COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5686, 3 October 1896, Page 7

COUNTRY NEWS.

Ashburton Agricultural Show.— The annual show of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held on Friday, Oct. 30. Entries will close on Friday, Oct. 23. Rainfall. — Mr Stericker reports that the rainfall at his farm, near Timaru, during September, totalled 2 # 85 inches, falling on eleven days, in September last year only o'3l inch fell. False Pretences. — At Timaru, yesterday, a young man, named Waters, or Walters, said to be from Palmerston North, was sentenced by the Stipendiary' Magistrate to fourteen days' imprisonment, the sentences to run concurrently, on each of two charges of obtaining board and. lodging by false pretences as to his ' employment. Kaiapoi. — A meeting of temperance, workers was held at Kaiapoi on Thursdayevening, when there was a very fair attendance. Mr R. Evans occupied the chair. It was decided to hold an out-door monster meeting on the Bridge, when the Rev P. R. Monro and others will give addresses. Arrangements were made for holding regular meetings throughout the district, in view of the approaching election. A committee was elected, and Mr G. A. Ellen appointed secretary,. Little River Ladies' Ball. — The ladies of Little River gave a ball on Tuesday last, which proved a most successful affair. The dance was held in the Maori Hall, the building being prettily decorated for the occasion. There was a very large attendance. The arrangements were admirably carried out by a committee of ladies. The refreshments were provided by Mr Smith, of Christchurch, who gave every satisfaction. Mr Wooldredge supplied the music, and dancing was kept up with spixdt till the early hours of the morning. "Social." — A most enjoyable "social" was held at the homestead of Mr John Smellie, Terrace Road, Leithfield, on Thursday evening, the occasion being a farewell to his daughter, previous to her marriage with Mr James Dick, of Pahiatua. There was a large gathering of friends, upwards of one hundred and forty availing themselves of Mr . Smellie's hospitality. The occasion was taken advantage of by the Presbyterians of the Leithfield district to present the future bride with a handsome marble dock, suitably inscribed, she having acted as organist at the church for a number of years. Entertainment at Ranoiora. — The Eangiora Institute Hall was crowded on Thursday on tlse occasion of an entertainment in aid of St John the Baptist's Church choir funds. The first part consisted of an overture by Miss Gray, songs by Mrs R. Chapman, Misses Gray, Allen and Moir, the Revs H. East and F. P. Fendall and Mr H. Jones, an action song by five little girls trained by Miss Gardiner, and duets by Misses Gray and Allen. The various numbers were excellently given, and all the performers were heartily applauded. • The entertainment concluded with a children's operetta, Daisy Bell, the performers in which numbered about forty, all of whom were prettily dressed and took their, pails in a pleasing manner. Swimming.— The Rakaia Amateur Swimming Clnb held its annual meeting on Monday night, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing season: — Patron, Mr I>. G. Holmes ; president, Mr W. L. Allan ; vice-presidents, Messrs C. A. C. Hardy, W. M. Lyttelton, Dr L. M. Cordnev, P. Miller, J. C. Wason, White, J. W. Storry and A. D. M'llraith; captain, Mr J. J. O'Neill ; vice-cap-tain, Mr A. Rowntree; honorary secretary, Mr J. A. Bruce ; honorary treasurer, Mr G. E. Hardy ; committee, Mesdarnes Thompson and Rowntree, Miss Ansley and Messrs Fabling, Wright, Forbes, Gaw and D. Bruce. It was decided to request Mr W. J. Stratton to act as delegate for the club. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr J. C. Smart, of the Christehuvch Club, for his valuable assistance during the past season.