COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5518, 19 March 1896, Page 1

COUNTRY NEWS.

Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association.— The entries for the ram and ewe fair are not yet complete, but are expected to be far in excess of those of last year. The fair will take place at the Eangiora Show Grounds to-morrow. Concert at Methven. — There was a large attendance at the popular concert held at Methven on Tuesday night. A number of Ashburton amateurs, assisted by Miss Corrick, of Christchiu'ch, and some local talent, contributed a capital evening's entertainment, and their efforts were much appreciated by all present. Early Lambs. — Mr J. M'Johnstonj of West Melton, is the possessor of some ewes which are now lambing. They dropped lambs in July last, and two of them each had another lamb on Tuesday, whilst several others are expected to lamb every day. The ewes are full-mouthed first-.cross Leicesters, and were bred on the Glenniark Station. Rangiora Domain Board. — A meeting of the Eangiora Domain Board was held at Eangiora on Tuesday. A petition was received from the residents on the eastern side of the domain, asking the Board to place a -gate there. After mature consideration it was decided not to grant the request. A letter was received from the i Lyttelton Picnic Committee, thanking the Board for its courtesy in allowing them the use of the domain. Concert at Ashburton. — For some years past the Catholics of Ashburton have given a concert in aid of the Convent Schools on the evening of St Patrick's Day. This year, having a much larger hall at their disposal, they were able to surpass their previous efforts and gather together the largest audience ever seen at a concert in Ashburton. The programme was a long one, and as every item was encored the concert was not over until midnight. At the. close of the concert, Father O'Donnell thanked the performers on behalf of the 'sisters for their services and the large audience for their attendance. After the concert the hall was cleared and dancing was kept up with spirit until the morning. Sefton School. — A very successful concert in aid of the prize and treat fund of the' Sefton School, was held in the Sefton Town Hall on Friday evening. The hall was crowded with a most appreciative audience. Mr John Brown (chairman of the School Committee) presided, and the following ladies and gentlemen contributed to the programme : — Misses " Wheeler, Smart, Q. Vallance, Peach, M. Anderson, Dalziel, P. Wilson, B. Anderson, Banks and Lister, Mrs H. Thomson, Messrs J. F. Smith, A. C. Wilmot, B. Moore, J. Banks, L. Thompson, Humphreys, Allpress and Crothers. The room was then cleared for dancing. Misses Lister and Wheeler and Mrs H. Thomson played the music, and Mr W. Duffell, jun., acted as M.C. — A special meeting of the School Committee was held on Tuesday evening. The balance-sheet for the concert showed a profit of .£l3 11s 6d. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to all who had assisted. It was decided to hold the annual school treat in the domain on Friday, March 27, and to endeavour to have the day observed as a general holiday for the district. Geraldine St Patrick's Day Sports. — The weather was all that could be desired for the Geraldine St Patrick's Day Sports Association's annual gathering on Tuesday, which this year was remarkably successful in every way, the number of spectators present being the largest yet recorded. The programme comprised running events, bicycle races, step dancing, jumping, wrestling and swimming events. J. Richards (35yds) won the halfmile bicycle race, C. Hall (20yds) the onemile, A. Dorm (45yds) -the two-mile, S. Macdonald (40yds) the three miles, and the same rider, with 50yds, -the five miles. F. G. Simpson (scr) won three second prizes. At night there was also a capital attendance at the Association's annual concert in the Volunteer Hall. The concert was luider the management of Mr Sidney Wolf, and went off well. Amongst the performers were a number from Timaru, including Messrs Needham, E. Jones, C. Jefferson, Gus Jones and Misses M'Cullough and Forster. The local performers were Misses Maggie Morrison and Dooley and Mr R. A. Borrows. The dance which followed was largely attended.