RICCARTON WHISPERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12059, 14 July 1917, Page 3

RICCARTON WHISPERS.

[Fpou Our Correspondent.] A very successful party was held last week at " Avonhead," Upper Riccarton, the occasion being Miss Alice Witty's birthday. About forty guests were present and a rather novel procedure in connection with the event was that all the presents were in the shape of edibles and comforts for the boys at the front. Many _ handsome gifts were received, which will be fully appreciated on reaching their destination. Mrs Witty and her daughters spared no pains in entertaining the guests, and all concerned spenti a very enjoyable evening.

A successful farewell social and dance was tendered to Privates W. and E. Fine on F rid ay evening. The brothers aro members of an old and respected family wlio have been residing in the district for a number of years, and the large attendance justified the esteem in which tho departing soldiers are held. Mr Robert ITanna, on behalf of the residents, presented each of tho guest's -wit'h a wristlet watlcli and a money belt. The gifts wero suitably acknowledged. During the evening musical items were rendered by Mesdames Hanna, Scott, Jones, M'Jarrow and Mr W. Weir. Dancing was kept up till a late hour, Messrs F. Ashworth and W. C. Weir being tho masters of ceremonies and Mr H. G. Jones officiating at the piano.

Mr G. Witty, M.P., has again interviewed the Hon Postmaster-General with regard to slot telephones for Fendalton and Sockburn. It is to be hoped the Minister will accede to the request, as these machines are urgently needed in the above thickly populatd, though rather outlying, districts.

The ladies' hockey team defeated Xgaio last Saturday bv five goals to three. The club will hold its annual social and dance on July 26, and judging l>,y the demand for tickets the function promises to be a great success.

The monthly meeting of the Upper Riccarton School Committee was held on Monday evening. There were present—Messrs Bucknell (chairma.n), Purvis, Exton, Lake, Lang, Chancy, Raxworthy and Wilson. Tho head master reported that since the school was closed for fumigation no fresh cases of scarlet fever or diphtheria hod been reported. Correspondence was received from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, donating four prizos for competition to tho children of the school for the best essays on Kindness to Animals," and suggestrmg that tho head master should make the. award at the annual break-up. The committee decided to accept the prizes. A resolution was passed sympathising with Mr C. H. Clarke, a member of the commmittee, in hisi severe illness. Tho Visiting Committee reported the buildings and grounds to be in excellent order. It was decided to write to the Tramway Manager for permission to place two "Go Slow" signs on tramway poles on the -Main South Road; also to the clerk of the Paparua Council, thanking him for his prompt attention to the footpath on School Road. Messrs Raxworthy and Lang were apponted a v isiting Committee for the month.

The Loyal Waimari Lodge heir] it* usual meeting on Wednesday evening N.G. Brother R. Diffen presiding over a good attendance of members. Two new members were elected The Social Committee reported on the success of the dance held on July 4. and that the next assembly would be held 0:1 July 18.

The Ladies' Committee of the Upper Riccarton branch of the Red. Cro«< Society wishes to acknowledge gifrs from the following:—Mrs Munn, Mrs AT. G. Holmes, Lady Bowen, Hardy, Miss G. Carloton, Mrs Muir Miss M. Sheate, Mrs Witty; also cash donations from Mrs I?. J. Mason 10s. a Friend 10s, Mrs Amor 10s, a Friend Is. For tho month of May the following garments were forwarded to the Depot:—36 pyjama suits, 2 dressing gowns, 34 bfcl jackets. 19 day shirts, 11 flannel vests, 8 underpants, 6 body '•elts, 2 waistcoats, 48 pillow cases, 6 draw sheets, 4 operation socles, 4 pairs mittens, 6 muff slings, 24 washers. 4G fomentation cloths, 83 face cloths, 12 treasure bags, 51 handkerchiefs, 2 balaclavas, P .jug covers. 11 scarves. 90 swabs, 178 medicine cloths, 4 manitails, 12 girdles nncl old linen. The branch is in a good financial position, and could largely increase its output if more workers would come

forward. The class meets every Tuesday, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The second term of the local W.E.A. will commence on Monday evening, .it 7.30 p.m., in the supper room of the Town jiall, Clarence Street. Mr J. Poison, M.A., the tutor, will deliver the first lecture, the subject bi:ing Value '' Ali members are requested "to attend, and visitors are always welcomed. The class is non-political and non-secta.rian, and is free to both sexes, having for its object the advancement of education and an en lightened democracy.

