FAIRLIE REPORT ON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21362, 3 June 1939, Page 3

FAIRLIE REPORT ON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Good Stock of Books on Shelves World Affairs Popular A review of the activities of the Fairlie Public Library was contained in the annual report of the librarian, Mrs M. L. West, which was presented to the Mackenzie County Council which constitutes the library committee. The report stated that the stock of books in all departments was approximately 7600, classified in the following sections: General works 550, religion 60, literature 220, science 80, useful and fine arts 170, history, travel and biography 1600, juvenile 210, fiction 4714. . One hundred new books had been added to the shelves ’’of the lending department making a total of 8800 books catalogued to date. There were 166 subscribers. Ten resignations from yearly subscribers had been received, and three members had left the district. Nine packets of books are sent out weekly to subscribers and two packets were posted fortnightly. Juvenile Section Twenty books had been presented to the juvenile section by Mrs F. J. Carter. There were six juvenile subscribers and other juvenile books were borrowed through the parents’ subscriptions. Two hundred and twenty books have been rebacked and cleaned by the librarian during the year. Donations of books and papers have been received with thanks from Miss Carter, Miss Meldrum, Mrs J. Riddle, Mrs F. J. Carter, Mrs W. B. Reid, Mr Alan Riddle, Mr R. L. Banks and Mr V. LeCren. A typed list of recent books purchased has been issued to subscribers during the year. As the book Issues were greater during the winter months, the librarian suggested that the half-yearly quota of books be purchased in June, July and August. Subscribers did the greatest amount of reading during these months.

The reading room continued to be well patronised especially by the younger people and school children. The mechanical and illustrated papers, and magazines dealing with world affairs generally, were popular. “That is a very fine report,” commented Mr C. J. Talbot. “We can only hope that when times get better Fairlie will have a free library.” On the motion of. Mr Talbot, Mrs West is to be thanked for her report and her work during the year.. SHOW SOCIAL ARRANGED FUNCTION TO BE HELD AT ALBURY The annual social of the Mackenzie County A. and P. Society will be held at Albury this year. This is because a hall is not available in Fairlie. At an earlier meeting the Society decided to ask the County Council to endeavour to make provision for a hall but at a meeting of the Society on Thursday night a reply was received stating that owing to the financial state of the County nothing could be done. The committee appointed to make the arrangements was: Messrs J. L. McKerchar, D. Kidd, H. G. Waters, J. Stevens, D. Fraser, W. Simpson, C. L. Tubb, W. Close, G. Pinkerton, and W. G. Black. Mr C. W. Isitt who has left Fairlie forwarded his resignation which was accepted with regret. It was decided to send him a letter expressing appreciation of his interest over a long period.

FIELD ROOTS

RESULTS OF COMPETITION The results of the field roots and green feed competition held by the Mackenzie County A. and P. Society are as follow: Best seven acres swedes: E. Goodwin 1, R. B. Gillingham 2, W. B. Trotter 3. Best seven acres white flesh turnips: R. B. Gillingham 1, W. B. Trotter 2. Best seven acres green feed of the most feeding value (any variety of grass or oats or barley sown together or separately): S. S. Wreford 1. Mr W. Scott's challenge cup for most joints in the three classes was won by Mr R. B. Gillingham. The competition was referred to at

' the meeting of the Society on Thursday night when it was stated that In one instance an old pasture had been entered as green feed. It was decided that the green feed required would be any of the first year’s growth. Amendments to the conditions of winning the cup are to be considered at a later date. POPULAR LODGE EVENING Tlie popularity of the Oddfellows euchre and dance at Albury -was well maintained when the series was continued this week. There was a record attendance, and visitors from Cricklewood and Albury were present. The women's piize was won by Miss A. Gibson and the men's by Mr W. Argus. Mrs R. Tinkler supplied the music and Mr A. Smith was M.C. GOOD WEATHER AT ALBURY Sixty-five points of rain were recorded at Albury during May. This brings the total for the year to 3.35 inches. In May last year 35 points were recorded and this brought the figure for the first five months of 1938 to the high total of 1.0 inches. Albury is at present experiencing wonderful weather. There have been few frosts and the light showers which have fallen have done a lot of good. MORE BIRTHS RECORDED Five more deaths have been recorded in Fairlie during the first five months of this year than were recorded for the same period last year. The total to Mary 31 of this year was 23 compared with 18 last year. This May there were seven births, one death and two marriages. BASKETBALL CLUB MEETS Mrs W. Perry was elected president of the Fairlie Basketball Club at a meeting recently. The balance-sheet showed a satisfactory credit. The first round of the competitions will open to-day and the draw will be as follows: Fairlie v. School B; School A v. School B; Fairlie v. School A. PERSONAL The death of Mr, G. Biltcliff, of Christchurch, who was a judge at the Mackenzie Show on Easter Monday, was referred to at a meeting of the Show Committee on Thursday night, when a motion of sympathy with his relatives was passed. Mr Arthur G. Watson, of Oamaru, who has been spending a holiday in Fairlie has returned to his home. “LET GEORGE DO IT”

The greatest cast of comedians ever assembled in a Cinesoimd film support George Wallace in “Let George Do It, - ’ which will be screened at the De Luxe Theatre, Fairlie, to-night at 8 o’clock and at a matinee this afternoon at 2.15 p.m. George Wallace, the popular comedian, has created a character in “Joe Blake” that is human and lovable. This little man, so near to his dreams, when he hears he has inherited a fortune, finds life is unbearable when he is told it is all a mistake. Playing opposite George Wallace is Letty Craydon, as “Clare,” the boardinghouse maid who is pathetically in love with him. Joe Valli, Alec. Kellaway, Harry Abdy, George Lloyd and Pat Doonan keep the fun rolling wi' i perfect team work, while the romantic Interest is supplied by Gwen Munro and Neil Carlton. The special attraction for Monday is “23i Hours Leave” a gay comedy romance.