HEATHCOTE NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12244, 16 February 1918, Page 7

HEATHCOTE NOTES.

[From Ora Cobkkspondent.]

OUR BOYS. Letters posted in France at Christmas time wore received from Albert, Keith and George Weir, who reported themselves well. They mention having had the good fortune to get together on Christmag, Eve, and describe tho pleasurable time they spent. Sergeant Keith Weir, of the sth Battery, 2nd N.Z.F.ABrigade, who was later stricken down by an attack of pneumonia, will not he fit for duty for several months. Tb appears problematical whether he will see the tiring line again.

Details of the sad circumstances under which tho late Private Ernest Rhiud mot his death are supplied in recent letters. It seems that lie Was one of a party leaving the trenches to go back into a rest camp, when a. shrapnel shell landed and. severely wounded a contraa- nearby. Private Rhine! offered to stay with him till an ambulance party arrived, hut soon another shell came over and killed him instantaneously.

: Trooper AAilliam AVeumoth. writing to his parents in Hillsborough E -m Palestine, and later from Egypt, where he was attending a school of instruction in gunnery, says that ho is still quite well. He describes the climate ol the region round Jaffa as very simihir, in ]>neenibcr, to Hint of a. New Zealand spring. The land is very fertile, growing miles upon miles of orange groves, almond trees and grape vines. At that season rain is fairly plentiful. After crossing the arid desert lying further south the. troops seemed to look upon this as a “ land flowing with milk and honey Me mentions that he found Zeitonn a good deal colder at night than Jaffa. BIBLE CLASSES.

On Monday last the Methodist Sunday Bible Class entertained Hip FTeatlieoto Young AV onion's Bible Class and the Hoys’ Guild at a special evening. Jn the absence of Mr J. H. AVhiln. who lias not quite recovered from his reeent illness, Miss Booth presided. A short lint enjoyable programme was contributed by Mesdames Oetgen and Gates, Misses Oetgen and ’White, and Master It. Crocker. In addition to these items several choruses were, sting. During the evening Air Booth supervised games, from which all derived much amusement. After refreshments had been dispensed Airs Gatos returned thanks on behalf of the Bible Class visitors, and Master S.'Fellingliam for the Boys’ Guild.

On Tuesday evening the Hcathcote vonng Men’s Bible Class was visited by Alis.s Harvey, who kindlv gave her impressions of the Bible Class Conference held in Napier at New Year. There was a. good attendance and two now members were enrolled, malting the membership thirty-two. HEATHCOTB CLUB.

A euchre tournament, followed by dancing, took place in the Club Hall oil (hnrsday. In the tournament tho lady s trophy was won by Airs F, Elson, and Air C. Lyes again won the gentlonum s trophy.

SWIMMING

. P'"fy of thirty local schoolboys, in charge of the head master, gathered at the Opawa. Swimming Bath last Sat-' lira ay afternoon to avail themselves of the kind oiler of tho committee in control of that excellent institution. Tho hath was in splendid order, and tho temperature of the water mild, so that all had a most enjoyable time. A goodly number proved themselves adepts in the water. It is probable that a party of girls ijfll be taken soon. it seems as if the project of niakinea swimming pool in Meatheotc Willey would meet with strong favour, ns from casual conversation with a. good many residents the impression has been gained that willing support will ho forthcoming. It is Imped that tangible pioposals will he ready to he placed before tho next annual meeting of house•holdcrs, which takes place about April SCHOOL PICNIC. Last Saturday evening the School Committee mot to rnnko nrrangpmeiits for the annual picnic, Air .lames AVeir presiding. The reports of the canvassers showed that a substantial response had been made to the house-to-house appeal for funds. The important question of site was fully discussed, the result being an unanimous vote in favour of Riiran. It was decided that the party should leave Lleatlicoto by the 1(1.lit a.m. train. Messrs Radciiffe, Smith. Sword and Gates .were elected a Sports Committee. Several residents, in addition i n subscriptions, have 'kindly d' ~n| extra urines tor children’s moss.