COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6073, 10 January 1898, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

Cheviot. — Our correspondent writes that there being no quorum present, the meeting of the Cheviot County Settlers' Association was adjourned until Saturday, Feb.. 5, when it is proposed to consider the show programme and appoint committees. Harvest operations are in full swing. The weather continues dry, with sultry nor-'westers. The boring for artesian water at the dairy factory was begun on Saturday. Up to the present time nothing definite as to prospects can be said. West Oxford School Committee — The monthly meeting of the West Oxford School Committee was held on Monday evening, when there were present— Messrs Kennedy (chairman), Munn, Leahy, Ryde, and Knowles. It was resolved that, in the event of the Chairman being 'transferred from the Oxford district before next meeting, all correspondence should be sent to Mr Munn. There being a balance in hand from the prize fund, it was resolved to spend it on material for the children's playground. Messrs. Ryde and Knowles were appointed visitors for the month. Sailing Race. — An interesting race was decided by the fleet of the Brighton Sailing Club on Saturday afternoon. The competitors were : — Alcyone (ser), Waiwera (Bmiu), Ariadne (9min), Manu (lOmin), Truant (15min). At starting time a stiff easterly breeze caused some of the smaller boats to reef down. Truant, Waiwera and Ariadne reached the tripod in a bunch, but the two first-named lost some time before rounding for the homeward journey. This enabled Ariadne to establish a commanding lead, but Alcyone rapidly made up her handicap, and, cverhauling the rest of the fleet, got to within a length of Ariadne by the time the finishing post was reached. Both Ariadne and Alcyone sailed remarkably well, and tiie last-mentioned covered the course (seven miles) in the record time of fifty-eight minutes. Presentation. — On Saturday afternoon Mr F. J. Cumberworth, late head-master of the Rangiora Borough School, was presented with a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by his friends as a parting gift. The presentation took place at the Rangiora Tennis Court, and was made .by Mr E. R. Good. A neatly engrossed address, which accompanied the purse, read as follows : — " On behalf of your friends in Rangiora, we wish to express the regret that is felt at your leaving the borough, after twelve years' residence amongst us. We beg you to accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns as a mark of the esteem in which Mrs Cumberworth and yourself are held in the district, and trust our. pleasant connection with you both ' will not be completely severed. We wish you every happiness and prosperity in your new home, and now say good-bye, iri the hope that good health will attend you and every member of your family.— Signed, on behalf of the subscribers, E. R. Good, J. Johnston, R. Volckman, J. Sansom, T. J. Withers, W. Gower." A suitable acknowledgment of the gift was made by Mr Cumberworth. Sumner Catholic Church. — The first anniversary of the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sumner, was celebrated yesterday by* special services, which were largely attended. Ajt 11 a.m. the Very Rev Father Cuinmings, V.G., celebrated high mass and preached a sermon, in which he° gave a retrospect of the year just closed, and urged his hearers, to take example from its lessons for the future. The Misses White and Miss A. Hayward sang specially selected hymns exceedingly wclf. At 3.30 p.m. the Rev Father O'Connell recited the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, after which the Very RevFather Cummin gs preached a sermon on faith. After the benediction Miss Annie Hayward sang " The Holy City," with an admirable accompaniment by the Italian orchestra under Signor Gerbasi, which also played accompaniments and voluntaries, including the intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana. at both services. MissM'Guinness, of Timaru, acted as organist. A collection, which resulted very satisfactorily, was made in aid of a fund for procuring a new organ. Father Cummings, who initiated the fund, made a donation of three guineas, which was supplemented by one of the same amount from Mr A. White, who also hospitably entertained the clergy, singei-3 and orchestra at his residence. '■