COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12784, 30 October 1919, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Our Correspondents.] rangiora The Institute Hall was well filled last evening, when Mrs Eva C. Wheeler, the American lecturer, gave an elocutionary rental and an address on “ Our Flag.” The Mayor (Mr C. I. Jennings) occupied the chair. The elocutionary items were much enjoyed by the _ audience, and deep interest, was manifested in the address., Mrs "Wheeler dealt at considerable length with the progress of the prohibition movement in tha United States and Canada. At the close the lecturer was accorded a' warm vote of thanks. KATAPOT. Mr E. B. Levy, Assistant Government Biologist, gave his lantern lecture,on ” Pasture Establishment and Management in Canterbury” at the Raiapoi Cycle Club’s looms last night. Mr H. M’lnlosh, president oi the Kaiapoi branch of the Farmers’ Union, presided over a fair attendance. The lecturer dealt with the habits of pasture plants and the cultivation and different sowings necessary to produce satisfactory resuits. An informal discussion followed, and a. number of questions were answered by the lecturer. On the motion of Mr W. J. Henov seconded by Mr F L. Parnham, Mr Lory was accorded a hearty vote of-thanks for hi» interesting and instructive address. SOUTEBRIDGE. ‘ At the Southbridgo Town Hall on Monday night; a largo gathering assembled on the occasion of a dance held in aid of the funds bl the Canterbury Caledonian Society, Tho Pipe Band gave its services gratuitously av the sports meeting, and the committee thought it only right that something should ho done to express appreciation of those services. The function was most successful m every way. Items were given by the" pipei s end dancers who took part at the sports. LEESTOE." Tho four Berkshire pigs imported from Australia by Mr G. H. Barnett, of Leeston, nrs at present undergoing the usual, turn of quarantine at Quail Island. The consignment comprises ono sixtoeu-months-old boat (winner of a champion and four first prizes), a two-year-old sow (a winner at the recent Melbourne Royal Show), a yearling sow (winner of first prize in her’ class at the Benalla show in Victoria), and one of Mr A. C. Stewart’s pigs that scored so well against the keenest competition at Melbourne —ah unusually well developed sow, who is ■winner of four first prizes -in tho oirfht months class at various shows in New South "Wales. On Saturday Mr Barnett went to see the pigs. Ho Mates that he is satisfied with the consignment, which were the best strains obtainable in Australia, and all typical of the Berkshire. % ASHBURTON. The Ashburton County Convention commenced' in the Baring Square Methodist Church on Tuesday evening, when there was a fairrepreseutation of the Nonconformist churches., The preachers were' the Rev J. Dickie-(aoxc) and the Rev E. H. Harris (Timaxu)., The former spoke upon the gift of-the Holy Spirit, and the latter upon working at salvation. Mr M’lntyre, secretary, submitted tha programme for the week, and stated that morning prayer would be held each; day between seven and eight o’clock. In the. afternoon Bible- reading would be held at three o’clock, to give country people an opportunity to be' present. The evening services would be held each night except Saturday. Mr J. Biown, of Lowclifie, reports haying lost twenty acres of swede turnips this season through what appear to be the ravages of a small yellow fly. The pest attacked the clop just after it came through the soil, end practically stripped the whole field! Specimens of the fly wore handed to Mr E. B. Levy, Assistant Government' Biologist, during hia visit to Ashburton on Tuesday. The thirtieth anniversary of the Bride of Wakanui Lodge, 1.U.G.T., was celebrated by a tea and public concert which was held in the school on Friday evening last. Thera was a large gathering, and after tea had been served tho room was cleared in readiness for the concert. Mr F. Frampton presided, and a musical and elocutionary programme was given. The Rev T. W. Vealie, of Ashburton, delivered an address on temperance. Before the close of tie meeting, Mr W. Buttenck proposed a vote of thanks to all the helpers, and especially to tho ladies; Tho residents of Newlands and' district met in tho hall on Friday evening last to welcome home the returned soldiers, Mr C. Cameron presiding. The first-part of the programme was devoted to a concert programme. ■ during which the chairman presented each soldier with a gold modal, and welcomed them back to the district. Rifleman R. Clemens returned thanks for the warm reception accorded the returned men. A dance was held subsequently. The following soldiers received the medals:—LanceCorporal B. T. Clemens, Troopers Blair and. J. Rennie, Private's H. Clemens, C. Clemens, J. Clemens, J. R. Kneal, R. B. Hampton, R. E. L. Hampton, T. Davison J," Kermcen and Gunner R. Kemeen! Medals were also presented to relatives or Privates J. Wakelin and G. E. Richardson, who were killed in action. The annual concert and dance in aid of the prize fund of the Highbank School was held on, Friday evening last, when there was a large attendance, over £l2 being taken at the door. "Mr A. Goddes presided,., and the first part of the programme was given solely by the children, under the supervision of Mr J, Campbell and Miss Bryant, their teachers. Tho second half consisted of a sketch entitled “Wanted—A Domestic Servant, and a Highland' minstrel troupe. After the usual vote of thanks had been passed, suppor was served and a dance was held.