COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5322, 29 July 1895, Page 1

COUNTRY NEWS.

! Limelight Vibws.— On Friday evening, Mr H. B. Wilkinson gave an excellent exhibition of limelight views at the Bangiora Wesleyan Sunday School, in aid of the church cironit funds. There waa a good attendance. Lbctubb. — The Eev F. W. Isitt delivered a lecture on " The White Czar " in the Wesleyan Chnrch at Ashburton on Friday evening. There was a good attendance, and the lecturer waß frequently applauded. i Ashburton Obchestbaz. Society.— At a general meeting" ofT members of this Society on Friday evening, it was deoided to hold an orchestral concert early in j September, in connection with which several details were arranged. I Pbbsonal.— The fciands of Mr William ! Toshach, who left Bangiora a short time ago to take up mission work in Tasmania, in connection with the Presbyterian Churoh, will be glad to hear that he has recaived a good appointment as assistant to the Bey Mr Hardie, of Doloraine. Mr Toshach's duties will permit him to study for ordination to the ministry. ' CANTEBBUBY COAL-MINES.— Mr J. CfOW, Government Inspector of Mises for the South Island, has come to Christchurch for the purpose of paying a visit to the coalfields in the vicinity of Glentunnel— thoae worked by the Brockley and Wairiri companies. Hiß visit is in consequence of | the request for a branch railway to the j mines, made by the directors of the two companies to the Hon A. J.. Cadman, who ' promised that inquiries should be made ' into the matter. Timabu.— The annual Cricket Club ball was held in St Mary's echoolroom, Timaru, on Thursday evening, and was a great success, about fifty couples being present. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies, and the -dispensing* waa nnperintended* h y Mr Budd, of Timaru. Mr Barry Fleming contributed an excellent programme of music. The schoolroom looked exceedingly pretty, the decorations consisting of flags, pot plants, &o. The arrangements reflected credit on the committee and the secretary, Mr C. E. Hassell. Pabkoba. — There was a large gathering of settlers at The Holme Station, Pareora, on Friday evening, to celebrate the coming of age of Mr. A. Elworthy, the eldest son of Mr Edward. Elworthy, tbe wellknown owner of the station. About three hundred persons were present. Dancing was carried on in the large granary, which waß beautifully decorated for the occasion. The toast of the evening, the health of Mr A. Elworthy, was. proposed by one of the oldest residents, Mr M'Clelland, and was enthusiastically received. Dancing was kept up with spirit till 6 a.m. Pbebentation. — On Saturday afternoon a number, of the friends of Mr W. Balfour, late of Seadown, met in the Levels County Council Office, for the purpose of bidding him farewell on his departure fbr Napier. Mr Moss Jonas presided, and in a few wellchosen remarks presented Mr Balfour with a purse of sovereigns. Messrs J. L. Morris, T. Mitchell, W. Priest and G. L. Meason also spoke of the esteem in which Mr Balfour was held, both as a private citizen and in public life. . Mutual Impeovement Society. — The Belfast Mutual Improvement Society met on Wednesday evening. There was an exceUent attendance, and the chair was occupied by the President, the Bey W. Grig». The businesa of the meeting was the reading of " Snapshots " by the Seoretary, the various articles being freely criticised by the members. A humorous account of the recent "banquet, "contributed by Mrs Murphy, was well received. A vote of thanks having been passed to Mrs Murphy, the meeting terminated in the usual way. CANTEBBUBY YfiOISANRY CAVALBY.— On Saturday morning, between thirty and forty members of the North Canterbury Yeomanry Oorpß went . into camp at Lieutenant C. Dampier-Crossley'a Brockenhurst Estate, Waodend. Six tents aro occupied by the men. The officers are quartered in tbe house, while the granary does duty as a meesrroota, and all the horses are provided for in the stable?. The contingents represented are the North Canterbury, Christchurch and Little Biver, the camp being under the command of Lieutenant Archer. The other commissioned officers present are Lieutenant Crossley of the North Canterbury contingent and Lieutenant Buchanan- of Little Biver. It is the intention to put in six parades, and the camp will break up tonight. On Saturday the men were at drill and went through their exercises very satisfactorily. Yesterday there were a number of visitors at the camp, and they met with a hospitable welcome.