COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18282, 18 December 1919, Page 10

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Our Correspondents.] ASHBURTON. There was a large audience at the Theatre Royal, Ashburton, on Tuesday evening, when the local Shukcspearo Club staged “ As You Like It,” ia aid of tho Ashburton Borough School ground funds. The performance' was highly appreciated, and the orchestra, under tho baton of Mr H. Humphreys, contributed largely to tho success of the evening. The singing of Messrs E. Coker .and L. J. Watt was enthusiastically applauded. On Tuesday afternoon the annual picnio and prize distribution of the Seafield School took place on tho Seafield beach. After tho sports, Mr Bruce, chairman of the school committee, presented the children with their prizes, which were as follow:—P. I.—Malcolm M’Cormick 1, Walter Johnson 2, Hetty Johnson 3. P. 2—Jessie M’Cormiok and Jean Baxter (equal)' 1, Mary .Bennieon, 2. Standard I.—Breda Gregory 1, Lachlan M’Cormick 2, Eileen Howse 8. Standard 111. Catherine Bruce first in class work, Lachlan M’Corinick special for recitation, and Catherine Bruce speoio.l for conduot. Standard V‘.l. —Dux, Olive Gregory. The Mailland Cup was presented to Ida'Bruoe for the -best all-round child. At the Ashburton Domain Carnival on Tuesday, J. Smith, an Ashburton returned soldier, won tho 100yds, 220yds championship, and tho returned soldiers' 100yds race. Another warm day was experienced at Ashburton yesterday, the Domain woathei station registering 86 degreos in the shade shortly after midday. LEESTON. The Rov S. Bailey, of Willowby, conducted tho anniversary sendees in connection with the Leeston Methodist Sunday School on Sunday last. There were good congregations, and addresses suitable to tho occasion were given by the minister. The singing, which was much appreciated, was led by tho Sunday school scholars, under Mr James Oliver, tho superintendent. Miss Austin presided, at the organ in a very capabio manner. Mis 3 Eade sang a solo at both services The annual picnic took place at tho show ground on Saturday and proved very enjoyablo. DOYLESTON. Mr James Quigley, who, iiu conjunction with his brothor, Mr F. Quigley, hap eecured 700 acres of land adjoining Mk H, E. Bincham’f, property at The Peaks, North Canterbury, about ten miles from Culverden, hns sold his farm situated between Doyleston and Lakeside (o Mi S. Hurford. Tha Quigley'brother? will be great ;y missed in thin Mr Jama.?. Quiglar is a member of

the Country Council, and has always taken a live interest in local affairs. CHORLTON. A gathering took place at Chorlton recently to oelobrate tho opening of the new school. The new building has been erected on a site given lor that ■ purpose thirty-three years ago by the late Mr R. Shuttleworth. Mr J. Priest, now of St Albans, who was for many years chairman of the School Committee, performed the opening. ceremony. After (©a had been served; Air Pnest gave a short address on tho activities of the school in tho post, stating it held a record for soW.arshina oMa-ined. The thanks of _ the committee are due to those that provided prizes, tea, etc.',' for tho occasion, especially to Mosers F. Heath, J. and R. Craw for ploughing, planting trees and laying out flower beds for the children.