COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6065, 31 December 1897, Page 1

COUN TRY NEWS.

Influenza. — Influenza has reached Tetuuka and Timaru. It is not yet general I in Timaru, as .it is m Tetnuka, but there are some cases, and the local newspaper offices appear to be the chief sufferers, so far, ns more than half the composing staffs are off duty. Rangiora Presbyterian Sunday School. — The children attending this school had their annual treat yesterday, in the form of a railway excursion to Waikari. A number of the parents accompanied the party, and a pleasant day was spent on Mr E. Butcher's farm. New Year Holiday.— The shopkeepers of Tirnarn are at sixes and sevens over the keeping of the New Year holiday. The drapers have determined to keep open on Now Year's Day, and to close on Monday and Tuesday, the sports days, while other shopkeepers are divided, some closing, some keeping open on Saturday. Presentation. — A presentation was made to Miss J. E. Withell on Tuesday eveniug by the members of the Irwell "VVesleyan congregation. The gift presented was a silver cake basket, and was given as a token of the congregation's appreciation of Miss Withell's valuable services in the Sabbath School, with which j?he has severed connection on account of her marriage. SuNPiY School Treat.— The scholars of the Leeston and Doyleston "VVesleyan Snnday School were given a picnic at Deep Spring Farm, the property of Mr John Bai Inett, Hill's Road, a few days ago, when a large number of the scholars and their friends were present. The Rev C. Griffin, who was in charge of the outing, was ably assisted by the Misses Barnett and Wills, and Messi-3 Barnett, Wills and others. Games of all descriptions were provided, as well as a substantial luncheon. Cheers for the promoters of the picnic were lustily given before the return journey was commenced. Public Schools.— rThe Leeston public school broke up for the six weeks of Christmas holidays on Friday, when the Rev C. Griffin, secretary of the committee, addressed the children. Cheers were given for Mr Griffin, the teachers and the pupil teachers. A concert in aid of the prize fund wilJ be held soon after harvest. — A special meeting of the. Amberley School Committed was held on Wednesday evening, for the purpose of appointing a master for the school. Forty-one applications wer^\ received, and out of eight names submitted, by the Board as those of teachers suitable for the position, the committee elected Mr F. J. Alley, at present master of the Kowai Pass Sahool. The resignation, through illhealth, of Miss A. Milner, senior pupU. teacher, was received and accepted . wisi regret.