COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5568, 18 May 1896, Page 4

COUNTRY NEWS.

Kaiapoi Volunteers. —An ordinary parade was held in the drillshedon Friday evening, when there was an attendance of fifty, including Captain Millar and Lieutenant Simpson. It was decided to hold a field day on the Queen' 3 Birthday at Sunnier. Presbyterian Churph, Temuka.— At this church, on Thiirsday evening, a very successful musical service was given in aid of the choir funds. The soloists "were Misses Campbell and Smith and Mr P. M'Caskill. The choir sang several anthems and sacred choruses under the leadership of Mr Proudlock, the choirmaster, who also played a voluntary, " Sing Unto God." In the course of the evening refreshments were handed round. Boys and Youths' Club. — The committee of the Timaru branch of the "Women's Christian Temperance Union having established a sailors' rest, decided to keep the rooms open in winter for the benefit of boys and young men. So many of these attended, however, that both the accommodation and the appliances available proved too limited, and an effort is being made to extend both. A gymnasium will if possible be added. A social gathering was held in the Assembly Eoom on Friday evening, when the need for funds was explained. Hunting. — The Christchurch Hounds met on Saturday at the residence of Mr T. Bassett, Islington. As the weather was beautiful, it wa3 not surprising that there was a large attendance of both members and the general public. Both the drag pack and the harriers were used, and after the former had provided a capital run from the Hornby railway station right through Mr Bassett's property, the harriers found a hare in the old Waimakariri river-bed, and a most enjoyable run of about half an I hour's duration ensued. Afterwards all who took part in the sport returned to Mr Bassett's house, where they were most hospitably entertained. Funeral at Timaru. — The funeral of the late Mr S. A. Boys, compositor, a son of Mr Joseph Boys, surveyor, took place yesterday. The popularity of the deceased as an athlete was shown by the very large following of "members of football and cricket clubs from the Timaru, Temuka and "Winchester districts. The procession was nearly a quarter of a mile long. The various clubs sent beautiful wreaths, and a large number of others were received, inchiding one from the Typographical Society. The Druids' Lodge, of which deceased was a member, was also well repre--sented. The deceased was very much esteemed, and his early death (he was only twenty-five) is much regretted. The service at the grave was conducted by the Plymouth Brethren, followed by the Druids' rites. Temuka Horticultural Society. — The annual meeting of members of this society was held on Friday evening. Mr J. Hollwell, president, occupied the chah\ The annual report was of a congratulatory character, the last show of the society having been even more successful than usual. The election of officers resulted as follows : — Patrons, Sir W. Blunden, Messrs A. E. G Rhodes, F. E. Flatman, M.H.E., J. Gruld, M. Quinn, J. T. M. Hayhurst, J: Talbot, J. Blyth, Dr J.i S. Hayes, Eev Father Fauvel, Eevs T. Farley, J. Dickson and C. H. Standage (all re-elected) . Messrs Luxford and Whitehead were respectively re-elected honorary treasurer and honorary secretary. Mr S. Wright, retiring vicepresident, was elected president, and Mr E. Eichardson, jun., vice-president. Messrs E. Cutten, J. Hollwell, P. Wareing,,G. ! Levens, W. H. Scott, F. Saunders, J. j Bennett, E. King and A. Smith were ap- | pointed a General Committee. Temuka Sports Association. —At a meeting of this Association on Friday evening, Mr Hayhurst, chairman of the j Park Board, presided, and there were present the following delegates : — Messrs Luxford (Caledonian Society), E. Brown (Cricket Club), J. W. Sahnond (Temuka Tennis Club), T. Buxton (Victoria Tennis Club) and S. Wightman (Athletic Club). It was agreed to take over the control of the recreation ground, upon the terms proposed by the Park Board, as from June 1. It was resolved that delegates of clubs subscribing £5 and over should be allowed two votes at Association meetings. Mr E. Cutten was appointed honorary secretary and authorised to sign cheques in association with Mr Luxford. Messrs Brown and Luxford were appointed a sub-committee to prepare specifications and invite tenders for the- position of caretaker of the recreation ground, the specifications to be submitted to a general meeting of delegates on May 19. Mr Brown and the honorary Secretary were appointed to supervise the work of the caretaker, and Mr Hayhurst was elected chairman for the year.

Mutual Improvement. — The St Asaph Street Mutual Improvement Society began its winter session on Thursday evening, when the, meeting took the form of x '." social." A programme of musical items and readings was gone through, after which refreshments were provided by the ladies. A very pleasant evening was spent.— The opening meeting of the Belfast Mutual Improvement Society was held on Wednesday evening. It took the form of a ■" Curiosity Show," and the curiosities that were shown, of which there was a large number, "were very good. Mr Pepperill had a splendid show of glass and crockeryware, some of the articles being over two hundred years old. Mr Cooper had a good show of powerful microscopes. The Eev P. W. Fairclough gave a very interesting and instructive lecturette on^astrononiy.