family would prove a great loss to the district, as all of them had been willing helpers in any deserving cause, tho work of the ladies for tho Red Cross being specially worthy of note. Mr Archio Hare would also be greatly missed, his work as secretary for tho various local organisations being greatly appreciated. Canon Smith also spoke, endorsing Mr PoppleweH’s remarks. The chairman then presented Mrs Hare and family with a handsome silver tea service and tray, Mr A. Hare with a watch and Hiss Glazier with a gold brooch on behalf of the residents of Rotherham. “For They are Jolly Good Fellows ” was sung, after which Mr Archie Hare feelingly, responded. A public meeting-has been called for Wednesday night to make final preparations for the peace celebrations. It is anticipated that the Rotherham celebrations will bo held locally, on account of the difficulty of getting to other centres. However, a good snorts programme has been drawn up, and an enjoyable dav may bo expected. Tho heavy 'fall of rain last week yfla.y'ed! liavoo with the Waiau-Rotherham road, and a motor going between the two places had oft.gn to run at low speed, and was <ronenallv Iravoßing in the water table owing to the difficulty of keening to the crown of the road. The rain cleared no on Friday night, and three heavy frnsis Inve fojlowed. Tho teloeranh gang which has.been shifting the wires from the main road to the. railway line has almost finished its task, and is expecting a transfer shortly.

SPRINGSTON.

On Saturday afibrnoon the quarterly mcotof the Springston Circuit was held, in the local church. Tho Rev J. Harris presided over a moderate attendance of officials. The membership was reported to bo the same as last quarter. Owing to extra expenses, the income did not moot the expenditure. Tho foreign mission appeal has been made during the quarter, but tho result is not yet known. The chairman slated that the Rev Mr Brooke was to bo in the Circuit on homo mission work at the end of July or August. Surprise was expressed at this, as it is considered that it will bo detrimental to the cause of home missions to make an appeal for them so close to the foreign mission appeal. The chairman Btated that Wesley Guilds had boon started at Springston, Weedons and Templeton, and that the attendances were most encouraging, therro being from forty to fifty pnssent at the meetings, which are held fortnightly. Tho Rev S. Bailey, of Willowby, is expected to be in the Circuit about tho ond of August to conduct a week’s misrinn nt, Springgton and nt Templeton. It was decided to take up a collection in aid of the Young People’s and Sunday Schools organiser. Mr T. Greaves was appointed society steward at South Springston, and Mrs J. Mutton as benevolent steward at Springston, Mr W. Mo'unco was reappointed homo mission secretary for the Circuit, and the following local church secretaries were appointed: —Springston, Miss R. Dent; Templeton, Mrs ’M’Miilan; ETosmere, Mies L. Chamberlain; Weedons. Mrs Nelson; Eolleston, Mis 9 Pearce; Broadfiold, Miss Larcombe. Mr Braven, an old official of fhe meeting,. who had been away from tho district for a of years, was heartily welcomed back by tho chairman. Mr Wain, of Templeton, a now member, was also welcomed. Motions of sympathy to the following pergotis who have suffered bereavement during the auarier were carried in silence: —Mrs Gott arid family, Mr and Mrs J. Chamberlain and Mr and Mrs A. Thompson. 'Owing to the minister having, seven preaching piece o , it was decided that the peace thanks, giving, services should ho, conducted on two Sundays, July 13 and '2O. This will enab’a h\in to conduct the service at six of th» preaching places. At tho conclusion the were entertained to afternoon t»n. On Sunday next, in the. Storings ton Methodist Church, snecinl thanksgiving services will bo held, when Mr D. Jones will preach in tho .morning and tho Rev J. Harrison in tho evening.