COUNTRY NEWS.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13736, 30 May 1913, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

MURCHISON.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Murchison has been very much uh'.x during the past week, and no ono could complain or tho place boing dull. The axemen's ball, held on Friday evening, was, from v monetary point of view, a pronounced success, over £18 being taken at tho door. Unfortunately the hall is too small to accommodate these over-increasing crowds, and wo hope to see something done in the near future to provide extra floor space, which would greatly add to tho enjoyment of everybody. The concluding events of the sports wore got off on Saturday morning.-. , v B. Gibba won the upright chop, 18in. log, A. Jacobson second, and Mills third. Time, 2min. 20sec. In the hop, step, and jump A. Monahan, scratch, proved too good for his opponents. Jacobsen and Ching, each 2 t'eot handicap, filling second and third positions respectively.

On Saturday afternoon, Empire Day, the children assembled at the school, saluted the flag, and, led by the band, sang the National Anthem. Afterwards they wore treated to a sumptuous tea in Stockton's hall, and, needless to add, it was greatly enjoyed. In the evening a. dance was held, and another fair crowd took the floor. The proceeds are to bo devoted to conveying the children to Glenhopo when the battleship visits Nelson. On Sunday afternoon a parade of Territorials, Druids, and Oddfellows was hold at St. Paul's Church. Led by tho band the combined companies marchod to tho church, where an impressive address was delivered by the curate-in-charge, Mr. W. V. Willis.

A strong endeavour is being mado to revive interest in football in this district, but whether it will bo successful remains to be seen. However, an opening flutter will take place in the Domain next Saturday, when a friendly game will bo played between Murchison and Maruia. Mr. Stockton has kinary promised seven medals for tho winners of a seven-a-side tournament, and this should serve to stimulate interest in tho popular winter sport. If the llugby sub-union only comes to light there" is on reason why wo should not have a successful season.

A very enthusiastic meeting convened by Mr. Clayton was held in Stockton's hall on Tuesday evening, when it was decided to form a "Sporty and Pastimes Association" in Murchison. A strong executive was elected, with Mr. M. Rogers as chairman, and Mr. Clayton as secretary. For a start the association is forming a hockey club and a debating society. The first debate will bo hold in Leckie's hall next Tuesday, tho subject being the well worn "Compulsory Training." All persons interested are invited to be present. Tho hockey club intends to commence business almost immediately, mid as there are- several enthusiastic players in tho district it should soon become a flourishing institxition.