COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5714, 6 November 1896, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

University- Examinations — For the Tinwersity examinations "fco l>e supervised at Timaru next month, there are twentytwo candidates for matriculation, two for medical preliminary and one for junior scholarship.

Volunteer Inspection. — Colonel "Fox has inspected the South Canterbury Volunteer companies this week. There was a good turn-out of each company, and the inspecting officer spoke in complimentary terms of the 'men's appearance and smartness and of the improvement in the work of the officers.

Ashburton County Council. — The following nominations have been received for the Ashburton County Council: — Mount Hutt Riding, two seats — Messrs Duncan Cameron, P. Druinmond and J. Johnstone; Mount Soiners, one seat — Messrs H. Friedlander and E. Herring. The following councillors were elected without opposition : — South Rakaia Riding, Mr E. Richards; Ashburton, Messrs S. S. Chapman and E. G. Wright ; Upper Ashburton, Mr M. Stitt ; Wakanui, Mr D. Williamson. The poll for the contested seats will be taken on Nov. 11.

Ashbukton Show. — The Secretary of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association has supplied the following particulars of the awards given for most points ab the late show :—Sheep—President's cup of two guineas for most points in Lincolns, Mr C. Withell, 19 points ; in English Leicesters, Mr W. Nixon, 12 points; in Shropshire Downs, Mr G. Gr. Stead, 12 points ; in cross-breds, Mr M. Priedlander, 10 points. Cattle— ln Shorthorns, Mr J. Small, 22 points; in Ayrshires, Mr R. Clark, 21 points ; most points in cattle, Mr J. Small, 23 points. Horses — Silver cup, Mr J. Shearer, 57 points, also prize of five guineas. Pigs— Mr W. J. Silcock, 9 points. Butter— Mr J. E. Hurdley, 8 points.

School Committees. — A meeting of the Belfast School Committee was held on Monday evening last ; present — Messrs E. Thompson, E. Caldwell, R. Easterbrook, R. Richards, J. Pepperill, R. Lindsay, A. Hopkins and Gr. Ellis (chairman). The head-master's report showed the average attendance to be 213 out of 257 on the roll. The lady judges sent in their report on the sewing, which was considered very satisfactory. It was decided that a deputation, consisting of the Chairman, Messrs Hopkins and Easterbrook, should wait on the Education Board at its next meeting in reference to building an infant school. It was resolved to write to the teachers congratulating them upon the satisfactory nature of the Inspector's report. — The monthly meeting of the Woodend School Committee was held on Monday evening ; present — Messrs Chambers (chairman), Little, Judson, Ayers, Shilton and Pateman. The master's report showed an average attendance of 126 f<Jr the month. Correspondence was read from the Board sanctioning Miss Leversedge's appointment. It was decided that the school should have a week's holiday from Nov. 6. The Works Committee was instructed to have some small repairs done.