RICCARTON WHISPERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12101, 1 September 1917, Page 6

RICCARTON WHISPERS.

[From Otm Correspondent.] FAREWELL SOCIAL. A large gathering of the congregation of the Clarence Road Methodist Church met for the purpose of tendering a social evening to Sergeant E. R. Ca.ygill, who is down on final leave. Eulogistic speeches were given by Mrs M'Lean (on behalf of the Ladies' Guild), Mr Virtue (on behalf of the stewards). Mrs Bates (on behalf of the congregation) and Mr Brightling (on behalf of the Trust Board). All the speakers referred in glowing terras to tho great help that Sergeant Daygill had bcou to the churah, and wished him God-speed and a safe return. Mr Staunton also made reference to his experiences of Sergeant Caygill as a cricketer. The Rev Vealic.'ou behaif of the members of the church, presented the guest of the evening with a handsome rose, bowl and a pocket Testament. Sergeaat Caygill, in replying, said that he was sorry he had to sever his connection with the church, and thanked the speakers for the kind words said of him, and hoped he would be spared to come back and take up his work again in church matters after performing his duties to the nation. Musical items and recitations were given by Miss Johnson, Miss Marsden, Miss Hannah, Mrs Chambers. Mrs Avery and the choir. UPPER RICCARTON AND SOCKBURN BURGESSES' ASSOCIATION. The Upper Riccarton and Sockburn Burgesses Association held its monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, at the schoolroom, Mr Ellison presiding. Rules were drawu up, and will be submitted for adoption at the next general meeting. It was decided to hold a social evening on September 19, for the purpose oi a welcome home to returning Riccarton soldiers. MOTOR-BICYCLES WITHOUT LIGHTS. Many complaints are being made by residents in regard to motor-bicycles being ridden on the Riccarton Road after dark without lights RICCARTON BURGESSES' ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the Riccarton Burgesses' Association was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening. Mr R. W. Brightling presiding. Seven new members were elected. It was decided to hold a concert in aid of tho Y.M.C.A. National War Fund. A very interesting discussion took place with respect to the proposed extension of the Sockburn to Hornby tram service. Mr S. A. Staples, a member of the Tramway Board, quoted facts and figures, and strongly urged the extension to Hornby. Mr 0. Richardson proposed that the meeting should oppose the extension. The motion was defeated. "SAM WELLER." A meeting of the "Sam Weller" Soiree Committee was held on Saturday, at the Riccarton Hotel, Mr T. Stokes presiding. Reports from the various sub-committees were received and adopted. Mr A. Biggs reported that the various organisations in Upper Riccarton were appointing dcle"ates for the purpose of assisting the widows of the late 0. IT. Clarke ana G Smith. It was decided to appoint Messrs Henderson, Exton and Stokes the committee's representatives. RICCARTON BIBLE SCHOOL. The study of tho Book of Amos bavin "■ been completed, the Book of Hosea will be the subject for study at next Thursday's moptirg of the Riccarton Bible School, which will bo bold on the Baptist Church, Clarence- Road. Any person interested in the more- obscure, books of the Bible will be heartily welcomed. THE I/ATE C. H- CLARKE AND G. SMITH. Delegates from tho Domain Board, Committee, 1.0.0. F., ML., Sam Weller Soiree, and Upper Riccarton Burgesses' Association met at tho schoolroom on Monday evening, Mr A. Biggs presiding. Tho meeting was called to consider "tho best means of assisting the widows of tho late C. H. Clarke and G. Smith, who .are left practically unprovided for. Mr 0. P. Taylor was appointed honorary secretary. It was decided to issue subscription books, and donations ar 0 solicited. Tho next mating will take place at tho schoolroom, Upper Riccarton, on Monday owning, at 7 .30 p-m. BOY SCOUTS. The Lower Ric-c.-irton Boy Scouts are rapidly increasing in number. Thn-o fire now about 22 members, and recrmts ore mrgmtlv needed._ The Scouts have groat confidence in their commander, Mr Brooks, who is the, bast Scoutmaster the Scouts have been under. Tho troop is now doing its utmost to form a junior trcop, for boys under ten years of age. Already there; are about five members, but a3 these! are not sufficient to form a troop recruits are a-lso wanted for this troop. The Lower Riccarton Scout troop holds its meetings in the, Lower Riccarton Guild Rcn;n at hall-past six on Friday night?. :-'.-.!OTAL EVENING. On Thursday, August 23, a very pleasant evening, given by the girls of the Girts' Bandage Club, was spent at Mr Bailey's homo. Straven Road. Musical and elocutionary items were given, and games were played. During tho evening a cake, given by a member of

the- club, "was raffled, oiri the sura of i C2 was handed over to tap secretary •<> | forward to the Ladies' Guild for the Rod Cross Fund. Thanks are due to I Mr iuid Mra Bailey, who worked hard to make the evening a success. | ELECTRICITY. ! Mr Dobson Adams, *hs borough cleoi ricul engineer, gavo a. vexy liitereßtII, .r ]?ctui-o on electricity at t/ucßurfev'es' Association's meeting: on i hursri\.'v evening- He- explained the electrical scheme Tight from Like Colerirlnr- to wherci it affected Riocarton. ]Mr Adams answered several questions, and ravo a practical illustration shwvinf tlio different appliance® used for power, lighting and household purposes. The meeting greatly aippremtea > Mr lecture, and accorded uim a hearty vote of thanks. PERSONAL. Mrs ITodgkiuwa, of 8, Harper Street, has received advico that her son, I nvite Edwin M- liodgkinson, of the Thirteenth Reinforcements, _ who was wounded in France some time agc>,_ is being invalided to reach New Zcaland at an early date, The many friends of Mr H. G Jones will be sorry to know that ho has been incapacitated for fiouio weeks. Items of interest for this column left at Mr Dickinson's Store, Riccarton. Roadj will be attended to. I