COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5688, 6 October 1896, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

Springfield Mutual Improvement Society. — The regular meeting was held on Saturday evening last, when there was a large attendance. Mrs Isher wood occupied the chair. Several members contributedspeechesand music. • . Bboomfield. — The annual concert and dance in aid of the school prize fund were held on Friday evening, the Chairman of Committee, Mr G-. A. Wornall, presiding. The committee and friends had erected a stage and draped it in theatrical form. The room was well filled, about one hundred and fifty persons being present. After the concert the room was cleared and dancing was kept up until about 4 a.m. Eyreton. — At the final meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society, held on Friday, Mr G-. Chilton pi-esided. Recitations were given by the Rev P. W. Fairclougli (vice-president) and Mr Coe. Songs were sung by 1 Miss Sims, Miss Scott, Mr Last, and by a party of the members with. Miss Chilton as pianist. Mr W. Creamer gave a reading. Refreshments were handed round, and votes of thanks terminated a pleasant gathering. —On Saturday the Eyreton Cricket Club opened the season. Women's Institute. — The monthy meeting of the Malvern w omen's Institute was held in the Waddington Schoolroom on Saturday, the President, Mrs Ally, in the chair. Interesting papers were read by Mrs Lyons and the President on the Armenian question. Miss M'Kay's manifesto having been considered, most of the ladies present spoke in support of the following resolution : — " That England should be prepared to redeem her pledges, but by peace if possible, as war would be accompanied with, the gravest evils." Recent Parliamentary proceadings were discussed, and the Institute censured the action Of the Legislative Council in throwing out Bills that were of great importance to the women of the colony. Mrs Colthart drew attention to the remarks made by the Judge of the Supreme Court on the youthfulness of many of the prisoners that were being tried. The Institute considered that the question of juvenile immorality, being one of vital importance, should be submitted to another meeting. Arrangements were made for the next meeting at Springfield, to be an open one.