A presentation was made to Private* A. C. Cross on Friday of a case of pipes and a case of razors. Mr D. Round referred in glowing terms to the departing soldier. Private Cross, who has been a resident of the district lor many years and always took a keen interest in its welfare, suitably replied.

Items of interpst for this column should be left at Mr Dickenson's store, not later than Thursday evening.

Mr Richardson, of Clarence Road, has received word from both his sons, who are still at tho front. Leo is in Palestine, and is keeping well. He writes to say be took part'in the Gasn affair. Ralph is somewhere in France, and writes very cheerfully, saying they ore having a good time under the circumstances. Ho mentions that he would thoroughly appreciate a holiday, as he has had no furlough since leaving New Zealand nearly two years ago. The food was not too plentiful in some directions, and he was compelled to spend his cash allowances for Quaker oats and cornflour to make up shortages. At the time of writing the winter was over and they were experiencing warm weathr.

_ Mr and Mrs James Sheat, of Division Road, left on Tuesday evening by the Maori for Whangarei, where they intend spending several weeks. Mr Sheat has not been in good health for some time past, and it is hoped that the warmer climate of the north will greatly benefit him.

At the monthly meeting: of the Yaldhurst branch of the Red Cross Society, held on Thursday, it was shown that the expenditure for tho montfh was JC3 9s lid, leaving a credit balance of £7O 3s 3d. The following articles were leceivcd:— 3 pairs pyjarna suits, pair.; bed socks, 3 shirts, 2J pairs socks. 2 pairs mittens, 48 handkerchiefs, 12 blanket dressing gowns. The school children sent in during the month 14 handkerchiefs, 12 washers and 2 slings.

The heating furnace in the Wharermi School has not given satisfaction since its installation. Previous committees had repeatedly complained to the Education Board, but without satisfaction, and the present' committee spoke of drastic action. The board recently sent out its plumbers, who altered the grade of the pipes, but without achieving much improvement.

The many friends of Mr Robert Shackel, of Lower Riccarton, stockman, will regret to hear that he met with an accident at the Addington Saleyards a fortnight ago, which resulted in two ribs being broken. He was progressing favourably, but wa.s again confined to his bed with a severe attack of pleurisy. It is satisfactory to learn that Mr Shackel is now on the road to recovery, and expects to be able to resume his occupation at an early date.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Riccarton Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held in the lodge room last Thursday, Brother Biggs, N.G., presiding. Sick pay due to two members was passed for payment, and one new member was initiated. Brother Biggs uas appointed to furnish a report_ as to the cost of fit-tiding Christmas gif's to the members of the lodge at the front, the report to be presenter" l lodge night The following officers were elected and installed by the Lecture Mercer, Brother Keetley, P.G. • G.M Brother A- Biggs; N.G., Brother W Ereton; R.S. to N.G.. Brother Gullen; L.S. to N.G., Brother Carloton; V.G.. Brother C. laylor; R. b. to V.G., Brother J. Smith: L.S. to V G., Brother J. Atkins; E.S., Brother Hepburn, Warden. Brother W. Holu.es: Guardian, Brother J. Exton. The lodge has over twenty members at the front or in training, an excellent record from a membership of just ovoa hundred.

The monthly meeting of the Riccarton Band of Hope was held in the Town Hall, Riccarton, on Thursday evening, July 12, the Rev Hooper m the chair. There was a, large gathering of members and their friends present. Several of the items were encored. There is no doubt Riccarton possesses talent; it only wants biinging out to be appreciated. The following is the programme:—Hymn 13, Sankey's; recitation, Harold Exton; pianoforte solo, Miss Wright; recitation Master Charles Barrell; recitation, Gladys Cross; song, Jean Bates; recitation, Grace Staples; recitation, David Marshall; hymn 168; recitation, Linda Wright; song, Beatrice Emmerson; recitation, Mr Neale; recitation, Miss Marsden; recitation, Phyllis Ncwtii. Miss Grace Staples won the prize for the best item of the evening. The meeting closed by singing the National Anthem.