SUMNER RIFFLES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20019, 7 August 1920, Page 5

SUMNER RIFFLES.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK,

[Fiost Ora OoußjapoEDiicr.]

MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT CLUB. At the invitation of the St Paul’s Methodist mutual improvement Club, a number oi residents mid members interested in the subject met to hear an address by Mr b. j?'. Allen entitled “ Where are we To-day with respect to Education?'’ The itev \V. J. "Williams, who was in the chair, congratulated the so.iety upon its selection of Uio subject, ana extended a hearty welcome to Mr Allen. The speaker mentioned the great respect accorded the subject since the war, and. by referring to the works of Edward Thnng, ihiselton Mack and Dr J. J. Fimiiay, contrasted present day thought with that existing in iNew Zealand during the lives of the past generation. He then showed how, in spite of progress, it was very difficult to drop overboard all the burdens of the old system, particularly those regarding the primary school syliauus and admission to secondary education, and drew careful attention to physical and mental defects >in children who are forced to secure an education under some of the serious disadvantages of the present system. The general tendency of the present day to champion the cause of the defenceless child was briefly dealt with, and a strong appeal made to the meeting to realise the great future of State school education in New Zealand, and keep the Government of the day continually reminded of the necessity for immediate attention to the most pressing need of the hour. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker for his address. PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs 11. Wylie and the Misses Wylie, of Kaiapoi, are spending a holiday in tho borough. Mr and Mra (J. Parnham, of Akaroa, are amongst the visitors to ' tho borough. Mrs Isaac Wilson has gone to Taranaki for a short holiday. Mr G. W. C. Smithson, who has been elected president of tho Christchurch bowling Centre, is the delegate 'from the local Bowling Club. Mr Smithson has been the club’s delegate to the centre for tho past eight years, and is also a past president of the club. Mrs A. C. Fryer, of Richmond Hill, has returned from a holiday spent in Sydney. Mr J. W. Spence, county engineer, of Stratford, paid a visit to Sumner during the week, and exchanged views with his old-time colleagues. Stratford County, in common with other North Island progressive centres, ia going in very extensively for tar sealed roads, and Mr Spence gave to tho local municipal officials information ns to the manner in which road making is being developed in tho North Island. Miss G. Wilson, who was recently appointed on tho staff of the Bury Street School, took up her duties this week. WANTON DESTRUCTION. Recently the Borough Council purchased a quantity of new fir© hose at a very high figure. This was placed on the reel at the end of Nayland Street, but has since been destroyed by some person cutting holes fchrough.it with a sharp instrument. Steps are being taken to bring the offenders to book. THE LOCAL CHURCHES. Tho local churches aro keeping up with the times. The All Saints Vestry lias installed_ tho electric light in the church, parish hall, and vicarage, while the latter has also received a coat of paint. Tho Methodist congregation is also preparing to have tho church painted. SUMNER BRANCH MOTHERS’ UNION. The annual meeting of tho Sumner Branch of the Mothers’ Union was held last week, when the Vicar, the Rev. E. C.' W. Powell, presided over a very good attendance. The Rev. W. M’Ara gave an address on “Motherhood end it’s Responsibilities,’’ and at tho conclusion of Ilia the speaker was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks, which was proposed by Mrs Powell. It is interesting to note that this year the Sumner Branch becomes of age. One or two of the original members still attend tho meetings regularly, and during the jyhole ofrthe twenty-one years there have only keen three secretaries. SUMNER-LYTTELTON 110 AD. Endeavours are being made to bring before the Public Works Department tho urgency of improving tho Sumner ride of tho Sumncr-Lyttelton Road. The proposed improvement is by way of a deviation just above the present hair pin bend, and the new road will also do away with tho present steep grade. FORENSIC CLUB. This society is rapidly gaining in popularity, and its meetings, which aro held each week, are being well attended. On Tuesday evening last the subject discussed was “The Single Tax,’’ and tho arguments for and against wore both spirited and educative.

numbering throughout tho borough. Messrs Blank and Johansen offered to provide tho material for a see-saw on tho beach. Tho popularity, of the cuclmo and dance organised by the ladies’ commit- 1 tee was very apparent on Saturday I evening, when the North Beach Surf Club Pavilion was taxed for accommodation. Tho prizes for euchre were won by Miss Hewinson and Mr Williamson, and the consolation prizes were awarded to Miss Leaver and Master T. Anderson. During the evening Mr Eex Harrison contributed a vocal solo. The music for dancing was supplied by Mr Arthur Duggan. At tho invitation of Mr and Mrs W. 0. Leveretfc a number of the residents of North Beach assembled at the tea rooms on Monday evening to give thosp who desired to learn whist an opportunity to do so. .During the evening items were contributed by Mesdames Gill and Leverett, Messrs Gill and Dickie, and Mias Leaver. A meeting of the North Beach Gala Committee is called for Thursday evening next at the Surf Club Pavilion, when it is expected that tho final position of tht? fund* tsß be made known. I